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Senate (Eerste Kamer) Dutch Parliament
Kamerdelegatie op werkbezoek bij Vereniging voor Hoveniers en Groenvoorzieners
Source published: 5 June 25

Parliamentary Delegation on a Working Visit to the Association for Gardeners and Green Space Providers

At the invitation of the Royal Association for Gardeners and Green Space Providers (VHG), Senate members Andrea van Langen-Visbeek (BBB), Lies van Aelst-Den Uijl (SP), and Ingrid Visseren-Hamakers (PvdD), all members of the Permanent Committee for Economic Affairs/Climate and Green Growth, paid a working visit to a greening project in the Laakkwartier in The Hague on Monday, June 2.

Presentation Added Value of Green

As an introduction to the visit, the VHG, in collaboration with the municipality of The Hague and Green as a Service, showcased various presentations on the value of green in public spaces and how this can be realized. A green public space contributes to the health of residents and offers climate solutions against heat stress and water issues. The senators were welcomed by John Koomen, chairman of the VHG, and Marc van Rosmalen, general director of the VHG.

Robert Barker, Alderman for Public Space, Animal Welfare, and Environment of the municipality of The Hague, explained what the municipality is doing to make neighborhoods greener. Michel Peyrer, manager of Green District Laak, discussed the characteristics of the Laak district and the issues faced. Wil Jacobs from Green as a Service explained how the value of greening can be measured and monitored.

Project Goeverneurplein and Oltmansplein

After this introduction, the Senate members went into the neighborhood. The locations Goeverneurplein and Oltmansplein have been redesigned to address heat stress, waterlogging, and declining biodiversity. These squares were previously largely paved. After greening, significant results have been achieved. Data collected from the installed sensors is used to map and monitor effectiveness, allowing for adjustments. In addition to ecological benefits, social cohesion in the neighborhood has also improved. Residents feel safer and make more use of public space.

Discussion on Senate Opportunities

The Senate members then engaged in discussions with experts on how the Senate can contribute to ensuring greening in policy and legislation assessments, with a holistic view of the healthy living environment. Considerations include establishing measurable indicators, realizing budgetary unbundling, and strengthening management and maintenance. Greening contributes to many societal goals: from health to heat stress and water management.

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Source last updated: 5 June 25
Published on Openrijk: 6 June 25
Source: Eerste Kamer
Senate (Eerste Kamer) Dutch Parliament | Parliamentary Delegation on a Working Visit to the Association for Gardeners and Green Space Providers