Monday morning, August 4. While on the main field of the Agricultural Show, the single horse-drawn carriages with Frisian horses gallop through the arena to loud applause, the provincial table with a large map of North Holland gradually attracts the attention of curious passersby. In front of them lie stacks of colored blocks. A green block for nature, a red one for construction, purple for agriculture, and yellow for recreation. Water, energy, and industry also have their own color. What topics do they find important for their region or place of residence, is the big question. And where on the map is there room for these and other themes? People can decide for themselves, but there is a catch: a choice for topic A may have consequences for topic B. Complicated, it sounds at the table. “Everyone wants something different and initially thinks of their own interests.”

Choosing is not easy

The goal of the table is quickly clear. North Holland is short of 27% of the space needed for everything required in the future for housing, energy, nature, work, and recreation. And that means choices must be made. With the campaign ‘Your North Holland, Your Space,’ the province is therefore investigating where exactly the wishes of residents lie. Everyone can think along about 4 themes: dealing with water, balance between agriculture and nature, sustainable economy and energy, and livable regions, cities, and villages. Just like during previous meetings, it quickly becomes clear in Opmeer that choosing is not easy. Even for people with an agricultural heart.

Trudy Buysman doesnt have to think long. Within seconds, West-Friesland has disappeared under a thick pile of purple blocks on the map. “There, all for agriculture!” she says resolutely. Not a surprising choice for the chairwoman of LTO Noord, West-Friesland. Once in conversation, Buysman still seeks connection. “Preserving nature and healthy agriculture for our food supply is a challenge for the agricultural sector,” she acknowledges. “We must therefore be more economical with our space. This way we can stimulate agricultural nature management by renting agricultural land more cheaply, with the obligation to take good care of nature. Planting new forests is not always necessary; we should look for solutions in existing areas. The open, agricultural landscape of North Holland also gives people a sense of peace and space. We must preserve that.”

Combining and stacking

The nature and agriculture blocks are often stacked on top of each other. One cannot exist without the other, is the explanation. “Nature and agriculture should be able to coexist, rather than be opposed to each other?” asks a man who traded North Holland for North Brabant 7 years ago. “In the news, farmers are often portrayed negatively, but I have a different opinion. We can protect agricultural land and give them the opportunity to protect nature.”

To achieve that, combining topics is unavoidable for many visitors. And literally stacking. Water storage and pipes should mainly be underground, while business spaces, public transport connections, and residential areas can go higher. Other residents go a few steps further. “A stick in the henhouse,” warns a man at the provincial table. “Why dont we partially dry out the Wadden Sea with dikes between the islands? You would be giving up a UNESCO World Heritage site, but you would gain so much in return: fresh water for meadow birds, recreational opportunities, other nature areas, housing construction, and maybe even an airport.”

Deputy Esther Rommel, who opened the Agricultural Show, is pleased with all the input during the event and previous meetings. “It is incredibly important that people voice their opinions here. Ultimately, it is about their living and working environment. A lot is possible, but not everything. Therefore, I ask entrepreneurs and organizations: don’t wait, but also make a plan about what you need. Be clear about your wishes and opportunities.”

Continuation of participation

In November, the second phase of the participation process ‘Your North Holland, Your Space’ will start. Residents can then indicate through an online choice guide and during various meetings where the province should prioritize. If someone wants a lot of houses to be built, the choice guide immediately indicates what consequences that has for water, agriculture, and industry.

In addition, the province will conduct a representative study in which the choices from the choice guide will be presented to a representative group of North Holland residents. The province will also organize a meeting for all municipalities, water authorities, and social organizations to hear what choices they would make.