The characteristics of the region and the strategy for development.

BUILDING ON THE STRENGTHS OF THE REGION

As is the case for an entrepreneur's project, it is also necessary for the district vision to be based on the competitive characteristics of the region. Although this seems evident, the past has proven, on various occasions, that management focuses on the solving of problems and disputes. The Local District Forum of the Meetjesland formulated the following characteristics as a positive foundation for the mission:

The differentiation of the landscape

In spite of the limited area of the Meetjesland, the short succession of landscapes makes the Meetjesland very varied. This affects the natural landscapes and the structure of the centres, as well as the traffic infrastructure .Consequently this differentiation allows for a large variety of activities, each one in harmony with the quality of the landscape.

The geo-economic position

The strategic geo-economic position of the Meetjesland:

  • Between the two maritime industrial centres of Gent-Terneuzen-Vlissingen and Brugge-Zeebrugge
  • Central within Euro-region Scheldemond (Scheldt Estuary) now that the construction of WOV has commenced
  • As hinterland from the Flemish coastal region (together with Zealand-Flanders)
  • At a relatively short distance (from Aalter) to SW Flanders Nord-pas-de Calais

Agriculture, horticulture and the food industry are strongly represented

Agriculture and horticulture, as sectors, are strongly represented and they are allocated an important role within the outer areas of the RSV. The composition of the soil in the Meetjesland is ideally suited for this use.

In the secondary sector, the food industry has expanded strongly and, as well as having a good financial record, has experienced a growth in employment between 1990 and 1995.

The worker friendly character of the region

The social climate of the Meetjesland is characterised by enthusiasm and by the absence of social con­flicts. This is a strong point when making investment decisions.

A wide and varied choice of adult education

In the Meetjesland the adult education sector has expanded considerably and, because of this, the reality is that various initiatives have proven that re-employment is possible. In the future, the importance of permanent training will only increase.

The exploitation of the region in relation to the potential of tourism and light recreation

The region is ideally suited for (day)tourism and light recreation, but it must be developed almost from the ground up. Especially where the potential of the countryside (cross border) "Kreken" and the forest areas are unique.

 
  REGIONAL STRATEGY

The ‘mission of the Meetjesland’ is build on the strengths of the region. It can be summarised as follows:

The objective of the Meetjesland is to realise a long-term socio-economic impact via the strengthening of important socio-economic activities in the district and through the optimisation of its appealing geo-economic position.

On one side the development has to take place within an enhanced qualitative urban environment and, on the other side, must make use of the favourable working environment.

Serious consideration is given to the choice of words in this mission statement and therefore each part of the sentences needs further clarification. For example: "Within an enhanced qualitative environment" means:

  • Making optimal use of the existing urban structure by the concentration and interweaving of various activities;
  • Strengthening the outer areas and protecting them from further decimation by the amalgamation of both living and working in the centres (the villages);
  • The concentration of new and non-local economic activities in the economic centres;
  • The optimisation of the existing road and transportation infrastructure of the Meetjesland "square" (E40, N49, N44, R4) and the development of a detailed (public) transport network from the public traffic centres to the villages, using the N9 as the backbone;
  • That due to the exceptional profile of the region, the Meetjesland will aim for an expanded and regularised public transport system. Primarily because of the large amount of commuting out of the Meetjesland (46% work outside of the region) and additionally because those living in the countryside are dependent on distant care centres.

The schematic illustration of the mission clarifies the most important elements.

Contact

Streekplatform+ Meetjesland, Oostveldstraat 1, 9900 Eeklo, BELGIUM, Tel 0032 9 376 97 38, fax 0032 9 376 97 39, streekplatform@meetjesland.be.

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