Fortisland Pampus
Rondje Pampus takes place every year on and around the unique Fort Island Pampus. Fort Island Pampus, located in the IJmeer near Amsterdam, is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a defensive line established at the end of the 19th century. The fort was constructed between 1887 and 1895 as a protection against possible attacks via the Zuiderzee. The island served as an advanced defensive post and storage location for artillery and ammunition, a strategic link in the defence of the capital.
After the First World War, Pampus quickly lost its military value due to technological developments and changing geopolitical circumstances. The fort was decommissioned and fell into disrepair. Only much later, in the 1990s, was the island rediscovered as cultural heritage and the restoration began to make it accessible to the public.
In the past decades, Fort Island Pampus has grown into a popular tourist attraction, known for its rich history and as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors can take guided tours, attend events, and learn more about the military history of the Netherlands and the unique ecology of the IJmeer.
Self-sufficient island
Recently, the Pampus Foundation has announced plans for sustainable developments to render the island self-sufficient. These include employing solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and other green technologies. The aim is to set a precedent in sustainability and to minimise the ecological footprint of the island.
It represents a significant adventure for Pampus, to transition fully to 100% sustainability. Fortunately, Pampus is not alone in this endeavour. An increasing number of partners and organisations are supporting the programme. Among these is the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union (REACT-EU Opportunities for West II), a fund focusing on economic recovery post-COVID crisis with special emphasis on the digital and circular economy. From the REACT-EU fund, a grant of 996,000 euros was awarded to Pampus for the establishment of an entirely new and fossil-free energy system. Specifically, the programme includes a brand-new circular entrance building by Paul de Ruiter Architects, an energy-positive Storage Barn, an electric fleet, and a high-tech water purification system.
The unifying factor in these projects is a new energy system for which the grant was allocated. Generation will be through solar, wind, and bio-digestion. Utilising a smart grid, the generated energy will be employed and stored as efficiently as possible in the form of hydrogen. Unique to this system is that the availability of energy will dictate the demand on Pampus, contrary to the usual practice on the mainland. The awarding of this grant signified a significant acceleration in the sustainability of the heritage and also stands as recognition for all the hard work in making Pampus one of the first sustainably self-sufficient world heritage sites.
Off-grid avant la lettre
In the design of Pampus, functionality and autarky are paramount. A fort island that had to survive on its own, independent of external influences: off-grid avant-garde! As a visitor, you see, feel, and experience this. The historical fact of independence, we extend into the future: from historically off-grid to sustainably off-grid. At Pampus, we work with respect for the earth, with the notion that we preserve the earth and heritage for future generations. We do this in a distinctly pragmatic way, thus the functional character of the island continues in the way we now use and exploit it.
A new visitor centre is in the planning that will illuminate the history and future of Pampus, with interactive exhibitions that take visitors through time. This centre will highlight the significance of the fort in Dutch history and its role in modern society. Finally, the development of educational programmes and events is planned to increase awareness and knowledge about sustainability and cultural heritage. Fort Island Pampus continues to develop as a location where history, nature, and sustainable development converge, for the benefit of future generations. More information can be found on the Fort Island Pampus website .