On September 11, the first meeting of the newly established Administrative Advisory Committee (BAC) for Southwest Drenthe took place. This committee will advise the Provincial Executive on the implementation of the Natural Countryside Program (PNP). To underscore the committees goal, the members assembled in Fluitenberg to fit together the puzzle pieces that form the map of specific tasks for Southwest Drenthe.
Southwest Drenthe is one of the greenest and most attractive areas of Drenthe, with three Natura 2000 areas, the Holtingerveld, the Dwingelderveld, and the Drents-Friese Wold. The areas offer beautiful nature, many recreational opportunities, and a rich cultural landscape. The BAC will help improve planning and decision-making for the Natural Countryside Program (PNP), which was established in 2016 and updated in 2022. With this, the Province of Drenthe aims to restore and strengthen nature, biodiversity, and water management and to utilize opportunities for recreation and future-oriented agriculture.
BAC: advising together
The BAC includes directors from Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten, Water Board Drents Overijsselse Delta, WMD Drinking Water NV, municipality of Westerveld, municipality of De Wolden, LTO, and Drents Agricultural Youth Contact, as well as the Province of Drenthe as an advisory member. Together, they will provide strategic advice to the Provincial Executive on plans related to nature and water. This advice contributes to the goals of the PNP for Southwest Drenthe.
Better alignment of interests, knowledge, and tasks
A joint administrative advice will be sent to the province from the area partners. This advice is the result of good consultation regarding the various interests surrounding the reorganization of nature and consolidated knowledge. This creates a widely supported recommendation. “That is essential for implementation,” says independent interim BAC chairman Henk Kosters. “These parties previously sought each other out only incidentally when discussions arose. Now we do this in advance, so we regularly know each others interests, wishes, and ideas and can signal any obstacles earlier. We can then have the right conversation with each other.” Another advantage, according to Kosters, is that there is more overview of all projects in Southwest Drenthe. “We can then weigh the interests for the entire area. This ensures better cooperation between all parties and a smoother process. We are truly piecing the puzzle together.”
Regional customization
The BAC is specifically established for Southwest Drenthe. Solutions are being worked on from and for the region. The BAC also contributes to long-term thinking and sustainable choices in the rural area. This benefits nature, water quality, biodiversity, and future-proof agriculture.
In the BAC, directors from Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten, Water Board Drents Overijsselse Delta, WMD Drinking Water NV, municipality of Westerveld, municipality of De Wolden, LTO, and Drents Agricultural Youth Contact, as well as the Province of Drenthe, are involved.