Natuurmonumenten (NM) and the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) signed a renewed cooperation agreement on November 20, 2025. Arjan de Zeeuw, Director of Knowledge and Advice at RCE: With this signing, we strengthen our collaboration for the preservation and development of cultural heritage, landscapes, and the nature connected to them.
Broader Audience
Our collaboration focuses not only on the preservation of heritage but also on making it accessible to a wide audience. We do this through joint initiatives such as the Music & Monuments Concerts at our special heritage locations, and with Natuurmonumenten in the scaffolding, where we offer people an exclusive behind-the-scenes look during restorations. This way, we truly bring heritage to life and make it meaningful for everyone
, says Jeroen de Koe, Director of Nature at Natuurmonumenten.
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Collaboration on Various Fronts
Both organizations also collaborate on the Atlantikwall from their own perspectives. For example, Natuurmonumenten contributed to the development of the Atlantikwall Vision by the RCE. The management of the Atlantikwall by Natuurmonumenten requires specialized knowledge that the RCE can provide.
Another example is the archaeology training for Natuurmonumenten employees, which contributes to knowledge about archaeological values and how to handle them in daily management and nature restoration. Natuurmonumenten manages 41 archaeological sites.
Connected Nature and Spatial Quality
Another important part of the collaboration is connected nature: Natuurmonumenten manages many heritage ensembles that are inseparably linked to nature. For example, on estates like Hackfort, nature and heritage are connected in the castle park and surrounding cultural landscape. Natuurmonumenten ensures the physical protection and experience of heritage and nature, while the RCE focuses on preserving cultural-historical value and knowledge development around this heritage.
At the same time, the collaboration aligns with current societal challenges such as climate adaptation, the energy transition, and sustainable area development. By bringing heritage, nature, and landscape together, Natuurmonumenten and the RCE make a valuable contribution to spatial quality and future-proof landscapes.
Podwalk
Natuurmonumenten also introduced today the Podwalk Dunes Tell War Stories. This walk through the Midden-Herenduinen can be downloaded via the ‘natuurgeheimen’ app. The Podwalk takes you back to life during World War II in this specific part of the Atlantikwall.
