The Province of Zeeland has created a plan for the future of the Zeeland countryside. It outlines what we want to do in the coming years for healthy nature, clean water, sustainable agriculture, and dealing with climate change. This plan is called the Rural Area Program. The Province of Zeeland now wants to know what Provincial States think about it.
What is in the plan?
A first collection of concept measures showing the direction the provincial government wants to take with nature, water, and agriculture. Think of ideas such as flower-rich field edges, tree planting, better manure use, and freshwater storage via basins. There is also a focus on expanding the monitoring network for water quality and nitrogen deposition. These measures are still indicative. This means they indicate what is needed. How the measures should be implemented in practice will be determined together with stakeholders in the regions. This creates a tailored approach, with attention to practice and the Zeeland landscape.
Input from Zeeland included
In recent months, the program has been available for inspection. We received a total of 11 views from residents, municipalities, and other organizations. They asked, among other things, for more regional customization, clarity about implementation, and more attention to monitoring. There was also a plea for voluntary and stimulating measures instead of obligations and linking agriculture to energy initiatives. These suggestions are taken into account and will be further assessed during the programs further development.
‘Implementing together’
“In the run-up to this plan, we have listened carefully to what is happening in Zeeland. What is now presented is solid and feasible provided sufficient funding comes from the national government. And this is just the beginning. First, the Provincial States can still give their wishes and comments on this plan. Then we will work together with farmers, residents, and other partners in the coming years to implement the program.”
What happens next?
In the coming period, the Provincial States will study the Rural Area Program and provide their wishes and comments. In April, the provincial government hopes to definitively adopt the program.