News item | 11-02-2025 | 16:00
The National Database Flora and Fauna (NDFF) contains more than 200 million controlled observations of plant and animal species in the Netherlands. This nature data can be consulted free of charge from 11 February. This allows everyone to see and use this data to get to know nature, protect and manage nature.
State Secretary Jean Rummenie of the Ministry of LVVN: “With the opening of the National Database Flora and Fauna, we are realizing an important intention from the Outline Agreement. As a cabinet, we attach great importance that everyone has transparent insight into nature in the Netherlands. After all, nature is all of us. I am happy that this is possible from now on. ”
No more subscription or request required
Previously, nature data was only available for organizations that had a paid subscription to the NDFF, such as municipalities, water boards, site managers, knowledge institutes and ecological consultancy firms. These organizations use the data for research, the development and monitoring of nature management and policy, for spatial plans and for granting permits. Previously, private individuals and companies could only use the NDFF by submitting an application for a delivery of specific data. From now on the data on the plants and animals in the NDFF are freely accessible to everyone.
Where do the data come from?
The observations in the NDFF are collected by volunteers and professionals and are shared by various organizations with the NDFF. For example through species organizations such as the Mammal Association and the Vlinderstichting, through Waerneming.nl, site managers and ecological consultancy firms. Governments such as municipalities and provinces also provide data. The NDFF is constantly entering into new collaborations to connect sources of nature data to the database. The nature data is in custody at the NDFF Foundation. The NDFF is managed by Bij12. When publicizing nature data, sensitive data is handled with care, such as observations of vulnerable species and their residence locations.
“The NDFF, together with our partners, becomes a powerful public services. Together we build a public database that is essential for nature management and decision -making, ” Thus deputy Jelle Beemsterboer who speaks on behalf of the cooperating provinces.