Fryslân unveils action plan to cut nitrogen and restore nature by 2035
Fryslân residents and businesses face new rules as the province launches a nitrogen reduction plan to unlock permits and restore nature. The plan, involving local sectors and authorities, aims to balance economic activity with environmental goals by 2035.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Province | Fryslân |
| Policy Name | Frisian Approach to Nitrogen Reduction & Nature Restoration |
| Key Objectives | Enable permit issuance, restore nature, reduce nitrogen emissions |
| Start Date | Draft adopted March 2026 |
| First Council Discussion | 15 April 2026 |
| Participation Period | April–Summer 2026 |
| Adoption Target | Summer 2026 |
| Implementation Start | 2028 (or earlier if possible) |
| Sectors Involved | Agriculture, Industry, Logistics, Construction, Environment, Government |
| Priority Measures | Legalisation of PAS notifications, interim measures, nature restoration |
| Nature Restoration Focus | Natura 2000 areas and additional area-focused measures |
The Province of Fryslân is responsible for regional environmental policy, including nitrogen reduction and nature restoration. It collaborates with local governments, businesses, and stakeholders to develop and implement policies that balance economic activity with ecological sustainability.
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Read the full translated article below
Province of Fryslân launches action plan for nitrogen reduction and nature restoration
The Executive Board of the Provincial Executive of the Province of Fryslân has adopted the draft policy document for the Frisian Approach to Nitrogen Reduction & Nature Restoration. This marks the start of a process aimed at developing a widely supported and feasible approach to nitrogen reduction and nature restoration in Fryslân. Key objectives include enabling permit issuance across all sectors and achieving nature restoration. The first discussion in the Provincial Council is scheduled for 15 April 2026, after which a participation process will begin, involving authorities and relevant stakeholders to further develop the Frisian approach.
Deputy Abel Kooistra: “Through innovative measures, targeted objectives, measurement and monitoring, and voluntary participation up to 2035, I am convinced that the Frisian approach will work in collaboration with the sectors. We are not waiting for others to act. What can be taken up and implemented now will be done so that permit issuance can get underway as soon as possible. The legalisation of PAS notifications and interim measures is our highest priority. These parties deserve a solution first.”
Deputy Matthijs de Vries: “Our goal is to restore nature, strengthen nature management, and lift Fryslân out of the nitrogen lock. The action plan provides direction and structure and serves as a starting point for an area-focused approach. We are actively committed to participation and collaboration. We are pleased with the responses and involvement from the initial thematic tables and look forward to continuing this in the coming period.”
IPO building blocks and The Hague’s nitrogen approach as starting points
The IPO building blocks for Nature, Agricultural Nature Management, and Agricultural Emission Reduction, as well as the national government’s nitrogen approach, form important starting points for the Frisian approach and are essential for its success.
Frisian Approach aligns with the National Implementation Programme for Nitrogen and the FPLG
The Frisian Approach will replace the previous provincial Implementation Programme for Nitrogen in Fryslân 2035 (UPS) based on new principles. The approach will incorporate elements from the Frisian Rural Area Programme (FPLG) and, where possible, align with existing tasks and working methods.
The Frisian Approach is based on nitrogen reduction and nature restoration through four tracks:
- Additional nature restoration measures in all Natura 2000 areas;
- Additional area-focused nature restoration measures outside Natura 2000 areas;
- Additional nitrogen reduction in nitrogen-sensitive areas;
- Province-wide (generic) nitrogen reduction.
Timeline and participation process
- 15 April 2026: Provincial Council discusses the first draft of the Frisian Approach and provides input to the Provincial Executive for the follow-up process.
- Period 15 April–summer 2026: Participation with municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, sectors, organisations, knowledge institutions, and regional initiatives to finalise the approach.
- Summer 2026: Provincial Council adopts the Frisian Approach to Nitrogen Reduction & Nature Restoration.
- Period September 2026–2027: Development of the implementation programme with input from municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, sectors, organisations, and regional initiatives (the ‘how’ question). Continued implementation of current measures.
- From 2028: Broad rollout of measures (or as soon as possible).
Province focuses on collaboration, participation, and thematic tables
The province has the authority to achieve nitrogen and nature objectives (the ‘what’ question). How this is implemented and executed (the ‘how’ question) requires, according to the Provincial Executive, a broad Frisian collaboration and participation approach.
As a first step, seven thematic tables were organised in the week of 16 February 2026. These were informative meetings where various sectors could present their initial wishes, concerns, and opportunities regarding nature restoration and reducing nitrogen emissions. The results of the thematic tables and the response from the Provincial Rural Area Committee will be presented to the Provincial Council.
The sectors involved in the thematic tables are: Industry and Energy, Logistics-Mobility-Construction, Environment and Nature, Government partners (province, municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, and neighbouring provinces), Knowledge institutions/external experts, Agriculture, and Regional initiatives.