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A project extending across generations for a region with a future
The Emscher region’s face is changing. Over a century ago this sparsely populated landscape of water meadows transformed into an industrial conurbation, and the untamed Emscher turned into a man-made system of open waste waterways. With the decline in the mining industry a further structural change began, with traditional heavy industry giving way to the services and high-tech industries. These developments are also reflected in a changing Emscher.
In future, wastewater will be channelled through closed conduits and the river and its tributaries will be converted into natural waterways, step by step. Converting a river system this size is a project extending across several generations and involves far more than turning former open areas used to absorb water in the event of flooding into attractive recreation areas. Its goal is to upgrade the Emscher region decisively through projects extending well beyond the river. With the “Emscher Future” Master Plan we have created a plan that has been developed in continuous dialogue with neighbouring cities and districts, with industry and business, the relevant government authorities and many other organisations and institutions. The Emscher conversion offers us the chance of a century to breathe new life into a hitherto unloved river while at the same time giving the entire region between Holzwickede and Dinslaken a new face.
© Emschergenossenschaft/Lippeverband