Budget cuts endanger National Parks’ role in education and regional economic growth
The Dutch government’s proposed 24 million euros budget cut to national parks is raising serious concerns about the future of nature education, volunteer programs, and local economies, according RTV Oost. The plan, announced in the recent spring budget memorandum, would completely end government funding for IVN Nature Education (IVN), the organization responsible for coordinating education and communication across 20 of the country’s 21 national parks, including De Sallandse Heuvelrug and Weerribben-Wieden in Overijssel. If approved by the Tweede Kamer, the cuts could take effect as early as next year.
IVN regional director Joline de Weerdt called the cuts a drastic and unexpected move. She explained to RTV Oost that the funding supports special educational programs that take children on excursions into the parks to learn about nature, culture, and the landscape. Without the funding, these school programs are likely to end. The programs also include visits to educational farmers in Nieuw Heeten and Markelo, where children learn about the origins of food and how farming contributes to nature conservation.
Thousands of volunteers, many active in Overijssel’s two national parks, could lose critical support. IVN currently supports about 500 volunteers who assist at visitor centers, act as school guides or youth leaders, and help maintain natural areas. The organization also trains approximately 400 employees from 200 recreational businesses in Overijssel to serve as park hosts. These hosts help manage visitor flow to prevent damage to vulnerable natural areas while providing a socioeconomic boost to the region.
Youth nature clubs in Overijssel engage roughly 75 children and young people annually. From age 12, participants can become Junior Rangers, learning about forest management and contributing to conservation efforts. Many continue volunteering or pursue careers in nature management. These programs now face an uncertain future.
De Weerdt emphasized that national parks are natural heritage with long-standing economic and social value. Agriculture, drinking water supply, and recreation are closely connected to the parks’ heritage. Each year, millions of domestic and international visitors come to the parks.
Research by consultancy Ecorys highlights the parks’ economic importance, showing that national park designation generates an additional 70 million euros annually in revenue for the parks and surrounding communities. A 2022 European Commission study cited by IVN found that every euro invested in nature yields between 8 and 38 euros in return — an exceptionally high rate of return.
Jan Dijstelbloem, director of IVN, said in a press release cited by RTV Oost that many stakeholders have worked tirelessly to transform national parks into "engines of sustainable regional development." He called the funding cuts a "tragedy" for such a vital national asset and urged the Tweede Kamer to reject the proposal.
De Weerdt expressed doubt that IVN can quickly secure alternative financing to continue operations, pointing out that arranging new funding takes time, which is allegedly in short supply. The organization launched a petition titled “Save Our National Parks,” which has gathered nearly 10,500 signatures in just a few days.
The proposed budget cuts still require approval from both the Tweede Kamer and the Eerste Kamer. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature committee in the Tweede Kamer will hold a hearing on May 22. A plenary debate on the spring budget is scheduled for June 9.
