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Dieren en planten

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Nature policy   Natura 2000   

Natura 2000

In order to protect nature in Europe, a network of European nature areas has been established, called Natura 2000. The goal is to put a halt to the deterioration of the biodiversity in Europe. This network forms the cornerstone of the EC policy for preservation and restoration of biodiversity. The Natura 2000 regions are mostly areas that were already fell under the Bird and Habitat Directives. Within these regions, the quality of the habitat is not allowed to deteriorate nor are disturbing effects on species allowed. Therefore, damaging activities for nature are punishable. The Netherlands has 162 Natura 2000 areas, of which the most are freshwater regions. Exceptional regions in the North Sea will be added to the network in 2010.

  • Exceptions to the rules

    Management plans must be made for new Natura 2000 areas. An important term here is ‘existing activities’. These are activities that were already taking place before 1 October 2005 and have not materially changed. In general, these activities will be included in a management plan, unchanged and no requirement to apply for a licence. New activities will always have to request permission.

  • Maintain what there is

    Every Natura 2000 area has goals for the number of animals and their habitat. In the Wadden Sea, for example, there must be enough room for 100,000 eiders, 45,000 knots, 26,400 brent geese, 36,800 barnacle geese and 7000 greylag geese. Preserving young dunes and grey dunes is a goal for coastal zones.

  • Consequences for recreation

    Entrepreneurs that organize events in Natura 2000 areas will encounter problems. They must show that their event or activity does not damage nature. An event such as the annual catamaran race around Texel, 'Around Texel', could run into a fix. Sports such as kite surfing on Texel are running into problems with the rules. Even though the town gave them permission to surf in certain areas, Natura 2000 rules say otherwise.