Because of such activities much native vegetation is lost. A lesser known but not less important cause of depletion is the use of plant material from other countries. A high proportion of plant material is cultivated from relatively cheap seed imported from South and East Europe, areas with a warmer climate. This often involves species which do occur in nature here, but have different hereditary characteristics and are therefore less adapted to circumstances in the Netherlands. The depletion must be brought to a halt.
Native species belong in the nature and landscape of the Netherlands.
We are responsible for their survival. If a species disappears, it s gone for good. It is not only the individual species which is worth preserving, it is also the genetic variation within the species family which forms a valuable asset. By adapting to climate and environmental circumstances, a great diversity of hereditary characteristics can be found within one species. A species will flower earlier in one area than in another, or forms earlier leaves.