Officials propose restoration of Kolindsund in Djursland as part of Denmark’s nature reserve initiative

Officials in Syddjurs Municipality, led by committee chair Kim Lykke Jensen of the Socialist Party (SF), are proposing to restore Denmark’s largest lake in Djursland as part of a broader initiative to convert 390,000 hectares of agricultural land into nature reserves. This plan, which is backed by a budget of 40 billion Danish kroner for purchasing agricultural land, aims to address the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises.

Kolindsund, situated in central Djursland, was once a vast, shallow lake until it was drained in the late 19th century to reclaim land for agriculture following Denmark’s loss of Southern Jutland to Germany. Currently, the area encompasses 2,500 hectares of prime farmland but local politicians argue that it should be re-flooded to create a large, contiguous natural area that would enhance biodiversity and combat climate change.

This discussion has gained momentum since a local environmental group, Kolindsunds Venner, was established in 1999. Although local farmer Jens Hjort Jensen acknowledges the community’s ongoing interest in restoring Kolindsund, he remains skeptical about politicians’ ambitions, referring to their plans as “fantasies.”

As proposals progress, Syddjurs officials will need to engage with neighboring Norddjurs Municipality, where over half of Kolindsund’s area lies, to garner their support. The mayor of Norddjurs has stated that the project has yet to be discussed in their municipal council.

Supporters believe that with significant government investment now available, the restoration of Kolindsund could become a reality. Until then, Syddjurs officials are busy promoting the idea to local farmers and neighboring municipalities. Kolindsund, a once vast lake near Grenaa and Kolind, had been Denmark’s second-largest lake before its drainage.