Natuurmonumenten sees a clear assignment for the cabinet: “In recent decades, politicians in The Hague have neglected the countryside. Give nature, landscape and farmers a future by ensuring nature restoration and more sustainable agriculture,” says Pim van der Feltz, director of Natuurmonumenten. “Forest rangers and farmers are guardians of the countryside. They must be able to protect nature and keep our countryside livable.”
“That does not immediately mean that farmers have to be bought out,” explains Jan Gorter of Natuurmonumenten in Drenthe. “It does mean that the way of farming around nature reserves must change, but in such a way that there remains perspective for farmers and nature. Consider less intensive agriculture.”
But money is needed to offer prospects for both farmers and nature. But that investment ultimately benefits society as a whole. “It provides clean water, clean air and sustainably produced food. Not to mention: a landscape and country that is beautiful and nice to live in,” says Van der Feltz.
Another recommendation is to make regulations less complex. Too often it appears that it is not always clear to provinces, water boards and nature organizations what their contribution could be. “There must therefore be more and better cooperation and the goals to be achieved must become more concrete, so that all parties can work as one government on nature restoration,” the advice reads.
The province of Drenthe is not surprised by the conclusions. “We will consider the advice,” a spokesperson said.