Netherlands plans new Natura 2000 coastal bird protection from Zeeland to Groningen
The Dutch government is moving to create a new Natura 2000 protected area for birds off the coast of Zuid-Holland while extending protections across the entire mainland coastline from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen to Groningen, Omroep West reports. At the same time, a newly established national park, Hollandse Duinen, is facing criticism from a local environmental group over concerns about increased visitor pressure on wildlife.
Minister Jaimi van Essen (Nature, D66) has informed the Tweede Kamer of the planned designation, which is based on European Union bird protection directives and follows the 2020 Noordzeeakkoord among the government, energy companies, fishing organizations, and environmental groups. Under that agreement, scientists were tasked with identifying marine areas that should be protected, with qualifying sites to be safeguarded as soon as possible.
Researchers cited the little gull, lesser black-backed gull, and common tern as key species supporting the need for the designation.
Government advisers said Van Essen is legally required to proceed with the designation. The decision had been expected last year under then–state secretary Jean Rummenie (BBB), but no action was taken despite completed research on North Sea bird populations.
Van Essen said in a written statement, “I consider it important that we stay on course and protect and restore the necessary North Sea nature where needed.”
Officials said the practical consequences for permits in and around the new protected area remain unclear. A ministry spokesperson said the impact will depend on a management plan still being developed by Rijkswaterstaat. The plan will determine which activities require permits and will be drawn up in consultation with stakeholders, including the fishing industry.
Separately, Van Essen established the Hollandse Duinen national park in April. The designation is not linked to the Natura 2000 expansion.
The group Stichting Hart voor Meijendel criticized the new park, warning that increased tourism could harm wildlife, calling it “disastrous for nature.”
