Joint initiative for sustainable coastal water management
Four coastal campsites in Bredene, De Haan and Blankenberge have joined forces for the pilot project Camping Druppel, which aims to strengthen sustainable water management. Located on the boundary between salt and fresh groundwater, the sites must buffer, reuse and infiltrate water to ensure the resilience of the polder landscape in the future. The initiative will support campsite operators in testing practical solutions, such as rainwater harvesting, infiltration techniques and greening.
Tailored guidance and practical water solutions
From October 2025 to June 2026, the participating campsites will receive bespoke guidance from a research agency. Together, they will explore feasible measures ranging from improving soil permeability to installing separate sewerage systems and redesigning green areas. For selected zones, the project will produce concrete designs, including material choices, suppliers and cost estimates, which will be tailored to each operator’s ambitions.
Unique challenges and test cases per campsite
Each campsite will serve as its own test case, facing specific challenges, such as infiltration strategies at high groundwater levels, selecting the right technical systems, involving local residents, raising guest awareness, and collaborating with multiple stakeholders. The project's goal is to provide solutions for these four locations and to develop practical insights and inspiring examples that other campsites can independently adopt.
Embedded in broader regional and sector programmes
Camping Druppel is part of the Flemish Land Agency’s land development project in the Oudlandpolder and contributes to the wider 3ST (Speeding up Sustainability Skills in Tourism) programme. The project brings together public and private partners, including Westtoer, Vlaamse Landmaatschappij, Recread, VITO Kennispunt Water, Streekwerking Kust, Regionaal Landschap Houtland & Polder, and the municipalities of Bredene, De Haan and Blankenberge, to accelerate sustainability across the tourism sector.
