Do extra boas have to be added in the outskirts? Research shows that there is a solid shortage of so -called ‘green boas’ that monitor nature reserves. Parties in the Provincial States want the Commission to commit itself to boost the number of regulators, although the provincial government is not necessarily converting there.
Around 35 ‘green boas’ are now active in Brabant. They must, for example, check for illegal yacht, dumping of drugs and waste and on wild crosses. Earlier this year, researchers from BMC consultancy concluded that there are not enough people employed to supervise it. And the green boas that are there do not have enough time.
In some places in Brabant’s outskirts, there is not even a supervision at all, the researchers write. BOAs do come in other places, but not nearly enough.
According to the investigation, 98 full -time enforcers would be needed to be able to supervise enough in the Brabant outdoor area. That number is based on the calculation that every hectare of nature and outlying area must be checked at least one hour a year. In reality that is 0.3 hours. As a result of the shortage, the vast majority of the reports that are made about problems in nature are on the shelf.
Put in fewer places
A solution that the College dedicated was to partly limit the use of the green boas to Natura2000 areas. That most vulnerable nature should be given priority, because the capacity falls short for the entire outlying area.
The parties do not like this, it turned out on Friday in a committee meeting about the BOAs. “You also need ears and eyes outside Natura2000 areas,” says D66 party leader Matthijs van Miltenburg. “You have to be present everywhere in the outlying area, otherwise criminals will get free rein.”
The ChristenUnie-SGP also believes that, according to party leader Henk van Zelst. He wants more boas to be added anyway. “In Brabant, the number of BOAs is well below average, which must at least be drawn.” The BBB also argued for a staff expansion: “Nature is under pressure, supervision is needed,” says member of the States member Johan van Dommelen. “Certainly also in the night hours.”
Not all parties are directly for more boas. “An expansion must be very well substantiated,” says Irma Koopman (SP) and Rik van der Pluijm (VVD). Koopman wants, just like a large part of her colleagues, that the organizational structure of the BOAs is being overhauled. The Brabant BOAs are still employed by various governments and private individuals, who have different priorities.
Lobby and research
Deputy of Ruimte Wilma Dirken (VVD) made the commitment to the Provincial States on Friday to set up a lobby for money for more green boas. This is possible in The Hague, but also with municipalities that are currently not contributing much to the green boas.
The deputy will also investigate whether it is possible to hire a number of extra boas. The SSIB, the partnership of responsible organizations for enforcement and supervision in Brabant outdoor areas, had five tons last year.
The research is being conducted at the insistence of D66 and ChristenUnie-SGP, among others. “That money came from the government to keep BOAs employed,” says Van Miltenburg. “Maybe we can now hire five extra boas for a year. That doesn’t solve the big problem, but it does help.”
The province of Noord-Brabant currently finances nine extra green boas. The money for this was made available until 2027 and is therefore not structurally fixed. Just like with the remaining money, this is not about permanent boas. That is why it is important that the structural problem is tackled, says D66. “But that is a time -consuming process. In the meantime, let’s not be on our hands.”