More than 85 percent of biodiversity in the Netherlands has been lost over the past hundred years. That is the largest decline of all European countries. Despite these alarming figures, biodiversity receives little attention. The municipalities of Blaricum, Laren and Eemnes want to change this.
Blaricum, Eemnes and Laren are concerned about biodiversity in their municipalities. More and more plant and animal species are disappearing from ‘t Gooi and that is a bad development.
Animals
Animals such as the Gentian Blue, a species of butterfly, the rabbit, the hare and the hedgehog are finding it increasingly difficult. It recently turned out to be rush hour at the Hedgehog Shelter in Huizen because many malnourished hedgehogs arrived. For example, the shortage of food means that hedgehogs cannot enter their hibernation.
The number of square meters of green space in the Netherlands has been increasing for almost thirty years. This is now about sixteen percent of the total surface area. The quality of the nature reserves has deteriorated. And this appears to be disadvantageous for some animal and plant species that place high demands on their living environment. It is one of the reasons why there is still a decline in biodiversity.
Approach
In an attempt to improve biodiversity, a residents’ evening will soon be held by the ‘Biodiversity Sounding Board Coalition for Blaricum, Eemnes and Laren’.
Experts from, among others, the Bird Protection Society and the Laren Old Agricultural Crops Foundation will meet with residents to discuss the current state of biodiversity. That evening there will also be an extensive discussion about what residents can do to help nature.