The Province of North Brabant is allocating extra funds for the realization of the Nature Network Brabant. In Brabant, efforts are underway to strengthen and connect all nature areas into a complete nature network. This gives plants and animals space and allows them to move more easily. This helps preserve our special plants and animals. In this eleventh amendment, the standard amounts and subsidy ceilings have been increased so that nature projects remain feasible despite higher costs.

Why this amendment?

Recently, there have been some changes in the field. For example, land prices and nature development have risen sharply in recent years. Therefore, the province is adjusting the subsidy scheme for the Nature Network Brabant. Broadly speaking, the scheme changes in three areas. The Provincial Executive has decided to allocate extra budget for lease buyout and to increase the standard amount for development for the nature network and ecological connection zones. The adjusted subsidy scheme takes effect on February 9, 2026.

View the announcement of the changes in the Provincial Gazette (refers to another website)

More money for lease buyout

The lease buyout scheme is very popular. Last time, the available funds were quickly exhausted, showing there is great demand. Therefore, the province is now making extra funds available again.

Certain lease contracts make nature development difficult. This is because the rules are strict, there is little room to make agreements about nature-inclusive management, and tenants are strongly protected. With this subsidy, existing lease contracts can be bought out. After that, the land can be developed as nature.

Lease buyout is possible in 3 types of areas:

  • Enclaves: for enclaves in the Nature Network Brabant, an additional €4 million is available. This budget is also intended for acquisition, change of function, and development. Enclaves are parcels designated as existing nature but are not yet nature in practice.
  • Wet nature pearls: for wet nature pearls, an additional €2 million is available. Wet nature pearls are important nature areas with special ecological values that depend on groundwater.
  • Nitrogen-sensitive Natura 2000 areas: an additional €900,000 is made available for lease buyout and development of these areas.

Higher standard amounts for Ecological Connection Zones

The subsidy for developing Ecological Connection Zones increases from €50,000 to €75,000 per hectare. Increasing the standard amounts helps initiators carry out nature projects against current prices for land and development. These connection zones consist of nature and connect different nature areas in Brabant. They ensure that plants and animals can move better between nature areas. These zones are essential in the network.

Higher standard amounts for development

The subsidy amounts for developing the Nature Network Brabant are also increased. They rise with inflation (13%). Like the standard amounts for Ecological Connection Zones, this increase helps initiators carry out nature projects against current development prices.

Who is this important for?

This scheme is important for landowners, nature organizations, farmers, and other partners working on new nature. But ultimately, all of Brabant benefits. The Nature Network Brabant contributes to robust nature areas with high biodiversity (The variety of life in a particular area), clean water, healthy soil, and a climate-resilient Brabant. This ensures Brabant remains a pleasant place to live, work, and recreate in the future.

More information