Dutch government and provinces agree €100m extra for nature management in 2027

The Dutch government says it has agreed with provincial authorities to provide an extra €100 million for nature management in 2027. Central government will contribute €56 million and the provinces €44 million under the agreement announced on 13 October. [1]

The money is intended for the Nature and Landscape Subsidy Scheme, known as SNL. The government says nature managers could use it for work such as maintaining forests, dredging waterways and mowing land. It cites an external evaluation that found management costs had risen, but gives no figure for the increase in its announcement. [1]

According to the government’s announcement, better management can support nature restoration and help create more room for issuing permits. The funding announced so far covers 2027, rather than a permanent annual increase. Matthijs de Vries, the provincial association IPO’s nature portfolio holder, says the provinces want longer-term funding agreements with central government. The government says it and the provinces are working towards a new Natuurpact, or Nature Pact, that will address long-term funding for nature management. [1]