Forest rangers to The Hague with a cry from the heart: ‘Protect nature better’

taketonews

Two hundred forest rangers from Natuurmonumenten are gathering today at the House of Representatives building in The Hague. They call on political leaders to take better care of nature. One of them is Bart Zwiers, who works in the Vijftig Bunder nature reserve near Midlaren.

“Nature is doing badly. Not only I say that, but also the figures.” Zwiers shared this alarming message with hundreds of colleagues manifesto, which was published during the election campaign. In the hope of convincing all party leaders that nature needs protection quickly. “The time for promising well-being is over,” they urged.

At the same time, they agreed to sound the alarm again after the polls. Whatever the election outcome, according to the forest rangers, nature restoration must be a spearhead in the coalition agreement.

The forest rangers therefore make their appearance in The Hague. Not only for themselves, but also for the Dutch people who care about nature. 86 percent want nature to be protected, says Natuurmonumenten based on research. “That is the voice of nature,” Zwiers underlines. “That is what we stand for. A cabinet, of whatever kind, must ensure that.”

Zwiers expects the ranger march to take place with around two hundred participants. After arriving at the House of Representatives, discussions will be held with the new faction leaders. The manifesto will also be handed over, together with thousands of well wishes for nature, which people previously left at Natuurmonumenten.

Zwiers gets on the train around seven o’clock with some forest rangers from the North. Others – from the Wadden Islands to Brunssummerheide – are joining them. “There is no godwit who flies to the Binnenhof itself. We are the only ones who can represent their voice,” says Zwiers. “Many things were promised in the campaign, it is time to deliver.”

In their manifesto, the forest rangers pointed out the negative influence of climate change and nitrogen on nature. Partly because of this, nature is on the verge of ‘falling over’. When asked whether a possible cabinet with the PVV would tackle this, Zwiers did not want to say anything substantive. “I am a forester and not a political scientist. And from that position I see that nature is doing badly.”

Reason to draw this to politicians who are preparing for coalition participation or an opposition role. Zwiers: “Nature cannot wait any longer.”

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