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European nature protected

The Natura 2000 sites are European highlights. They are home to many exceptional plant and animal species including endangered species. This is why these areas are given extra protection.

Natura 2000 is a detailing of two European directives: the Habitat directive and the Bird Directive. These European directives have been incorporated into national legislation in every EU country. In the Netherlands they have been incorporated into the Nature Protection Act and the Flora & Fauna Act.

Wandelaar langs het waterNatura 2000 in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands there are 162 nature sites that are part of the European network. These are exemplary sites with plants, animals or other natural properties that are exceptional from an international perspective.

Characteristic of the Netherlands are the wet and often bird-rich areas in the river delta and along the coast. E.g. the water meadows along our rivers, the Oosterschelde, the Grevelingen, the IJsselmeer, the Lauwersmeer, the Wadden sea, parts of the North Sea coast and the dunes. This is where many, large Natura 2000 sites can be found.

However, the rest of the country is also home to exceptional nature. Generally smaller than in the water-rich areas, but no less varied. This concerns, for example, raised bogs, inclined woodlands, brook valley grasslands, country estates, dry woodlands and heathland.

Site management

In the Netherlands, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation is responsible for Natura 2000. A management plan is drawn up for every Natura 2000 site. The Government Service for Land and Water Management does so for the Natura 2000 sites, a large number of which are managed by Staatsbosbeheer. The provincial governments draw up the remaining plans. The drawing up of these plans takes place in close cooperation with farmers, municipalities and waterboards. At one remove, there is also help from a wide-ranging sounding board group.

The core of the management plan consists of the agreements aimed at ensuring that the natural qualities described receive sufficient protection. The agreements are evaluated after six years and, if necessary, the plan is adapted.