The Oostvaardersplassen area was initially conceived as an industrial zone. This never happened as people soon realised the area had enormous importance as a nature reserve.

Current status

The area became a State Natural Monument in 1986. Special importance was primarily attributed to the space and peace & quiet. It was proposed that the area should be allowed to develop in as natural a manner as possible into 'as complete as possible a complex of eutrophicated sweet water marsh ecosystems'. Recreation in the area is informed by the unique area and peace & quiet, and focuses on nature experience and education. In 1989, the area became subject to the European Bird directive.

Natura2000

In January 2010, the definitive appointment decision was published in which the Oostvaardersplassen was earmarked as a Natura2000 site. This replaces the status of Natuurmonument and Bird directive area.

Natura2000 describes maintenance objectives for every site. A management plan also has to be drawn up for every area. Staatsbosbeheer is currently collaborating with Government Service for Land and Water Management (DLG) to draw one up. Please also refer to: Natura2000 file.

Wetlands

The Netherlands is one of the over 150 countries that signed the Wetlands Convention. These countries voluntarily make agreements to protect the valuable, water-rich areas inside their borders.

According to the convention’s definition, wetlands are: 'Water-rich areas, marshes, fens, bogs or lake areas, be they natural or manmade, permanent or temporary, with flowing or still waters, containing sweet, brackish or salt water, including sea water, which are no more than six metres deep'.

The convention is also known as the Wetlands Convention or the Ramsar Convention after the city in Iran the convention was signed in. The Netherlands is a water-rich country and has registered 49 areas with the convention, including the Oostvaardersplassen.