The additional measures are part of the Nitrogen Acceleration Approach (VAS). These measures complement the measures from the management and recovery plans already in effect for the Natura 2000 areas.
Measures within and around vulnerable natural areas
In the Natura 2000 areas, we are already working closely with the owners on nature recovery based on the established Natura 2000 management plans and recovery programs. These include a broad package of recovery measures, such as creating heath corridors, converting non-native production forests to native deciduous forests, hydrological recovery measures, reducing grazing pressure by deer, and limiting timber harvesting in old deciduous forests.
We want to accelerate this implementation, investigate how permit procedures can be simplified, and solve capacity problems among nature managers. Additionally, we want to take supplementary measures for soil and nature recovery, such as the use of lime or rock flour. After successful trials in National Park De Hoge Veluwe and the municipality of Ede, we want to deploy this more broadly. For the nature around Winterswijk, an offer of hectares is made that can be included in the area process ongoing there.
In the rural area around the Natura 2000 areas, we also want to take measures. We want to increase the share of nature-inclusive agriculture in this area to 25% of the acreage. We strengthen the biodiversity of these areas by, for example, planting hedgerows or creating nature-friendly banks. Water levels are also raised and watercourses made shallower in these areas. By doing this in conjunction with water measures in the Natura 2000 areas, nature can recover faster.
Nitrogen Acceleration Approach
The additional nature measures form one of the pillars of the Nitrogen Acceleration Approach. The nature measures from the VAS complement the measures from our existing, established Natura 2000 management plans and associated recovery programs.
With these additional measures we show that we take the recovery of nitrogen-sensitive nature very seriously.
And that is necessary, because without nature recovery Gelderland will not be able to reopen. Last week, the province indicated which rules will apply for nitrogen reduction in areas around the Veluwe and possibly also around Winterswijk. With these additional nature measures, we are simultaneously working to accelerate nature recovery. Together, these are important steps to make permit issuance in Gelderland possible again.
Deputy for Nature