Deputy Abel Kooistra: “Through innovative measures, goal orientation, measurement and monitoring, and voluntariness until 2035, I am convinced that the Frisian approach will work together with the sectors. We do not wait. What can be picked up and realized now is also done so that permit issuance can start as soon as possible. The legalization of PAS reporters and interim permit holders is our highest priority. They deserve a solution first.” 

Deputy Matthijs de Vries: “Our goal is to restore nature, strengthen nature management, and free Fryslân from the nitrogen lock. The action plan provides direction and structure and is a starting point for an area-oriented approach. We actively focus on participation and cooperation. We are satisfied with the responses and involvement from the first theme tables and gladly continue this in the coming period.” 

IPO building blocks and nitrogen approach The Hague are starting points 

The IPO building blocks Nature, Agricultural Nature Management and Emission Reduction Agriculture and the nitrogen approach of the National Government form important starting points for the Frisian approach and are necessary to make the approach successful. 

Frisian Approach aligns with Implementation Program nitrogen and FPLG 

The Frisian Approach will replace the earlier provincial Implementation Program Nitrogen Fryslân 2035 (UPS) based on new starting points. The approach incorporates elements from the setup of the Frisian Rural Area Program (FPLG) again and connects where possible to existing tasks and working methods. 

The Frisian Approach is based on nitrogen reduction and nature restoration via four tracks: 

  1. Additional nature restoration measures in all Natura 2000 areas;
  2. Additional area-oriented nature restoration measures outside Natura 2000 areas;
  3. Additional nitrogen reduction in nitrogen-sensitive areas;
  4. Province-wide (generic) nitrogen reduction. 

Outlook planning and participation process 

  • April 15, 2026: Provincial States discuss the first concept Frisian approach and provide input to the Provincial Executive for the follow-up process.
  • Period April 15 - summer 2026: participation with municipalities, Water Board, sectors, organizations, knowledge institutions and areas to arrive at a final approach.
  • Summer 2026: Provincial States adopt Frisian Approach Nitrogen Reduction & Nature Restoration.
  • Period September 2026 through 2027: drafting implementation program with input from municipalities, Water Board, sectors, organizations and areas (how question). And continuation of current efforts on measures.
  • From 2028: broad start of implementation of measures (or as early as possible). 

Province focuses on cooperation, participation and theme tables 

The province has the authority to realize nitrogen and nature goals (the what question). How this is given shape and implementation (the how question) requires, according to the Provincial Executive, a broad Frisian cooperation and participation approach. 

In the week of February 16, 2026, seven theme tables were organized as a first step. These were informative meetings where various sectors could bring in their first wishes, concerns and opportunities regarding nature restoration and reducing nitrogen emissions. The results of the theme tables and response from the Provincial Rural Area Committee are submitted to the Provincial States. 

The sectors participating in the theme tables are: Industry and Energy, Logistics-Mobility-Construction, Environment and Nature, Government partners (province, municipalities, Water Board and neighboring provinces), Knowledge institutions/external experts, Agriculture and Area initiatives.