The Scheldt Estuary: A long-standing model for transboundary nature governance

The Scheldt Estuary is a shared ecosystem between Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands. Its waters, habitats, and species do not stop at national borders, even though the legal and administrative frameworks that govern them are largely confined within national boundaries. At the same time, the estuary is a key economic artery, hosting major ports such as Antwerp and Vlissingen and supporting shipping, industry, and logistics of European importance. This combination of ecological interdependence and economic intensity has made cross-border cooperation a practical necessity and has shaped the evolution of transboundary governance and stakeholder collaboration in the estuary.