Zuid-Holland sees an increase in natural areas, contrary to CBS data

In Zuid-Holland, nature is not decreasing but rather increasing. According to the most populous province in the Netherlands (3.8 million inhabitants), 114 hectares of new nature have been created in the last two years. This is Zuid-Holland's response to concerns expressed by GroenLinks-PvdA following a publication by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) in May.

The CBS reported that nature and forest areas in the Netherlands had decreased by almost 2.5 percent between 2013 and 2022. The disappearance of 158 square kilometers of "green space" was offset by an increase in built-up area of 277 square kilometers. According to CBS, the decline in forest and nature was greatest in Zuid-Holland, namely 60 square kilometers.

"The news also surprised us, and we contacted CBS," said the province when GroenLinks-PvdA asked. "The conclusion we have drawn from our analysis is that definitional issues can fully explain the alleged 60 square kilometers of 'lost' nature. There has been no decline in natural areas. In recent years, there has even been a (slight) increase in Nature Network Netherlands (NNN)."

All Dutch provinces contribute to the Nature Network Netherlands. The aim is to create 80,000 hectares of new nature by the end of 2027. At the last interim assessment, the counter was almost 50,000 hectares. The remaining task for South Holland is 3156 hectares.

According to researcher Luuk Hovius, CBS relied on "a huge amount of maps and underlying sources." After discussions with the province, CBS posted a so-called erratum (correction) to the study on its website, stating that "imperfections in the data set have come to light." This makes comparisons between the individual years more difficult.

According to Hovius, CBS uses a broader definition of nature than just NNN. "For example, we look at all parts of nature in the country, even outside nature reserves. For example, a fallow meadow may be considered natural grassland one year and agricultural land a year later when crops are grown on it." The agency plans to publish the survey again after further data analysis. "But the main trend, less nature and more arable land, will likely remain.