Hoi, For some history lesson, rather opportune, the Dutch heated their houses using turf. To get the turf they dug it up and as a result lakes were created. These lakes grew in size because of the erosive effects of water. In order to prevent further erosion of the land, polders were created. They did not only give us some quality arable land, it tamed the erosion at the same time. Where the turf had not been dug away another problem surfaced; because of the way the water was managed more of the land was exposed to the air and the turf has slowly degraded ever since. The consequence is that much of the Dutch country side has slowly but surely sunk.
Domas, you are wrong where you think the Netherlands do not have landscapes or nature. Because of its position in a delta of two big rivers, we have many distinct landscapes. As to nature, the Oostvaardersplassen are in a polder that is younger than I am and it is considered a nature reserve of European importance.
Conclusion; the Dutch have been dealing with diminishing natural resources for hundreds of years, we have a history rich in windmills. Sure, it may be a bit off topic but :) the subject is inviting this kind of musings. Thanks, GerardM
On 7/10/07, Domas Mituzas midom.lists@gmail.com wrote:
Hi!
You could opt for a more Dutch solution and start have a windmill on the roof .. :) The power of the wind has been used since the 17th century.. without it our country would not exist.
Dutch also have no such concept as 'landscape' or 'nature'. The country would have the problem as well if it didn't reclaim land from sea.
Cheers,
Domas Mituzas -- http://dammit.lt/ -- [[user:midom]]
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