Overijssel kicks off nature restoration plan for De Borkeld to ease permit delays for businesses
The Province of Overijssel has launched a targeted approach to restore the Natura 2000 area De Borkeld, aiming to reduce legal uncertainties for local entrepreneurs and housing projects. Residents and businesses will be involved in shaping solutions tailored to the area’s challenges.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | Natura 2000 area De Borkeld, Overijssel |
| Main Challenges | Desiccation, nitrogen deposition, ecosystem fragmentation, legal uncertainty |
| Stakeholders Involved | Entrepreneurs, landowners, residents, provincial government |
| Current Phase | Exploratory process; no concrete measures yet |
| Goal | Restore nature, provide legal certainty for permits, support local businesses |
| Next Steps | Community discussions, shared knowledge base, potential follow-up measures |
The Province of Overijssel is responsible for managing and protecting Natura 2000 areas within its jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with national and EU environmental regulations. This initiative is part of its broader mandate to balance ecological preservation with economic and social development in the region.
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Area-focused process launched in and around the Natura 2000 area De Borkeld
Province of Overijssel is launching an area-focused approach in and around the Natura 2000 area De Borkeld. The Provincial Executive has decided to initiate an exploratory process there. This marks the start of a process, not the implementation of concrete measures.
The province has been working with partners for years to restore and strengthen Natura 2000 areas. This new phase builds on that foundation. The trigger is the pressure on nature in and around these areas. As long as this pressure persists, permit issuance remains legally uncertain or sometimes impossible. This affects entrepreneurs, housing construction, and other developments. With an area-focused approach, the province is working on nature restoration. At the same time, it is taking steps toward legalizing PAS reporters, rejecting revocation requests, and providing more certainty for permit issuance.
Phased and careful approach
Overijssel has deliberately chosen a phased approach. Instead of designating all Natura 2000 areas at once, it will examine per area how an area-focused process can begin and what this means for the local situation. Based on this, the Provincial Executive will decide per area whether and when to start.
Start in Natura 2000 area De Borkeld
De Borkeld is a unique natural area in Overijssel. It is rich in biodiversity and of great ecological value. Yet the area is under pressure due to desiccation, nitrogen deposition, disturbance, and fragmentation of ecosystems. Additionally, various challenges converge here. Local entrepreneurs are also struggling, and we aim to assist them. Much knowledge about the area is already available. There are initiatives and processes we can build upon.
In the coming period, the province will discuss the approach with partners, entrepreneurs, landowners, and other stakeholders. It will examine the coherence between factors in the area, such as water, soil, nature, agriculture, and recreation. This will create room for solutions tailored to this area.
First exploration, then decisions
With the decision by the Provincial Executive, the process around De Borkeld begins. We will inform residents and entrepreneurs about this, where necessary through one-on-one contact with directly involved parties. This allows us to provide clarification and address questions.
Concrete measures are not yet on the table. First, we will work with the community to build a shared knowledge base. Together, we will examine what is happening, what is needed, and what is feasible. Only then will we discuss possible follow-up steps.
Provincial Council informed
The Provincial Council will be informed per area about the decision taken and the follow-up process. This pertains to the start of a process, not the adoption of fixed measures.
Ultimately, the province will implement area-focused measures in all Natura 2000 areas in Overijssel. The order and timing will vary per area.
More information
On the page Area-focused measures you can read more about the decision.
The letter to the Provincial Council can be found on Notubiz (links to another website).