The nitrogen problem has largely stalled the development of the Netherlands and Limburg. Farmers are not receiving permits to innovate, residents are waiting longer for housing, and companies cannot expand. At the same time, Limburgs nature is vulnerable, and a different course is necessary to secure the living, working, and living environment in the province for future generations. Therefore, the LOS has been developed: a broadly supported line of thought aimed at decisive and sustainable progress, combined with room for economic and social development. The province is taking the lead itself, in good contact with entrepreneurs, farmers, foreign countries, and industry.
The implementation of the LOS takes place through area processes, with special attention to four focus areas: De Peel, Sarsven and the Banen, Maasduinen, and the Geuldal/Mergelland. In these areas, tailored measures are being taken to cleverly combine nature restoration and economic development. This includes voluntary termination or extensification of livestock farms, cleaner stables, preservation of grassland, innovation support for farmers, and land exchange for nature. Measures are voluntary and must be supported by funding and local cooperation. This approach should lead to a significant reduction in nitrogen, nature improvement, and more room for permit issuance. Additionally, industry and mobility are also responsible for their contribution to a solution. Meanwhile, Limburg continues to emphasize good cooperation with neighboring countries, as a significant part of the nitrogen present in Limburg comes from abroad.
Deputy Faassen (Rural Area) emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation for the future:
Everyone complains about economic standstill. I understand that and I do too. But I know: investing in economic progress without improving nature is like trying to build on quicksand. With the LOS and soon with the area processes, we want to take our responsibility for a solid foundation. Every nitrogen plan that a province makes now must be able to withstand the test of a judge. This means we must demonstrably improve nature. In one place, that is easier and faster than in another. I am glad that we have succeeded with the Limburg Nitrogen Offensive in getting everyone on the same page. Many organizations have been able to discuss the LOS, and that was sometimes quite complicated. That is not surprising: even the committee led by our prime minister could not come to a conclusion. While politics in The Hague continues to polarize, we are doing it together here. Our country needs that, and our Limburg needs that. The Province of Limburg, nature organizations, and agricultural organizations all endorse the importance of a guaranteed and reliable approach. Plans must be legally secured, with sufficient financial resources from the government, and voluntariness is crucial. A movement like this you want to shape from the bottom up: together with the people in the areas that matter.
Stable permit issuance remains a major challenge. The province emphasizes that this is a long-term process, but doing nothing is not an option.
