In Brabant, a lot changes in the environment every year. In 2024, construction is in full swing: roads, residential areas, high-voltage stations, and space for Defense. Sometimes this comes at the expense of nature. Then compensation must be made with new nature or with money.
Why Must Nature Return?
Brabant is working on connecting all nature areas: the Nature Network (links to another website). The areas are connected by ecological connection zones (links to another website). Connected nature areas ensure that animals can move freely. It promotes biodiversity (The variety of life in a certain area), all the different plants and animals in an area. And it ensures robust nature, nature that can withstand a blow. If nature within this network disappears or is damaged, it must be restored to keep the whole strong and complete.
Bringing Nature Back Elsewhere
Preferably, the damaged nature is brought back elsewhere. Consideration is given to the size, type, and quality of the nature, so that comparable nature can return. Where this nature returns is examined together with the province. The new nature must be in place within 3 years.
Money for New Nature
If it is not possible to bring nature back elsewhere, then money is paid to the province. This can happen, for example, if there is no suitable location for the new nature. How much money must be paid depends on the size, type, and quality of the nature. The province uses this money for new or stronger existing nature through subsidies.
There are 2 forms of subsidy:
- A general subsidy, for example, the forest compensation subsidy (links to another website). This allows other organizations to receive money to create forests.
- A subsidy for specific projects, for example, for the recropassage in Tilburg (links to another website). The nature of the subsidies varies each year, depending on the amount of money and how nature has developed.
From Money to Nature
Last year, approximately 39 hectares of nature in the nature network were directly or indirectly damaged. This nature was compensated with money amounting to over 4 million euros. There are 4 organizations that will ensure that the 39 hectares of nature return to another location with this money. These are the municipality of Den Bosch, municipality of Tilburg, water authority Brabantse Delta, and Brabants Landschap. They have all made different plans for how they will do this.
14.5 Hectares of New Forest in Municipality of Tilburg
A good example is the plan from the municipality of Tilburg. In the area Zwaluwbunders (links to another website), they will realize a climate estate where goals for nature, water, agriculture, and recreation come together. One part of this is the construction of a large forest of 20 hectares. Of this, 14.5 hectares of forest will lie within the nature network. This will be funded by a portion of the 4 million nature compensation from 2024. The rest of the plan will be funded by the municipality itself and other parties. The forest will be located in the urban edge of Tilburg North. Besides seeing the beautiful nature, you will also be able to recreate there in the future.
Together We Make Nature in Brabant Stronger
Thus, the circle is complete. New developments sometimes come at the expense of nature, but together we look for opportunities to bring that nature back and protect the Nature Network. A strong Nature Network Brabant is of great importance for a healthy living environment for all Brabanders. For now and in the future.
