News item | 10-12-2025 | 15:26
The national government, provinces and many partners, including farmers, work intensively together in many ways to develop, manage and restore our nature and biodiversity. From the creation of new nature reserves to (agricultural) nature and landscape management and the restoration of areas to achieve the habitat and bird directive objectives. The 11th Nature progress report published today shows the developments in efforts over 2024.
Progress on the Nature Pact
The objective of the Nature Pact (2013) is to create at least 80,000 hectares of new nature before the end of 2027. In 2024, the provinces will create 2,537 hectares of new nature. That is approximately 600 hectares more than the year before. Since 2011, a total of more than 53,000 hectares of new nature has been created.
As has become clear in recent years, the Nature Pact objective will not be fully achieved. After 2027, a residual task is expected, which, according to the current estimate of the provinces, amounts to approximately 17,000 hectares. The provinces remain committed to realizing the NNN as soon as possible.
Agricultural Nature and Landscape Management
Agricultural Nature and Landscape Management (ANLb) also continues to grow. In 2024, the area increased by more than 5,000 hectares to a total of 122,238 hectares. More and more farmers are actively committed to meadow birds, biodiversity, water quality and climate measures on agricultural land. This government has given a significant extra boost to agricultural nature management, making it an important instrument for strengthening the relationship between agriculture, landscape and nature.
Nature quality and restoration
The quality of nature remains a point of attention: most habitat types and many habitat and Bird Directive species are still in an unfavorable condition, as this year’s 6-yearly report to the European Commission shows.
In addition to the Nature Pact, the government and provinces have made resources available in the Nature Implementation Program for taking measures to improve the condition of habitat and Bird Directive species and habitat types. By the end of 2024, the provinces will have completed approximately 39% of the agreed measures in the 1st phase. The government has made €1.35 billion available for the 2nd phase in 2024.
Keep taking steps
With the Nature Program and the implementation of the Nature Inclusive 2.0 Agenda, the government and provinces are taking further steps in a realistic manner towards a strong, resilient nature for the Netherlands – which offers a future for people, plants, animals and landscape.
Jean Rummenie, State Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature “We continue to work for nature together with provinces and other parties such as farmers. We want to continue to use pure drinking water, clean air and raw materials that can provide sufficient food in our country in the future, and above all enjoy the beautiful nature in our country.”
Jelle Beemsterboer, chairman of the IPO Administrative Advisory Committee for Rural Areas: “Provinces are committed every day to strengthening nature and providing area-specific tailor-made solutions. The task is large, but we continue to take steps.”