North Holland councillors honored with Dutch Water Lines commemorative coin
Provincial councillors in North Holland received a special commemorative coin celebrating the Dutch Water Lines' UNESCO World Heritage status. This recognition highlights their role in preserving a historic defense system that shaped the Netherlands' landscape and security for centuries.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Recipients | Members of the Provincial Council in North Holland |
| Awarding Body | Joint Body of the Dutch Water Lines |
| Commemorative Coin | Limited edition, part of a series for World Heritage Sites |
| UNESCO Milestone | 5 years since the New Dutch Water Line was added to World Heritage list |
| Defence Line of Amsterdam | UNESCO status since 1996 |
| Length of World Heritage Site | 200 km long, 1-5 km wide green ribbon |
| Structures Included | 96 forts, 2 castles, 6 fortifications, 1,000+ concrete defensive structures |
| Provinces Involved | North Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, North Brabant |
The Joint Body of the Dutch Water Lines is responsible for preserving and promoting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring its historical and cultural significance is maintained. Provincial governments collaborate to balance heritage protection with modern societal needs like housing and sustainability.
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Provincial councillors receive commemorative coin for the Dutch Water Lines
Members of the Provincial Council in North Holland today received the Dutch Water Lines Commemorative Coin from the Joint Body of the Dutch Water Lines.
With the commemorative coin, the organisation expresses its appreciation for the role of Provincial Councillors as ambassadors of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coin has been minted in a limited edition and is part of a series of coins dedicated to World Heritage Sites in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
5 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The presentation also marks a milestone: five years ago, the New Dutch Water Line was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dutch Water Lines. The Defence Line of Amsterdam had already held this status since 1996.
Deputy for Cultural Heritage Jelle Beemsterboer said: “The Dutch Water Lines form a unique system of defensive works in which water, landscape and military technology come together. Preserving this special heritage is important because it shows how the Netherlands has used water and landscape for security purposes for centuries. By preserving the water lines, we not only keep our history alive, but also give future generations the chance to learn from it and experience this unique heritage.”
The Dutch Water Lines were constructed to protect the western part of the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, during times of war. By flooding large areas in a controlled manner, enemy advances could be slowed down or halted. Forts and fortifications reinforced the defence at strategic points.
The World Heritage Site now forms a green ribbon approximately 200 kilometres long and 1 to 5 kilometres wide. The area includes 96 forts, 2 castles and 6 fortifications. In addition, there are more than 1,000 concrete defensive structures, such as bunkers, casemates and group shelters. The system is supported by an extensive water management network with more than 100 military locks, dikes and canals.
Collaboration between provinces
The provinces of North Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland and North Brabant together protect the Dutch Water Lines. They are working to preserve the World Heritage Site and make the area more visible and accessible.
In doing so, the provinces are constantly seeking a balance between protecting the special heritage values and other societal objectives, such as housing construction, the energy transition and accessibility. To achieve this goal, they are working together with the central government, municipalities, water boards, land managers and private owners in the area.
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