Dutch provinces had to submit a first version of their plans to drastically reduce nitrogen emissions and restore vulnerable nature by July 1. The province of North Brabant was given a few days’ grace and submitted its plans on Thursday. The province, had previously presented a charcoal sketch of the plan. That has now been supplemented with a number of ‘no regret measures’ that the province believes are necessary anyway.

Although there are still many uncertainties from the national government, the province of North Brabant has chosen to still present a first package of measures in order to claim money from the transition fund. Later, the province will come up with additional measures to claim even more money from the pot of over 24 billion euros.

More extensive land

The province wants to reserve much of this money, 83 million euros, for the extensification of land, especially around Natura 2000 areas, according to the Brabants Dagblad. In addition, 20 million euros will be set aside for Brabant’s own scheme to reduce nitrogen emissions. Also, 75 million euros will be reserved for projects to retain more water in the future, raise the groundwater level and combat dehydration.

“After allocation of the funds, we as a province, together with our partners can immediately start working on the measures. Land management organizations, water boards, ZLTO, municipalities: we all see the need to restore nature in Brabant and restore agricultural prospects and development. We are in the starting blocks,” says The Brabant Deputy, Hagar Roijackers (GroenLinks).

Serious step

“For the future of the entire rural area, it is important that water, soil and biodiversity are restored. Total recovery will take even longer. But with this ‘no regret’ package of measures, we expect to take a serious step in reducing nitrogen and dehydration in vulnerable areas. In doing so, we are taking a meaningful step toward making the granting of permits more feasible,” Roijackers says.

The Dutch government has yet to judge the Brabant plans and then whether or not to approve the requested budget. The province expects the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality to come up with an initial response soon.

Source: niuweoogst.nl