Convention on Biological Diversity
Sixth National Report of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
M.E. Sanders, R.J.H.G Henkens, D.M.E Slijkerman

WOt-technical report 156

Convention on Biological Diversity
Sixth National Report of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
M.E. Sanders
R.J.H.G. Henkens
D.M.E. Slijkerman

Project WOT-04-009-033
Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the Environment
Wageningen, May 2019
WOt-technical report 156
ISSN 2352-2739
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18174/499170

Abstract
Sanders, M.E., R.J.H.G. Henkens & D.M.E. Slijkerman

eilanden met onder andere tropisch nevelbossen, mangro-

(2019). Convention on Biological Diversity; Sixth National

vebossen en koraalriffen. De belangrijkste oorzaak van de

Report of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Wageningen,

langdurige achteruitgang van biodiversiteit was de intensi-

the Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the

vering van de landbouwproductie, inclusief de ontginnin-

Environment (WOT Natuur & Milieu). WOt-technical report

gen van semi-natuurlijke gebieden, het ontwateren van

156. 136 p.; 48 Figs; 4 Tabs; 234 Refs. 3 Annexes.

natte gebieden, het gebruik van kunstmest, enz. Maar ook
niet-duurzame visserij, vervuiling, overbegrazing, klimaat-

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated

verandering en invasieve exoten veroorzaken een achter-

countries in the world. Most of the country’s land area is

uitgang van biodiversiteit. Om deze achteruitgang om te

highly productive agricultural land. There is little or no

keren, heeft Nederland sinds 1990 verschillende plannen

area of natural ecosystem that could be called pristine,

en doelen voor biodiversiteit opgesteld en geïmplemen-

although high biodiversity values are certainly found. The

teerd. Deze rapportage presenteert de belangrijkste

Kingdom of the Netherlands also comprises six Caribbean

inspanningen om de biodiversiteitsdoelen te bereiken

islands with, among other things, tropical rainforests,
mangrove forests and coral reefs. The main cause of the

Trefwoorden: Biodiversiteit, ecosysteemdiensten,

long-term decline biodiversity has been the intensification

natuurlijk kapitaal, CBD, biodiversiteitsdoelen,

of agricultural production, including the reclamation of

Aichi-targets, Natuurnetwerk Nederland (NNN),

semi-natural areas, the drainage of wet areas, the use of

Programma Aanpak Stikstof (PAS)

artificial fertilizer, etc. But also unsustainable fishing,
pollution, overgrazing, climate change and invasive alien

Cover photo: Diana Slijkerman/Frank Albertsma

species cause a decline in biodiversity. To reverse this

Photos: Marlies Sanders, Diana Slijkerman/Frank

decline, the Netherlands has prepared and implemented

Albertsma, Ruut Wegman

action plans and targets for biodiversity since 1990. This
report presents the most important efforts to achieve the

© 2019 Wageningen Environmental Research

biodiversity targets.

PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen

Key words: Biodiversity, ecosystem services, natural

e-mail: marlies.sanders@wur.nl

Phone: +31 317 480 700;
capital, Aichi biodiversity targets, national ecological

		rene.henkens@wur.nl

network, programmatic approach to nitrogen
Wageningen Marine Research
Referaat

PO Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder

Sanders, M.E., R.J.H.G. Henkens & D.M.E. Slijkerman

Phone: +31 317 480 900;

(2019). Verdrag inzake biologische diversiteit; Zesde

e-mail: diana.slijkerman@wur.nl

nationaal rapport van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden.
Wettelijke Onderzoekstaken Natuur & Milieu, WOttechnical report 156. 136 blz.; 48 fig.; 4 tab.; 243 ref;
3 Bijlagen.

The WOt-technical reports series is published by the Statutory
Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the Environment (WOT Natuur &
Milieu), part of Wageningen University & Research. This document is
available from the secretary’s office, and can be downloaded from

Nederland is een van de dichtstbevolkte landen ter wereld.
Het grootste deel van het landoppervlak van het land is
zeer productieve landbouwgrond. Er is weinig of geen
gebied dat ongerept kan worden genoemd, hoewel hoge
biodiversiteitswaarden zeker worden gevonden. Het
Koninkrijk der Nederlanden omvat ook zes Caribische

2 | WOt-technical report 156

www.wur.nl/wotnatuurenmilieu

CC BY-NC

Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the Environment,

P.O. Box 47, NL-6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Phone: +31 317 48 54 71;
e-mail: info.wnm@wur.nl;
Internet: www.wur.nl/wotnatuurenmilieu

Woord vooraf
De ongekend snelle achteruitgang van de biodiversiteit vormt een minstens even grote bedreiging voor
de mensheid als de opwarming van de aarde, zo stelt IPBES (The International Science-Policy Platform
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) in haar rapport ‘First Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Services’. Biodiversiteit (een samenvoeging van ‘biologisch’ en ‘diversiteit’) is een
samenvattend begrip voor de totale rijkdom aan leven op aarde van het niveau van genen en plantenen diersoorten tot aan complete ecosystemen. Biodiversiteit gaat op wereldniveau hard achteruit als
gevolg van destructief land­gebruik, klimaatverandering, overbevissing, vervuiling en invasieve soorten.
Zonder ingrijpende maat­regelen zullen tussen de 500.000 en een miljoen planten- en diersoorten de
komende decennia uitsterven. Dit terwijl biodiversiteit, en natuur in brede zin, talloze diensten en
producten leveren aan maatschappij en economie en als zodanig onmisbaar zijn voor het menselijk
bestaan op aarde. Het IPBES-rapport is een wetenschappelijke analyse van de toestand van de natuur
en biodiversiteit op wereldniveau en is de wetenschappelijke basis voor een nieuw biodiversiteitsverdrag
dat in 2020 moet worden afgesloten door de 132 lidstaten en partijen van de VN-Conventie over
Biodiversiteit (CBD) uit 1992, de tegenhanger van het VN-klimaatverdrag uit datzelfde jaar.
Is de achteruitgang van biodiversiteit ook zo groot in Nederland? Wat doet Nederland om het
biodiversiteits­verlies te stoppen en hoe effectief is dat? Naast het IPBES-rapport van de Verenigde
Naties hebben de partijen ook zelf een rapportage van de toestand van de natuur en biodiversiteit op
nationaal niveau opgesteld voor de CBD. Het ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit heeft
deze rapportage daarnaast op 12 juli 2019 ook naar de Tweede Kamer gestuurd. De tekst van deze
nationale rapportage, samengesteld door Wageningen Environmental Research, heeft in dit WOttechnical report een beter leesbare indeling en een aan­trekkelijke opmaak gekregen.
Marlies Sanders
René Henkens
Diana Slijkerman

Convention on Biological Diversity - Woord vooraf | 3

4 | Woord vooraf

Contents
Samenvatting

7

Executive Summary

11

Introduction

19

I

National Targets

21

II

Main Measures

29

III

Assessment of Main Measures

33

IV

Assessment of National Targets

47

V

Aichi Biodiversity Targets

61

VI

Sustainable Development Goals

119

VII Country Profile

121

Justification

125

Appendices

126

Convention on Biological Diversity - Contents | 5

Progress towards Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Progress towards national targets

Address the
underlying drivers

Netherlands

Caribbean
Islands in
general

Awareness of biodiversity increased

Netherlands

Better conservation of species and
habitats

Biodiversity values mainstreamed
Maintain and enhance ecosystem
Incentives reformed

services

Sustainable production and

Better conservation of species and

consumption

habitats affected by agriculture and

Reduce direct pressures

forestry
Habitat loss halved or reduced

Sustainable fisheries

Sustainable fisheries

Invasive alien species controlled,
eradicated, prevented

Sustainable agriculture, aquaculture
Contribution to avert global

and forestry

biodiversity loss.
Pollution reduced

Estimated effectiveness of main measures

Invasive alien species prevented and
controlled

National ecological network (NEN)

Ecosystems vulnerable to climate

Improve bio­
diversity status

change

The Nature Conservation Act
Subsidies for management measures

Protected areas
Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen
Improve conservation threatened

(PAN)

species

N.A.

Safeguarding genetic diversity

Stimulating sustainable use of natural
capital

Enhance
benefits to all

Utilising the self-organising capacities
of society

Ecosystem services
Ecosystem restoration and resilience
Access and benefit sharing genetic

On track to exceed or achieve target

resources

Progress towards target but at an
insufficient rate

Enhance
implementation

Biodiversity strategies and action

No significant change or moving away

plans
Traditional knowledge

from target

N.A.

N.A.
partially effective

Sharing information and knowledge

effective

Resource mobilization

ineffective

6 | WOt-technical report 156

Samenvatting
Het Verdrag inzake biologische diversiteit (Convention on

Natuur en biodiversiteit in Europees Nederland

Biological Diversity, CBD) is een internationaal verdrag,
geïnitieerd door het Milieuprogramma van de Verenigde

Nederland is een van de dichtstbevolkte landen ter wereld

Naties (UNEP). De CBD zet in op drie doelen: het behoud

en het grootste deel van het landoppervlak is zeer produc-

van biodiversiteit, het duurzaam gebruiken van biodiversi-

tieve landbouwgrond. Allerlei maatregelen om de land-

teit en een billijke verdeling van de voordelen die voort-

bouwproductie te verhogen, zoals de ontwatering van

vloeien uit het gebruik van genetische rijkdommen. In

natte gebieden en het gebruik van kunstmest, maar ook

2002 hebben partijen, de ondertekenaars van de conven-

verstedelijking, vervuiling en overbevissing hebben

tie waaronder Nederland, zich verplicht de achteruitgang

afgelopen eeuw geleid tot een achteruitgang van biodiver-

in biodiversiteit in 2010 significant geremd te hebben. Dit

siteit. Er is weinig of geen gebied dat ongerept kan

ambitieuze doel is niet gehaald. Tijdens de CBD-

worden genoemd. Bijna 40% van de soorten in Nederland

Conferentie van Partijen (COP10) in Nagoya, Japan in

staan op de Rode Lijst en worden in meer of mindere

2010 werd daarom een Strategisch Plan voor Biodiversiteit

mate bedreigd, 96% van de habitattypen en 77% van de

2011-2020 overeengekomen. Dit strategisch plan is een

habitatrichtlijnsoorten hadden in 2013 een zeer- of matig

tienjarig kader voor actie door alle partijen om biodiversi-

ongunstige staat van instandhouding. Ondanks deze

teit te redden en de voordelen voor mensen te vergroten.

achteruitgang zijn er nog steeds hoge biodiversiteits­
waarden aanwezig. Zo is het Nederlandse deel van de

De partijen van de CBD hebben afgesproken elke vier jaar

Waddenzee Unesco-werelderfgoed en een cruciale tussen-

over de implementatie van het strategische plan te

stopplaats voor miljoenen Afrikaans-Euraziatische

rapporteren. Deze zesde rapportage (2019) heeft de CBD

trekvogels.

de partijen verzocht te rapporteren over:
1

de nationale doelen voor biodiversiteit,

Doelen en maatregelen voor biodiversiteitsbehoud

2

de genomen uitvoeringsmaatregelen om de doelen te

en -herstel

halen,

Om de achteruitgang in biodiversiteit te keren, heeft

3

beoordeling van de effectiviteit van deze maatregelen,

Nederland verschillende doelen voor biodiversiteit opge-

4

beoordeling van de voortgang van elk nationaal doel,

steld en geïmplementeerd. Nederland heeft de zes

5

beschrijving van de nationale bijdrage aan het berei-

doelstellingen uit de EU-Biodiversiteitsstrategie opgeno-

ken van elk van de wereldwijde Aichi-biodiversiteits-

men als nationale doelen. Deze ‘nationale’ doelen gaan

doelen. Deze Aichi-biodiversiteitsdoelen zijn onderdeel

over:

van het Strategisch Plan voor Biodiversiteit 2011-2020

• het verbeteren van de staat van instandhouding van

van de CBD. Binnen Europa zijn deze Aichi-­doelen
verder uitgewerkt in de EU-Biodiversiteitsstrategie
2020 met zes doelstellingen.

soorten en habitattypen,
• het verbeteren en herstellen van ecosystemen en van
ecosysteemdiensten,
• het behoud van soorten en habitattypen die worden

De zesde nationale rapportage wordt op de COP gebruikt
om de stand van zaken voor de uitvoering van de CBD te
beoordelen. Het biedt informatie voor de vijfde ‘Global
Biodiversity Outlook’, een periodiek rapport dat de meest

beïnvloed door de landbouw en bosbouw,
• het duurzaam gebruik van visbestanden; de visserij
heeft geen significante nadelige gevolgen voor soorten
en ecosystemen,

recente gegevens over de status en trends van biodiversi-

• het bestrijden van invasieve exoten,

teit samenvat en conclusies trekt die relevant zijn voor

• het leveren van een bijdrage aan het voorkomen van

de verdere implementatie van het CBD-verdrag. Voor

wereldwijd biodiversiteitsverlies.

Nederland wordt onderscheid gemaakt in het Europese
en Caribische deel van het Koninkrijk.

Convention on Biological Diversity - Samenvatting | 7

De zes belangrijkste maatregelen die Nederland neemt om

toestemming voor stikstof uitstotende activiteiten worden

deze doelen te bereiken, zijn:

gebruikt. De Raad van State heeft eind mei 2019 geoor-

• het creëren van nieuwe natuur in een samenhangend

deeld dat de PAS onvoldoende onderbouwd is om vergun-

netwerk van natuurgebieden,

ningen voor nieuwe activiteiten te verstrekken.

• wettelijke bescherming van bedreigde soorten en
natuurgebieden,

De vooruitgang is onvoldoende om de doelstellingen

• subsidies voor beheermaatregelen,

te halen

• een programmatische aanpak van stikstof,

Door de genomen maatregelen is er veel vooruitgang

• het stimuleren van duurzaam gebruik van natuurlijk

geboekt. De vooruitgang is echter onvoldoende om de

kapitaal, en
• het benutten van de zelforganiserende capaciteiten van
de samenleving.

nationale doelstellingen binnen de gestelde termijn vóór
2020 te halen. Zo neemt zowel het aantal rode-lijstsoorten als de gemiddelde mate van bedreiging van deze
soorten na voorzichtig herstel weer toe. Het is echter

In de Rijksnatuurvisie (2014) heeft het Rijk de inzet van

vooral de agrobiodiversiteit die nog steeds afneemt,

het natuurbeleid verbreed naar een insteek waarin het nut

ondanks alle positieve en substantiële inspanningen zoals

van natuur, bestaande uit goederen en diensten, meer

het gemeenschappelijk landbouwbeleid en agromilieu­

aandacht krijgt. In de ‘Uitvoeringsagenda Natuurlijk

programma’s. De populatie boerenlandvogels is sinds

Kapitaal’ (2013) zijn activiteiten geformuleerd die door het

1990 met 30% afgenomen, de vlinders in agrarische

Rijk en maatschappelijke partners worden ondernomen

graslanden nemen af en 72% van de natuur heeft in 2016

om het beoogde einddoel te bereiken: behoud, duurzaam

nog steeds min of meer te lijden van stikstofdepositie die

en eerlijk gebruik van het natuurlijk kapitaal in 2020. De

grotendeels afkomstig is uit de landbouw.

Nederlandse overheid heeft de verantwoordelijkheid voor
natuurherstel en natuurbeheer gedecentraliseerd naar de

Ook de visserij is nog niet volledig duurzaam. Volgens de

provincies (Natuurpact 2013).

Nederlandse Mariene Strategie voldoet slechts 26% van
de commerciële vis, schaal- en schelpdierbestanden aan

Maatregelen zijn gedeeltelijk effectief

een goede milieutoestand (op basis van de criteria

Aanzienlijke inspanningen zijn gedaan om de bestaande

‘visserijsterfte’ en ‘biomassa van het paaibestand’). Ook

natuur en biodiversiteit te beschermen en te herstellen en

de populaties van (langlevende) haaien, roggen en veel op

om ‘nieuwe’ natuurlijke gebieden te creëren. Sinds 2011 is

de bodem levende soorten, welke vooral zijn afgenomen

er 33.000 ha nieuwe natuur bijgekomen en sinds 2005 is

als gevolg van de visserij, herstellen zich nog steeds niet.

de barrièrewerking van 114 infrastructurele knelpunten

Belangrijke visbestanden als haring, tong en schol worden

opgeheven met behulp van ecoducten en andere fauna-

momenteel wel als duurzaam beschouwd.

passages. Er is echter onvoldoende vooruitgang geboekt
om de nationale doelstellingen volledig te bereiken, terwijl

Er zijn belangrijke stappen gezet om de effecten van het

de belangrijkste maatregelen als gedeeltelijk doeltreffend

gebruik van natuurlijke hulpbronnen binnen veilige

worden beschouwd. Het Natuurnetwerk Nederland (NNN,

ecologische grenzen te houden. Het marktaandeel van een

voorheen EHS), de hoeksteen van het behoud van bio­

aantal in Nederland geïmporteerde biotische grondstoffen

diversiteit in Nederland, wordt pas in 2027 voltooid.

zoals hout, soja, palmolie en koffie met een duurzaam-

Ondanks de huidige focus op essentiële ecosysteemdien-

heidslabel is de afgelopen decennia aanzienlijk toegeno-

sten in Nederland, bevinden de analyse en evaluatie van

men. Hoewel er redelijke vooruitgang is geboekt, is de

de meeste diensten zich nog in een vroeg stadium,

weg naar duurzaamheid lang.

evenals het proces om deze te beschermen en te
herstellen.

Bijdrage aan de Aichi-doelen
Net als de nationale doelen, worden de meeste Aichi-

Een toenemend aantal mensen en bedrijven ondernemen

doelen beoordeeld als ‘vooruitgang in de richting van het

acties voor biodiversiteit en duurzame productie, con-

doel’. Verschillende Achi-doelen zijn ‘behaald of op schema

sumptie en handel. Het Programma Aanpak Stikstof

om het doel te overschrijden in 2020’, terwijl de vooruit-

(PAS), een belangrijk instrument om de milieucondities

gang in de richting van enkele andere doelen ‘geen

in natuurgebieden te verbeteren, mag niet als basis voor

significante verandering’ laat zien. Zo zijn de beschermde

8 | WOt-technical report 156

gebieden in Nederland (Natuurnetwerk Nederland incl.
Natura 2000) goed voor meer dan 17% (= doelstelling)
van het land- en binnenwatergebied en 10% van de
kust- en zeegebieden, maar is het Aichi-doel nog niet
bereikt omdat de milieuomstandigheden een aanzienlijk
negatief effect hebben op de staat van instandhouding van
deze beschermde gebieden. Vermeldenswaard is dat het
verzamelen, delen en toepassen van kennis over biodiversiteit (Aichi-target: Knowledge improved, shared and
applied) zeer goed ontwikkeld is in Nederland waardoor dit
doel al ruim voor 2020 is bereikt.

Natuur en biodiversiteit op de Nederlandse
Caribische eilanden
Het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden omvat ook zes Caribische
eilanden (Caribisch Nederland met daarbinnen de drie
eilanden Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius en de drie zelfstandige landen binnen het Koninkrijk: Curaçao, Aruba en
St. Maarten), die onderdeel zijn van de Caribische
Biodiversiteitshotspot. Hier komen habitats voor variërend
van tropisch nevelbos en zoutmeren tot mangrovebossen
en koraalriffen, die het leefgebied vormen van honderden
endemische en bedreigde soorten. De ecosystemen van
de eilanden zijn kwetsbaar. De meeste habitats zijn klein,
net als de soortenpopulaties die ervan afhankelijk zijn,
terwijl de bedreigingen groot zijn.
Data van langetermijnmonitoring zijn schaars en dat geldt
ook voor trendanalyses en indicatoren. De Aichi-doelen
zijn daarom, voor elk eiland afzonderlijk, vooral beoordeeld op basis van (lokale) expert-kennis. De eilanden van
Caribisch Nederland staan er wat beter voor dan de
andere drie eilanden, maar over het algemeen liggen de
Aichi-biodiversiteitsdoelen niet op schema. Soms is zelfs
sprake van een achteruitgang. Dit komt door de vele
lokale bedreigingen, zoals overbegrazing en erosie als
gevolg van duizenden loslopende geiten en ander vee,
vervuiling, invasieve exoten en overbevissing. De eco­
systemen hebben daardoor ook minder veerkracht om de
verwachte negatieve gevolgen van klimaatverandering op
te kunnen vangen. De acties om de verschillende bedreigingen het hoofd te bieden, zijn nog onvoldoende om in
2020 de Aichi-biodiversiteitsdoelen te behalen. Uiteindelijk
zal dit ook de eilandeconomieën raken, omdat deze (met
name de sectoren toerisme en visserij) sterk afhankelijk
zijn van ecosysteemdiensten.

Convention on Biological Diversity - Samenvatting | 9

10 | WOt-technical report 156

Executive Summary
Background

cornerstone of biodiversity conservation in the
Netherlands, is still in the process of being established and

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an

is due for completion in 2027, and environmental impacts,

international treaty initiated by the United Nations

especially from agriculture, are still a major concern.

Environment Programme (UNEP). The Strategic Plan for

However, there also has been significant progress towards

Biodiversity 2011-2020 was agreed at the tenth meeting

meeting several components of most of the Aichi

of the CBD Conference of Parties (COP10) in Nagoya,

Biodiversity Targets. Some target components, such as

Japan in 2010. The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity includes

conserving at least 17% of the terrestrial and inland water

five interdependent Strategic Goals and a set of 20 Aichi

area, have been met.

Biodiversity Targets, most with an end-point of 2020. The
sixth national report is used by the Conference of the

The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes six islands

Parties to assess the status of implementation of the CBD.

within the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot, with

It provides information for a global biodiversity outlook of

tropical rainforests, coral reefs and hundreds of endemic

progress towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan

and threatened species. The island ecosystems are fragile.

for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and progress towards the Aichi

Most habitats are small, as are the species populations

Biodiversity Targets. The sixth national report guidelines

that depend on them, while the threats are high. Most

ask Parties to report on 1) national targets, 2) main

Aichi Biodiversity Targets are not on track due to local

measures, 3) the effectiveness of these measures, 4)

threats, including free-roaming grazing livestock, pollu-

progress towards the national targets, and 5) progress

tion, invasive species and overfishing, which also make

towards the achievement of each Aichi Biodiversity Target.

the island ecosystems less resilient to the major threat of
climate change. The island economies are very much
dependent on ecosystem services, especially tourism and

Key messages

fisheries. However, the actions to deal with these local
threats (if any) are generally insufficient. This is illustrated

There has been significant and reasonable progress

by the fact that progress towards five of the Aichi Targets

towards the national targets, but the 2020 deadline will

has actually been negative, while no significant change

not be reached. The Netherlands is one of the most

can be observed for 50% of the targets on some of the

densely populated countries in the world and most of the

islands.

country’s land area is highly productive agricultural land.
Reclamation of semi-natural areas, the drainage of wet
areas, use of artificial fertiliser, etc., all to increase

National targets and main measures

agricultural production, as well as expanding urbanisation
and infrastructure due to the growth in population size

In 2011 the European Commission adopted a strategy to

and mobility have contributed to the long-term decline

halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the

(over the 20th century) of populations of species and to

EU by 2020. The Netherlands has committed itself to

the decline habitats. The path to sustainability and

objectives in the EU Biodiversity Strategy and thus

achieving the targets is a long one.

indirectly to those in the CBD. The national targets are
based on the European targets and related to the Aichi

Considerable effort has been invested in safeguarding and

Biodiversity Targets (Appendix 1). For the Kingdom of the

restoring existing nature as well as in creating ‘new’

Netherlands in Europe there are six main targets:

natural areas. However, in most cases progress has been

1

By 2020, the assessments of species and habitats

insufficient to fully achieve the 2020 targets while the

protected by EU nature law show better conservation

main measures are considered to be partly effective. For

or a secure status for 100% more habitats and 50%

example, the national ecological network (NEN), the

more species.

Convention on Biological Diversity - Executive Summary | 11

2

6

By 2020, ecosystems and their services are main-

utilising the self-organising capacities of society by

tained and enhanced by establishing green infrastruc-

stimulating, facilitating and financially support green

ture and restoring at least 15% of degraded

initiatives.

ecosystems.
3

4

5

By 2020, the conservation of species and habitats

In the last seven years the Dutch government has decen-

depending on or affected by agriculture and forestry,

tralised the responsibility for nature restoration and

and the provision of their ecosystem services, show

conservation management to the provinces. In 2013,

measurable improvements.

ambitions for 2027 were agreed upon and set down in the

By 2015, fishing is sustainable. By 2020, fish stocks

Nature Pact between the national government and the

are healthy and European seas healthier. Fishing has

provinces, including agreements on expanding the NEN,

no significant adverse impacts on species and

improving environmental conditions, improving the system

ecosystems.

of conservation management by farmers and more

By 2020, invasive alien species are identified, priority

cross-sectoral strategies to integrate conservation man-

species controlled or eradicated, and pathways

agement into other land uses.

managed to prevent new invasive species from
disrupting European biodiversity.
6

Main measures and their effectiveness

By 2020, the EU has stepped up its contribution to
avert global biodiversity loss.

The above six main measures are taken to achieve the six
The six main measures of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

national targets. Each main measure is not geared

in Europe are:

towards achieving a single target, but contributes towards

1

create new habitat within the national ecological

the achievement of several targets (Appendix 1). In

network (NEN) with the aim of establishing viable

theory, contributing to several targets at the same time

species populations;

increases the potential success of a measure. However,

the Nature Conservation Act, an important instrument

interactions between measures and targets, as well as the

for species and habitat conservation;

complex causal relations in ecology, make it difficult to

subsidies for conservation management measures

assess how effective the measures taken have been. The

important for maintaining biodiversity;

results below show that progress has been made and that

4

the Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN);

the measures do contribute towards several targets,

5

stimulating sustainable use of natural capital and

although the targets will not be met in 2020. The tools or

mainstreaming nature for the benefit of society and

means (indicators and monitoring) for assessing progress

the economy;

towards the national targets are described in Appendix 2.

2
3

Main measures
Measure taken has been:

1

effective
partially effective
ineffective
unknow

2

3

4

5

Main measures
6

1

National ecological network (NEN)

2

The Nature Conservation Act

3

Subsidies for management measures

4

Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN)

5

Stimulating sustainable use of natural capital

6

Utilising the self-organising capacity of society

Table 1 Estimated effectiveness of main measures
‘Partially effective’ means, according to the CBD, that “progress towards the stated target has begun, however
the complete desired outcome has not yet been achieved. This could be due to time lags between when the
measure was taken and when its effects become visible. It could also be due to national circumstances creating
delays or challenges to the implementation of the measure. Other possible reasons for a measure being given
this assessment are that the measure has not been implemented at the scale necessary or at the appropriate
institutional level.”

12 | WOt-technical report 156

The obstacles and scientific and technical needs related to

pressures, the NEN has slowed down the average rate of

the measures taken are described in Appendix 3. Based

biodiversity loss in the Netherlands. The Programmatic

on the results and indicators described below, the complex

Approach to Nitrogen (main measure 4) is the most

relations, the progress towards the targets and our expert

important measure for improving environmental condi-

knowledge, we conclude that the measures taken have

tions necessary for biodiversity protection in the

been partially effective (Table 1).

Netherlands. On 31 March 2018, more than 28% of the
restoration measures to be implemented had been

The NEN (main measure 1), including 161 EU Natura 2000

completed in the first PAN period. However, reported

sites, is the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation in the

nitrogen deposition and emissions of ammonia have

Netherlands. All large waters, such as the North Sea and

increased slightly following many years of decline.

the Wadden Sea, are part of the NEN and large parts of
these waters are protected Natura 2000 sites. The devel-

Urbanisation, transport and industrial, agricultural and

opment of the NEN began in 1990 and it is still increasing

fisheries activities cause environmental pressures on

in size. The degree of fragmentation of the NEN by

biodiversity. The reforms of the EU common agriculture

infrastructure and fragmentation of rivers and streams by

policy and common fisheries policy may turn out to be

obstacles is being reduced. The NEN is still in the process

milestones in reducing these impacts and improving the

of being established and is due for completion in 2027.

sustainable use of the components of biological diversity.

Along with subsidies for management measures (main

Also important in this respect is legislation on environ-

measure 3) and a substantial decline in environmental

mental and spatial issues (main measure 2).

Convention on Biological Diversity - Executive Summary | 13

The Dutch government is stimulating the sustainable use

Summary of progress towards national targets

of natural capital (main measure 5). An increasing number
of people and businesses are taking actions for the benefit

Progress towards the national targets (Table 2) was

of biodiversity and sustainable production, consumption

determined from available assessments, available indica-

and trade are increasing. Internationally, the Netherlands

tors and expert judgement based on the estimated level of

is also working on biodiversity-related issues with the aim

confidence and monitoring related to the target

of preventing negative impacts on tropical forests, man-

(Appendix 2).

grove forests, marine and other ecosystems. The government is working on constraints on the trade in endangered

The latest assessment of the conservation status of

species and products made from them, in part via support

habitats and species was published in 2013. A new

for sustainable development programmes in its develop-

assessment is expected to be published in mid-2019. In

ment cooperation portfolio and via climate funding, and in

the Netherlands, 10% of the habitat types with an unfa-

part by facilitating the formation of coalitions of Dutch

vourable conservation status showed an improvement,

businesses, knowledge institutes and government institu-

while no less than 27% worsened. The Habitats Directive

tions around value chains that are critical to biodiversity,

species show a slightly better trend: more than 40% of

such as timber, soy, palm oil and shrimps.

the species with an unfavourable status improved, while
the status of 11% worsened. The population trends of

The Dutch government is utilising the self-organising

Birds Directive species in the Netherlands for the period

capacities of society (main measure 6). Awareness in

2001-2012 were variable: the status of 39% of the

society of the need to conserve nature is relatively high

breeding birds improved, while the status of 37% wors-

and ecological data and knowledge is effectively shared

ened. Other indicators of species and habitats show

and used, but the conservation of genetic diversity for

similar results. The status of Red List species (RLI)

animal breeds is still a concern. In consultation with civil

showed a small and fragile improvement, the population

society groups the Dutch government has prepared a

size of ecosystem characteristic species increased (LPI)

number of biodiversity policy documents contributing to

and biological water quality improved.

the CBD goals.

14 | WOt-technical report 156

Despite the current focus on essential ecosystem services

The common fisheries policy stipulates that between 2015

in the Netherlands, the analysis and evaluation of most

and 2020 catch limits should be set that are sustainable

services is still at an early stage, as is the process towards

and maintain fish stocks over the long term. Important

safeguarding and restoring them. A successful initiative

fish stocks (herring, sole, plaice) are currently considered

for restoring ecosystem services in combination with water

sustainable. Cod is not, which illustrates that not all fish

management, climate adaptation and public safety was

stocks and effects of unsustainable fishing have been

the Room for the River programme, which has opened up

restored yet. The populations of vulnerable long-lived

more room in the floodplains of the main rivers for

shark, ray and many benthic species have decreased

dynamic processes and increased capacity to accommo-

since 1990 and are still not recovering.

date and manage higher river discharge levels. The
impacts of pesticides on nature, especially on bees, is

The invasive alien species and pathways have been

currently attracting much attention. The number of bee

identified and measures are being taken, but the number

species in the Netherlands on the Red List increased

of invasive alien species in the Netherlands is still increas-

between 2003 and 2018.

ing (data to 2016). Introduction pathways such as trade
and use are regulated by law. The Nature Conservation Act

The agriculture sector has made less progress towards

prohibits the release of animal and plant species in the wild

sustainability than the forestry sector. Agro-biodiversity is

and the possession of and trade in certain alien species.

still decreasing, despite all positive and substantial efforts

The law makes it possible to act when invasive alien

such as the common agricultural policy and agri-environ-

species are introduced. Control and eradication of invasive

mental schemes. In response to this lack of progress,

alien species is much more difficult in water than on land,

a social movement has arisen to work towards circular

which emphasises the need for prevention. The species on

nutrient cycles and nature-inclusive agriculture across

the Union list have been controlled or eradicated.

the entire agricultural sector, not only in the 10% of
agricultural areas that are under agri-environmental

Major steps have been taken to keep the impacts of

management. Populations of typical forest breeding

natural resource use within safe ecological limits, although

birds are increasing on average, while forest butterflies

concern still exists about the reform of the agricultural

show a more mixed picture. In general, agro-biodiversity

sector and the ecological footprint of the Netherlands,

is moving away from the target, while forest biodiversity

especially abroad. The market shares of a number of biotic

is improving. Local situations may show a much different

raw materials imported into the Netherlands with a

picture though.

sustainability label has increased substantially over the
past few decades. The path to sustainability is long,
although reasonable progress has been made.

National targets

National targets

1

Better conservation of species and habitats

2

Maintain and enhance ecosystem services

3

Better conservation of species and habitats affected by
agriculture and forestry

Progress towards target

4

Sustainable fisheries

No significant change

5

Invasive alien species controled, eradicated, prevented

6

Contribution to avert global biodiversity loss

Assessment
On track to exceed target
On track to achieve target

Moving away from target

1

2

3

4

5

6

Unknown

Table 2. Progress towards national targets
‘Progress towards target’ means, according to the CBD, that “significant progress towards the attainment of the
target has been made. The progress could take the form of measures being taken or actual improvements in the
status of the issues being addressed. However, while this category indicates an improving situation, the progress
that has been made will be insufficient for the target to be met by the deadline (=2020) unless further measures
are taken.”

Convention on Biological Diversity - Executive Summary | 15

Summary of progress towards the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets in the European Netherlands

not been met, especially for nitrogen. On average,
nitrogen deposition has not decreased since 2010 and
critical load exceedance is still significant in large areas.

Progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets was

Furthermore, the number of potentially invasive alien

determined from assessments, indicators and expert

species (Target 9) is still increasing, despite many preven-

judgement, taking the estimated level of confidence and

tive actions and prioritisation of invasive species and

monitoring related to the target into account

pathways. Aquatic species present a major management

(Appendix 2). Many of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets are

challenge. Finally, ecosystem restoration (Target 15) has

related to the national targets and the main measures

not been achieved yet, mainly because of the degradation

taken. These relations are described in Appendix 1. In

of peatland areas, which emit several Mtonnes of CO2 as a

contrast to the national targets, progress has not been

result of land drainage.

restricted to one category (Table 3).
Like the national targets, progress towards most

Summary of progress towards Aichi Biodiversity
Targets in the Caribbean islands

Aichi Targets is assessed as ‘progress towards target’.
Several Achi Targets are ‘achieved or on track to exceed

Long-term monitoring data are scarce for each of the six

target’ while progress towards a few others shows ‘no

Dutch Caribbean islands and trend analyses and indicators

significant change’. Below we describe the targets for

are therefore scarce as well. The 20 Aichi Targets were

which progress has been assessed other than ‘progress

assessed mainly on the basis of expert judgement. The

towards target’.

Caribbean Netherlands is generally more on track towards
achieving the Aichi Targets than the constituent countries

Aichi Targets 1, 16, 17 and 19 may be regarded as having

Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, probably due to a

been achieved. Based on the current status and positive

substantial increase in actions after 10 October 2010

trend of biodiversity awareness (Target 1) and the rele-

when the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands became

vant ongoing initiatives, it can be concluded that aware-

public bodies of the Netherlands.

ness is relatively high and still increasing. Access and
benefit sharing is in force and operational (Target 16) and
the Netherlands has developed and implemented several
national biodiversity strategy and action plans (Target 17).
Furthermore, sharing information and knowledge (Target
19) is very well developed in the Netherlands and can be
considered to have been achieved.
An important part of Aichi Targets 11 and 13 may be
regarded as having been achieved, but some aspects have
not yet been achieved. Although the protected areas in
the Netherlands amount to well over 17% of the terrestrial
land and inland water area and 10% of coastal and marine
areas, Aichi Target 11 has not yet been achieved because
environmental conditions have a substantial negative
impact on the conservation status of the protected areas.
Aichi Target 13, safeguarding genetic biodiversity, has not
been achieved. Many animal breeds are still at risk. Crop
genetic diversity is not at risk, although this is largely
conserved in ex situ collections.
Aichi Target 8, 9 and 15 showed no significant change.
Although pollution (Target 8) has been significantly
reduced in the Netherlands, several target levels have still

16 | WOt-technical report 156

Aichi Biodiversity Targets Kingdom of the Netherlands in Europe
Assessment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Achieved or on track to exceed target
On track to achieve target
Progress towards target
No significant change

N.A.

Moving away from target
Unknown
Table 3. Progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The light green squares in Table 3 indicate where progress on part of the target has
been assessed to be in a different category from the whole target.

Aichi Biodiversity Targets Caribbean overseas territories Kingdom of
the Netherlands
Assessment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

On track to exceed target
On track to achieve target
Progress towards target but at an insufficient rate
No significant change

N.A.

N.A.

Moving away from target
Unknown

Table 4. Progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets
Address the underlying drivers

Enhance the benefits to all

1

Awareness of biodiversity increased

14

Ecosystem services

2

Biodiversity values integrated

15

Ecosystem restoration and resilience

3

Incentives reformed

16

Access to and sharing benefits from genetic resources

4

Sustainable production and consumption

Reduce direct pressures

Enhance implementation

5

Habitat loss halved or reduced

17

Biodiversity strategies and action plans

6

Sustainable management of aquatic living resources

18

Traditional knowledge

7

Sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and forestry

19

Sharing information and knowledge

8

Pollution reduced

20

Mobilising resources from all sources

9

Invasive alien species prevented and controlled

10

Ecosystems vulnerable to climate change

Improve the status of biodiversity
11

Protected areas

12

Reducing risk of extinction

13

Safeguarding genetic diversity

Convention on Biological Diversity - Executive Summary | 17

18 | WOt-technical report 156

Introduction
The sixth national report provides the Conference of the

tool is available through the Clearing-House Mechanism of

Parties with the information needed to assess the status of

the Convention and is fully aligned with the reporting

implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity

templates for the sixth national report. The COP encourag-

(CBD). The CBD is an international treaty initiated by the

es Parties to submit their sixth national report through the

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It has

voluntary online reporting tool. The CBD online reporting

been ratified or accepted by 196 Parties, mostly individual

tool enables Parties to enter, review and, when appropri-

countries. The Netherlands and the European Union are

ate, submit information requested in the guidelines for the

Parties to the CBD. The CBD entered into force on 29

sixth national report (decision XIII/27). The report can be

December 1993 and has three main objectives:

exported as a pdf from the online reporting tool. However,

1

The conservation of biological diversity

the online report and the pdf are produced according to a

2

The sustainable use of the components of biological

fixed template which contains many textual repetitions,

diversity

information about tools or means used, indicator lists, web

3

The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising

links, information on the level of confidence of the assess-

out of the utilisation of genetic resources

ment, the adequacy of monitoring and the obstacles and
scientific and technical needs. This WOT-report has been

The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 was agreed

produced in a more attractive and readable form than the

at the tenth meeting of the CBD Conference of Parties

template. Its purpose is to present the contribution made

(COP10) in Nagoya, Japan in 2010. The Strategic Plan for

by the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the CBD objectives

Biodiversity includes five interdependent Strategic Goals

to a broader public. It contains the same text and indica-

and a set of 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets, most with an

tors as the sixth national report, but the sequence of the

end-point of 2020. The Strategic Plan’s ultimate vision for

chapters has been changed, text repetitions have been

2050 is a world where biodiversity is valued, conserved,

replaced by references, and indicator lists and methodo-

restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services,

logical topics have been put in appendices.

sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands
The sixth national report is used by the Conference of the
Parties to assess the status of implementation of the CBD.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes six

It provides information for a global biodiversity outlook of

Caribbean islands. The islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius and

progress towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan

Bonaire are special municipalities and together form the

for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and progress towards the Aichi

Caribbean Netherlands, while the islands of Sint Maarten,

Biodiversity Targets. The sixth national report guidelines

Aruba and Curaçao are constituent countries. The imple-

ask Parties to report on: national targets, main measures,

mentation of the first Caribbean Netherlands Nature Policy

the effectiveness of these measures, progress towards the

Plan 2013-2017 has been evaluated, while no national

national targets, and progress towards the achievement of

targets have been adopted for the other islands. The

each Aichi Biodiversity Target. This sequence is also the

information on the Caribbean will therefore be provided in

structure of this WOT-report.

the section on the Aichi Targets. The national targets in
the first four sections are for the European Netherlands.

Structure of the report
In December 2016 the Conference of the Parties (COP)
adopted the guidelines, including the reporting templates,
for the sixth national report. A voluntary online reporting

Convention on Biological Diversity - Introduction | 19

20 WOt-technical report 156

I National Targets
The national biodiversity targets or equivalent commitments in line with
the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Targets

The Netherlands has committed itself to nature objectives
stated in the EU Biodiversity Strategy1 and thus indirectly

Information on the targets being pursued at
the national level

to those in the Convention on Biological Diversity. The
national targets are based on the European targets and

The rationale behind each of the national targets and the

related to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

related objectives from the national biodiversity strategies
and action plans (NBSAPs) are described below. The

The six main targets for the Kingdom of the Netherlands

relevant conventions, directives and agreements have

in Europe are the following:

been implemented in national policy and legislation,

1

By 2020, the assessments of species and habitats

including the policy documents Natural Capital Agenda2

protected by EU nature law show better conservation

(NCA; 2013) and the national nature vision The Natural

or a secure status for 100% more habitats and 50%

Way Forward – Government Vision 20143 (NV; 2014), and

more species.

since the decentralisation of nature policy in the provincial

By 2020, ecosystems and their services are main-

Nature Visions4 (PVs) and in the Nature Pact5 (NP; 2013),

tained and enhanced by establishing green infrastruc-

the agreement between the Dutch government and the

ture and restoring at least 15% of degraded

provinces on the implementation of Dutch nature policy.

ecosystems.

In these NBSAPs several objectives are related to the

By 2020, the conservation of species and habitats

main targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

2

3

depending on or affected by agriculture and forestry,
and the provision of their ecosystem services, show
measurable improvements.
4

By 2015, fishing is sustainable. By 2020, fish stocks
are healthy and European seas healthier. Fishing has
no significant adverse impacts on species and
ecosystems.

5

6

I-1	By 2020, the assessments of species and
habitats protected by EU nature law show
better conservation or a secure status for
100% more habitats and 50% more
species.

By 2020, invasive alien species are identified, priority
species controlled or eradicated, and pathways

The Birds and Habitats Directives6 are crucial for prevent-

managed to prevent new invasive species from

ing further loss of biodiversity and eventually fully restor-

disrupting European biodiversity.

ing European biodiversity. The Directives are fully imple-

By 2020, the EU has stepped up its contribution to

mented in Dutch legislation (Nature Conservation Act), but

avert global biodiversity loss.

‘reaching a favourable conservation status of all habitat
types and species of European importance and adequate

The links between the national targets and the Aichi

populations of naturally occurring wild bird species’ (EU

Biodiversity Targets can be found in Appendix 1.

Biodiversity Strategy) is still a long way off. For habitats in
water bodies, the EU Water Framework Directive7 is an
2

https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p1-en.pdf

3

https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p2-en.pdf

4

https://ipo.nl/beleidsvelden/natuur

5

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2013/09/18/
kamerbrief-natuurpact

1

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/docs/brochures/2020%20

6

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/index_en.htm

Biod%20brochure%20final%20lowres.pdf

7

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

Convention on Biological Diversity - I National Targets | 21

waters) in the EU.

I-2	By 2020, ecosystems and their services
are maintained and enhanced by
establishing green infrastructure and
restoring at least 15% of degraded
ecosystems.

These NBSAPs derive the following objectives from the

The EU considers our natural capital to be important

first main target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy:

because we depend on nature for food, energy, raw

• protect and improve the conservation status of species

materials, air, water and more. The services provided by

important policy instrument for achieving good qualitative
and quantitative status of these water bodies. The aim of
this Directive is a ‘good status’ for all ground and surface
waters (rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal

(NV, NP, PVs);

healthy ecosystems make life possible and support the

• improve environmental conditions in pursuit of the goals

economy. But many ecosystems and their services across

set by the Birds and Habitats Directives (NV, NP, PVs);

the EU territory are now degraded and fragmented as a

• improve spatial conditions by creating a robust national

result of intensive agriculture, urban sprawl and grey

ecological network (NV, NP, PVs);
• effective regulation to protect nature and reduce burden
on business and the public (NV, PVs);
• build an open, learning knowledge network: know more

infrastructure such as railways, roads and bridges, as well
as the impacts of pollution, invasive alien species and
climate change. The loss and degradation of valuable
ecosystems also undermines the benefits that flow from

together; knowledge sharing to increase awareness,

nature to people and the economy. This target will contrib-

public support and participation (NV, NCA, PVs).

ute to the EU’s sustainable growth and help the mitigation
of and adaptation to climate change. It will also ensure

The most important NBSAP for this target is the Nature

protected habitats are better connected, within and

Pact. In the Nature Pact (2013), the ambitions for the

between Natura 2000 areas as well as in the wider

restoration and management of nature in the Netherlands

countryside. By taking nature’s benefits into account in

were agreed upon between the Dutch national govern-

socioeconomic decisions, ecosystems can keep on provid-

ment and the provinces for the period 2011 up to and

ing their vital services.

8

including 2027. The focus of biodiversity policy in the
Netherlands lies on the realisation and management of the

The NBSAPs derive the following objectives from the

national ecological network (NEN) which is due to be

second main target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy:

completed in 2027. The Natura 2000 sites are an impor-

• regional development with nature combinations (recrea-

tant part of the NEN and the conservation of the Natura

tion, drinking water, energy): green living and working;
develop and build with nature (NV, PVs);

2000 habitat types and species are an important part of
the biodiversity policy. The Dutch government has decen-

• future-proof nature: more room for natural processes
(NV, PVs);

tralised the responsibility for habitat restoration and
conservation management to the provinces. The ambitions

• improve spatial conditions by creating a robust national
ecological network (NP);

they agreed upon include:
• protect and improve the conservation status of species

• by 2020, all ecosystem services in the Netherlands will
have been identified, along with recognition of their

set by the EU Birds and Habitats Directives;

contribution to the economy, and this will be incorpora-

• improve environmental conditions in pursuit of the goals

ted into the decision-making process of government and

set by the EU Directives;

the private sector (NCA).

• create a robust national ecological network;
• a more effective and regional approach to agri-­
environmental management.

The most important NBSAP for this target is the national
nature vision The Natural Way Forward9 which focuses on
the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in
collaboration with citizens, businesses and civil society
organisations. These societal partners have an increasing
say in and responsibility for contributing to nature conser-

8

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2013/09/18/
kamerbrief-natuurpact

22 WOt-technical report 156

9

https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p2-en.pdf

vation and habitat creation. The aim is to highlight the

The national nature vision was created with input from

advantages of combining nature conservation with other

many stakeholders and public consultation.

social and economic interests. Citizens, businesses and
civil society organisations are encouraged to incorporate
nature conservation and biodiversity protection into other
social and economic interests to the fullest possible
extent. This policy document includes eight objectives:
• green enterprise: the driver of the economy (sustainable
trade chains and consumption);

I-3	By 2020, the conservation of species and
habitats depending on or affected by
agriculture and forestry, and the provision
of their ecosystem services, show
measurable improvements.

• nature-inclusive agriculture: nature and agriculture as
natural partners;

The EU gives priority role to the agriculture and forestry

• regional development with nature combinations (recrea-

sectors in helping to maintain and improve biodiversity.

tion, drinking water, landscape, energy, climate chan-

Agriculture and forestry go hand in hand with the biodi-

ge): the region is where it is happening;

versity on which they depend, and both have a big impact

• green living and working: everything to be gained;

on its health. The efforts made to integrate biodiversity

• future-proof nature: more room for natural processes;

into agriculture and forestry in Europe are still not suffi-

• effective regulation to protect nature and reduce burden

cient. By 2020, the EU wants to achieve a measurable

on businesses and the public;
• develop and build with nature: government sets the
example;
• build an open, learning knowledge network: know more

improvement, compared to the EU2010 baseline, in the
conservation of species and habitats depending on or
affected by agriculture and forestry, and in the provision
of their ecosystem services.

together.

Convention on Biological Diversity - I National Targets | 23

The NBSAPs derive the following objectives from the third
main target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy:
• a more effective and regional approach to agri-­
environmental management (NP);
• nature-inclusive agriculture; nature and agriculture as

I-4	By 2015, fishing is sustainable. By 2020,
fish stocks are healthy and European seas
healthier. Fishing has no significant
adverse impacts on species and
ecosystems.

natural partners (NV);
• by 2020, sustainable agricultural management will be in

The EU considers that current fishing practices are not

place to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and

always sustainable. Not only do these activities place

natural capital (NCA).

undue pressures on fished species, but they also damage
the marine ecosystem as a whole. The EU’s aim is fisher-

Furthermore, The Netherlands has an Agricultural Vision10:

ies management with no significant adverse impacts on

Agriculture, nature and food: valuable and connected The

species and ecosystems so that all European oceans and

Netherlands as a leader in circular agriculture (LNV 2018).

seas can be ecologically diverse and dynamic, as well as

In this Vision one of the objectives is related to the third

clean, healthy and productive by 2020. The EU Marine

main target of the European biodiversity strategy. It

Strategy Framework Directive12 complements the Birds

serves as a benchmark for assessing national policy plans;

and Habitats Directives and aims to protect the marine

one of the criteria is that they should benefit ecosystems

environment and establish a good environmental quality

(water, soil, air), biodiversity and the natural values of

through various measures, including the designation of

farm landscapes.

marine protected areas, adapting fishing activities and
involving the fisheries sector in alternative activities such

All three NBSAPs mentioned in the above list are impor-

as ecotourism, monitoring marine biodiversity and the

tant for this target. However, agricultural targets are also

fight against marine litter.

subject to other policies, such as the common agricultural
policy11 (CAP), the Water Framework Directive and the

One NBSAP (the NCA)13 derives the following objective

Nitrates Directive. The EU countries are permitted to

from the fourth main target of the European biodiversity

define their own agricultural policy within the terms set

strategy:

out in the CAP. The CAP has two components: agricultural

• By 2020, both the aquaculture chain and the wild-

subsidies and subsidies for rural development. The

caught fish chain will meet international sustainability

amount of money available for measures that benefit

criteria for stock management and biodiversity (NCA).

biodiversity has increased with every subsequent CAP
period. The Nitrates Directive aims to protect water quality

The common fisheries policy14 (CFP), the Birds and

across Europe by preventing nitrates from agricultural

Habitats Directives and the Marine Strategy Framework

sources polluting ground and surface waters.

Directive are the most important policies on sustainable
fisheries and the marine environment. The current

Unlike in many other countries, in the Netherlands

national target stipulates that between 2015 and 2020

forestry has a conservation objective and is not part of the

catch limits should be set that are sustainable and main-

agricultural domain. Forestry is generally sustainable.

tain fish stocks over the long term. The CFP management

Most of the forested area of the Netherlands is included in

plans are based on scientific advice and seek to make

the NEN and is eligible for subsidies for forest manage-

fishing fleets more selective in what they catch, with the

ment. Almost 90% of timber used in the Netherlands is

aim of phasing out the practice of discarding unwanted

imported. Dutch policy therefore focuses on certified

fish.

international timber chains to support sustainable forest
management in other countries.

10
11

12

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/eu-coast-and-marine-policy/

visie-landbouw-natuur-en-voedsel-waardevol-en-verbonden

13

https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p1-en.pdf

https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/cap-overview_en

14

https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp_en

marine-strategy-framework-directive/index_en.htm

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/beleidsnota-s/2018/09/08/

24 WOt-technical report 156

The government’s white paper ‘Nature Ambition for the

populations that are already widely spread in their territo-

Large Water Bodies: 2050 and beyond’

ry. The Union list is updated at regular intervals. The

15

published in 2014

(in Dutch only: Natuurambitie Grote Wateren 2050 en

Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

verder) sketches a vision of resilient, robust and cli-

asked the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety

mate-proof ecosystems with opportunities for nature

Authority (NVWA) to advise on the Dutch approach per

combinations such as sustainable fishing, recreation and

Union list species. This advice has been laid down in a

other uses. The ‘Programmatic Approach to the Ecology of

strategy document on Union list species published in

the Large Water Bodies’16 (Programmatisch Aanpak

September 2016 (Onderbouwing strategie Unielijst­

Ecologie Grote Wateren) and EU LIFE IP Deltanatuur

soorten19). The NVWA also advised the ministry of species

2016-2022 programme

set out to implement that vision

that might be added to the Union list. The risk of addition-

for nature conservation and water quality while ensuring

al alien species becoming invasive has been assessed and

safety and providing for sustainable use.

reported on by the NVWA’s Invasive Alien Species Team

17

(Team Invasieve Exoten) and species experts20.

I-5	By 2020, invasive alien species are
identified, priority species controlled or
eradicated, and pathways managed to
prevent new invasive species from
disrupting European biodiversity.

To prevent the introduction of marine alien species via the
ballast water of ships, in 2010 the Netherlands signed the
International Convention for the Control and Management
of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM) under the
auspices of the International Maritime Organization
(IMO)21. The essence of this agreement is that ships must

The EU considers invasive alien species to be a major

have an approved ballast water treatment plant which

threat to Europe’s native biodiversity. They also cause

removes organisms. The Convention has been signed by

economic damage amounting to billions of euros every

66 Parties representing 75% of world trade tonnage and

year. This threat and damage is likely to increase in the

entered into force on 8 September 2017.

future unless decisive and coordinated action is taken to
control introduction pathways, prevent their establishment
and spread, and manage already established populations.
Prevention is a priority because established populations
can be expensive to manage and difficult or impossible to

I-6	By 2020, the EU has stepped up its
contribution to avert global biodiversity
loss.

eradicate. The IAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) 1143/2014
on invasive alien species) entered into force on

The EU is committed to stepping up its contribution to

1 January 2015. A list of Invasive Alien Species of Union

averting global biodiversity loss. The EU derives great

concern (the Union list) has been adopted and currently

benefits from global biodiversity, but some of its consump-

includes 49 species that are subject to common action at

tion patterns are an important cause of biodiversity loss

EU level as set out in the IAS Regulation. The fifth target

and habitat degradation beyond EU borders. The EU

of the EU Biodiversity Strategy is the objective of Dutch

Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 is in line with international

policy on invasive alien species.

commitments made in October 2010, when the UN
Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a strategic plan

The IAS Regulation18 is the most important policy on

to address global biodiversity loss over the next decade.

invasive alien species. It imposes restrictions on keeping,

The EU is stepping up its contribution to averting global

importing, selling, breeding and growing listed species.

biodiversity loss by greening its economy and endeavour-

Member States are required to take measures for preven-

ing to reduce its pressure on global biodiversity.

tion, early detection and rapid eradication and to manage

15

beleidsverkenning-natuurambitie-grote-wateren-2050-2010
16

19

https://www.nvwa.nl/documenten/dier/dieren-in-de-natuur/exoten/

20

https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/invasieve-exoten/

21

http://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2013/10/31/

publicaties/onderbouwing-strategie-unielijstsoorten

https://www.helpdeskwater.nl/onderwerpen/water-ruimte/ecologie/
programmatische/

risicobeoordelingen--reactieperiode-invasieve-exoten

17

https://life-ip-deltanatuur.nl/

International-Convention-for-the-Control-and-Management-of-Ships%27-

18

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/index_en.htm

Ballast-Water-and-Sediments-(BWM).aspx

Convention on Biological Diversity - I National Targets | 25

These NBSAPs derive the following objectives from the

Ecosystem services protection focuses on the implementa-

sixth main target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy:

tion and management of natural capital and sustainable

• by 2020, the most important agricultural raw material

production and consumption mostly outside the

chains will meet sustainability criteria for biodiversity

Netherlands. It has four general objectives (which includes

(NCA);

16 action points):

• fair agreement on the use of plant genetic resources

1

(NCA);

By 2020, the most important agricultural raw material chains will meet sustainability criteria for biodiver-

• green enterprise: driver of the economy (NV).

sity, with fair agreement on use of plant genetic
resources.

The most important NBSAP for this target is the Natural

2

By 2020, both the aquaculture chain and the wild-

Capital Agenda . This policy plan focuses on the conser-

caught fish chain will meet international sustainability

vation and sustainable use of biodiversity, both nationally

criteria for stock management and biodiversity;

and internationally. The strategy’s objective is to secure

overfishing within EU waters will have been halted as

resilient ecosystems and ecosystem services that contrib-

a condition for restoring fish populations; seabed life

ute to biodiversity, water and food security, welfare and

and the quality of the marine environment will be

combating poverty. Developing a nature-inclusive econo-

improved; international Marine Protected Areas will

my and securing international biodiversity are important

have been introduced to protect biodiversity and

elements of nature policy.

overfishing and pollution will be prevented and tackled

22

where possible.
3

By 2020, sustainable agricultural management will be
in place to ensure the conservation of biodiversity

22

https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p1-en.pdf

26 WOt-technical report 156

within the Netherlands. Internationally, pilots will have

4

been set up to demonstrate that the private sector can

sets out how researchers and companies can obtain

and is willing to contribute to the restoration of

access to genetic resources and the traditional knowledge

ecosystems and that a degraded area can be turned

linked to these resources. It also explains how benefits

around and transferred into an area of productive and

arising from the use of genetic resources and the associat-

diverse biodiversity with a balanced water system.

ed traditional knowledge must be shared with

By 2020, all ecosystem services in the Netherlands

the countries providing these resources25.

will have been identified, along with recognition of
their contribution to the economy and this will be
incorporated into the decision-making process of
government and the private sector.
The Netherlands has deposited the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession of the Nagoya
Protocol and has drawn up a national regulation to
implement the Protocol23. The measures taken are based
on EU Regulation 511/2014 and Implementing Regulation
EU 2015/186624. The Dutch Act implementing the Nagoya
Protocol has been in force since April 2016. The EU Access
and Benefit Sharing Regulation under the Nagoya Protocol
23

https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0037150/2016-04-23

24

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/international/abs/

beantwoording-kamervragen-over-implementatie-nagoya-protocol-en-

legislation_en.htm

gevolgen-voor-nederland

25

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2017/06/20/

Convention on Biological Diversity - I National Targets | 27

28 | WOt-technical report 156

II Main Measures
Implementation measures taken, assessment of their effectiveness, associated
obstacles and scientific and technical needs to achieve national targets

The six main measures of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Food Quality). The provinces are now responsible for the

in Europe are:

implementation of nature policy and realisation of the

1

create new habitat within the national ecological

network. The aim of the NEN is to halt the decline in the

network with the aim of establishing viable species

area of natural and semi-natural habitat and the loss of

populations;

biodiversity through the creation of a coherent network of

the Nature Conservation Act, an important instrument

protected areas. This is achieved by enlarging and con-

for species and habitat conservation;

necting current nature areas, mainly through the conver-

subsidies for conservation management measures

sion of agricultural land to nature. Having larger natural

2
3

important for maintaining biodiversity;

areas also makes it easier to improve and maintain good

4

the Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN);

water and environmental conditions. Better connectivity

5

stimulating sustainable use of natural capital and

between habitats facilitates species migration, enabling

mainstreaming nature for the benefit of society and

them to adapt to climate change.

the economy;
6

utilising the self-organising capacities of society by

The land area of the NEN is subject to the ‘no, unless’

stimulating, facilitating and financially support green

protection regime in the National Policy Strategy for

initiatives.

Infrastructure and Spatial Planning27, which is enforced via
provincial and municipal physical environment plans. The
total area of designated land in the NEN amounts to some

Information on the main measures implemented
at the national level

750,000 ha. Not represented in this figure are the large
water bodies, such as the Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer lake,
the delta waters in the southwest of the Netherlands and
the territorial waters of the North Sea, which are also part

II-1	Create new habitat within the national
ecological network

of the NEN. All the provinces have now formally delineated
the NEN areas within their territories and made appropriate provisions in their physical environment plans, struc-

The national ecological network (NEN) includes all 161 EU

tural visions and planning regulations28.

Natura 2000 sites and is the cornerstone of biodiversity
conservation in the Netherlands (Figure 1). The NEN is a

Any development plan is subject to an environmental

network of natural and semi-natural habitat and agricul-

impact assessment. The government encourages the

tural land earmarked for conversion to nature. Under the

inclusion of habitat creation and restoration in development

Nature Pact agreement, the provinces will strengthen the

plans by combining nature with other functions, such as

NEN by creating at least 80,000 ha of new nature between

climate change adaptation, drinking water supply, rede-

2011 and 2027 .

signing tourism accommodation facilities, urban develop-

26

ment, infrastructure investment, flood protection, etc.
The NEN was introduced in the 1990 Nature Policy Plan by
the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and
Fisheries (currently the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and
27

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2012/03/13/

28

https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/

structuurvisie-infrastructuur-en-ruimte
26

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2013/09/18/
kamerbrief-natuurpact

nl1425-begrenzing-van-het-natuurnetwerk-en-natura-2000-gebieden

Convention on Biological Diversity - II Main Measures | 29

National ecological network (NEN) and Natura 2000 sites, 2017

Figure 1. Protected areas in the Netherlands

II-2

The Nature Conservation Act

tions of game and other wildlife in their region) can also
obtain exemptions (e.g. for hunting) on the condition that

Nature 2000 sites, forests and wild animals and plants in

they prepare wildlife management plans to regulate

the Netherlands are protected by the Nature Conservation

populations that cause damage. The conservation objec-

Act, which took effect on 1 January 201729. The obliga-

tives and the necessary conservation measures for Natura

tions of the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds

2000 sites are described in a Natura 2000 management

Directive have been incorporated into the Nature

plan.

Conservation Act. The new Act replaces three previous
laws: the Nature Conservancy Act 1998, the Flora and

The Act also regulates the trade, transport, possession or

Fauna Act 2002 and the Forestry Act 1961. Exemptions or

processing of animals, plants or eggs from animals taken

permits for activities that can influence conservation

from the wild in line with the provisions of the Birds and

objectives in Natura 2000 sites, protected species or their

Habitats Directives, the IAS Regulation and CITES.

nesting, rest or feeding places are conditional upon
compensation or mitigation measures. The provincial
government is the authority responsible for granting
exemptions and permits. The codes of conduct drawn up

II-3	Subsidies for conservation management
measures

by organisations or trade associations under the Nature
Conservation Act state how to prevent or minimise

The Dutch government has decentralised the responsibility

damage to protected plants and animals during the course

for habitat restoration and conservation management to

of recurring management work. Game management units

the provinces. The 2013 Nature Pact between the national

(responsible for the sustainable management of popula-

government and the provinces sets out the aims of nature
policy, including conservation management, forestry and

29

http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0037552/2017-09-01

30 | WOt-technical report 156

improving the agri-environment scheme for farmland

biodiversity. At the end of 2017 the area of the NEN was

the Atlas of Natural Capital33. The Atlas of Natural Capital

almost 624,000 ha, including forests. In 2017 provincial

provides information to support and encourage sustaina-

subsidies were granted for the management of 77% of

ble use of our natural capital. Although it will be difficult

this area and agri-environment measures were taken on

for a heavily urbanised country like the Netherlands to

an additional 83,000 ha outside the NEN.30

reduce its international ecological footprint, serious efforts
are underway to limit it as much as possible. Examples
include the Sustainable Trade Initiative34 (IDH) with the

II-4

Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen

International Finance Corporation and direct agreements
between businesses and civil society organisations, such

The Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen

31

(PAN, in Dutch:

as the national bee strategy35 and the Covenant to

Programmatische Aanpak Stikstof) is the most important

Promote Sustainable Forest Management36. Reducing

measure for improving environmental conditions neces-

impacts on local ecosystems will be integrated within such

sary for biodiversity protection in the Netherlands. The

agreements. These agreements pay special attention to

programme seeks to conserve and restore nitrogen-­

the use of certification, such as FSC, and the effectiveness

sensitive habitats and biodiversity in Natura 2000 areas

of sustainable use of ecosystems. The Dutch government

while permitting economic development that leads to

is also in dialogue with business sectors in the Netherlands

nitrogen deposition and reducing the administrative

to sign up to international corporate social responsibility

burden for the initiators of these developments. The PAN

covenants. These covenants aim to reduce potential risks

relies on nitrogen emission reduction measures and

to human rights, labour rights and environmental protec-

on-site habitat restoration measures. The provinces are

tion in international supply chains.

now responsible for the implementation of most of these
restoration measures.
The PAN took effect from 1 July 2015 and the first period

II-6	Utilising the self-organising capacities of
society

is in force until 2021. A new decision on PAN will then be
taken for the period from 1 July 2021 to 1 July 2027. If

The government aims to support green initiatives in

necessary, there might be a third period. The PAN replaces

society by raising awareness, sharing knowledge and

the appropriate assessments of the implications of nitro-

supporting experiments. Examples include the educational

gen deposition for the site with respect to its conservation

and social innovation subsidy schemes Duurzaam Door37

objectives when granting permits under the Nature

and Groen Doen38 until 2016, the Green Funds Scheme39

Conservation Act. The PAN applies to 118 Natura 2000

(Regeling groen projecten) and Green Deals with busi-

areas with nitrogen-sensitive nature (the PAN areas).

nesses and knowledge institutes. The government gives
financial support to civil society organisations to raise
awareness, monitor and share knowledge and preserve

II-5	Stimulating sustainable use of natural
capital

genetic resources (see section III-6).

Policy documents like the Natural Capital Agenda and the
letter to parliament on Green Growth32 assume that nature
and the economy need each other. Dutch government
policy is to reduce the impact on biodiversity while at the
same time stimulating a more efficient sustainable use of
natural capital, for example through public-private collaboration to scale up natural capital approaches, the development of a national natural capital account and use of

33

http://www.atlasnatuurlijkkapitaal.nl/en/home

34

https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/donors/

35

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2018/01/22/

36

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/convenanten/2017/03/22/

nl-pollinator-strategy-bed-breakfast-for-bees
convenant-bevorderen-duurzaam-bosbeheer

30

https://www.bij12.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/

37

https://www.duurzaamdoor.nl/biodiversiteit

VoortgangsrapportageNatuur_4_provincies_LNV_definitief.pdf

38

https://www.greenwish.nl/wp-content/uploads/Evaluatierapport-Groen-en-

39

https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-regelingen/regeling-groenprojecten

31

https://www.bij12.nl/onderwerpen/programma-aanpak-stikstof/

32

https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-33043-14.html

Doen-2015-2016.pdf

Convention on Biological Diversity - II Main Measures | 31

32 | WOt-technical report 156

III Assessment of Main Measures
Assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation measure taken
in achieving desired outcomes

It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of measures taken

were acquired for the realisation of the NEN (Figure 2)40.

as causal relations and interactions between measures,

More than 85,000 ha of agricultural land has been con-

results and targets are very complex. Nevertheless, the

verted to nature (Figure 3). Since 2011 the provinces

results and indicators below show that progress has been

have converted almost 33,000 ha to nature. The total area

made and that the measures are contributing towards

of Natura 2000 sites in the Netherlands currently stands

several targets, although the targets will not be met in

at around 20,606 square kilometres, which is more than

2020. Based on the results described below, the complex

14% of the area of land and inland water and more than

relations, the progress towards the targets and our expert

23% of coastal and marine areas (North Sea, Wadden

knowledge, we conclude that the measures taken have

Sea, Oosterschelde and Westerschelde). An additional

been partially effective. According to the CBD, partially

almost 400,000 ha is nationally designated for conserva-

effective means that “progress towards the stated target

tion measures and protected by a ‘no-unless’ planning

has begun, however the complete desired outcome has

regime. In total, the NEN covers more than 26% of the

not yet been achieved. This could be due to time lags

land and inland water area.

between when the measure was taken and when its
effects become visible. It could also be due to national

Fragmentation

circumstances creating delays or challenges to the imple­

Fragmentation of the NEN by national transport infrastruc-

mentation of the measure. Other possible reasons for a

ture (motorways, waterways and railways) is being

measure being given this assessment are that the meas­

tackled through the multiannual habitat defragmentation

ure has not been implemented at the scale necessary or

programme (Meerjarenprogramma Ontsnippering, MJPO;

at the appropriate institutional level.”

BenW 2004). Between 2005 and 2018 no less than 114
(64%) of the 178 identified infrastructure barriers causing
fragmentation were resolved and a further 46 measures

III-1	Create new habitat within the national
ecological network

were still under construction (Figure 4)41. The measures
implemented include the construction of green bridges,
eco-culverts, wildlife underpasses, wildlife overpasses at

Realisation of the national ecological network (NEN) has

tree crown level and hop-overs. Surveys show that most

been effective for the creation of new habitat and the

wildlife crossings serve multiple species. Wildlife crossings

mitigation of habitat fragmentation, but is still insufficient

in combination with wildlife fencing also considerably

in scale to achieve the national targets in 2020.

reduce the number of road kills.

Development of the NEN began in 1990 and it is still
increasing in size. Habitat loss has been halted and

Rivers and streams contain many obstacles to migratory

reversed, resulting in net gains. Development of the NEN

fish species, such as dams, hydro turbines and pumping

will continue until 2027. The indicators show that consid-

stations. The Benelux Decision on the free migration of

erable progress has been made and that the measure is

fish (M2009)42 states that migratory fish species, particu-

contributing towards several targets. We therefore con-

larly eel, salmon, sea trout and flounder, must be able to

clude that the measure taken has been partially effective.

migrate freely in all river basins. The new Benelux Decision

Habitat creation and protected areas

40

http://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/

41

http://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/en2051-barriers-and-fragmentation

42

http://www.benelux.int/files/2913/9230/1235/M_2009_1_NL.pdf

In the period 1990-2017 more than 108,000 ha of land

en1307-new-ehs-acquisition-and-development

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 33

Land acquisition and change of use for new nature

Figure 2. Land acquisition to create new habitat and enlarge and connect nature areas

Conversion to new nature

Figure 3. Habitat created

includes a prioritisation map showing all obstacles to be

larger dams (Figure 5)44. Although fish passes have been

removed by 2027. Other policy regulations for migratory

constructed to enable upstream migration, downstream

fish are the European Eel Regulation

migration can still be a problem, for example in the Meuse.

43

(European Union,

2007) and the Water Framework Directive. Many fish

The Haringvliet sluice gate forms part of an important

passages have already been built. The Rhine and the

migration route, as it is the main discharge channel for the

Meuse rivers have been fully accessible to migratory fish

Rhine. This barrier was removed in 2018 by the

since 2007 thanks to the construction of fish passes at the

Kierbesluit45 (decision to leave the sluice gates ajar).

43

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2007/1100/oj

34 | WOt-technical report 156

44

http://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/en1350-measures-for-migratory-fish

45

https://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/nieuws/2018/10/kierbesluit-treedt-15november-2018-in-werking.aspx

Elimination of fragmentation problems caused by national transport infrastructure

Figure 4. Solved infrastructure barriers causing habitat fragmentation

Fishmigration, 2018

Figure 5. Accessibility to water bodies

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 35

Spatial protection regime

large rivers in the Netherlands52. Furthermore,

The National Policy Strategy for Infrastructure and Spatial

Rijkswaterstaat has explored what is necessary to make

Planning46 (SVIR) lays down a ‘no, unless’ development

the nation’s large water bodies ecologically sound and

control regime for the NEN that protects nature within the

future-proof53. The result of these studies is a proposal for

network against development with negative impacts.

a package of measures to restore the natural dynamics of

Under this regime housing construction within the bound-

the water and the ecological processes that go with it. In

aries of the NEN increased only slightly between 2000 and

early 2018 the water management and nature ministers

201747.

announced that these measures will be implemented
under a 30 year programme to 2050, the ‘Programmatic

Other relevant information

Approach to the Large Water Bodies’54.

The creation of the NEN is also an important measure for
mitigating the effects of climate change as it creates
ecological corridors, for example along rivers and along

III-2

The Nature Conservation Act

the coast, through which species can migrate as climate
conditions shift northwards, and the impact of extreme

Although protected species and habitats are in theory well

weather conditions can be reduced by taking adaptive

protected, in practice they are still subject to actual or

measures within the NEN.

potential negative impacts from many activities. The
populations of many protected species are still declining

On 22 March 2018, the Minister of Infrastructure and

and the number of invasive alien species is still increasing

Water Management presented the evaluation of the Room

(see also Aichi Targets 11, 12 and 9). All things consid-

for the River programme to the House of

ered, we conclude from the results that the measure

Representatives . The measures were designed to restore

taken have been partially effective.

48

natural riverine processes and improve the ecological,
landscape and recreational qualities of the immediate

Protection of species and habitats

surroundings49 (see also section IV-2).

The presence of vulnerable protected species and habitats
are taken into account when assessing applications and

The ‘Nature Ambition for the Large Waters: 2050 and

issuing permits or exemptions for activities such as

beyond’ is a strategic vision document on nature in the

construction work, demolishing buildings or felling trees.

large waters bodies of the Netherlands in the light of the

Compensation and mitigation measures are mandatory

impacts of climate change . Natural processes have a

when significant negative effects on conservation objec-

crucial role in this vision by creating new synergies

tives or protected species are expected. In theory, strict

between urgent flood protection measures and nature

application of these measures should result in no net

conservation, recreation and tourism. This concept is

negative effect on the conservation status of protected

called ‘building with nature’ or ‘eco-engineering’. A striking

species and habitats, but in practice, compensation and

example is the ‘fish migration river’ in the Afsluitdijk51, an

mitigation measures for species protection are based on

innovative engineering solution which allows fish to

expert knowledge and monitoring is rarely required55 (see

migrate between the marine environment of the Wadden

also appendix 3). Furthermore, control and enforcement is

Sea and the fresh water of the IJsselmeer while prevent-

difficult and is a source of ongoing concern.

50

ing the freshwater body from becoming brackish. The
Nature Ambition has been explored in more detail for

Permits and exemptions are made public and nature
conservation organisations or others may lodge objections

46

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2012/03/13/
structuurvisie-infrastructuur-en-ruimte

47

nl2050-bouwen-in-natuurgebieden-in-de-ecologische-hoofdstructuur
48

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2017/07/18/

53

https://www.helpdeskwater.nl/onderwerpen/water-ruimte/ecologie/

54

https://www.helpdeskwater.nl/onderwerpen/water-ruimte/ecologie/

natuurverkenning-grote-rivieren

http://publicaties.minienm.nl/documenten/
ruimte-voor-de-rivier-oogst-ruimtelijke-kwaliteit

49

http://rijninbeeld.nl/wp-content/uploads/Rijn-en-Beeld-brochure-lrnc.pdf

50

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2013/10/31/

51

52

http://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/

programmatische/@178960/factsheets-programma/
programmatische/
55

http://www.pbl.nl/sites/default/files/cms/publicaties/PBL_2011_

beleidsverkenning-natuurambitie-grote-wateren-2050-2010

Effectiviteitnatuurwetgeving_555084002.pdf; http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/

https://www.deafsluitdijk.nl/projecten/vismigratierivier/

wurpubs/fulltext/365958

36 | WOt-technical report 156

if they believe that the ecological (appropriate) assess-

varied forest structure and the presence of sufficient dead

ment or the mandatory measures attached as conditions

wood. Populations of typical forest breeding birds have

on the exemption are inadequate. Furthermore, enforce-

increased slightly over the last 10 years (Figure 15,

ment action may be taken if permit conditions are not

section IV-3). The amount of dead wood in forests is also

complied with.

increasing (Figure 16 section IV-3). Subsidies for conservation management measures have been partially effec-

Invasive alien species

tive in achieving the desired outcomes, especially in heath

Policy measures are being implemented to eliminate and

and dune ecosystems (Figure 6), because the effects of

control a number of invasive species and prevent their

management are partially neutralised by other factors,

introduction. At the same time, the number of invasive

such as inadequate environmental conditions (e.g. due to

and potentially invasive alien species is still increasing

pollution) (Aichi Targets 8, and measure II-4).

(see also section IV-5).
Agri-environment schemes
Other relevant information

Since 1975 the Dutch government has supported biodiver-

The total area of Natura 2000 sites protected by the

sity protection on agricultural land (Relatienota policy) and

Nature Conservation Act in the Netherlands currently

‘agricultural nature management’ remains an important

stands at 20,606 square kilometres, which is more than

part of Dutch nature policy (see also section I-3). The

14% of the area of land and inland water and more than

agri-environment schemes have been evaluated and

23% of coastal and marine areas (North Sea, Wadden

reconsidered several times and the policy of actively

Sea, Oosterschelde and Westerschelde). Plans or projects

integrating conservation management into intensive

may only be carried out in these sites if mitigation of

farming was found to be not effective enough (Rli,

negative impacts is possible. Nevertheless, if mitigation is

201356). Biodiversity on intensively farmed land has

not possible and in the absence of alternatives, plans or

decreased dramatically and is still decreasing, despite the

projects may be carried out for imperative reasons of

efforts taken by many stakeholders to improve the

overriding public interest, but these must be accompanied

situation (farmland bird index, Figure 7). In response to

by compensatory measures to ensure the overall coher-

the Rli report, the subsidy system has been renewed. As a

ence of Natura 2000. This protection by law and in

cross-farm approach was expected to be a more flexible

planning ensures that habitat loss can be compensated.

and effective way to reverse the decline in farmland
biodiversity, a regional collective approach was established
for the Agri-Environment Climate Management scheme. To

III-3	Subsidies for conservation management
measures

define management priorities, 67 species57 listed in the
Birds and Habitats Directives were assigned to four types
of landscape: Open Grassland; Open Arable Land; Wet

Although the national targets will not be reached, the

Corridors and Dry Corridors. The core of the renewed

results and indicators show that progress has been made

system is a habitat approach for animal species of inter­

and the measure is contributing to several targets. All

national importance on the basis of a collective and

things considered, we conclude from the results that the

area-oriented approach. Although management is not

measure taken has been partially effective, especially for

geared to single species, because suitable habitats are

forests and nature. The agri-environment scheme has

beneficial to many species, the habitat requirements of

been revised and it is still too early to expect better

each of the selected 67 farmland species are taken into

results.

account.

Subsidies for conservation management in forests

From 2016 onward an increasing proportion of agri-­

and nature reserves

environment management has been carried out via the

All forests in the Netherlands are legally protected and

renewed agri-environment scheme (ANLb), with the aim

most are sustainably managed. Forest management work

of implementing effective and efficient management in the

is done outside the breeding season. Protected species are
surveyed and their habitats are spared during management measures. Management is geared to obtaining a

56

https://www.rli.nl/publicaties/2013/advies/

57

https://www.bij12.nl/assets/VNBL_mei2015_def.pdf

onbeperkt-houdbaar?adview=inleiding

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 37

Living planet index terrestrial and fresh water fauna

Figure 6. Trends in terrestrial fauna per ecosystem

potentially most promising areas for nature conservation.

Loss of biodiversity on farmland is an observed trend

There are 40 farmers’ collectives active nationwide, with

throughout Europe60 and the EU common agricultural

more than 8,000 farmers participating . The collectives

policy (CAP) for 2014-2020 has shifted its focus to animal

are largely responsible for registration, allocation of funds,

welfare and environmental care. The goals of the CAP

management activities and reporting. An evaluation of the

range from contribution to farm incomes to the sustaina-

ANLb by Wageningen Environmental Research in 201659

ble management of natural resources. The EU has ear-

shows that the provincial governments and agricultural

marked approximately EUR 100 billion and EUR 61 billion

collectives have concentrated more on promising areas for

of public funding from Member States within the 2014-

conservation. Under this agricultural collectives approach,

2020 multiannual financial framework for rural develop-

53% of the meadow bird management ‘light’ package and

ment, pillar 2 of the CAP61. The Dutch agri-environmental

62%-64% of the meadow bird management ‘intensive’

schemes fall under pillar 2. Since 2014 the CAP includes a

package now lie within promising areas. This is a slight

new direct payment for a compulsory set of ‘greening

improvement on the situation in 2010. In this area-orient-

measures’, which account for 30% of the direct payments

ed and learning approach the provincial governments and

budget (pillar 1). These measures are intended to make

agricultural collectives work with partners, such as

the CAP more effective in delivering its environmental and

research institutes, volunteers and conservation manage-

climate objectives and to ensure the long-term sustaina-

ment organisations, to implement the schemes.

bility of EU agriculture. The greening measures comprise

58

crop diversification, maintenance of permanent grassland
and Ecological Focus Areas to safeguard and improve

58

https://www.bij12.nl/partners/boerennatuur-nl/

59

http://edepot.wur.nl/392331

38 | WOt-technical report 156

60

https://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/en1479-farmland-birds

61

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/110/
second-pillar-of-the-cap-rural-development-policy

Farmland birds in the Netherlands

Figure 7. Farmland birds index

III-4

biodiversity on farms. However, the potential benefits for

Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN)

biodiversity have been evaluated and found to be limited
due to the absence of appropriate management require-

Although the national targets will not be reached, the

ments or conditions62.

results show that progress has been made and that the
measure is contributing to several targets. All things

Other relevant information

considered, we conclude from the results that the meas-

Landowners, such as farmers, may also receive subsidies

ure has been partially effective.

to enhance nature quality or stimulate habitat creation on
agricultural land. The Quality Impulse Nature and

Restoration measures

Landscape subsidy scheme63 is for landowners who want

More than 2,200 ecological restoration measures have

to make their land suitable for agricultural nature man-

been planned for the first PAN period (2015-2021)64. The

agement and for conservation managers who want to

aim of the restoration measures is to make nature more

further develop and improve the quality of nature. The

resistant to nitrogen overload. The restoration measures

quality scheme consists of two subsidies: a quality

include hydrological measures, management measures

investment subsidy and a subsidy for changing the

and measures for research and monitoring. The latter two

designated land use. The quality investment subsidy

do not directly contribute to the restoration of nature, but

covers measures that make the area suitable for nature

are necessary to successfully implement the measures. On

conservation or enhance the quality of nature. The subsidy

31 March 2018, more than 28% of the restoration meas-

for a change in designated land use compensates for the

ures to be implemented in the first PAN period were

reduction in the economic value of land converted from

completed65. Hydrological measures and habitat creation

agriculture to nature. The area in question must be

depend on the cooperation of surrounding landowners and

included in the provincial nature management plan.

may therefor take more time to organise than other

62

https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/leaflet_en.pdf

63

https://www.bij12.nl/onderwerpen/natuur-en-landschap/subsidiestelselnatuur-en-landschap/kwaliteitsimpuls-investeringen-en-functieverandering/

64

https://www.bij12.nl/onderwerpen/programma-aanpak-stikstof/

65

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2018/10/22/

herstelmaatregelen-pas-in-beeld/
kamerbrief-over-tussenevaluatie-programma-aanpak-stikstof-pas

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 39

Exceedance of critical loads for nitrogen deposition on terrestrial ecosystems

Figure 8. Average exceedance of critical loads for nitrogen deposition

measures. The provincial governments expect that 98% of

Other relevant information

the remaining restoration measures will be carried out

At the request of the Netherlands Council of State, the

within the PAN period.

Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg
examined whether or not the PAN complies with the

The provinces must ensure that the restoration measures

Habitats Directive. The European Commission stated that

are implemented. Failure to do so will jeopardise long-

an overall assessment such as the PAN does not necessar-

term development potential because the province or

ily conflict with the provisions of the Habitats Directive.

another appropriate authority may only grant permits or

However, the European Commission was critical of the fact

exemptions (in advance) for the relevant PAN area if the

that permission may be granted for new nitrogen deposi-

assessment of the proposed ecological restoration is

tion while there is still an overload. According to the

positive. In some areas drastic measures have to be

European Commission, the Netherlands should first do

taken. Sometimes the necessity of these measures is

something to reduce this overload. On 7 November 2018

questioned, leading to discussions, a search for alterna-

the European Court of Justice ruled that the PAN may be

tives and additional research. The resulting delays raise

used when appraising and permitting projects that cause

doubts about the ability to complete these projects before

nitrogen deposition in Natura 2000 sites, but only under

the expiration of the first PAN deadline in 202166.

strict conditions, including the requirement for a scientific
qualitative assessment68. It was up to the Administrative

Pollution from excess nutrients

Law Division of the Council of State to assess whether the

Nitrogen deposition levels have not decreased since 2010

PAN meets these conditions. They decided the PAN may

(Figure 8). Measured ambient ammonia concentrations

not be used for giving permission for activities that emit

increased slightly over the period 2005-2016. Reported

nitrogen69.

ammonia emissions in 2014, 2015 and 2016 also increased slightly after years of decline67. See also
Aichi Targets 8.

66

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2018/08/31/
tussenevaluatie-programma-aanpak-stikstof; https://www.pbl.nl/sites/

68

default/files/cms/publicaties/pbl-2017-lerende-evaluatie-van-het-

europees-hof-van-justitie-pas-alleen-onder-strenge-voorwaarden-verenigbaar-

natuurpact-1769.pdf
67

https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/2018-0117.pdf

40 | WOt-technical report 156

https://europadecentraal.nl/
met-de-habitatrichtlijn/

69

https://www.raadvanstate.nl/actueel/nieuws/@115651/pas-mag/

III-5	Stimulating sustainable use of natural
capital

Atlas of Natural Capital
One of the actions of the Natural Capital Agenda is the
development of the digital Atlas of Natural Capital (ANK)

An increasing number of people and businesses are

in the Netherlands.73 The Atlas of Natural Capital is an

becoming involved in actions for conserving and increas-

initiative of the former Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure

ing biodiversity. However, not all use of and trade in

and the Environment and was produced in association with

natural capital is sustainable yet (see Aichi Targets 4,6,7).

research institutes Deltares, Wageningen Environmental

Although, it is difficult to assess whether or not the

Research, Wageningen Economic Research and the

measures taken have been effective, the results show that

National; Institute for Public Health and the Environment

progress has been made and the measures are contribut-

(RIVM). The Atlas provides information and tools to help

ing to several national targets. All things considered, we

map our natural capital, use it sustainably and find

conclude from the results that the measures taken have

appropriate solutions, especially for the long term. The

been partially effective.

Atlas contains information about natural capital, ecosystem services and related concepts, and inspirational

Public-private collaboration to scale up natural

examples. The maps include information that can be used

capital approaches

when taking decisions that affect the human environment

The government of the Netherlands is exploring possible

at site level. Companies can use the information to make

joint actions with private partners, such as the Dutch

their operations more sustainable and in their corporate

employers’ federation VNO-NCW, the Royal Netherlands

social responsibility reporting. The ecosystem services and

Institute of Chartered Accountants NBA, CSR Netherlands

stocks are defined in accordance with the European

and IUCN Netherlands, to scale up natural capital ap-

Union’s CICES classification (Common International

proaches, in particular the Natural Capital Protocol devel-

Classification of Ecosystem Services), which was devel-

oped by the Natural Capital Coalition. Actions include:

oped to provide an internationally harmonised nomencla-

• implementing natural capital approaches in three

ture. It enables ecosystem services to be mapped Europe-

sectors: agri-food, construction and chemicals;

wide and is thus also a step towards implementation of

• developing an online matchmaking and community

the European Biodiversity Strategy. The Atlas is a work in
progress.

platform for entrepreneurs working towards a sustainable balance for their business processes, biodiversity

Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH)

and ecosystems;70
• support to IUCN Netherlands for developing and main-

The government of the Netherlands supports IDH in

taining a community of science for natural capital and

accelerating market transformation towards sustainable

the One Planet Thinking initiative to promote the

supply chains74. Besides providing finance, the Netherlands

development and adoption of science-based targets by

is an active partner through its embassy network and

private players;

international diplomacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has

• support to the finance community for developing smart

granted IDH an additional EUR 100 million for the period

and responsible financing solutions.71

2015-2020 to co-fund private sector investments in sustainable market transformation in 11 commodity sectors. The

Natural Capital Account for the Netherlands

Dutch government has granted IDH EUR 20 million for the

The Dutch ministries of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality

period 2015-2020 to pilot a landscape approach in six

and Infrastructure & Water Management have asked

resource vulnerable landscapes. IDH aims to reduce

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and Wageningen University

deforestation and forest degradation on 5.4 million ha of

and Research (WUR) to develop a national natural capital

land as a direct result of the IDH interventions. According to

account based on the UN SEEA EEA framework72. A first

the first assessment report, little is known about whether or

full account will be ready in 2019.

not certification initiatives (FSC, RSPO, RTRS) have much
impact in terms of overall mitigation of deforestation75. The

70

https://naturalcapital.futureproof.community/

73

https://www.atlasnatuurlijkkapitaal.nl/

71

https://naturalcapital.futureproof.community/cirkels/

74

https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/donors/

greening-finance-community

75

https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/uploaded/2017/05/170407-IDH-

72

https://www.wur.nl/en/project/Ecosystem-Accounting.htm

evaluation-first-assessment-report.pdf

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 41

authors of the report think the IDH approach could be

response to the challenge of unlawful logging78. Policies

effective in mitigating deforestation, but little evidence is as

banning illegally sourced timber from the Dutch market,

yet available on the impact of the approach on sustainable

especially the tropics, are in place. Together with capacity

landscape management, forest conservation and restoration

building on forest governance via Voluntary Partnership

as this is still a new initiative within IDH. An important step

Agreements (VPAs), this may help to reduce global

in scaling this initiative up was the signing by several EU

biodiversity loss from deforestation. The Netherlands Food

Member States of the Amsterdam Declaration, committing

and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) checks

them to sustainable sourcing of the ‘deforestation commod-

whether or not timber complies with EU rules, including on

ities’ palm oil, soy and cocoa.

trade in illegally logged timber79. Market participants must
give guarantees of legal origin. The NVWA can and has

National bee strategy 22 January 2018

imposed penalty charges on companies that import

The impacts of pesticides on nature, especially on bees, is

illegally logged timber into the European market.

currently attracting much attention. More than half of all
wild bee species in the Netherlands are on the national

Other relevant information

Red List. The Natural Capital Agenda outlines some

The European Union is responsible for policies on manag-

concrete actions to protect and conserve bees. The Dutch

ing marine living resources in Europe and elsewhere

government provides incentives to farmers to create

where European fisheries operate. The new CFP80, which

arable field margins with wild flowers specially designed to

entered into force in 2014, applies to fishing by EU vessels

facilitate functional agro-biodiversity, stimulates the use of

in international waters and in territorial waters of third

non-chemical crop protection methods and requires

countries, unless agreements with the third country state

farmers to use emission reduction techniques. The

otherwise. It contains an obligation to land all catches of

government and 42 other social partners have drawn up

regulated fish species and prohibits discards. In addition,

and signed a national bee strategy76 to protect and

the Dutch government stimulates technical and other

conserve bees and other pollinators in 2030. The strategy

innovations for sustainable fisheries with fewer discards

contains some 80 initiatives from the partners to improve

and the development of management plans for marine

biodiversity, improving the relationship between agricul-

Natura 2000 sites. Important examples of research and

ture and nature and improve the health of bees.

innovation are the transition from mussel seed fishing to
mussel seed capture installations and the transition from

Promoting Sustainable Forest Management

traditional beam trawl fishing to electric pulse fishing81.

Agreement 22 March 2017

Parts of the Natura 2000 areas (North Sea Coastal Zone

This agreement77 is a follow-up to the Green Deal

and the Vlakte van Raan) are closed for forms of fishing

Promoting Sustainable Forest Management that was

that have an impact on bottom life or which can disturb

implemented in the period 2013-2015. It embodies the

marine mammals and birds. The measures related to the

undiminished commitment of the Parties (government,

European Marine Strategy Framework Directive are

timber sector, civil society organisations and knowledge

currently being implemented in order to conserve marine

institutions) to promote sustainably managed forests

biodiversity82. The target of the framework is to reach

worldwide and their ambition to implement corporate

good environmental status by 2020.

social responsibility throughout the international timber
value chain.
FLEGT and VPA policies implemented
Improved law enforcement as promoted in the EU FLEGT
(Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) Action
Plan has been evaluated as a relevant and innovative

78

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/illegal_logging.htm

79

https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/import-van-hout-en-houtproducten-flegt/
over-flegt

76

80

https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp_en

81

https://www.groenkennisnet.nl/nl/groenkennisnet/dossier/dossier-pulskor.
htm; https://www.groenkennisnet.nl/nl/groenkennisnet/show/dossier-

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2018/01/22/

mosselinnovatie.htm

nl-pollinator-strategy-bed-breakfast-for-bees
77

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/convenanten/2017/03/22/
convenant-bevorderen-duurzaam-bosbeheer

42 | WOt-technical report 156

82

https://www.noordzeeloket.nl/beleid/europese/nationaal-niveau/marienestrategie/; https://www.informatiehuismarien.nl/krm/

III-6	Utilising the self-organising capacities of
society

economy and green economic growth. The main results of
the programme are: setting up projects and cooperation
agreements with multi-stakeholder groups, guiding

An increasing number of people and businesses are

regional sustainability networks, publications and many

becoming involved in actions for conserving and increas-

meetings, seminars and conferences. The programme has

ing biodiversity. Awareness in society of the need to

a budget of EUR 4 million per year and other parties are

conserve nature is relatively high and ecological data and

expected to contribute financially as well. The programme

knowledge is effectively shared and used, but the conser-

consists of nine themes: biodiversity, circular economy,

vation of genetic diversity for animal breeds is still a

energy, food, water, education, regional networks, the new

concern (see Aichi Targets 1, 13, 19). Although, it is

Environment and Planning Act and social innovation.

difficult to assess whether or not the measures taken have

These themes are bound to transition processes like

been effective, the results show that progress has been

sustainable production and consumption, socially accepted

made and the measures are contributing to several

enterprises, educational issues and integrated develop-

targets. All things considered, we conclude from the

ment. The biodiversity team has organised and initiated

results that the measures taken have been partially

regional meetings, national parks sustainability networks,

effective.

collaboration between garden centres and centres for
nature and environmental education, and biodiversity on

Progress in Sustainability programme

business parks.

(Duurzaam Door)
The national government works with local and regional

Support voluntary work ‘Groen Doen’

governments, entrepreneurs and educational, research

(Doing Green)

and civil society organisations on the transition to a

Groen Doen84 was a Ministry of Economic Affairs subsidy

greener and more sustainable economy. The programme83

scheme that ran until the end of 2016. The scheme

aims to generate knowledge, raise awareness and inspire

stimulated and developed volunteer work in nature and

attitudes to promote progress towards a sustainable
84
83

https://www.duurzaamdoor.nl/biodiversiteit

https://www.greenwish.nl/wp-content/uploads/Evaluatierapport-Groen-enDoen-2015-2016.pdf

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 43

landscape management. In three subsidy rounds, 2,155

Green Deals

vouchers worth EUR 1,000 were awarded in a special,

The Dutch government supports sustainable economic

low-threshold way suited to volunteers. In the third round,

growth by stimulating sustainable innovation. The Green

for 2015-2016, there were 795 vouchers. The vouchers

Deal approach86 in the Netherlands is low-threshold way

could be used for training to improve their volunteer work

for companies, other stakeholder organisations, local and

and on working more safely, or to organise a training

regional governments and interest groups to work with

course and offer it to others for free.

national government on green growth and social issues.
The aim is to remove barriers to sustainable initiatives

Green Funds Scheme (Regeling groenprojecten)

starting up and to accelerate this process where possible.

This scheme aims to promote investments that are in the

A Green Deal is a mutual agreement or covenant under

interest of protecting the environment, including nature

private law between a coalition of companies, civil society

and forests. Since 1994, the Green Funds Scheme85 has

organisations and local and regional governments. The

made it easier for banks to provide loans to project

deal defines the innovative initiative, the actions and the

initiators with projects that benefit the environmental and

input by the participants involved as clearly as possible.

nature policy. These loans are made from private savings

Green Deals can be agreed in nine topic areas: energy,

and investment funds in green banks and green funds.

the biobased economy, mobility, water, food, biodiversity,
resources, construction and climate. In the period be-

The private investors receive a tax benefit on these

tween 2011 and 2018, 41 Green Deals for biodiversity

savings and investment funds. From the start of the

were agreed in the Netherlands and presented on the

scheme in 1994 until 1 January 2017, 9,665 green

website (per 1 May 2018), involving about 200 participat-

certificates were issued for a total amount of almost

ing parties in total.

EUR 17 billion. Almost EUR 11 million of this went to
16 forest projects (IENM/BSK-2017/267391).

Raising awareness
The government gives financial support to social organisa-

85

https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-regelingen/regeling-groenprojecten

44 | WOt-technical report 156

86

https://www.greendeals.nl/thema/biodiversiteit

tions to raise awareness. The government has entered

CBS is also responsible for data analysis, which strongly

into a covenant

improves the statistical reliability of the reported status

87

with Staatsbosbeheer (a government

related conservation management agency) to improve

and trends in Habitats Directive and Birds Directive

social involvement. Staatsbosbeheer is the largest conser-

species in the Netherlands. In addition to the standardised

vation management organisation in the Netherlands and

monitoring data, the NEM increasingly uses less standard-

plays a social role in many different forms . It organises

ised data from other sources. The amount of such oppor-

many activities for nature education. For example, over

tunistic data is increasing rapidly due to easily accessible

the years 115,000 children have planted trees on Tree

websites (waarneming.nl & telmee.nl) and apps on mobile

Celebration Day, 6,000 children are active in the ‘nature

phones. New statistical modelling by CBS make these data

wise’ programme, and the organisation manages 47 forest

suitable for monitoring purposes.

88

playgrounds. Staatsbosbeheer offers work places for
offenders that have to do community service and for

The National Database Flora and Fauna (NDFF)91, estab-

people with disabilities or who have other difficulties

lished in 2007, can be considered to be a data warehouse

finding a job.

containing the data on plants and animals collected by
PGOs, other organisations and volunteers in the past. All

The Institute for Nature Education (IVN) is the largest

data entering the NDFF are validated. In March 2017 it

organisation for nature education in the Netherlands and

contained a total of 117.5 million observations of species,

is subsidised by the national and provincial governments.

mostly of birds (ca 50%), plants and butterflies. Almost

IVN aims to bring nature closer to people so that they will

40% of these observations come from species collecting

take better care of it. This contributes to a sustainable

organisations, just under 40% are from the website

society and to the individual health and wellbeing of

waarneming.nl and more than 20% are from other

people. The organisation has 170 local departments, 120

organisations. The number of voluntary observers using

professionals and thousands of volunteers. They organise

this website is increasing. The database is used by

many excursions, courses, hikes, exhibitions, etc. In 2016

national government, municipalities, provinces, districts,

IVN brought 500,000 people, including 100,000 children,

conservationists, construction industries and others.

into deeper contact with nature .
89

Support for management of genetic resources
Monitoring & knowledge sharing

The Dutch government gives financial support to the

The government gives financial support to social organisa-

Centre for Genetic Resources in the Netherlands92 (CGN)

tions for monitoring and sharing knowledge. The

and subsidises the Dutch Rare Breed Survival Trust93

Netherlands has a long history of ecological monitoring.

(SZH). The trust was founded in 1976 in response to the

The Ecological Monitoring Network90 (NEM), set up in

diminishing variety of traditional breeds, of which some

1999, is a joint initiative by government organisations for

were already threatened by extinction at that point. The

monitoring nature in the Netherlands. It aims to collect

trust makes an effort to raise awareness and exchanges

data that meets the needs of government and monitors

knowledge and organises actions to maintain native

trends in nearly all species groups relevant to nature

breeds. CGN was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to

policy. As such, the NEM can be considered to be the

preserving genetic diversity in food crops. It has been

backbone of the ecological and wildlife monitoring system

charged with a role in animal conservation since 1999 and

in the Netherlands. The NEM mainly commissions private

conserving woody plant genetic resources since 2002.

data-collecting organisations (particuliere gegevensbe­

CGN manages ex situ collections (outside the farm and

herende organisaties, PGOs) to carry out the monitoring

nature) of vegetable and animal genetic resources and

schemes and is therefore a well-established example of

helps Staatsbosbeheer, breed societies and farmers to

citizen science. The NEM monitoring protocols are stand-

manage their genetic sources. CGN also provides policy

ardised in cooperation with Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

support to the Dutch government and is national focal
point for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).

87

https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/over-staatsbosbeheer/organisatie :
convenant-staatsbosbeheer-maatschappelijke-onderneming-2014.pdf

91

https://www.ndff.nl/

88

https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/over-staatsbosbeheer/maatschappelijk

92

https://www.wur.nl/en/Research-Results/Statutory-research-tasks/

89

https://www.ivn.nl/over-ivn/ivn-jaarverslagen

90

http://www.netwerkecologischemonitoring.nl/

Centre-for-Genetic-Resources-the-Netherlands-1.htm
93

http://szh.nl/

Convention on Biological Diversity - III Assessment of Main Measures | 45

46 | WOt-technical report 156

IV Assessment of National Targets
Progress towards national targets

The progress made towards national targets was deter-

ble–bad. The EU assessment reporting format includes

mined from available assessments, available indicators

changes and trends in the conservation status of species

and expert judgement based on the estimated level of

and habitat types with an unfavourable status. In the

confidence and monitoring related to the target

Netherlands, 10% of the habitat types with an unfavoura-

(Appendix 2).

ble conservation status have shown an improvement
(Figure 10), but at the same time the status of almost
27% of the habitat types in the Netherlands has deterio-

IV-1	By 2020, the assessments of species and
habitats protected by EU nature law show
better conservation or a secure status for
100% more habitats and 50% more
species

rated. The Habitats Directive species show a more positive
trend. A little more than 40% of the species with an
unfavourable status have shown improvement and a little
more than 11% deteriorated. The population trends of
Birds Directive species in the Netherlands for the period
2001-2012 were variable: the situation of 39% of the

In the previous period the trends in most species and

breeding birds has improved, but the situation of 37% of

habitats were stable or improving. It is unclear whether or

the breeding birds has deteriorated.

not progress is sufficient to reach the target in 2020. A
new assessment of the Birds and Habitats Directive is

Other indicators of species and habitats also show an

planned in 2019.

improvement: very small improvement in the status of
Red List species (RLI)94, an increase in population size of

The Netherlands fully implements the EU Habitats and

characteristic species from ecosystems (LPI)95 and an

Birds Directives to preserve biodiversity by protecting wild

improvement in biological water quality96 (see also

flora and fauna and their habitats. The Member States

Aichi Targets 12).

designate Special Protection Areas (Natura 2000 sites)
and protect plant and animal species and habitat types
listed in the Annexes to the Directives. In the Netherlands
most Natura 2000 sites are fully included within the
boundaries of the national ecological network (NEN),
which offers protection for additional habitats for species
conservation. Many measures have been taken (see

IV-2	By 2020, ecosystems and their services
are maintained and enhanced by
establishing green infrastructure and
restoring at least 15% of degraded
ecosystems

section II) to create and restore habitats, reduce fragmentation and improve environmental conditions, both in and

Coastal protection by sand dunes and water purification by

outside the NEN. The effects of these measures are

the same dunes are just two of the essential ecosystem

reported to the European Commission every six years in

services that are already well safeguarded in the

an assessment of the conservation status of the habitat

Netherlands97. Despite the current focus on essential

types and/or species that are listed in the Annexes to the

ecosystem services in the Netherlands, the analysis and

Habitats and Birds Directives. The latest assessment
(2013) showed that the measures are still not sufficient:
only 23% of the listed species and 4% of the listed habitat
types in the Habitats Directive had a favourable conservation status (Figure 9); the remaining species and habitats
were considered unfavourable–inadequate or unfavoura-

94

http://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/en1521-red-list-indicator

95

http://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/

96

http://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/

en1569-living-planet-index-for-the-netherlands
nl1420-krw-biologische-kwaliteit-oppervlaktewater
97

Van der Zee et al., 2016: http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/
fulltext/378969

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 47

Conservation status Habitats Directive (HD)

Population trend Birds Directive (BD)

2007 - 2012

2001 - 2012

Figure 9. Conservation status of habitats and species and population trend of bird species

Trends in Habitats types and Habitat Directive species with an unfavourable conservation status

Figure 10. Trends in the conservation status of habitats and species

48 | WOt-technical report 156

Winter mortality of bees

Figure 11. Average winter mortality of bee colonies

evaluation of most services is still at an early stage, as is

trees. In the Netherlands, the winter mortality of bee

the process towards safeguarding and restoring them .

colonies is often higher than normal (Figure 11) and more

There is currently a strong research focus on clarifying the

than half of the wild bees are on the national Red List

current situation. One of the actions of the Natural Capital

(Figure 12).99 From 2003 to 2018 the number of species

Agenda is the development of the digital Atlas of Natural

on the Red List increased and the species on the list

Capital in the Netherlands. This will form the basis for

became more threatened. The Natural Capital Agenda

formulating policy strategies to map ecosystem services,

2013 outlines some concrete actions to redress this

applying the TEEB (the economics of ecosystems and

situation. The Dutch government gives incentives to

biodiversity) approach, and restoring and safeguarding

farmers to create arable field margins with wild flowers to

essential ecosystem services. Here we present a few

facilitate functional agro-biodiversity, stimulates the use of

services which have received special attention.

non-chemical methods and requires farmers to use

98

emission reducing techniques. The government and social
Pollination and bees

partners have drawn up and signed a national bee strate-

Pollination is an essential ecosystem service and as such

gy100 (see also section III-5).

the impacts of pesticides on nature, especially on bees, is
receiving special attention. Honey bees, wild bees and

Restoring of ecosystem services along rivers

several other species of insects are important for food

A successful programme for restoring ecosystem services

security and for pollinating agricultural crops and fruit

related to water, climate adaptation and human safety is
99

98

https://themasites.pbl.nl/natuurlijk-kapitaal-nederland/wp-content/
uploads/2014/PBL_2016_Natuurlijk-kapitaal_1455.pdf

http://www.bestuivers.nl/rodelijst

100 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/natuur-en-biodiversiteit/
bijenstrategie

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 49

Red List Bees

Figure 12. Red List of bee species

the Room for the River programme. The goal of this
programme was to give the main rivers more room for
dynamic processes and to better manage higher discharge
levels in the face of the expected effects of climate
change. Adapting to changing sea levels and river dis-

IV-3	By 2020, the conservation of species and
habitats depending on or affected by
agriculture and forestry, and the provision
of their ecosystem services, show
measurable improvements

charge patterns is essential in order to provide the
necessary protection against flooding and ensure accept-

Compared with forestry the agriculture sector has made

able levels of public safety. At more than 30 locations,

less progress towards sustainability, despite the positive

measures have been taken to provide the river with larger

and substantial efforts made under the common agricul-

areas of floodplain and increase protection against flood-

tural policy, such as the agri-environmental schemes.

ing. The measures have also been designed in such a way
that they improve the ecological, landscape and recrea-

Agriculture

tional quality of the immediate surroundings. Monitoring

The populations of species that depend on agriculture are

reveals a strong increase in natural values during the

still decreasing. Populations of breeding birds, insects and

20 years of habitat creation and restoration along the

butterflies (Figure 13) in particular are decreasing, while

main rivers

most species of mammals (such as badger and hare)

. On 22 March 2018 the minister of infra-

101

structure and water management presented the Room for

persist or are on the increase.103 The decline in population

the River final evaluation to the House of

numbers is mainly due to the intensive use of agricultural

Representatives102.

land. Changes in crop choice, pesticide use, mechanisation
and the increase in the scale of agricultural operations
have led to changes in food availability, nesting and chick

101 http://rijninbeeld.nl/wp-content/uploads/Rijn-en-Beeld-brochure-lrnc.pdf
102 http://publicaties.minienm.nl/documenten/
ruimte-voor-de-rivier-oogst-ruimtelijke-kwaliteit

50 | WOt-technical report 156

103 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl1580-trend-fauna-agrarisch

Butterflies in grassland

Figure 13. Trend in butterfly populations in agricultural grassland

Nutrient surpluses in agriculture

Figure 14. Nutrient surpluses in agriculture

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 51

survival and to the disappearance of small landscape

Forestry

elements such as hedgerows and small unproductive areas

All forests in the Netherlands are legally protected and

with wild flowers. Since the 1980s various agri-environ-

many of them are sustainably managed. About 46% of the

ment schemes have been implemented in an attempt to

forest area is FSC certified.108 The populations of typical

reverse the trend, but have not succeeded. The popula-

breeding birds of forests are on average increasing

tions of farmland birds are still decreasing and considera-

(Figure 15). Forest butterflies show a more mixed pic-

ble efforts are being made to find a new system to

ture.109 Dutch forests have undergone substantial changes

improve farmland biodiversity (Figure 7, section III-3).

in recent decades. The age structure of many forests is

Time will show if this new system is more effective.

rising and their composition and management is more

The number of species and habitats indirectly affected by

varied; dead wood is often left in place rather than being

agriculture is large. Most habitats and many species are

removed (Figure 16). Many monoculture stands of pine

sensitive to nitrogen overload, pesticides, lowered water

are being transformed into more natural mixed forest and

tables, etc. Across large areas of different ecosystems the

deciduous forest. New forest areas are advantageous for

deposition levels still exceed the critical loads for sustain-

some birds, while other species do well in the older

ing good ecological quality104. The sector is moving

forests. Some species of older forests are decreasing,

towards greater sustainability, but progress is slow.

including wood warbler and black woodpecker. Some bird

Nitrogen, phosphate and other nutrient surpluses

species of coniferous forest (crested tit, coal tit) are also

(Figure 14) can lead to pollution of soil, water and air.

decreasing, possibly because coniferous forests are being

Policy measures and other efforts being made by the

transformed into deciduous forest. Birds of prey, such as

sector did bring down these surpluses in Dutch soils, but

buzzard, hawk and sparrowhawk are on the increase in

they rose again in 2015, possibly due to an increase in

forests on clay and peat soils, but are declining in forests

livestock numbers after the abolition of the EU milk quota.

on sandy soils because they find little good quality food
there110. On average, populations of typical breeding birds

Organic farming is considered a promising strategy for

of forests are increasing.

making agricultural and horticultural production more
sustainable. In 2017, just 3.1% of all Dutch farmland was
under organic farming. In comparison with other European
countries, the organic farming sector in our country is
small105, but it is growing. Between 2011 and 2018, the
area under organic farming increased by 19% from
47,000 to 58,000 ha106. This growth mainly took place in

IV-4	By 2015, fishing is sustainable. By 2020,
fish stocks are healthy and European seas
healthier. Fishing has no significant
adverse impacts on species and
ecosystems

the area of grassland (23%) and open field horticulture
(61%). In 2018 the organic farming area was 3% larger

The EU is responsible for policies on managing marine

than in the previous year (see also Aichi Targets 4).

living resources in Europe and elsewhere where European

In response to this lack of progress, a social movement

fisheries operate. The new common fisheries policy (CFP),

has arisen to work towards the closing of nutrient cycles

which entered into force in 2014, applies to fishing by EU

and for nature-inclusive farming across the entire agricul-

vessels in international waters and in territorial waters of

tural sector, not only in the 10% of agricultural areas that

third countries, unless agreements with the third country

are under agri-environmental management. This is

state otherwise. The current policy stipulates that between

supported and underlined by a broad social alliance of

2015 and 2020 catch limits should be set that are sustain-

agricultural and nature conservation organisations and

able and maintain fish stocks in the long term. Important

various parties in the agricultural trade chain, who have

fish stocks such as herring, sole and plaice (Figure 18) are

published a Delta Plan for Biodiversity Recovery107.

above safe biological limits and also above sustainable

104 https://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/
en2045-overfertilization-in-the-national-ecological-network
105 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.
php?title=File:Organic_farming_area_EU_and_EFTA.rev.jpg
106 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl0011-biologische-landbouw
107 https://www.samenvoorbiodiversiteit.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/
Deltaplan-Biodiversiteitsherstel.pdf

52 | WOt-technical report 156

108 http://www.bosenhoutcijfers.nl/nederlands-bos/boscertificering/
109 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl1162-fauna-van-het-bos
110 Boele A., van Bruggen J., Hustings F., Koffijberg K., Vergeer J.W. en van der
Meij T. (2016). Broedvogels in Nederland in 2014. Sovon-rapport 2016/04.
Sovon Vogelonderzoek Nederland, Nijmegen.

Breeding birds of forests

Figure 15. Trend in total population of breeding birds of forests

Standing and lying dead tree trunks

Figure 16. Standing and lying dead wood in forests

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 53

Fish stocks in the North Sea: Cod

Figure 17. Trend in stock size of cod in the North Sea

Fish stocks in the North Sea: Plaice

Figure 18. Trend in stock size of plaice in the North Sea

54 | WOt-technical report 156

Egg capsules of sharks and rays

Figure 19. Trend in numbers of egg capsules of sharks and rays in the North sea

levels.111 The cod population is not yet above the sustaina-

ecological effects than beam trawls113, electric pulse

ble level (Figure 17).

fishing is being reduced and will be banned in the EU from
July 2021.

Not all the effects of unsustainable fisheries have been
restored. Vulnerable long-lived shark and ray species are

Several other international agreements regarding the

still critically endangered or threatened (Figure 19) and

North Sea are implemented: VIBEG, MFSD, OSPAR.

many populations of benthos species – animals living near,

Under the VIBEG agreement114, parts of the marine Natura

on or in the seabed – have decreased since 1990 and no

2000 areas (North Sea Coastal Zone and the Vlakte van

signs of recovery have yet been recorded (Figure 20). In

Raan) are closed to certain categories of fishing that have

demersal trawl fisheries (for seabed species) rays and

an impact on bottom life or can disturb sea mammals and

sharks are also caught as a by-catch. The Netherlands has

birds. Measures under the MSFD are currently being

adopted a shark and ray recovery action plan 2015-2021

implemented to conserve marine biodiversity with the aim

under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)112.

of achieving good environmental status by 2020. The
maintenance of biodiversity (birds, fish, sea mammals and

The CFP contains an obligation to land all catches of

pelagic and benthic habitats) is one of 11 qualitative

regulated fish species; discards are prohibited. In addi-

descriptors of what the environment will be like when

tion, the Dutch government stimulates technical and other

good environmental status has been achieved. The EU

innovations for more sustainable fisheries with fewer

Member States work together on regional implementation

discards. Important examples of research and innovation

of the MSFD. The OSPAR Convention for the protection of

are the transition from mussel seed fishing to mussel seed

the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic has

capture installations and the transition from traditional

been an effective regional platform for international

beam trawl fishing to electric pulse fishing. While ICES
concludes that pulse trawling has fewer environmental and

113 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2018/05/30/
bijlage-1---advice-explainer-ecological-and-environmental-effects-of-pulse-

111 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl0073-visbestanden-in-de-noordzee
112 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2019/05/01/

trawling
114 https://www.msp-platform.eu/practices/

kamerbrief-voortgang-krm-haaienactieplan-noordzee-en-internationale-

vibeg-agreement-and-steering-group-stimulating-sustainable-fisheries-dutch-

haaienstrategie-inclusief-caribisch-nederland

north-sea

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 55

Benthos (animals living near, on, or in the seabed) in the North Sea

Figure 20. Trend in benthos abundance in the North sea

cooperation on the North Sea, for example through the

27 commercial fish, shellfish and crustaceans meet the

development of common indicators and the Intermediate

good environmental status threshold for the criteria

Assessment 2017. According to the Dutch Marine Strategy

‘fishing mortality rate’ and ‘spawning stock biomass’.

(Part 1, 2018-2024)

, good environmental status of

115

biodiversity based on OSPAR indicators has not been
reached, but the environmental status for biodiversity is
improving.
The Marine Strategy defines the target for the good
environmental status for commercial fish stocks as

IV-5 By 2020, invasive alien species are
identified, priority species controlled or
eradicated, and pathways are managed to
prevent new invasive species from disrupting
European biodiversity

follows: “By 2020, all commercially exploited fish species
will remain within safe biological limits and show a

The invasive alien species and their pathways have been

structure in terms of age and size that is characteristic of

identified and measure are being taken, but the number of

a healthy stock’. While reasonable progress has been

alien species in the Netherlands and Europe is still increas-

made, the target has not yet been reached”116. According

ing (Figure 21). In September 2013, recognising the

to the status assessment for the International North Sea

increasingly serious problem of invasive alien species in

published in the Dutch Marine Strategy, which was based

Europe, the European Commission published a dedicated

on file assessments from 2016117, 7 (or 26%) of the

legislative instrument on invasive alien species, the IAS
Regulation, to tackle this problem in a coordinated and

115 Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat & Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur
en Voedselkwaliteit, 2018. Mariene Strategie (deel 1) Actualisatie van huidige
milieutoestand, goede milieutoestand, milieudoelen en indicatoren.
2018-2024.
116 Gepubliceerd in: Mariene Strategie voor het Nederlandse deel van de
Noordzee 2012-2020 (deel 3). KRM-programma van maatregelen. Bijlage 5 bij

concerted way across all Member States118. At the core of
the IAS Regulation is the List of Invasive Alien Species of
Union concern, referred to as the Union list.119 The IAS
Regulation imposes restrictions on the keeping, importing,

het Nationaal Waterplan 2016-2021.
117 Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat & Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur
en Voedselkwaliteit, 2018. Mariene Strategie (deel 1) Actualisatie van huidige
milieutoestand, goede milieutoestand, milieudoelen en indicatoren.
2018-2024.

56 | WOt-technical report 156

118 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014R114
3&from=EN
119 Union list: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/list/
index_en.htm

Number of alien species

Figure 21. Numbers of alien, potential invasive and invasive alien species in the Netherlands since 1900

selling, breeding and growing of the listed species.

Many actions have been taken to identify pathways

Member States are required to take measures for their

(Figure 22) and eradicate or control potentially invasive

early detection and rapid eradication, and to manage

alien species. Nevertheless, the number of alien species is

populations that are already widely spread in their territo-

still growing, especially in aquatic environments, especial-

ry. The Union list is updated at regular intervals.

ly due to freshwater infrastructure connections between
the Black Sea and the North Sea, which poses a major

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

management challenge. Introduction pathways such as

asked the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety

trade and use are regulated by law (see section II-2). The

Authority (NVWA) to advise on the Dutch approach per

Nature Conservation Act prohibits the release of animal

Union listed species. This advice has been laid down in a

and plant species in the wild as well as the possession of

strategy document on Union list species120. The NVWA also

and trade in certain alien species. The law makes it

advised the ministry of species that might be added to the

possible to act when invasive alien species are introduced.

Union list. The risk of additional alien species becoming
invasive has been assessed and reported on by the

Aquatic invasive alien species are much more difficult to

Invasive Alien Species Team (Team Invasieve Exoten) and

control and eradicate than terrestrial species, which puts

species experts. The list and the risk assessments are

the emphasis on prevention. To prevent the introduction

available on the website of the NVWA.121

of marine alien species via the ballast water of ships, in
2010 the Netherlands signed the International Convention
for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water
and Sediments (BWM) under the auspices of the

120 https://www.nvwa.nl/documenten/dier/dieren-in-de-natuur/exoten/
publicaties/onderbouwing-strategie-unielijstsoorten
121 https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/invasieve-exoten/
risicobeoordelingen--reactieperiode-invasieve-exoten.

International Maritime Organization (IMO). The essence of
this agreement is that ships must have an approved
ballast water treatment plant which removes organisms.

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 57

The BWM Convention has been signed by 66 Parties

a 19% increase on 2016123. The proportion of sustainable

representing 75% of world trade tonnage and entered into

food as a percentage of total expenditure on food rose

force on 8 September 2017122.

from 10% in 2016 to 11% in 2017. A large proportion of
the raw materials consumed in the Netherlands are
produced abroad.

Pathways

The Netherlands contributes to averting global biodiversity
loss by stimulating sustainable trade and production and
supporting biodiversity protection elsewhere. The Natural
Capital Agenda focuses – both nationally and internationally – on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The focus of ecosystem services protection lies on the
implementation and management of Natural Capital
targets and promoting sustainable production and consumption. As the Netherlands is a relatively small and
density populated country with a large international
footprint, most of the effects of promoting sustainable
supply chains are outside the Netherlands. Dutch foreign
development policy focuses on fair and sustainable growth
and prosperity from which everyone benefits. The core of
the policy is stated in the document ‘What the World
Deserves: A new agenda for aid, trade and investment’124.
Figure 22. Pathways of alien species in the Netherlands

The Dutch government has played a facilitating and
stimulating role in the transition process to sustainable
consumption and production through its financial support
to voluntary initiatives, its procurement policy and the

IV-6	By 2020, the EU has stepped up its
contribution to avert global biodiversity
loss

conclusion of letters of intent with market parties. The
parties involved have often taken important steps in the
sustainability process on a voluntary basis, but are now
faced with obstacles of a financial and administrative

Major steps have been taken to keep the impacts from the

nature125. That is why market-wide agreements are

use of natural resources within safe ecological limits,

needed at a European level to stimulate sustainable trade

although there are still concerns about the reform of the

and to create a level playing field between Member States.

agricultural sector and the ecological footprint of the

The Netherlands has an active role in this. For example, in

Netherlands, especially abroad. The road to sustainability

2016 a conference on sustainable trade by several EU

is a long one, but reasonable progress has been made.

Member States adopted an initiative for the use of sus-

The international target of doubling biodiversity-related

tainable palm oil (Amsterdam Palm Oil Declaration).

funding flows to developing countries by 2015 and
maintaining them until 2020 has not been reached. The

The Dutch government also supports the Fair Green Global

Netherlands is actually moving away from this target (see

Alliance126 of six civil society organisations (Both ENDS,

Aichi Targets 20).

SOMO, Milieudefensie and others) which works to alleviate
poverty, advocate at various levels for more sustainable

Total consumer spending on sustainable food examined in

consumption and production, and strengthen civil society

a sample of stores and other outlets (supermarkets,
specialist sustainable food shops and hospitality and food
service outlets) amounted to EUR 4.5 billion in 2017:

123 https://www.agrimatie.nl/ThemaResultaat.
aspx?subpubID=2232&themaID=2810&indicatorID=2659
124 https://www.government.nl/documents/letters/2013/04/05/
global-dividends-a-new-agenda-for-aid-trade-and-investment
125 https://www.clo.nl/en/node/26339

122 http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/21-BWM-EIF.aspx

58 | WOt-technical report 156

126 https://fairgreenandglobal.org/

Market shares of resources with a sustainability label in Dutch consumption and industrial use

Figure 23. Market shares of raw materials with a sustainability label in Dutch consumption and industrial use

organisations in tropical and subtropical developing

certification127. The production methods prescribed in

countries.

standards have potentially positive effects, but it is not
clear is to what degree the certification process induces

Sustainability labels

improvements in methods used or simply certifies practic-

Governments, businesses and stakeholders at all levels

es that were already compliant. In response to the

are taking steps to establish sustainable production

shortcomings of the certification approach, Dutch policies

methods and consumption patterns. The market shares of

are increasingly putting their weight behind jurisdictional

a number of biotic raw materials imported into the

and landscape scale sustainable production approaches

Netherlands with a sustainability label have increased

(Natural Capital Accounting, IDH).

substantially in recent decades (Figure 23). Obtaining a
sustainability label is a voluntary decision. Labels such as
Fair Trade for coffee, RTRS for responsibly grown soy, MSC
for sustainably caught fish and FSC for sustainably
produced timber employ internationally accepted standards for sustainable production. All of these standards, to
different degrees, incorporate principles and criteria on
biodiversity protection and/or zero deforestation.
There is considerable debate about the effectiveness of

127 Potts, J., Voora, V., Lynch, M. & Mammadova, A. (2016) Voluntary
Sustainability Standards and Biodiversity: Understanding the potential of
agricultural standards for biodiversity protection IISD The International
Institute for Sustainable Development; https://www.pbl.nl/sites/default/files/
cms/publicaties/PBL_2015_Duurzame%20handelsketens%20onder%20
de%20loep_1147.pdf

Convention on Biological Diversity - IV Assessment of National Targets | 59

60 | WOt-technical report 156

V Aichi Biodiversity Targets
Strategic Goal A:

Strategic Goal D:

Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss

Enhance the benefits to all

1

Awareness of biodiversity increased

14 Ecosystem services

2

Biodiversity values integrated

15 Ecosystem restoration and resilience

3

Incentives reformed

16 Access to and sharing benefits from genetic resources

4

Sustainable production and consumption

Strategic Goal B:

Strategic Goal E:

Reduce the pressures on biodiversity and promote

Enhance implementation

sustainable use

17 Biodiversity strategies and action plans

5

Habitat loss halved or reduced

18 Traditional knowledge

6

Sustainable management of aquatic living resources

19 Sharing information and knowledge

7

Sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and forestry

20 Mobilising resources from all sources

8

Pollution reduced

9

Invasive alien species prevented and controlled

10 Ecosystems vulnerable to climate change

Strategic Goal C:
Improve the status of biodiversity
11 Protected areas
12 Reducing risk of extinction
13 Safeguarding genetic diversity

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 61

Strategic Goal A
Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming
biodiversity across government and society

government’s vision on nature The Natural Way Forward

Target 1
Awareness of biodiversity
increased

specifically mentions:
• support for the consultative panel ‘Green Table Human
Capital Agenda Natural Living Environment’, established
by representatives from the green education sector and

By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of
biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and
use it sustainably

partners from the private sector to train future employees and educational institutions for a green future;
• support for green education within and outside schools,
for instance by stimulating green school playgrounds
and city farms and the educational programme Duur-

Why is this target important?

zaam Door.

Addressing the direct and underlying drivers of biodiversity loss will require behavioural change by individuals,

The government increasingly delegates the responsibility

organisations and governments. Understanding, aware-

for awareness raising to NGOs, private parties and

ness and appreciation of the diverse values of biodiversity

businesses and gives organisations such as the Institute

help to underpin the willingness of individuals to make

for Nature Education (IVN) and Staatsbosbeheer financial

such changes. Public awareness also underpins the

support to organise awareness raising.

political will for governments to act. To meet this target,
people must not just be aware of the values of biodiversity

A European survey shows that most European Union

in an abstract way, but know the concrete contributions

citizens have heard of the term ‘biodiversity’, but less than

biodiversity makes to their lives, as well as the actions

one third knows what it means. Dutch citizens have heard

that can be taken to conserve and sustainably use

of biodiversity more often than the average in the

biodiversity128.

European Union (Figure 24), but they are a little less
positive about the importance of biodiversity than the

Summary of progress towards the target

average European respondent (Figure 25).

Based on the current status and positive trend in biodiversity awareness in the Netherlands and the ongoing

Most Dutch citizens (81%) have an affinity with nature to

initiatives, it can be concluded that awareness is relatively

some degree and 94% of respondents believe nature

high and still increasing. Aichi Targets 1 maybe considered

conservation is very important.129 They are aware of

to have been achieved. Progress towards Aichi Targets 1

biodiversity in their surrounding area, visit nature reserves

in the Caribbean Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St

and carry out low-threshold activities to maintain it (like

Maarten is assessed as being ‘on track to achieve target’.

feeding birds during winter). About 16% are not only
interested in nature but also take part in conservation

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

work to some extent, while 12% can be considered to be

Aichi Target 1

highly involved and active as nature conservationists and

The Netherlands has always pursued active programmes

decision makers. The sizes of these groups remained

at all levels of government to support awareness raising

virtually unchanged between 2013 and 2017.

and communication on biodiversity and nature. The
129 Boer, T.A. de, and F.L. Langers, 2017. Maatschappelijk draagvlak voor
128 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

62 | WOt-technical report 156

natuurbeleid en betrokkenheid bij natuur in 2017. Technical report 102,
Wettelijke Onderzoekstaken Natuur & Milieu, Wageningen.

Have you ever heard of the term “biodiversity”?, 2015

Figure 24. Percentage of respondents that had heard of the term ‘biodiversity’.129

Respondent agreement biodiversity importance

Figure 25. Percentage of respondents who think biodiversity is important.131

130

131

Dutch NGOs are very successful in organising activities to

Work Day) has risen sharply from the first one in 2001 to

increase public awareness and involve citizens in their

around 14,000 in 2014 and has been stable ever since.

activities. For example, the Natuur- en Milieufederaties
(nature and environment federations) have more than

The number of volunteers submitting species counts to the

1,000 affiliated local volunteer organisations. Thousands

website waarneming.nl has more than doubled in 10 years

of volunteers are active in nature and landscape manage-

to 17,720 in 2017 and is still increasing. The number of

ment. The number of volunteers can vary considerably

garden bird counting participants has grown in 10 years

from year to year and between organisations. The number

from approx. 10,000 to more than 65,000 in 2018. The

of volunteers participating in the Natuurwerkdag (Nature

number of people clearing up rubbish is increasing.132
The government has taken several new steps to increase

130 European questionnaire ‘Attitudes towards biodiversity’ http://ec.europa.eu/

awareness and is planning to involve citizens, business

COMMFrontOffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSurveyDetail/
instruments/SPECIAL/surveyKy/2091
131 European questionnaire ‘Attitudes towards biodiversity’ http://ec.europa.eu/

132 Boer, T.A. de, and F.L. Langers, 2017. Maatschappelijk draagvlak voor

COMMFrontOffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSurveyDetail/

natuurbeleid en betrokkenheid bij natuur in 2017. Technical report 102,

instruments/SPECIAL/surveyKy/2091

Wettelijke Onderzoekstaken Natuur & Milieu, Wageningen.

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 63

and industry (NV; NCA). For businesses, there is a pro-

105 million annually for Bonaire, USD 29 million for Saba

gramme of Green Deals to support bottom-up initiatives

and USD 25 million for Sint Eustatius.

targeted at awareness raising, community and network
building, experimentation and innovation. In the period

The studies demonstrated that it is more efficient to

from 2011 to 2018, 41 Green Deals for biodiversity

prevent extensive environmental damage by tackling

involving around 200 participating parties were signed and

current threats than it is to try and revitalise the environ-

presented on the website133 (per 1 May 2018). The Green

ment while these threats continue undealt with. With the

Deal approach in the Netherlands is a low-threshold way

current threats unmanaged, the TEV of nature on these

for companies, other stakeholder organisations, local and

islands will decrease significantly. For Bonaire the TEV was

regional governments and interest groups to work with

estimated to decrease to less than 60% in 10 years’ time

the national government on green growth and social

and to less than 40% in 30 years’ time. Scenarios based

issues (see also section II-6).

on managing roaming livestock, agricultural development
and tourism expansion have been developed to simulate

Businesses are increasingly taking responsibility for raising

the change in the value of ecosystems over the next

awareness about biodiversity conservation and sustainable

30 years. The scenarios provide excellent input for welfare

use. An example is the Leaders for Nature initiative

maximising development strategies and biodiversity

initiated in 2005 by IUCN NL.134 In addition, the Platform

awareness raising on the islands. The Bonairean study

on Business, Ecosystems and Economy (Platform BEE)

was accompanied by an award winning documentary.

founded by IUCN and the Confederation of Netherlands
Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) implemented an

The protected areas management organisations on each

awareness raising programme to stimulate businesses to

of the islands have dedicated CEPA and active pro-

take action. This resulted in 2016 in The Hague Business

grammes to educate young people in particular about

Agreement on Natural Capital, which also marked the end

nature. Nature conservation NGOs also play an important

of Platform BEE.135

role in awareness raising. Boneiru Duradero focuses on
awareness and community activity on Bonaire and is

One of the actions of the Natural Capital Agenda is the

funded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Ministry

development of the digital Atlas of Natural Capital136 in the

of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The main focus is

Netherlands. The Atlas provides information and tools for

on reducing waste (plastics) via public campaigns and

use by policymakers and civil society to raise awareness

training. The campaigns reach many people via social

about natural capital, use it sustainably and find appropri-

media.137

ate solutions, especially for the long term.
On Sint Eustatius and Bonaire the national government
Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

funds dedicated communication/outreach programmes to

Aichi Targets 1

increase awareness of nature on these islands. The Nature

Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs are critical to

Awareness programme on Sint Eustatius organises a

small island societies, such as Bonaire, Saba and Sint

variety of workshops, signage, webcams, social media

Eustatius. To make well-founded decisions it is important

messages, after school programmes, exhibits and a youth

to understand how nature contributes to the economy and

ambassador programme. The Caribbean Netherlands

its wellbeing. This insight and awareness is crucial when

Science Institute (CNSI) on Sint Eustatius offers space

managing the economy and nature of these islands. An

and an information centre/library for its outreach function.

analysis of the economic value of the main ecosystem

On Bonaire the nos ta biba di naturalesa (we live off

services of these islands found that the total economic

nature) programme uses a website, social media and TV

value (TEV) of the ecosystem services provided by the

programmes and videos to highlight all activities on the

marine and terrestrial ecosystems are worth USD

island concerning nature and environment.138
A video of the Saba Bank National Park was produced

133 https://www.greendeals.nl/
134 https://www.iucn.nl/actueel/terugblik-10-jaar-leaders-for-nature

showing the value of this unique area to the island as a

135 https://www.iucn.nl/files/publicaties/den_haag_business_akkoord_voor_
natuurlijk_kapitaal.pdf
136 https://www.atlasnatuurlijkkapitaal.nl/

64 | WOt-technical report 156

137 https://www.facebook.com/boneiruduradero/
138 https://bibadinaturalesa.com/

major fisheries resource and the importance of using this

In February 2016, the Ministry of Economic Affairs,

resource sustainably. The video was shown on local TV

Communication, Energy & Environment, in cooperation

and via social media. A shorter version was shown at a

with Setar N.V. (a private company, which provided funds

leading regional conference on fisheries and nature

through its corporate social responsibility programme),

conservation. Local NGOs on Bonaire, Sea Turtle

commissioned a TEEB study on the importance of nature

Conservation Bonaire (STCB) and the Echo Foundation

for economic and social prosperity. This study was com-

have outreach and volunteer programmes to raise aware-

pleted in January 2018 and can be considered an impor-

ness and increase the involvement of local residents for

tant step in biodiversity awareness raising.

sea turtles, the Bonaire parrot and reforestation.
Curaçao
Aruba

There are no studies on the awareness of biodiversity

There are no studies on the awareness of biodiversity

values among the local community. Nevertheless, the

values among the local community. Nevertheless, the

NGOs of the island are very active and provide regular

NGOs on the island are very active and provide regular

information on a variety of topics. Active NGOs include

information on a variety of topics. Active NGOs include

Amigoe di Tera, Defensa Ambiental, Carmabi, Uniek

Arikok National Park Foundation, Aruba Marine Park

Curaçao and Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC).

Foundation, Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation,

These organisations actively engage the public. CARMABI

TurtugAruba and Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC). ABC

Foundation runs a government funded school education

launched a campaign to prevent illegal dumping, a cam-

programme reaching thousands of schoolchildren annually.

paign to prevent the extinction of the Choco, a burrowing

Its Nature and Environment Programme consists of a

owl, and a campaign on the impact of the invasive boa

Terrestrial Education Programme and a Marine Education

constrictor as well as field days to actually catch them.

Programme, including guided tours within the parks,

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 65

presentations, interactive exercises and a visit to the

dive operators and the general community support various

CARMABI Marine Education Center. In 2016, a total of

conservation activities, including the management of the

33 schools, including over 9,000 children, participated in

Marine Park Area (MPA), the coral restoration programme,

the educational programmes. Uniek Curaçao runs an

shark conservation, terrestrial conservation and aware-

outreach programme to local businesses and civic groups,

ness incentives and the need for solid waste management.

taking them on nature tours to let employees and social

The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation is different from

groups experience and appreciate the island’s nature.

other NGOs in that they are designated as the Scientific

They also publicise illegal rubbish dumping in nature areas

and Ecosystem Authority of Sint Maarten, based on the

to promote awareness, and organise regular clean-ups

Service Level Agreement that the NGO has with the

throughout the year.

Government of Sint Maarten.

STCC organises different activities to raise awareness

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

about sea turtles and their protection. The organisation

Aichi Targets 1 at a global level

has an educational programme for schoolchildren and

Public opinion is an important factor in influencing politi-

holds presentations for the general public, companies and

cians and decision makers and awareness of the impor-

tourists. They have installed informative signs on several

tance of biodiversity provides public support for policy to

public beaches about the turtles and the threats they face.

conserve biodiversity nationally and internationally. Most

They also hold public beach clean-ups on a regular basis.

Dutch citizens have a medium to high level of awareness

The plastic collected during these clean-ups is recycled.

of the importance of nature conservation.

Hotels and the public support the lionfish control project.
Biodiversity information in the native language
(Papiamento) regularly appears in the newspapers and on
national television. Although reasonable progress has
been made on this target, the legal land use plan
(Eilandelijke Ontwikkelings Plan), which is the only legal
basis for designation of conservation areas, remains
poorly understood and appreciated and is no match for
the powerful landowner lobby.
Sint Maarten
Active NGOs on Sint Maarten are the Nature Foundation
(NF), EPIC and SIMARC. The NGOs provide regular
information on a variety of topics, host awareness workshops and pilot various environmental projects, such as
the mangrove restoration project, Green Key auditing,
certification and shark awareness week. From June 2017
to March 2018 the EPIC Foundation carried out a restoration project funded by the EU through the BEST 2.0
funding mechanism. The project focused on the restoration of biodiversity at three sites on Sint Maarten, two
terrestrial sites and one coastal site. EPIC aimed to
increase the appreciation for habitat restoration for
biodiversity preservation by planting 500 trees and
300 red mangroves with student and community volunteers. The project supported schools and community
groups by offering presentations and outdoor activities
focusing on the importance of biodiversity. During the
project, approximately 1,250 people participated in the
various educational and volunteer opportunities. Hotels,

66 | WOt-technical report 156

unless’ development control regime for the NEN protects

Target 2
Biodiversity values integrated

nature within the network against development with
negative impacts. Under this regime there was only a
small increase in new housing within the boundaries of the
NEN between 2000 and 2017140. Regional governments

By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been

have incorporated the NEN into their spatial plans since

integrated into national and local development and

around 1995. Local governments are the competent

poverty reduction strategies and planning processes are

authorities for permitting development. In their local

being incorporated into national accounting, as appropri-

development plans they have to weigh the economic and

ate, and reporting systems.

social values of development proposals against ecological
values. Where spatial information on protected species
requires it, they make mitigation and compensation

Why is this target important?

measures a condition on permission for building and other

One of the persistent challenges related to the conserva-

development.

tion and sustainable use of biodiversity is to include it as a
significant consideration when decisions are being taken

All development plans must take existing biodiversity

on economic development and reducing poverty. Without

values into account and are subject to an environmental

such ‘mainstreaming’, the best conservation measures can

impact assessment. The government encourages the

be jeopardised as development activities may threaten

inclusion of measures to create or restore habitats in

habitats and contribute to other pressures on biodiversity.

development plans in combination with other functions,

A key step towards meeting this challenge is to ensure

such as climate change adaptation, drinking water supply,

that the values of biodiversity to economies and liveli-

redesigning tourism infrastructure, urban development,

hoods, often ignored in conventional accounting, are

infrastructure investment and flood protection. An exam-

incorporated into the strategies and processes that drive

ple of such integrated planning is the Room for the River

decisions about development139.

programme. The measures to manage higher discharge
levels have also been designed in such a way that they

Summary of progress towards the target

improve the ecological, landscape and recreational quality

Biodiversity values have been integrated into national and

of the immediate surroundings (see section IV-2).

local development strategies and planning processes and
are being incorporated into national accounting, as

National accounting and reporting systems

appropriate, and reporting systems. The progress made

Examples of national accounting and reporting systems

on Aichi Targets 2 can be considered to be relatively high.

with biodiversity indicators:

Progress towards Aichi Targets 2 in the Caribbean

• The Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assess-

Netherlands is assessed as ‘on track to achieve target’.

ment (NCEA) reviews all environmental impact assess-

Aruba and Sint Maarten are assessed as ‘progress towards

ments of spatial plans and makes recommendations.

target but at an insufficient rate’ and Curaçao is assessed

They issued 159 recommendations in 2016 and 168 in

as ‘no significant change’.

2017, half of which were mandatory advisory reviews of
environmental impact statements (EISs). The Commis-

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

sion found significant shortcomings in 70% of the EISs

Aichi Targets 2

they reviewed, compared with 63% in 2016 and 66% in

In the National Policy Strategy for Infrastructure and

2015. In particular, information was lacking on the

Spatial Planning (SVIR), the Dutch government identifies

effects on Natura 2000 areas and on possible alterna-

conservation and protection of species as an important

tive, environmentally friendly solutions (NCEA Annual

national interest. The government continues to develop

Report 2017141). In half of these cases, the competent

the national ecological network (NEN) as the most impor-

authority later reviewed the EISs again and 80% of

tant instrument for halting biodiversity loss. The ‘no,

them had been revised and were complete.
140 http://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/

139 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

nl2050-bouwen-in-natuurgebieden-in-de-ecologische-hoofdstructuur
141 https://www.commissiemer.nl/jaarverslag2017/

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 67

• Between 2007 and 2017 the provincial governments

Sint Maarten

informed parliament each year on the progress being

An economic valuation of the country’s coral reef resourc-

made with establishing the NEN142.

es was completed in 2010 and 2015 (T. Bervoets, Nature

• Once every two years, the Netherlands Environmental

Foundation) and was used to establish the country’s first

Assessment Agency (PBL) reports on the state of the

Marine Park and only protected area. A subsequent

environment and evaluates policy, including on biodiver-

assessment in 2014 (T. Bervoets, Nature Foundation) was

sity and nature.143

also used to determine the goods and services provided
by the Mullet Pond Wetland, which was subsequently

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

identified as a Ramsar site. Also, eight shark species were

Aichi Targets 2

added under the international SPAW Protocol (on Specially

TEEB studies on all three islands have revealed that the

Protected Areas and Wildlife), the only cross-border

island economies and welfare very much depend on

legislative instrument for nature conservation in the Wider

healthy ecosystems. Mainstreaming biodiversity in all

Caribbean Region.

sectors is crucial for the islands. It is one of two main
targets of the Caribbean Netherlands Nature Policy Plan

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

2013-2017144, and includes 17 strategic actions. An

Aichi Targets 2 at a global level

overview of the results of these actions cannot be provid-

Biodiversity values and sustainable production are inte-

ed, however, as an assessment has not yet been carried

grated into Dutch development policy and trade.145

out. A draft Nature Policy Plan has been prepared.

The Netherlands takes part in the World Bank led WAVES
programme to promote natural capital accounting meth-

Aruba

ods and including natural capital values into national

Aruba’s government has set itself the goal of moving

accounts and statistics.

towards sustainable development, which in essence means
balancing three interconnected areas: social welfare,
economic responsibility and ecological resilience. In order
to make sound decisions about the management of
ecosystems, it is necessary to estimate the socioeconomic
value that these ecosystems provide to Aruba and incorporate natural capital into policymaking. In February
2016, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Communication,
Energy & Environment commissioned a TEEB study
(co-funded by Setar N.V.) on the importance of Aruban
nature for economic and social prosperity. This study,
completed in 2018, can be considered an important step
towards the development of a sustainable island economy
on Aruba.
Curaçao
A few small studies provide partial assessments of the
economic value of biodiversity and parks, but no integrated assessment has been made. The tourism masterplan
2015-2020 did not include biodiversity values, even
though tourism is highly dependent on biodiversity.

142 https://www.bij12.nl/onderwerpen/natuur-en-landschap/
voortgangsrapportages-natuur/
143 Balans van de Leefomgeving; http://themasites.pbl.nl/
balansvandeleefomgeving/jaargangen
144 https://www.government.nl/documents/publications/2014/02/03/
nature-policy-plan-the-caribbean-netherlands

68 | WOt-technical report 156

145 https://www.dutchdevelopmentresults.nl/sdg

which 12.5% were from green taxes (CBS et al., 2017).

Target 3
Incentives reformed

Businesses that invest in environmentally friendly means
of transport and farmers who invest in sustainable livestock housing can claim tax relief. The number of sustainable livestock sheds is increasing (Figure 27).

By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies,
harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or

In the letter to parliament ‘Green Growth: For a Strong,

reformed in order to minimise or avoid negative impacts,

Sustainable Economy’ 147 the government sets out its

and positive incentives for the conservation and sustaina-

policy on smart use of market incentives. The prices of

ble use of biodiversity are developed and applied, consist-

goods and services should increasingly reflect the external

ent and in harmony with the Convention and other

impacts of production and consumption on nature and the

relevant international obligations, taking into account

environment. A smart combination of pricing (for example

national socioeconomic conditions.

via taxation and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme),
innovation policy and selective public procurement will
promote more sustainable production and will create

Why is this target important?

markets for sustainable products and services.

Incentives created by government regulations and programmes have a powerful influence on behaviour affecting

Existing environmentally harmful subsidies and tax

biodiversity, from private individuals to large corporations.

exemptions have unintended negative effects on nature

A well-designed system of positive incentives can encour-

and the environment. Abolishing these environmentally

age better stewardship of land, inland waters and oceans;

harmful subsidies could not only deliver substantial

conversely, the best conservation policies can easily be

savings, but also help towards cleaning up the environ-

undermined by incentives that encourage overexploitation

ment. In 2010 the Netherlands provided large environ-

of resources. Reforming these incentives is critical to

mentally harmful subsidies and tax breaks, particularly in

addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss146.

the energy, transport and agricultural sectors148. The
Dutch government could abolish national environmentally

Summary of progress towards the target

harmful subsidies, but for competition reasons this would

The progress made towards Aichi Targets 3 so far has

require agreements at the European or global scale.

been limited. While there have been positive developments, such as greener taxation and tax incentives for

Examples are subsidies and tax breaks on kerosene

sustainable livestock housing systems, important incen-

(aviation) and the low VAT tariffs on meat, dairy and

tives harmful to biodiversity, such as the low rate of VAT

fish149. The tax break on red diesel was abolished on

on milk, meat and kerosene, have not been phased out or

1 January 2013, with the exception of ships other than

reformed. Progress towards Aichi Targets 3 in the

recreational vessels. In addition, the abolition of the

Caribbean Netherlands, Aruba is assessed as ‘progress

European milk quota system in 2015 has led to an in-

towards target but at an insufficient rate’. Progress

crease in agricultural production in the Netherlands. Given

towards Aichi Targets 3 in Curaçao and Sint Maarten is

the negative relationship between this increase and

assessed as ‘no significant change’.

biodiversity150 (Kleijn, 2013), a negative impact on
biodiversity is expected to occur if no compensation or

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

mitigation measures are taken. The Dutch manure policy

Aichi Targets 3

has been tightened to mitigate the effects of an increase

The Netherlands has a relatively green tax system. In

in agricultural production.

2016 revenues from green taxes were EUR 20.6 billion,
3.3% more than in 2015 (Figure 26). Revenues have

147 https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-33043-14.html

increased by 43.7% since 2001. In 2016 total revenues to

148 PBL, 2011. Note Environmentally harmful subsidies.Planbureau voor de

the Dutch government amounted to EUR 165.6 billion, of

Leefomgeving (PBL), Den Haag/ Bilthoven. PBL Publication number
500209002
149 PBL, 2011. Note Environmentally harmful subsidies.Planbureau voor de
Leefomgeving (PBL), Den Haag/ Bilthoven. PBL Publication number

146 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

500209002; https://www.rli.nl/publicaties/2018/advies/duurzaam-en-gezond
150 Kleijn, D., 2013. De effectiviteit van Agrarisch Natuurbeheer. Alterra: 23p.

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 69

Green taxes revenues

Figure 26. Trend in green tax revenues in the Netherlands

Sustainable stables

Figure 27. Trend in sustainable livestock sheds in the Netherlands

The Netherlands puts a high priority on greening the EU

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

common policies on agriculture and fisheries to eliminate,

Aichi Targets 3

phase out or reform incentives that are harmful to biodi-

The Nature Policy Plan for the Caribbean Netherlands

versity and introduce positive incentives. Time will show if

2013-2017151 aims to mainstream nature conservation and

this strategy has been effective.
151 https://www.government.nl/documents/publications/2014/02/03/
nature-policy-plan-the-caribbean-netherlands

70 | WOt-technical report 156

sustainable use in all sectors of society, including support

Target 4
Sustainable production
and consumption

for the development of sustainable agriculture on the
islands. This will require the reform of incentives with
harmful consequences for biodiversity. Under the Nature
Policy Plan (NPP), funding was made available to provide
positive incentives to the islands to improve conservation

By 2020, at the latest, governments, business and

and the sustainable use of biodiversity and various

stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve or

projects were executed. National Park fees to dive and

have implemented plans for sustainable production and

snorkel are paid only by stay-over tourists, not by cruise

consumption and have kept the impacts of use of natural

ship visitors. Introducing a park fee for cruise ship tourists

resources well within safe ecological limits.

will provide positive incentives to better inform this group
and increase opportunities to maintain the Marine Park.
On a smaller scale, various projects were carried out

Why is this target important?

under the Bonaire community training and awareness

Underlying all the direct pressures on biodiversity is the

programmes via Boneiru Duradero, funded by WWF,

unsustainable demand for natural resources generated by

including citizen science related to waste monitoring and

our present patterns of producing and consuming goods

reduction (e.g. trash for cash project).

and services. As the human population and per capita
consumption increase, such pressures can only increase

Aruba

unless there is a determined effort to make production

A tax incentive on energy efficient goods (among others

and consumption more sustainable. To meet the objective

hybrid cars and electric cars) came into force in January

of keeping the impacts of natural resource use well within

2011 and a ban on plastic bags came into force in January

safe ecological limits, actions must address the efficiency

2017. In August 2017 legislation protecting local endan-

of using resources and limit total demand for goods and

gered flora and fauna came into force and the old Marine

services152.

Environment Protection law was repealed. The fines on
prohibited handlings were incremented.

Summary of progress towards the target
Reasonable progress has been made towards Aichi Targets

Curaçao

4, but at an insufficient rate. Major steps have been taken

No negative incentives have been reformed and no

to keep the impacts of the use of natural resources within

positive incentives have been developed and applied.

safe ecological limits, although concern still remains about
the reform of the agricultural sector and the ecological

Sint Maarten

footprint of the Netherlands, especially abroad (see also

A part of the application of the Marine Park Management

section IV-6). The path to sustainability is long. Progress

Plan is the inclusion of user fees to be able to access the

towards Aichi Targets 4 in the Caribbean Netherlands is

MPA for non-resident users of the site. Dive operators are

assessed as ‘progress towards target but at an insufficient

required to inform the Nature Foundation for the payment

rate’. The progress in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten is

of the fee and are policed by the foundation. Non-

assessed as ‘no significant change’.

compliance with the fee can result in a prohibition on
usage of the MPA.

Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 4
Aichi Targets 4 is fundamental for achieving other
Aichi Targets and is the basis for the policy strategy on
biodiversity. Measures are being taken to make consumption and production in relevant sectors like agriculture,
forestry and fisheries more sustainable. The aim of the
Natural Capital Agenda is sustainable agriculture, fisheries

152 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 71

Organic farming

Figure 28. Percentage organic farming per crop and per animal species

and forestry by 2020. Under the policy for a circular

adopted by several EU Member States during a conference

economy, the transition agenda on biomass and food was

on sustainable trade in 2016.

launched in 2018. This agenda includes promoting more
sustainable and healthy consumption patterns, especially

Organic agriculture

for food products.

Organic farming is considered a promising strategy for

153

making agricultural and horticultural production more
Governments, businesses and stakeholders at all levels

sustainable. In 2017, just 3.1% of all Dutch farmland was

are taking steps to achieve sustainable production and

under organic farming. In comparison with other European

consumption. The market shares of a number of biotic

countries, the organic farming sector in our country is

natural resources imported into the Netherlands with a

small154, but it is growing. Between 2011 and 2018, the

sustainability label have increased substantially in recent

area under organic farming increased by 19% from

decades (see Figure 23 in section IV-6). Market-wide

47,000 to 58,000 ha155. This growth mainly took place in

agreements are needed at a European level to stimulate

the area of grassland (23%) and open field horticulture

sustainable trade and to create a level playing field

(61%). In 2017 the organic farming area was 3% larger

between Member States. The Netherlands has an active

than in the previous year.

role in this. An example is the Amsterdam Palm Oil
Declaration for the use of sustainable palm oil, which was
154 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.
153 https://www.circulaireeconomienederland.nl/transitieagendas/transitieagenda
+biomassa+en+voedsel/ default.aspx

72 | WOt-technical report 156

php?title=File:Organic_farming_area_EU_and_EFTA.rev.jpg
155 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl0011-biologische-landbouw

Monitor sustainable food

together the various initiatives and strengthen the drive

Total consumer spending on sustainable food examined in

towards sustainability. Agriculture and horticulture on all

a sample of stores and other outlets (supermarkets,

the islands is small-scale, although thousands of farm

specialist sustainable food shops and hospitality and food

animals (goats, cows, donkeys, pigs) roam freely. This has

service outlets) amounted to EUR 4.5 billion in 2017:

a major impact on not only the terrestrial but also the

a 19% increase on 2016156. The proportion of sustainable

marine biodiversity, as erosion of overgrazed soils leads to

food as a percentage of total expenditure on food rose

sedimentation of marine habitats. Restricting free-roaming

from 10% in 2016 to 11% in 2017. A large proportion of

livestock has social implications, however, and solutions

the raw materials consumed in the Netherlands are

remain limited. Some recent developments are:

produced abroad.

• a joint effort on Bonaire by the NGO Stinapa and the
island government, with Dutch funding (Groenfonds), to

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 4

reduce the goat population in the Washington Slagbaai
National Park;

Overfishing is still a major concern in the Caribbean

• a joint effort on Bonaire by the island government, local

Netherlands. Monitoring data on fish populations are

stakeholders and Wageningen University to develop

scarce. Fisheries monitoring of the Saba Bank and Saint

sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry on the

Eustatius started in 2013 to inform the introduction of

island;

sustainable fisheries management. The Netherlands has

• implementation of a programme on Sint Eustatius by

teamed with WWF in a programme on Bonaire to bring

the department of Agriculture, Animal husbandry and
Fisheries (LVV) to enclose free-roaming donkeys and

156 https://www.agrimatie.nl/ThemaResultaat.
aspx?subpubID=2232&themaID=2810&indicatorID=2659

improve cattle management to greatly reduce the
number of free-roaming cattle;

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 73

• a goat buy-back programme on Saba followed by

Curaçao

removal of free-roaming goats to reduce the free-roa-

There is still a long way to go. Natural resources are

ming goat population.

limited and the island economy depends heavily on
imports. The agricultural sector is dominated by

Great steps have been taken on each of the three islands

free-roaming livestock, which has a high impact on the

to increase renewable energy sources. More than half of

natural resources. The substantial and growing tourism

the energy supply on Saba and Sint Eustatius is from solar

sector also has a major impact on the natural resources.

power and on Bonaire around 40% of the energy supply is
from wind power.

An ambitious green energy programme (Building a
Sustainable Future) is being implemented that will gradu-

Aruba

ally reduce dependence on fossil fuels with the aim of

There is still a long way to go. Natural resources are

achieving 50% green energy by 2035. However, this is

limited and the island economy depends heavily on

principally based on two wind farms situated in areas

imports. The agricultural sector is dominated by

sensitive to both nesting seabirds and near roosting caves

free-roaming livestock, which has a high impact on the

for endangered bats. The green energy programme

natural resources. The substantial and growing tourism

includes an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)

sector also has a major impact on the natural resources.

component.

74 | WOt-technical report 156

Dutch environmental pressures compared to allocated planetary boundaries

Figure 29. Dutch environmental pressures compared to allocated planetary boundaries

Sint Maarten

to agriculture in other countries, such as cropland use,

Natural resources are limited. The island economy de-

nutrient pollution and biodiversity loss. Despite the large

pends heavily on imports and tourism. The company

range resulting from alternative allocation approaches,

responsible for generating electricity is still reliant on fossil

most allocation results are lower than the current Dutch

fuels. Efforts are being made to introduce energy saving

environmental footprints. It can therefore be concluded

measures and develop renewable energy sources.

that the Netherlands is not living within its safe operating

A National Energy Policy has been approved which lists the

space (Figure 29).157

top sustainable energy priorities and details a plan of
approach to implement the energy policy.
Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 4 at a global level
A large proportion of Dutch consumer goods are produced
abroad. Almost all activities promoting sustainable
production and consumption are contributing towards the
Aichi Targets at the global level.
Living within planetary boundaries
Setting global quantitative targets where they currently do
not exist involves normative decisions related to risk
acceptance, solidarity and precaution. The planetary
boundaries framework and the related literature can help
in setting such targets. National responsibility for global
environmental pressure and impacts can be determined
from either a production or consumption perspective
(footprint), taking into account the whole value chain.
Dutch environmental footprints per capita are much larger
than the global average. Furthermore, a large share of the
environmental pressures beyond national borders relates

157 http://www.pbl.nl/node/64869#node-64869

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 75

Strategic Goal B
Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use

reversed habitat loss and increased the area of new

Target 5
Habitat loss halved or reduced

habitat. Since 1990 approx. 85,000 ha of new habitat has
been created, of which 33,000 ha between 2011 and
2017159. For more than half of the characteristic species,
however, these habitats are still too small in size to

By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including

support sustainable species populations (see Figure 30).

forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close

Ecological barriers caused by national transport infrastruc-

to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly

ture have been removed through the implementation of

reduced.

mitigation measures, such as wildlife crossings (Figure 4,
section III-1). The same has been done for aquatic
biodiversity. Migratory fish species are increasingly able to

Why is this target important?

migrate between marine and freshwater habitats due to

The destruction and degradation of natural habitats is the

the construction of fish passages at barriers such as dams

single most important driver of biodiversity loss.

and pumping stations (see Figure 5, section III-1). Many

Economic, demographic and social pressures are likely to

more fish passages are planned for construction.

lead to continued conversion of habitats, but reducing the
rate of that loss is critical to implementing the Strategic

In general, habitat loss due to degradation has been

Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Preventing further

significantly reduced. Specific habitats like heathland and

fragmentation of habitats is also essential to avoid species

farmland, however, have not improved but continue to

populations becoming isolated and to enable essential

deteriorate (see farmland bird index Aichi Targets 7 and

movements across landscapes and aquatic environments.

LPI Aichi Targets 12) mainly due to environmental pres-

This is especially important in the face of climate

sure (Aichi Targets 8). Many habitats still suffer from a

change

combination of desiccation and excessive nitrogen

.

158

deposition.
Summary of progress towards the target
Reasonable progress has been made on all aspects of

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

Aichi Targets 5. Progress is being made with reversing

Aichi Targets 5

habitat loss and habitat fragmentation has been signifi-

Bonaire and Sint Eustatius each have zoning regulations

cantly reduced (see also section III-1). However, signifi-

identifying conservation areas and prohibiting any devel-

cant reduction of degraded areas largely depends on

opment in such areas. Saba has not yet implemented a

reducing environmental pressures from agriculture.

zoning plan, but has limited development to a maximum

Progress towards Aichi Targets 5 in the Caribbean

altitude, safeguarding most of the natural areas from

Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten is assessed

degradation. In September 2018 Saba took a major step

as ‘moving away from target’.

forward by designating 25% of the island, including all
land above 550 m and most of the northern quadrant of

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

the island, as protected nature park. Despite these zoning

Aichi Targets 5

plans, the impacts of threats like overfishing, grazing

The ongoing development of the NEN (main measure

livestock, invasive species, climate change, etc. is sub-

III-1) has led to defragmentation of habitats and has

stantial. The state of nature in the Caribbean Netherlands

158 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the

159 http://www.clo.nl/en/indicators/en1307-new-ehs-acquisition-and-

implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

76 | WOt-technical report 156

development; IPO Derde voortgangsrapportage Natuur

Suitability of spatial conditions for terrestrial ecosystems

Figure 30. Suitability of spatial conditions for terrestrial ecosystems

Conservation status of species and habitats

Figure 31. Conservation status of 11 marine and terrestrial habitats and 12 species/species groups in 2017 (Debrot et al., 2018)

was assessed in 2017 (Debrot et al., 2018) and the

Aruba

conservation status of all habitats was assessed as

The Physical Development Policy 2009 addresses covers

unfavourable–insufficient or unfavourable–bad (Figure

urban development and nature conservation areas, but

31). The same was true for all the assessed species or

the policy has yet to be implemented. The legal designa-

species groups that depend on these habitats. Moreover,

tion of Arikok National Park as protected habitat by

the 2017 hurricane season has had a substantial impact

ministerial decree in 2000 represents a major achieve-

on the terrestrial and marine habitats of Saba and Sint

ment towards habitat protection. In 2012, the parliament

Eustatius.

of Aruba unanimously approved a motion to expand Arikok
National Park with the inclusion of 16 terrestrial and

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 77

marine sites. The Spanish Lagoon Ramsar site, a coastal

Target 6
Sustainable management of
aquatic living resources

bay and wetland area, was already annexed to the Arikok
National Park in February 2017 and restoration works
were carried out. The development of a nature network to
create ecological corridors between habitats is provided
for in the Nature Policy Plan of Aruba, but has not been

By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic

implemented yet. The 2016 Marine Mammal Action Plan

plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and

prepared by Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation (AMMF),

applying ecosystem-based approaches, so that overfishing

which includes locally observed threats and mitigation

is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for

proposals to the Aruba government, was submitted in

all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse

June 2018.

impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems
and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and

Curaçao

ecosystems are within safe ecological limits.

Little progress has been made towards this target. The
1997 land use and zoning law was an important step
towards protecting the terrestrial ecosystem, but pres-

Why is this target important?

sures on the marine and coastal environment continue to

Overexploitation of fish and other marine and inland water

grow. Curaçao has not yet met the obligations contained

organisms is a significant pressure on

in its Nature Conservation Act (Landsverordening

biodiversity. Unsustainable harvesting threatens not just

Grondslagen Natuurbeheer), including the implementation

marine and inland water biodiversity, but the

of regulations on protected species, protected areas and

profitability of fishing businesses around the world and the

measures against invasive species.

livelihoods of millions dependent on the
resources of the ocean and inland waters. Finding and

Sint Maarten

applying management approaches that avoid

Habitat loss is still occurring at an alarming rate and this

unsustainable fishing practices and that enable stocks to

trend will only be changed through the implementation of

recover are therefore essential elements in a strategy to

pending legislation. The recognition of the importance of

conserve and sustainably use biodiversity160.

biodiversity, the support for biodiversity actions, the
inclusion of sustainable development in country plans, the

Summary of progress towards the target

inclusion of mandatory environmental impact assess-

Reasonable progress has been made towards Aichi Targets

ments, the strengthening of capacity for inspections and

6 (section IV-4). Further progress depends to a great

enforcement of environmental legislation, and the increase

extent on the implementation of the CFP from 2014

in capacity to address environmental challenges in the

onwards. Progress towards Aichi Targets 6 in the

short, medium and long term are all critical to ensure the

Caribbean Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten is

reduction in habitat loss. Article 20a in the EROP

assessed as ‘progress towards target but at an insufficient

(Eilandsverordening Ruimtelijke Ontwikkelingsplanning

rate’. Progress in Aruba is assessed as ‘no significant

Sint Maarten), which states that any cutting or develop-

change’.

ment of roads in the hillsides needs a civil/infrastructure
works permit, has expired. This means that key biodiver-

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

sity areas can be affected or even destroyed. Uncontrolled

Aichi Targets 6

development in the hillsides can lead to fragmentation and

The European Union is responsible for policies for the

erosion. In addition to above, hurricanes Irma and Maria

management of marine living resources in Europe and

in 2017 have had a substantial impact on terrestrial and

countries where European fisheries operate and these are

marine habitats.

contained in the CFP. The new CFP entered into force in
2014. Furthermore, parts of the Natura 2000 areas (North
Sea Coastal Zone and the Vlakte van Raan) are closed to

160 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

78 | WOt-technical report 156

Biodiversity North Sea

Figure 32. Biodiversity of marine mammals and benthos in the North Sea and the areas with special ecological value (Natura 2000 sites)

forms of fishing that have an impact on soil life or can

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

disturb sea mammals and birds (VIBEG agreement, see

Aichi Targets 6

Figure 32).

Since 2011 the biodiversity and fisheries resources of the
waters surrounding the islands of the Caribbean

The most important fish stocks (herring, plaice, sole) are

Netherlands, from the outer borders of the marine pro-

above safe biological limits and also above sustainable

tected areas surrounding the islands to the outer borders

levels. Cod is not yet above the sustainable level (Figure

of the Exclusive Economic Zone, have been jointly man-

17 and 18, section IV-4). However, not all the effects of

aged under a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between

unsustainable fisheries have been restored. Vulnerable

the islands and the Netherlands. Fisheries monitoring

long-lived shark and ray species are still critically endan-

programmes have been initiated on the Saba Bank, Sint

gered or threatened (Figure 19, section IV-4). Many

Eustatius and Bonaire to develop effective ecosys-

species of benthos have decreased in numbers since 1990

tem-based management. Fisheries are managed through

and recovery has not yet been determined (Figure 20,

permit requirements for all fishing boats in the Exclusive

section IV-4). The Netherlands has a shark and ray

Economic Zone (EEZ) waters and for boats larger than

recovery action plan 2015-2021 under the EU Marine

12 m in the territorial waters of each of the islands.

Strategy Framework Directive. The measures related to

Regulations are in place for minimum sizes of lobster and

the Marine Strategy Framework Directive are currently

conch, requirements for various types of fishing gear and

being implemented in order to conserve marine biodiversi-

prohibiting destructive fishing methods. A roadmap

ty. According to the Marine Strategy (part 1, 2018-2024),

towards improved and updated fisheries regulations has

the good environmental status of biodiversity based on

been initiated and the first step of evaluation of the

OSPAR indicators has not been reached, but the environ-

current fisheries regulations has been completed.

mental status for biodiversity is improving (see section

Stakeholder consultations are ongoing to discuss the

IV.4)

recommendations of the evaluation and decide on their
implementation. In 2015 the Yarari Sanctuary for marine
mammals and sharks was declared for the waters of

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 79

Bonaire and Saba. In 2018 Sint Eustatius decided to join

Target 7
Sustainable agriculture,
aquaculture and forestry

in the Yarari Sanctuary, and Sint Maarten also indicated it
was prepared to join in the Sanctuary.
Aruba
Aruba also has some fisheries laws in place but no recent

By 2020, areas under agriculture, aquaculture and

advances have been made in terms of measures towards

forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation

sustainable management of marine resources. The

of biodiversity

Minister of Spatial Development, Infrastructure and
Environment and WWF Netherlands held workshops and a
mini symposium on Marine Parks and the Blue Economy

Why is this target important?

on 6-8 June 2018.

The demands for food, fibre and fuel are increasing and
the pressures they put on our ecosystems and biodiversity

Curaçao

are rising. To help ease those pressures the key sectors of

Fisheries legislation is in place to reduce or prohibit some

agriculture, aquaculture and forestry need to adopt

of the most destructive gear and practices, but no effec-

practices that minimise negative impacts, making their

tive fishery monitoring or management is in place. Sports

activities more sustainable over the long term. There is a

fishers voluntarily release bill fish during tournaments to

need to decouple production from environmental impacts,

help conserve the species. The taking of turtles is prohibit-

including through the use of innovation and scientific and

ed by law. Enforcement of fisheries laws by the

technical advances. This target challenges governments

Coastguard is effective. Curaçao actively contributed to a

and businesses to define sustainable practices and to

joint EEZ management plan funded and endorsed by the

adopt them as widely as possible162.

former Ministry of Economic Affairs

. A MoA was signed

161

with the American Waitt Institute, which carries out the

Summary of progress towards the target

Blue Halo Initiative, a collaborative initiative between the

The forestry and aquaculture sectors have made consider-

Waitt Institute and small island government partners, such

able progress so far towards Aichi Targets 7 (see also

as Curaçao, to develop and implement comprehensive and

National Target 3, section IV-3). However, the dominant

sustainable ocean policies. One of the outcomes of this

position of agriculture in the Dutch landscape and the

initiative is a marine and coastal management plan

associated negative impacts on biodiversity make it clear

(2015), which still has to be implemented. The Ley Marco,

that considerable efforts are still needed. Progress towards

the law for the protection of the marine environment, was

Aichi Targets 7 in the Caribbean Netherlands, Aruba,

adopted but has not yet been implemented in local

Curaçao and Sint Maarten is assessed as ‘moving away

regulations.

from target’.

Sint Maarten

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

Sint Maarten has instituted an MPA and has declared a

Aichi Targets 7

shark fishing moratorium to protect this keystone species.
Enforcement of the Marine Park Ordinance and Marine

Agriculture

Park protection is being actively pursued by the

The agricultural sector is moving towards sustainable

Coastguard and the Nature Foundation. Sint Maarten has

production and consumption, but progress is slow, despite

had minimal participation in the joint EEZ management

the implementation of positive and substantial actions like

plan funded by the former Ministry of Economic Affairs.

the greening of the common agricultural policy and
agri-environment schemes. A surplus of nutrients such as
nitrogen and phosphate can lead to pollution of soil, water
and air (Figure 14, section IV-3). Due to policy measures
and efforts within agriculture, the nutrient surplus in

161 Meesters, E., D. Slijkerman, M. de Graaf, and D. Debrot, 2010. Management
plan for the natural resources of the EEZ of the Dutch Caribbean, IMARES,
Wageningen UR, Report number C100/10.

80 | WOt-technical report 156

162 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Dutch soils has declined. However, this surplus rose again

seed and fish sustainably. These alternative methods are

in 2015, possibly due to an increase in livestock numbers

still in the research, test and innovation phases164.

after the abolition of the milk quota.
For the fish farming sector, European eel and catfish
The population of birds on farmland is still decreasing and

(African catfish and claresse) are the most important

considerable efforts are being made to find a new system

species. (Nationaal Strategisch Plan Aquacultuur 2014-

to improve farmland biodiversity (Figure 7, section III-3).

2020)165. However, the production volumes of these

Improvements have been made. The proportion of

species have declined in recent years due to poor econom-

livestock housing that meets sustainability criteria

ic results. Fish breeding is carried out by just a few dozen

(Aichi Targets 3) increased to approx. 14%, the use of raw

companies. Most fish farming companies work indoors and

materials with a sustainability label is increasing

use environmentally friendly closed recirculation systems

(Aichi Targets 4), as is the organic production percentage

(RAS). However, eels cannot reproduce in captivity and

(currently still small at 3.1% of the total agricultural area

young glass eels must be caught in natural waters. The

(Aichi Targets 4) and consumption of organic produce.

number of glass eels has dramatically declined (Figure 33)

Information on relevant national initiatives and activities

and the low availability of glass eel is a major threat to eel

to promote the conservation and sustainable use of

farming. The Dutch association of eel traders, fish farmers

pollinators can be found at national target 2 (section

and the organisation of professional fishers is also working

IV-2).

on sustainable solutions for catching and farming eels and
for environmental and animal-friendly processing, and is

Forestry

stimulating scientific research on eels166.

All forests in the Netherlands are legally protected and
many of them are sustainably managed. About 46% of the

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

forest area has an FSC label (167,000 ha), and a minor

Aichi Targets 7

area (3,000 ha) carries the PEFC label163 . The forests are

Forestry and aquaculture are not an issue in the Caribbean

ageing and the amounts of dead wood and growing stock

Netherlands. A fish farm built on Bonaire in 2009 never

are increasing, which generally results in higher biodiver-

became operative. The islands have potential for horticul-

sity values, including forest birds (see section IV-3).

ture and various projects are underway to develop this
sector sustainably. Recently, Wageningen University and

Aquaculture

the Council of International Education and Exchange

The Dutch aquaculture sector is small but diverse, includ-

launched an initiative to develop an algae park on Bonaire

ing shellfish such as mussels and oysters, fish such as eel

to produce algae as an alternative to soy or fishmeal

and catfish, and recently also seaweed cultivation. Blue

within the next five years. The only substantial agricultural

shell mussel (Mytilus edulis) culture is the main represent-

sector on all the islands is livestock farming. Thousands of

ative of the aquaculture sector. Mussel seed are fished in

goats, cows, donkeys and pigs roam freely on the islands,

the Wadden Sea off the north coast and relayed in bottom

which is a major threat to the fragile terrestrial and

cultivation parcels in the Oosterschelde in the southwest

marine ecosystems. Efforts to make livestock breeding

delta. The Wadden Sea and Oosterschelde are protected

more sustainable are still small-scale.

Natura 2000 sites. Over the years, the mussel seed returns
from natural banks have declined and mussel seed dredg-

Aruba

ing in the Wadden Sea is considered unsustainable and

There is no serious aquaculture or forestry sector on

therefore unacceptable. The nature conservation NGOs, the

Aruba. Agriculture consists mainly of livestock grazing,

mussel fishery and the responsible government depart-

which can be considered unsustainable as most of the

ment have agreed to a transition phase for the sector. The

animals roam freely on the island.

limited availability of mussel seed makes it impossible to
achieve the maximum production and sales. The sector is
experimenting with alternative methods for seed capture
(using mussel seed traps) to maintain the supply of mussel

164 https://www.wur.nl/nl/artikel/Mosselzaad-invanginstallaties-MZIs.htm
165 https://www.parlementairemonitor.nl/9353000/1/j9vvij5epmj1ey0/
vjsgnjes1vsj
166 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl1227-achteruitgang-paling; https://www.

163 http://www.bosenhoutcijfers.nl/nederlands-bos/boscertificering/

wur.nl/nl/Dossiers/dossier/Paling-Aal.htm

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 81

Glass Eel numbers entering the IJsselmeer

Figure 33. Trend in glass eel numbers entering the IJsselmeer

Curaçao
There is no serious aquaculture or forestry sector on
Curaçao. Agriculture consists mainly of livestock grazing,
which can be considered unsustainable as most of the
animals roam freely on the island. There is some smallscale agriculture and horticulture, which the government
is endeavouring to support.
Sint Maarten
There is small-scale but not insignificant farming by
private individuals for personal consumption and resale to
the public. These initiatives are not supported by the
government. Unsustainable free-roaming livestock grazing
and the impacts of invasive species such as monkeys,
raccoons and iguanas also occur. There is no aquaculture
on Sint Maarten.

82 | WOt-technical report 156

Every four years EU Member States are obliged to renew

Target 8
Pollution reduced

their action programme under the Nitrates Directive
(91/676/EEG)168. The Nitrates Directive aims to prevent or
reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural
sources. The renewed (fifth) Dutch action programme

By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has

became effective in early 2014. This programme aims to

been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosys-

establish average equilibrium phosphate fertilisation at no

tem functions and biodiversity.

more than an average target value of 50 mg/l in groundwater across the country. The programme will therefore
also contribute towards achieving the Water Framework

Why is this target important?

Directive goals. Nevertheless, additional efforts will be

Pollution, in particular the accumulation of reactive

needed to achieve these goals.

nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in the environment, is
among the most significant causes of biodiversity loss and

Environmental conditions in the Netherlands have im-

of damage to the ecosystems on which we depend.

proved substantially since the 1990s. Acidifying deposition

Wetland, coastal, marine and dryland areas are especially

has decreased by 49% since 1990 (mainly due to a

vulnerable through a range of impacts, including the

reduction in emissions of sulfur dioxide)169 and eutrophica-

creation of marine ‘dead zones’ as algae build up, die and

tion of surface waters has also decreased substantially.

decompose and in the process deprive large areas of

Nevertheless, target values have still not been reached

oxygen. The target encourages decision makers to take

and the water quality of most waterbodies does not meet

the necessary actions to minimise the release of these and

the requirements under the EU Water Framework Directive

other pollutants

(see Figure 34). Efforts to meet these objectives are

.

167

ongoing.
Summary of progress towards the target
Aichi Targets 8 has not been achieved yet. Although

Nitrogen emissions and deposition have decreased since

pollution has been significantly reduced since 1990 in the

1990, but in recent years at an insufficient rate. Moreover,

Netherlands, several target levels have still not been met,

nitrogen deposition has not decreased since 2010 (see

especially for nitrogen. Progress towards Aichi Targets 8 in

Figure 8, section III-4). Critical load exceedance is still

the Caribbean Netherlands is assessed as ‘on track to

significant across large areas. Other pollution, such as

achieve target’. Progress in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint

from oil spills, plastics and crop protection chemicals also

Maarten is assessed as ‘progress towards target but at an

cause significant damage to biodiversity.

insufficient rate’.
Chemical pollution
Dutch contribution to the achievement of

The impacts of pesticides on nature, especially on bees, is

Aichi Targets 8

particularly topical at the moment. The Natural Capital
Agenda (NCA) sets out some concrete actions that could

Nitrogen pollution

be taken. The environmental burden of chemical crop

Nitrogen components can lead to eutrophication of

protection is barely decreasing and is still very high

ecosystems. When this pollution exceeds certain levels

(Figure 35). The Dutch government stimulates farmers to

(the critical load) it is damaging to biodiversity. Agriculture

create arable field margins with wild flowers specially

and transport are the main sources of nitrogen pollution.

designed to facilitate functional agro-biodiversity and

The Dutch government and the provincial governments

stimulates the use of non-chemical methods. Farmers are

are implementing the Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen

required to use emission reducing techniques. The Dutch

(PAN, main measure 4, section III-4) to reduce nitrogen

government and relevant stakeholders have developed a

pollution, which is mainly caused by agriculture.

national bee strategy to reduce the impact on bees.
168 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-nitrates/index_en.html
169 https://www.clo.nl/indicatoren/nl0184-verzurende-depositie; https://www.

167 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

clo.nl/indicatoren/
nl0183-verzuring-en-grootschalige-luchtverontreiniging-emissies

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 83

Physical chemical quality of surface waters in the Netherlands

Figure 34. Quality of surface water according to the categories under the Water Framework Directive

Sales of chemical crop protection products

Figure 35. Sales of chemical crop protection products per substance type

84 | WOt-technical report 156

Plastic in stomachs of Northern Fulmar

Figure 36. Plastic in stomachs of northern fulmar

Plastic waste and oil spills

attended by volunteers. The first Dive Friends Bonaire

A range of actions will be taken to control and reduce

quarterly clean-up dive, organised in partnership with

marine litter, in cooperation with parties such as the EU

Stinapa and STCB, was held on Saturday 27 January

Environment Council, IMO and UNEP (NCA). Furthermore,

2018. The turnout was outstanding, with 116 volunteers

the Dutch government has permitted The Ocean Cleanup,

participating. In addition, an OSPAR beach litter monitor-

a non-profit organisation developing technologies to

ing project was set up in a citizen science project in

remove plastic waste from the oceans, to conduct its

August 2018. Bonaire is working towards a ban on solar

North Sea Prototype test off the Dutch coast. The environ-

screen products containing oxybenzones harmful to corals,

mental burden of plastics in bird stomachs is decreasing,

in combination with a communication and outreach plan to

but in recent years at an insufficient rate (Figure 36).

minimise the use of such products. The Saba recycling

Numbers of sea bird oil casualties have decreased signifi-

plant was opened in 2015 and in May 2018 the Saba

cantly (Figure 37).

Commissioner of Infrastructure and Waste Management
signed a letter of intent for the purchase of a new,

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

state-of-the-art waste processing installation for the

Aichi Targets 8

island. In April 2018 the Sint Eustatius island government

A state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant on Bonaire is

agreed a five year contract with a local waste manage-

leading to cleaner seawater and provides protection for

ment company. The intention is to move away from open

the reefs. In March 2013, Selibon N.V., the national solid

field landfills to a more innovative environmentally friendly

waste processing plant, opened a waste collection point on

waste management system.

Bonaire where the public can bring waste for recycling.
Selibon also regularly checks the coastline for rubbish and

Aruba

organises clean-ups with volunteers. Dive Friends Bonaire

Hotel wastewater has been treated at the Bubali lake for

runs a Debris Free Bonaire programme of eco-friendly

the last 40 years. Three sewage treatment plants are in

activities and collection of debris washed ashore for

operation. Residential wastewater has also been treated

separation at the dive shop. Dive Friends Bonaire also

since 2007. Between 35% and 40% of cardboard, alumini-

organises quarterly ocean clean-up dives, which are well

um and ferro metals are recycled. The government has a

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 85

Oil pollution and seabirds

Figure 37. Percentages of seabirds washed ashore due to oil pollution

short-term strategy to address the solid waste challenges

There are also initiatives by NGOs. For example, the

of the island by redirecting the municipal waste to a

Nature Foundation’s ‘Reduce & Reuse Sint Maarten’ project

private recycling company. Furthermore, the government

teaches and encourages residents, children and establish-

of Aruba is working on a long-term solution in which all

ments to reduce their waste output and clean up the

municipal waste will be incinerated with energy recovery

environment, and EPIC is designing a project for compost

for the generation of electricity.

recycling.

Curaçao
There are and have been several initiatives to recycle and
reduce pollution. Several volunteer groups organise
regular clean-ups and publicise cases of illegal dumping.
Sint Maarten
Poor waste management causes major problems, including frequent toxic landfill fires, and the island has no
waste separation and no recycling. The ineffective disposal
of waste is a public health concern and is a source of air
pollution and water and soil contamination. On
31 May 2018 the government of Sint Maarten organised a
forum with various stakeholders to inform and discuss the
waste situation on the island. There is a consensus that
now is the right moment to solve the waste issue in a
sustainable way. The forum was organised to share ideas
and approaches with all stakeholders so that all parties
can work together on sustainable short- and long-term
solutions. Follow-up fora are planned for the near future.

86 | WOt-technical report 156

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

Target 9
Invasive alien species prevented
and controlled

Aichi Targets 9
Invasive alien species are considered a major threat to the
terrestrial and marine environment of all three islands in
the Caribbean Netherlands. An inventory has been made

By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identi-

and there is an urgent need for an invasive alien species

fied and prioritised, priority species are controlled or

strategy and action plan containing prevention, interven-

eradicated and measures are in place to manage pathways

tion, control and mitigation measures. A draft strategy has

to prevent their introduction and establishment.

been drafted, but no action has yet been taken on any of
the islands. Ongoing programmes to control the invasive
lionfish (Pterois volitans) run by the marine protected

Why is this target important?

areas are proving to be effective in reducing and con-

The movement of animals, plants and other organisms

trolling numbers to depths that can be reached while

around the planet represents one of the greatest threats

scuba diving, which includes most of the coral reefs. A

to biodiversity. Species introduced into new environments,

pilot project to test methods to use fish traps for lionfish,

whether deliberately or accidentally, have contributed to

funded by WWF-NL is ongoing. The results will be passed

more than half of the animal extinctions for which the

on to fishers enabling them to pursue this as a new

cause is known. Species invasions also carry enormous

resource and target lionfish in deep waters where they

economic costs. Under this target, governments aim to

have been unreachable so far. The effects of the invasive

reduce these costs to society and to biodiversity through

sea grass Halophila stipulacea are being studied in Sint

the prevention, control and eradication of invasive alien

Eustatius and Bonaire.

species

.

170

Aruba
Summary of progress towards the target

Invasive species are a major problem on Aruba and

Aichi Targets 9 has not yet been achieved. Many actions

inventories have been carried out 171. Aruba is actively

have been taken, species and pathways have been

contributing to development of an invasive alien species

identified and prioritised, but the number of potentially

strategy. The Lion Fish Foundation conducts lionfish

invasive alien species is still increasing. Aquatic species in

control and the Arikok National Park does its best to

particular are a major management challenge. Progress

control the invasive boa constrictor (snake) population.

towards Aichi Targets 9 in the Caribbean Netherlands,
Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten is assessed as ‘progress

Curaçao

towards target but at an insufficient rate’.

Invasive species are a major problem on Curaçao. An
inventory is available (see Aruba). Curaçao is presently

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

actively contributing to the development of an invasive

Aichi Targets 9

alien species strategy. The dive operators are actively

Recognising the increasingly serious problem of invasive

controlling lionfish numbers. However, widespread lionfish

alien species in Europe, the European Commission pub-

populations between 30 and 150 m deep could be respon-

lished the Regulation on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in

sible for maintaining high densities of lionfish recruits,

September 2013. The IAS Regulation is a dedicated

despite local shallow-biased control programmes. This

legislative instrument for tackling the problem in a

highlights the need for management plans that include

coordinated, joint effort across all Member States (see
also section IV-5). The invasive alien species and pathways have been identified and measures taken, but the
number of alien species in the Netherlands and Europe is
still increasing (see also National Target 5, section IV-5).

171 Burg, W. J., van der, J. de Freitas, A. O. Debrot and L. A. P. Lotz. 2012.
Naturalised and invasive alien plant species in the Caribbean Netherlands:
status, distribution, threats, priorities and recommendations. PRI report 437.
Imares report C185/11;
Buurt, G. van and A.O. Debrot, 2011. Exotic and invasive terrestrial and
freshwater animal species in the Dutch Caribbean. IMARES report C001/12;
Buurt, G. van and A.O. Debrot, 2012. Introduced agricultural pests, plant and
animals diseases and vectors in the Dutch Caribbean, with an “Alert species”
list. IMARES Report number C193/11; Debrot, A.O, G. van Buurt and M. J. A.

170 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Vermeij. 2011. Preliminary overview of exotic and invasive marine species in
the Dutch Caribbean. IMARES rept. C188/11.

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 87

lionfish populations below the depth limit of recreational

Target 10
Ecosystems vulnerable to
climate change

diving in order to address all aspects of the local population and maximise the effectiveness of control efforts. The
Carmabi Foundation has been running a goat control
programme in the Christoffel Park and the Curaçao
government has eradicated a rapidly expanding cat

By 2015 the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral

population on Klein Curaçao to protect the nesting terns.

reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by

Both initiatives have no sources of funding and rely on a

climate change or ocean acidification are minimised so as

few active people and hence are very vulnerable to

to maintain their integrity and functioning.

discontinuity.
Sint Maarten

Why is this target important?

Invasive species are a major problem on Sint Maarten. A

Climate change and ocean acidification (caused by

recent inventory is available (see Aruba). Sint Maarten is

increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations) are

also actively contributing to the development of an

becoming increasingly serious threats to the ecosystems

invasive species strategy. The Nature Foundation runs a

and the services they provide. Some habitats, including

programme to control lionfish (Bervoets, 2010a) and has

coral reefs, mountains and rivers, are especially vulnera-

a Lionfish Response Plan (2010).

ble to one or both of these pressures. While mitigating
climate change is clearly the key long-term priority, urgent
measures to relieve other pressures can make these
ecosystems more resilient, protecting their biodiversity
and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on
them. The urgency of this action was reflected in the
decision to make 2015 the deadline for meeting this
target, instead of 2020 as with most of the other
targets172.
Summary of progress towards the target
All in all, reasonable progress has been made towards
achieving Aichi Targets 10, but continuation of policies and
activities will be needed to improve the biological values of
vulnerable systems, such as the Wadden Sea, and to face
the impacts of climate change on this and other vulnerable
ecosystems. Progress towards Aichi Targets 10 in the
Caribbean Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten
is assessed as ‘progress towards target but at an insufficient rate’.
Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 10
Nederland literally means ‘low country’, which illustrates
that the Netherlands, including its natural areas, are
especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Dealing with sea level rise, shifts and changes in the
discharges of river systems, subsidence, drought, salinisation and guaranteeing adequate freshwater supply is a

172 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

88 | WOt-technical report 156

Egg-laying Dates of Warblers

Figure 38. Since the 1980s the trend in egg-laying dates of warblers has been towards earlier in the year

Community Temperature Index Dutch Flora
Bron: Sparrius, 2018. Floron

Figure 39. Since the 1980s the temperature index of Dutch flora has increased

matter of national survival. The Dutch are well-known for

es are building a network of expertise to pool and expand

their ‘fight against the water’ but increasingly they

knowledge on how the concept of Building with Nature can

recognise that they have to ‘build with nature’ to be able

be developed and implemented in projects173 . The

to combat the impacts of climate change. Building with

government’s white paper ‘Nature Ambition for the Large

Nature is a design approach that takes the ecosystem as a
starting point and makes use of natural processes for the
sustainable management of coastal, delta and riverine
regions. A consortium has been formed in which government, knowledge institutions, NGOs and private enterpris-

173 Vriend, H.J. de, and Van Koningsveld, M., 2012. Building with Nature:
Thinking, acting and interacting differently. EcoShape, Building with Nature,
Dordrecht, the Netherlands.

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 89

Water Bodies: 2050 and beyond’174 builds upon this

the sea level175 . Millions of migratory and resident birds,

concept.

thousands of seals and other species depend on this
ecosystem. The ecosystem must be kept healthy, resilient

Climate change has an impact on species in the

and robust to withstand the impacts of climate change in

Netherlands (Figures 38 and 39). The government makes

the future. Anthropogenic pressures are subject to ecologi-

considerable efforts to minimise the threats to biodiversity

cal impact assessments and will be reduced or prohibited if

and make nature more robust and resilient. The creation

they significantly harm the nature conservation objectives,

of ecological corridors through completion of the national

such as the targets under the EU Water Framework

ecological network (NEN) is a key initiative for making

Directive and Natura 2000. An important development was

ecosystems and species more resilient to the impacts of

the ban on mechanical cockle fisheries in the Wadden Sea

climate change. Species can migrate along ecological

introduced in 2005. In 2005 and 2008 the Council of State

corridors within the NEN to find more suitable habitats

judged that the permit for mussel seed fishing in the

when climate has changed.

Wadden Sea contravened the Birds and Habitats Directives.
In a covenant between nature conservation NGOs, the

One of the most valuable and most vulnerable ecosystems

fishery and the responsible government department, all

to climate change is the Dutch Wadden Sea, where

parties agreed to a transition phase for the mussel fishery.

intertidal mudflats are vulnerable to the effects of a rise in

From 2008 only small-scale mussel seed fishing is permitted, on the condition that innovation in the sector will lead

175 Kabat, C.M.J. Jacobs, R.W.A. Hutjes, W. Hazeleger, M. Engelmoer, J.P.M. Witte,
R. Roggema, E.J. Lammerts, J. Bessembinder, P. Hoekstra en M. van den
Berg, 2009.
174 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2013/10/31/
beleidsverkenning-natuurambitie-grote-wateren-2050-2010

90 | WOt-technical report 156

Klimaatverandering en het Waddengebied. Position paper Klimaat en Water.
Waddenacademie.

Components conservation status

Figure 40. Assessment in 2017 of the 11 marine and terrestrial habitats in the Caribbean Netherlands
for habitat distribution, habitat area, habitat quality and future perspective

to a sustainable harvesting method by 2020. At the same

There is no structural monitoring of the impact or effects

time, an ecosystem rehabilitation programme, ‘Towards a

of climate change. Sea level rise and higher temperatures

healthy Wadden Sea Ecosystem for nature and man’ (Naar

will engender their own effects or amplify the effects of

een rijke Waddenzee176), was launched with financial aid

other pressures. Unusually warm ocean temperatures

from the legally constituted Wadden Fund.

during the late summer and fall of 2010 caused coral
bleaching, which persisted long enough to kill about 10%

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

to 20% of the corals within six months. The hurricane

Aichi Targets 10

season of 2017 was extremely active and destructive on

The state of nature in the Caribbean Netherlands was

the windward islands (hurricanes Irma and Maria, in

assessed in 2017

particular). They not only had a major impact on Sint

. The 11 marine and terrestrial habitats

177

were assessed for the following indicators: habitat distri-

Maarten, but also on Saba and Sint Eustatius.

bution, habitat area, habitat quality and future perspective
(Figure 40). It revealed that the score was unfavourable

Since the end of 2010, several measures have been taken

(insufficient or bad) in most cases, especially for habitat

(or are being prepared) to decrease the anthropogenic

quality and future perspective. This is due to many

pressures on the coral reefs of the Caribbean Netherlands.

threats, but especially overfishing, free-roaming grazing

These include:

livestock, invasive species and pollution. The actions taken

• construction of the first sewage treatment plant on

to reduce these threats are basically insufficient, which
means that these habitats are probably not resilient
enough to withstand climate change. As such, the future
perspective of all habitats was assessed (in 2017) as
unfavourable–insufficient and unfavourable–bad.

Bonaire to decrease the impact of waste water on coral
reefs;
• measures to reduce the impacts of overgrazing of land,
erosion of soil and sediment deposition on coral reef
ecosystems for all islands;
• implementation of the Guidelines of the International

176 https://rijkewaddenzee.nl/
177 http://edepot.wur.nl/183506

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL);

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 91

• implementation of an integral management plan for

plan, the multiple anthropogenic pressures from tourism,

fisheries and marine biodiversity in the EEZ;

livestock grazing, fisheries, coastal development, etc.

• several protection measures for the Saba Bank:

remain high, which limits the ecosystems’ resilience to

The area was officially declared the Saba Bank National

climate change.

Park on 12 December 2010 and a management plan was
implemented. The Bank was declared a marine protect-

Sint Maarten

ed area by the Dutch government on 21 December 2010

All terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to

and in October 2012 it was declared a Particularly

climate change, especially the coral reefs and the nesting

Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the Marine Environment

beaches for sea turtles. The multiple anthropogenic

Protection Committee of the International Maritime

pressures from tourism, coastal development, etc. remain

Organization (IMO). These designations prohibit anchor-

high, which limits the ecosystems’ resilience to climate

ing by tankers and other large ships on the entire Bank,

change. The effects of climate change are especially

both in territorial waters and in the EEZ, while the PSSA

visible in the increasing number of major hurricanes, such

status is important as a legal basis by which to regulate

as Hurricane Gonzalo (2014) and Hurricane Irma (2017).

international shipping and its associated risks, over and

The latter even passed right over Sint Maarten, damaging

around the Bank. As of June 2013, the Saba Bank is

the coral reefs and ecosystems. The Nature Foundation

covered by two ‘associated protective measures’ to

developed a response plan for the effects of climate

control the maritime activities in that area. A no-anchor-

change on the marine and coastal zones of Sint Maarten,

ing zone for all ships has been established to prevent

which shows that key and critical infrastructure, including

the large ‘scars’ on the bottom, threatening coral reefs

the country’s airport, port, police headquarters and

and other unique sea life. Additionally, an Area To Be

hospital, can all be expected to be impacted by the effects

Avoided (ATBA) for ships of 300 gross tonnage or more

of climate change. A report was produced on the increas-

came into force, as ships passing over the Bank often

ing occurrence of sargassum seaweed Halophila stipulacea

destroy lobster and fish trap marker buoys, leaving the

in 2013178.

lost traps to continue fishing as ‘ghost traps’.
Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Many actions are underway to further minimise the

Aichi Targets 10 at a global level

anthropogenic pressures on the coral reefs of the

The PEARL project (Preparing for Extreme and Rare events

Caribbean Netherlands. However, these actions cannot

in coastal regions) which has begun in Sint Maarten seeks

compensate for impacts on a global scale, such as climate

to understand processes that increase the risk of flooding

change.

on the Dutch side of the island. Hydrodynamic modelling
will make it possible to investigate surge impacts related

Aruba

to the development of infrastructure, future land develop-

All terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to

ment scenarios and climate conditions (storms, hurri-

climate change, especially the fringing coral reefs and the

canes). The aim is to develop adaptive, sociotechnical risk

nesting beaches for sea turtles. The multiple anthropogen-

management measures and strategies for coastal commu-

ic pressures from tourism, livestock grazing, fisheries,

nities to combat extreme hydro-meteorological events.

coastal development, etc. remain high, which limits the
ecosystems’ resilience to climate change. The DNM
(Directie Natuur en Milieu) monitors the acidity of the
coastal zone and on two locations a two kilometre transect
is monitored into the open sea. For the MPAs climate
change adaptation strategies will be prepared to maintain
the coral reefs, seagrass fields and mangrove areas.
Curaçao
All terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to
climate change, especially the fringing coral reefs and the
nesting beaches for sea turtles. Despite the 1997 zoning

92 | WOt-technical report 156

178 https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/
portal/files/559673/S1755267213000961a.pdf

Strategic Goal C
To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems,
species and genetic diversity

a large negative impact on the improvement of the

Target 11
Protected areas

protected areas. Progress towards Aichi Targets 11 in the
Caribbean Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten
is assessed as ‘progress towards target but at an insufficient rate’.

By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland
water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas,

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity

Aichi Targets 11

and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively

Establishment of protected areas is a direct response to

and equitably managed, ecologically representative and

concerns over biodiversity loss, and so protected area

well-connected systems of protected areas and other

coverage is a valuable indicator of commitment to con-

effective area-based conservation measures, and integrat-

serving biodiversity and reducing loss at a range of levels.

ed into the wider landscapes and seascapes.

The protected areas in the Netherland are the Natura
2000 sites and the NEN (main measure 1, Figure 1,
section II-1). The total area of Natura 2000 sites in the

Why is this target important?

Netherlands currently amounts to 20,606 square kilo-

As human activities come to dominate larger and larger

metres. This is more than 14% of the terrestrial and

areas of the planet’s land and water surface, governments

inland water area, and more than 23% of coastal and

have recognised the need to enlarge the network of

marine areas (North Sea, Wadden Sea, Oosterschelde and

protected areas and other effective area-based conserva-

Westerschelde). The Natura 2000 sites are designated and

tion measures as a means to reconcile development with

protected by law and are part of the NEN. The NEN is a

the conservation of biodiversity. This target represents a

nationally designated area protected by a ‘no-unless’

modest increase in the proportion of land protected and a

planning regime and where conservation measures apply.

more ambitious increase for marine protected areas,

The protected area within the NEN is also being expanded

which begin from a much lower level. The target also

by habitat creation (see section III-1). The area of Natura

recognises that biodiversity will not be safeguarded simply

2000 sites and the terrestrial NEN together cover more

by establishing more protected areas. They need to

than 26% of the terrestrial and inland water area. Despite

represent the diversity of the planet’s ecological regions

these figures, the intended NEN area is expected not to be

and include the most critical sites for threatened species;

large enough to accommodate viable populations of all

they need to be connected, to be effectively managed and

‘Dutch’ terrestrial fauna and flora species180 and the

to command the support of local populations

conservation status of the habitats is mostly unfavourable

.

179

(Figure 41). Threatened species in the wider landscape
Summary of progress towards the target

outside the protected areas are not sufficiently protected.

Although the protected areas in the Netherlands amount
to well over 17% of the terrestrial and inland water area

The Marine Strategy for the Netherlands part of the North

and 10% of coastal and marine areas, Aichi Targets 11

Sea, part 1 (2012-2020) contains a policy objective of

has not yet been achieved in full. Management of these

protecting 10-15% of the seabed against noticeable

areas is well organised, but environmental conditions have

disturbance by 2020. Fisheries measures to reach that

179 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the

180 https://www.pbl.nl/sites/default/files/cms/publicaties/pbl-2017-lerende-

implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

evaluatie-van-het-natuurpact-1769.pdf

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 93

Conservation status of habitat types in the EU 27, 2007-2012

Figure 41. Conservation status of habitat types in the EU Member States and the EU average

goal are currently under development. Furthermore, under

been designated as a conservation area and is protected

the OSPAR Regional Seas Convention the Netherlands

from any development. On Sint Eustatius 27% of the land

works with other countries to develop an ecologically

surface is protected as terrestrial nature park and a large

coherent, representative and well managed network of

additional part of the island is designated as a conserva-

MPAs.181

tion area and protected from development. On Saba 3.1%
of the land is protected as a nature park and all the land

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

above 550 m is protected from development. Saba passed

Aichi Targets 11

legislation to establish a new National Park comprising

The minimum required protected area of 17% of the

25% of its land area in September 2018. Around the

terrestrial and inland water area and 10% of coastal and

islands the marine protected areas include 100% of the

marine waters may be achieved for the islands of the

coastal waters. The Saba Bank MPAs comprise 22.5% of

Caribbean Netherlands, but the conservation and manage-

the total sea area around Saba and Sint Eustatius. The

ment status of these areas is still a concern, which means

Yarari Sanctuary for marine mammals and sharks com-

that this target has not yet been achieved.

prises all the territorial waters and the EEZ of Bonaire,
Sint Eustatius and Saba.

The Bonaire island zoning plan provides protection to 17%
of the land surface as terrestrial nature park or reserve. In

Aruba

addition, a large part of the island (approx. 40%) has

Currently 27% of the terrestrial and inland water area and
5% of the coastal and marine areas of Aruba are con-

181 https://www.noordzeeloket.nl/beleid/europese/achtergrond/documentenmariene/@166937/marine-strategy-0/ and https://www.ospar.org/site/assets/
files/1378/assessment_sheet_mpa_status_2017.pdf

94 | WOt-technical report 156

served and effectively managed. Aruba is currently in the
process of designating a Marine Park and increasing the

number of Ramsar Wetlands from 1 to 5. Arikok National

Oostpunt. Despite all the ecological interest and impor-

Park was officially established in 2000 to protect and

tance of the Oostpunt natural area, with its regionally

preserve the area’s flora, fauna, geology and historical

important reefs, this area is threatened following a

remains. It is located on Aruba’s north-eastern shore. In

government plan to rezone the area and allow commercial

2017 the south-eastern Spaans Lagoen (a marine lagoon

development in sensitive and valuable coastal and terres-

and Ramsar site) was enlarged to 271 ha, partly restored

trial areas.

and included within the National Park. This created a
roughly 2,700 ha protected area, which covers some 20%

Sint Maarten

of the island’s total land area. The department of nature

Mullet Pond, the last intact mangrove ecosystem on the

and the environment is in the process of designating more

Dutch side of the island, was designated under the

terrestrial and marine protected areas. Management of

Ramsar Convention in 2016. Only the MPA is to be listed

the protected areas is still a concern as threats from

under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB)

livestock grazing and invasive species (e.g. the boa

Programme. Mullet Pond and five other sites (Fort

constrictor) are not sufficiently controlled. Many extinc-

Amsterdam, Great Salt Pond, Emilio Wilson Estate,

tions can be expected in the coming decades as there is

Geneve Bay and Little islands) are proposed for listing

zero recruitment of young trees to replace old dying trees.

under the MAB Programme.

Curaçao

The Man of War Shoal Marine Park (2010, 3,100 ha)

Management plans are available for all conservation areas

includes the island’s most important reefs and provides a

and the island land use and zoning plan protects conser-

safe haven for whales, sharks, sea turtles and hundreds of

vation areas, which cover about 30% of the surface of the

species of fish. It includes a range of habitats from coral

island. Recent legal designation of four Ramsar protected

reefs to seagrass beds and open water. Under SPAW, and

areas is a valuable step forward182 , and a fifth site, Klein

specifically related to the Man of War Shoal Marine Park,

Curaçao, was designated in September 2018. Curaçao also

corals and seagrass beds are targeted for more manage-

intends to designate the Curaçao Underwater Park as a

ment, recovery and protection measures than others.

world heritage site (in combination with the Bonaire

Under BEST III (2016), Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)

Marine Park). This park is located off Curaçao’s south-east

have been defined to secure conservation outcomes.

coast. It stretches along 20 kilometres of shoreline from

Currently, there is no terrestrial area protected on Sint

the high water mark to a depth of 60 m. It includes

Maarten. A project to form a terrestrial park is underway

600 ha (6 km2) of fringing reefs as well as 436 ha of

at Emilio Wilson Estate and Geneva Back Bay and will

inland bays with mangroves and seagrass beds.

form, with the Marine Park, a National Park system (Sint
Maarten proposed Land Parks management plan, Sint

Christoffel Park and Shete Boka Park are located in the

Maarten Nature Foundation 2009).

north-western corner of the island. Together they encompass 2,800 ha of evergreen woodland, coastal lagoons
with seagrass beds and mangroves, and dry deciduous
shrubland. However, Ramsar designation does not mean
that the areas are free from pressures, such as uncontrolled tourism. Progress has been made on the management of the Ramsar sites. Management plans are about to
be implemented.
In contrast to the progress with Ramsar sites, the
Oostpunt Development Plan conflicts with the recommendations and agreements stated in the BEST report to
safeguard important and valuable nature area at the
182 Dilrosun, F, Vermeij MJA, Chamberland VF, 2012. Onderzoek Ramsar gebieden
op Curaçao. Strategisch rapport Ministerie Gezondheid, Milieu en Natuur,
Willemstad, Curacao. 157pp.

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 95

habitat fragmentation and improve environmental condi-

Target 12
Reducing risk of extinction

tions, both within and outside the NEN. The effects of
these measures are reported to the EC every six years in
an assessment of the conservation status of the habitat
types and/or species that are listed in the Annexes to the

By 2020, the extinction of known threatened species has

Directives. The latest assessment (2013) showed that the

been prevented and their conservation status, particularly

measures are still not sufficient. Only 23% of the species

of those most in decline, has been improved and

and 4% of the habitat types listed in the Habitats Directive

sustained.

had a favourable conservation status; the remainder were
considered unfavourable–inadequate or unfavourable–bad
(see National Target 1, section IV-1).

Why is this target important?
Reducing the threat of human-induced extinction requires

The Dutch Living Planet Index (LPI) (Figure 6, section

action to address the direct and indirect drivers of change.

III-3) has increased by 7% since 1990. The LPI shows the

Achievement of this target is therefore highly dependent

average trend in the population size of the native

on most of the other Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

(non-marine) species of breeding birds, mammals,

Nevertheless, imminent extinctions of known threatened

reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies and freshwa-

species can in many cases be prevented by protecting the

ter fish. The increase is mainly due to an improvement in

sites where such threatened species are located, by

freshwater and marsh habitats.

combating particular threats, and through ex situ
conservation183.

The number of Red List species increased rapidly in the
Netherlands between 1950 and 1995 and then more

Summary of progress towards the target

slowly until 2005. Among all vertebrates, plants and some

Aichi Targets 12 has not yet been achieved. Although the

major groups of invertebrates, approx. 40% of the species

number of threatened species as well as their threatened

are, to some extent, threatened with extinction at the

status has improved slightly over the past decade, this

national level (Figures 42 and 43). After 2005 the number

recovery has proved to be fragile. Agricultural biodiversity

of Red List species has fallen slightly and their overall

in particular is most threatened. Progress towards

population status has improved a little. In particular,

Aichi Targets 12 in the Caribbean Netherlands is assessed

species of vascular plants, dragonflies and mammals are

as ‘progress towards target but at an insufficient rate’.

less threatened compared with 1995 (figure 44). However,

Progress in Aruba is assessed as ‘moving away from

since 2017 the number of Red List species has increased

target’ and in Curaçao and Sint Maarten as ‘no significant

again and their overall population status has worsened,

change’.

which shows that recovery is still fragile.

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

Threatened species are not limited to protected areas and

Aichi Targets 12

so the Nature Conservation Act applies outside protected

The Netherlands fully implements the EU Habitats and

areas as well. Every proposed development should be

Birds Directives, which seek to preserve biodiversity by

carefully planned and take measures to minimise effects

protecting wild flora and fauna and their habitats. The

on protected species and their nests, burrows, etc. Many

Member States designate Special Protection Areas (Natura

species are protected by specific measurements taken by

2000 sites) and protect plant and animal species and

NGOs and many volunteers, such as protecting the nests

habitat types listed in the Annexes of the Directives. In

of farmland birds or helping toads to cross roads safely

the Netherlands most Natura 2000 sites are fully included

during the spring migration to their reproduction pools.

in the NEN which also contains other protected habitats

Threatened species are found in all ecosystems, but the

for species conservation. Many measures have been taken

greatest threat is to agricultural biodiversity. For example,

(see section II) to create and restore habitats, reduce

numbers of farmland birds have decreased on average by
more than 50% since the 1960s, and some species

183 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

96 | WOt-technical report 156

numbers have even fallen by more than 90% (see
Aichi Targets 7).

Percentage of threatened species

Figure 42. Percentage of threatened species per species group in the Netherlands

Red List species and non-endangered species

Figure 43. The percentage of species in the Netherlands on the Red List is just under 40%

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 97

Red List Indicator (RLI) by species group

Figure 44. Trend in Red List species and degree of threat per species group in the Netherlands

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

The Netherlands actively participates in the Inter-

Aichi Targets 12

American Convention (IAC) for the protection of sea

To date, 66 species (data 2017) are listed as threatened,

turtles on behalf of the Caribbean Netherlands and sea

of which six are Critically Endangered (CR), 18

turtle conservation is targeted by the dedicated NGO STCB

Endangered (EN) and 42 Vulnerable (VU). No less than

as well as by the Sint Eustatius National Park Foundation.

75% of the threatened species depend completely or for

Since active protection started some 20 years ago, sea

most of their life cycle on marine habitat (e.g. marine

turtle nesting trends on Bonaire have been rising.

turtles). Many can be considered transboundary species
which indicates that cooperation with other Caribbean

Aruba

states is needed to improve or sustain species popula-

On 15 August 2017 Aruba published a list of protected

tions. An assessment of the state of nature in the

flora and fauna species under the Nature Protection Act.

Caribbean Netherlands revealed that the conservation

Aruba has two documented animal extinctions. These are

status of all 11 marine and terrestrial habitats and the

the scaly-naped pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) and the

12 assessed species groups was inadequate or very

yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis).

inadequate. All threatened species listed in the annexes of

Unless measures are taken to control feral grazers and the

the SPAW Protocol are similarly protected in the Caribbean

voracious boa constrictor snake (Boa constrictor), more

Netherlands as well as on Aruba, Curaçao and Sint

extinctions can be expected. One area of advancement is

Maarten. Bonaire fully protects all threatened flora and

in sea turtle protection, headed by the NGO TurtugAruba.

fauna species on the island. Saba has now also adopted a

Improved conditions in wetlands and reduced hunting

comprehensive list of protected species. On Sint Eustatius

disturbance have allowed the population of the Caribbean

a dedicated conservation programme targets the critically

coot (Fulica caribbaea) to recover and expand184.

endangered Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima). The
Bonaire NGO Echo, in cooperation with the island government, runs a dedicated conservation programme for the
endangered yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona
barbadensis) and the population has been gradually
increasing since conservation efforts started some
15 years ago.

98 | WOt-technical report 156

184 Nijman, V., M. Aliabadian, A. O. Debrot, J. A. de Freitas, L. G. L. Gomes, T. G.
Prins and R. Vonk. 2008. Conservation status of Caribbean coot Fulica
caribaea in the Netherlands Antilles, and other parts of the Caribbean.
Endangerd Species Research 4: 241-246.

Curaçao

The Netherlands has been instrumental in the listing in the

Curaçao has not yet published a list of protected flora and

SPAW Protocol of the three most endangered coral species

fauna species. No recent extinctions have occurred or are

in the Caribbean, Acropora spp. and Orbicella spp., as well

imminent. The last extinctions took place during the early

as eight shark and ray species. All marine mammals

colonial period (Caribbean monk seal, native rice rat and

observed in the Lesser Antilles and Leeward Islands are

possibly the yellow-shouldered parrot). Since 2014 the

listed in Annex II of the SPAW Protocol of the Cartagena

NGO STCC has been increasingly active in sea turtle

Convention and Appendix I or II of CITES as species in

conservation on the island.

danger of extinction that are or may be threatened by
trade, and in the CMS list (Convention on the

Sint Maarten

Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals).

Sint Maarten has not yet published a list of protected flora
and fauna species. The two endemic land plants of Sint
Maarten have not been documented for about 50 years,
and are probably extinct. The West Indian manatee can no
longer maintain itself and, crucially, cannot use the
Simpson Bay lagoon and the last sighting record is from
many years ago. The introduction of the mongoose has
led to a decline in land birds and probably to the extinction of the endemic snake Alsophis reijersmai. The Lesser
Antillean iguana is probably extinct, or at best genetically
degraded by the introduction of the green iguana. The loss
of terrestrial biodiversity is likely to continue due to
habitat loss and the effects of introduced species.
The Man of War Shoal Marine Park is a home and migratory stopover or breeding site for 3 IUCN Red List Species,
10 Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) Appendix I species and 89 Appendix II
species. It is an area with a healthy population of marine
mammals, including migratory whales and dolphins,
numerous species of shark, sea turtles and fish species.
Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 12 at a global level
The conservation of species depends also on international
cooperation on measures such as the establishment of an
MPA in the Sargasso sea, the nursery ground of European
eel, and the defragmentation of rivers to allow migratory
fish species like Atlantic salmon and Atlantic sturgeon to
reach their nursery grounds. The Netherlands has agreed
to partially open several sluices in the Haringvlietdam,
which closes off one of the main sea arms in the estuary
of the rivers Meuse and Rhine. This decision (Kierbesluit)
was agreed in 2011 and the measures will be finalised in
2018. Another example of international cooperation is the
prevention of the extinction of the fire salamander
(Salamandra salamandra) in the Netherlands after a
fungal infection nearly killed the entire national
population.

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 99

biodiversity in the Netherlands clearly indicate that most

Target 13
Safeguarding genetic diversity

native breeds of cattle, horse, sheep, goat and other
animals are currently still at risk because of their very
small population size. Populations of native breeds,
although generally well adapted to local circumstances

By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and

and resources, remain in critically low numbers and have

farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives,

been replaced by a few widespread and highly productive

including other socioeconomically as well as culturally

breeds. New uses for these species are currently being

valuable species, is maintained and strategies have been

created. For example, the dairy cattle breed Groninger

developed and implemented for minimising genetic

Blaarkop is used in sustainable farming systems, for the

erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.

production of regional food products and as a grazer in
conservation management. It is particularly suitable for
grazing low productive natural or semi-natural grassland.

Why is this target important?

However, Dutch farmers are currently faced with the need

Genetic diversity offers options for increasing the resil-

to reduce the number of dairy cows to meet phosphorous

ience of agricultural systems and for adapting to changing

emission standards. They were unable to obtain exemp-

conditions, including the escalating impacts of climate

tions for rare native breeds, which puts these breeds even

change. Genetic diversity is also an important component

more at risk. Other ways are being sought to subsidize the

of cultural heritage. Maintaining this diversity requires

keeping of these breeds.186

conservation of the many varieties of cultivated plants and
breeds of domesticated livestock bred by farmers over

The Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN)

thousands of years and of the wild relatives of crops

and the Dutch Rare Breed Survival Trust (SZH) are the

whose traits may be essential for future plant breeding

main organisations working for the conservation of

and thus underpin food security185.

agro-genetic biodiversity. In 2002, the policy document
Sources of Existence187 (Min. LNV et al., 2002) described

Summary of progress towards the target

the strategy and policy development in relation to genetic

Aichi Targets 13 is still a concern. Although considerable

resources management. This document describes the

efforts have been made to conserve the native livestock

tasks and responsibilities of CGN: to advise on the devel-

breeds and crops, many breeds are still at risk. Progress

opment and implementation of international policies on

towards Aichi Targets 13 in all overseas territories in the

genetic resources conservation and their exchange and

Caribbean is assessed as ‘not applicable’. Agro-genetic

use in various international fora. The CGN, founded in

biodiversity is not an issue on any of the six Dutch

1985, is responsible for the genetic resources programme

Caribbean islands and/or countries.

to conserve ex situ resources of plants and animals,
support conservation of in situ resources, and stimulate

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

the use of genetic resources on behalf of breeding and

Aichi Targets 13

research as part of our cultural heritage. The CGN also

The intensification of agriculture has resulted in an erosion

provides policy support to the Dutch government.

of the genetic crop diversity in Dutch farming systems and
production processes are dominated by a few commercial

The Dutch government financially supports the Dutch Rare

crops. Genetic diversity is now largely conserved in ex situ

Breed Survival Trust (SZH). The trust was founded in 1976

collections in the Netherlands and abroad (e.g. the Svalbard

in response to the diminishing variety of traditional

Global Seed Vault at Spitsbergen). Plant genetic resources

breeds, of which some were already threatened by

(such as crops) in the Netherlands are not at risk.

extinction at that point. The trust makes an effort to raise
awareness and exchange knowledge, and organises

The status of many Dutch animal breeds is vulnerable or

actions to maintain native breeds.

even critical. The status and trends in agro-genetic
186 https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/
detail?id=2018Z13431&did=2018D38242
185 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

100 | WOt-technical report 156

187 Min. LNV, 2002. Bronnen van ons bestaan - behoud en duurzaam gebruik van
genetische diversiteit. 30p.

Strategic Goal D
Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services

services, analysis and evaluation of ecosystem services is

Target 14
Ecosystem services

still at an early stage, as is the process of restoring and
safeguarding them.189 One of the actions of the Natural
Capital Agenda is the development of the digital Atlas of
Natural Capital in the Netherlands, which will be the basis

By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services,

for developing policy strategies to map ecosystem servic-

including services related to water, and contribute to

es, applying TEEB and restoring and safeguarding essen-

health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and

tial ecosystem services. In section IV-2 we presented a

safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women,

few services (pollination and water storage along rivers)

indigenous and local communities and the poor and

which have received special attention.

vulnerable.
Caribbean contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 14
Why this target is important?

The TEEB studies on Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius

All terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems provide

identified essential services provided by the ecosystems

multiple ecosystem services. However some ecosystems

on and around the islands, especially coral reefs for their

are particularly important in that they provide services

essential services to tourism, coastal protection and as

that directly contribute to human health and wellbeing by

fish nurseries. The reefs are under severe threat from

providing services and goods to fulfil daily physical,

climate change as well as local impacts of pollution and

material, cultural and spiritual needs. This target directs

sedimentation. The 2017 state of nature assessment of

attention towards the need for policies to focus specifically

the Caribbean Netherlands190 revealed that the coral cover

on restoring and safeguarding such ecosystems, thus

on all three islands has substantially decreased in recent

linking biodiversity conservation with goals related to

decades (see Figure 45). The 2017 conservation status of

sustainable development and the needs of the poor,

the coral reefs in the Caribbean Netherlands was assessed

women and indigenous and local communities188.

as ‘unfavourable–bad’. All other habitats were also considered unfavourable–insufficient or unfavourable–bad (see

Summary of progress towards the target

Aichi Targets 5).

Progress has been made with the restoration of ecosystem
services, especially along rivers and streams. However,

Aruba

the exact extent and economic and social value of the full

The TEEB study for Aruba191 (2018) revealed that Aruba’s

array of ecosystem services is still not fully understood

natural capital value for tourism, culture, fishing and

(see also National Target 2 section IV-2). Progress to-

carbon exceeds USD 287.3 million per year. Aruba de-

wards Aichi Targets 14 in the Caribbean Netherlands,

pends on tourism, which accounts directly for 28.6% of

Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten is assessed as ‘moving

total GDP. Combined with indirect returns, tourism

away from target’.

accounts for 88.1% of total GDP and is expected to reach
97.4% by 2027. As tourism depends on the conservation

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

and management of the marine environment, Aruba’s

Aichi Targets 14
Despite the current interest in essential ecosystem

189 https://themasites.pbl.nl/natuurlijk-kapitaal-nederland/wp-content/
uploads/2014/PBL_2016_Natuurlijk-kapitaal_1455.pdf
190 http://edepot.wur.nl/183506

188 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

191 https://www.wolfscompany.com/
teeb-aruba-the-economics-of-ecosystems-and-biodiversity/

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 101

Coral cover

Figure 45. Coral cover around Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius has been decreasing since the 1990s

welfare could halve if its marine environment is degraded

prevention of coastal erosion), one of the last areas of

(TEEB Aruba, 2018). There are ambitions to expand the

intact or near-intact mangrove ecosystem left on the

Arikok National Park by including additional terrestrial and

Dutch side of the island. The ecosystem contributes

marine areas. However, no MPAs have been designated

USD 792,000 annually to the local economy (based on the

yet.

World Resources Institute’s Economic Value of Ecosystems
model). Mullet Pond supports not only the ecosystems in

Curaçao

situ, but also the biodiversity of Sint Maarten’s coastal

The oil refinery, trade and tourism form the engine of

waters, including the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. It

Curaçao’s economy. Tourism in particular depends heavily

functions as a nursery area for numerous fish species and

on ecosystem services provided by the marine environ-

is also the most significant storm refuge for numerous

ment, including the island’s beaches (swimming and

bird, fish and reptile species. Studies of the Man of War

sunbathing), coral reefs (diving) and fish (food). Curaçao

Shoal Marine Park have shown that biodiversity in this

will designate the approximately 1,000 ha Curaçao

area, particularly coral reef coverage, is high and the

Underwater Park, but for most of the marine environment

economic goods and services which the ecosystem

the pressures continue to mount. Illustrative of the

provides are in excess of USD 50 million annually. The

situation is that the tourism master plan for 2015-2020

2017 hurricane season had a devastating impact on the

makes no mention of integrating biodiversity values.

marine and terrestrial environment, although the extent of
the impact is not yet clear.

Sint Maarten
The economy of Sint Maarten is highly dependent on

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

tourism, which in turn depends on ecosystem services

Aichi Targets 14 at a global level

provided by the marine environment, including the island’s

Internationally the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its

beaches (swimming and sunbathing), coral reefs (diving)

embassies, other Dutch government departments, water

and fish (food). An estimation has been made by the

authorities, civil society organisations, knowledge insti-

Nature Foundation of the value of ecosystem services of

tutes and companies support various programmes that

Mullet Pond (such as its fish nursery function and the

promote protection and sustainable use of ecosystems.

102 | WOt-technical report 156

The challenge is to integrate the values of ecosystem

tial192. A midterm evaluation of 2017 is available on the

services into government policies. Several of these

website193. Other examples include the Ecosystem Alliance

programmes combine participatory land use planning that

programme (a collaboration between IUCN NL, Both ENDS

is guided by science, integrated water resources manage-

and Wetlands International)194 supporting civil society in

ment, promotion of renewable energy and the facilitation

16 countries in the tropics and subtropics with the aim of

of value chains for sustainable products and services that

improving ecosystem management for the benefit of local

can be accommodated in climate robust landscapes.

communities. The programme was carried out from 2011

Examples of such programmes are IDH’s Initiative for

to 2015.

Sustainable Land and Water, IUCN’s SUSTAIN Africa
programme, which aims to make economic growth
corridors in Africa more sustainable, and a programme of
the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and
Network for sustainable development of the Rift Valley and
the cross-border Boma-Gambella Landscape in SouthWest Ethiopia and South Sudan. The latter landscape
contains an informal economic growth corridor where
there is considerable agricultural development, but also a
still rather unknown ecosystem with an annual migration
of about 850,000 white-eared kob deer and many other
wild animals, including large mammals like elephant and
giraffe, and which has ecotourism development poten-

192 http://www.waterandnature.org/initiatives/sustain
193 http://www.waterandnature.org/sites/default/files/2017_06_13_final_report_
of_mtr_of_sustain.pdf
194 https://www.bothends.org/en/Our-work/Dossiers/
The-Ecosystem-Alliance-creating-a-green-and-inclusive-economy

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 103

wetlands in the Netherlands. The ambitious policy for the

Target 15
Ecosystem restoration and
resilience

large waters of the Netherlands Delta is to restore natural
processes, improve biodiversity and adapt to climate
change196. This process will continue beyond 2020.

By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of

Forests and peatlands are the main ecosystems with

biodiversity to carbon stocks have been enhanced through

potential for carbon sequestration. All forests are legally

conservation and restoration, including restoration of at

protected and sustainably managed. Forests and other

least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby

vegetation annually capture almost 3.6 Mtonnes of CO2

contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation

from the atmosphere and store it in the form of biomass,

and to combating desertification.

which compensates 2% of annual Dutch CO2 emissions197.
However, the ongoing drying out of peatlands, caused
mainly by drainage and the lowering of water tables for

Why is this target important?

agricultural reasons, leads to emissions of around 7

The reversal of habitat loss, fragmentation and degrada-

Mtonnes of CO2 each year, almost twice as much. Current

tion through ecosystem restoration represents an im-

progress on this Aichi Targets is limited and greatly de-

mense opportunity for both biodiversity restoration and

pends on the ability to restore peatlands and to transform

carbon sequestration. Restored landscapes and seascapes

them from carbon emitting into carbon sequestering areas.

can improve resilience, including the adaptive capacity of

Peat soils emit a lot of carbon per hectare (Figure 46). The

ecosystems and societies, contributing to climate change

greenhouse gas balance of restored peatlands depends on

adaptation and generating ecosystem services and

the vegetation type, water level, level of fertilisation and

associated benefits for people, in particular indigenous

other factors. This is a complex interaction which is not

and local communities and the rural poor195.

fully understood yet. A website has been developed where
all knowledge on restoring and maintaining all values of

Summary of progress towards the target

peat areas is collected and published. The website also

Aichi Targets 15 has not yet been achieved, mainly due to

contains information about measures that might reduce

degraded peatland areas. Awareness is growing that the

subsidence and CO2 emissions.198 Restoration of peatlands

large array of peatland meadows should be transformed

in Natura 2000 sites is included in the Natura 2000

from carbon emitting areas into carbon sequestration

management plans.

areas. Restoration pilots are planned and some are
underway. Progress towards Aichi Targets 15 in the

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

Caribbean Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten

Aichi Targets 15

is assessed as ‘moving away from target’.

Restoration efforts are small-scale and insufficient to
restore the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

Currently Bonaire is engaged in a successful small-scale

Aichi Targets 15

reforestation project on the island of Klein Bonaire and in

Much is being done to complete and manage the NEN,

the Washington Slagbaai National Park. Overgrazing by

including all Natura 2000 sites. This means restoration or

goats is reduced, followed by reforestation in exclosures.

reconversion of land into natural ecosystems and defrag-

Outside the park a larger reforestation effort is underway

mentation of natural habitat. The conversion of land into

to plant 20,000 trees in 20 one hectare enclosures. A

natural ecosystems will result in additional carbon seques-

small-scale Acropora coral restoration project has been

tration. The conservation management plans and all

piloted on Bonaire and is now expanding with more

efforts to minimise the anthropogenic pressures will

nursery sites as well as outplanting sites. On Saba and

eventually enhance the resilience of ecosystems. The
measures under the EU Water Framework Directive and
the Delta Programme will also enhance the resilience of

196 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2013/10/31/
beleidsverkenning-natuurambitie-grote-wateren-2050-2010
197 Lof et al., 2017. The SEEA EEA carbon account for the Netherlands, CBS &
WUR; https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/background/2017/45/
the-seea-eea-carbon-account-for-the-netherlands

195 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

104 | WOt-technical report 156

198 http://www.veenweidegebieden-oras.nl/Maatregelen/Verminderen_van_
maaivelddaling_en_van_CO2_emissie.aspx

Carbon emissions

Figure 46. Carbon emissions in the Netherlands (Lof et al., 2017)199

Sint Eustatius similar coral restoration efforts are target-

Curaçao. Also, over a nine-year period about 100,000

ing the endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals (Acropora

mangrove trees were planted in six bays. Nevertheless,

spp.) have started, but were severely set back by hurri-

key mangrove, seagrass and fish nursery areas continue

canes Irma and Maria. On Bonaire an ecological water

to decline due to mounting recreational pressures (e.g.

circulation restoration project has started in the Lac

Spaanse Water). Most progress on this target could be

Ramsar site to maintain the health of the mangrove

achieved by restoring mangrove forests and removing the

forests and the nursery function of the lagoon.

free-roaming livestock (mainly goats) to allow regrowth of

199

the dry tropical forests.

Aruba
A small-scale restoration project in the Spaans Lagoen

Sint Maarten

Ramsar site was carried out in 2016-2017 and a small

There are plans to increase the number of terrestrial and

mangrove reintroduction project was carried out on the

protected areas. However, most progress on this target

keys in front of Oranjestad harbour. However, most

could be achieved by restoring mangrove forests.

progress on this target could be achieved by restoring
mangrove forests and removing the free-roaming livestock

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

(mainly goats) to allow regrowth of the dry tropical

Aichi Targets 15 at a global level

forests.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of
Infrastructure and Environment support the degraded land

Curaçao

restoration projects of Commonland.200 Commonland

Successful reforestation projects for threatened tree

provides a holistic approach to large-scale land restoration

species have been carried out on the islet of Klein

that delivers ‘4 returns’ on investment: inspiration, social
capital, natural capital and financial capital. Landscape

199 Lof et al., 2017. The SEEA EEA carbon account for the Netherlands,
CBS & WUR

200 https://www.commonland.com/en/network/supporters

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 105

restoration presents great opportunities for sustainable
economic development, involving many stakeholders such
as investors, landowners, companies across the value
chain and agricultural entrepreneurs over 20 years.
Successful projects are running in Spain, Australia, South
Africa and in the Netherlands, where the aim is to reverse
the degradation of a peat meadow area in the province of
Noord-Holland in the west of the country201.

201 https://www.commonland.com/en/projects

106 | WOt-technical report 156

lates the direct implementation of the European regula-

Target 16
Access to and sharing benefits
from genetic resources

tions. Users of genetic resources must investigate whether
the country of origin of the genetic source has established
access rules. Users may be required to obtain permission
from the national authority and may have to make fair

By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic

agreements with the supplier concerning the benefits

Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits

arising from the use of the genetic source or traditional

Arising from their Utilisation is in force and operational,

knowledge that relates to this genetic source. Information

consistent with national legislation.

of genetic material covered by the Nagoya Protocol must
be collected (tracking and tracing of material) and kept for
20 years. The Centre of Genetic Resources also provides

Why is this target important?

policy support to the Dutch government and is national

The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from

focal point for ABS.

the utilisation of genetic resources is one of the three
objectives of the CBD. The Nagoya Protocol, adopted in

The Netherlands has completed its interim national

2010, provides a transparent legal framework for the

report.203

effective implementation of this objective. The Protocol
covers genetic resources and associated traditional

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

knowledge, as well as the benefits arising from their

Aichi Targets 16

utilisation, by setting out core obligations for its contract-

The Nagoya Protocol (Implementation) Act has not yet

ing Parties to take measures in relation to access, benefit

been implemented in the legislation of the Caribbean

sharing and compliance. Bringing this Protocol into force

Netherlands.

and making it operational within countries is an important
target for implementing the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity

Aruba

2011-2020 and for achieving the third objective of the

The benefits arising from the use of biodiversity and

Convention

genetic resources have not been regulated by law.

.

202

Summary of progress towards the target

Curaçao

Aichi Targets 16 has been achieved. Progress towards

Draft policy documents are available, but have not been

Aichi Targets 16 in the Caribbean Netherlands is assessed

acted upon by the government (Meesters et al. 2010).

as ‘progress towards target but at an insufficient rate’.

This means that the island has missed out on several

Progress in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten is assessed

marine biopharmacy discoveries in recent years and will

as ‘no significant change’.

continue to miss out on this important opportunity unless
the matter is attended to.

Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 16

Sint Maarten

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and

Draft policy documents are available but have not been

the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from

yet been submitted for approval by the government

their Utilisation is a supplementary agreement to the CBD.

(Meesters et al. 2010). The draft policy documents are a

Its aim is to ensure the sharing of the benefits arising

Nature Policy Plan and an Environmental Policy Plan. Both

from the utilisation of genetic resources in a fair and

will be submitted to the Council of Ministers in 2018.

equitable way. It entered into force on 12 October 2014.
To implementation the Nagoya Protocol the EU adopted

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

Regulation 511/2014 and the Implementing Regulation EU

Aichi Targets 16 at a global level

2015/1866. In April 2016 the Dutch Nagoya Protocol

The activities to improve access and fair sharing of

(Implementation) Act entered into force. The law regu-

benefits are meant to contribute to the achievement of the
Aichi Biodiversity Target at the global level.

202 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

203 https://absch.cbd.int/countries/NL

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 107

108 | WOt-technical report 156

Strategic Goal E
Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge
management and capacity building

is to secure resilient ecosystems and ecosystem services

Target 17
Biodiversity strategies and
action plans

that contribute to biodiversity, water and food security,
welfare and combating poverty. Developing a natureinclusive economy, securing international biodiversity
and the conservation of nature in the Netherlands are

By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy

important elements of nature policy. The focus of

instrument and commenced implementing an effective,

ecosystem services protection lies on the implementa-

participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy

tion and management of natural capital and sustainable

and action plan.

production and consumption, mostly outside the Netherlands.
• The national nature vision The Natural Way Forward –

Why is this target important?

Government Vision 2014206 focuses on the protection

National biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs)

and sustainable use of biodiversity in collaboration with

are the key instrument for translating the Convention on

citizens, businesses and civil society organisations.

Biological Diversity and the decisions of its Conference of

These social partners have an increasing say and

the Parties into national action. The attainment of this

responsibility to contribute to nature protection and

target would, therefore, facilitate the achievement of all of

habitat creation. A prominent place is given to the

the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

advantages of combining nature protection with other

.

204

social and economic interests. Citizens, businesses and
Summary of progress towards the target

civil society organisations are encouraged to maximise

With the current national biodiversity policy papers and

nature and biodiversity protection in combination with

action plans in place, Aichi Targets 17 can be considered
to have been achieved. Progress towards Aichi Targets 17

other social and economic interests.
• In the Nature Pact (2013)207, the ambitions for the

in the Caribbean Netherlands is assessed as ‘on track to

restoration and management of nature in the Nether-

achieve target’. Progress in Aruba and Curaçao is assessed

lands were agreed upon for the period up to and

as ‘no significant change’ and in Sint Maarten ‘progress

including 2027. The focus of biodiversity protection in

towards target but at an insufficient rate’.

the Netherlands lies on the realisation of the NEN, the
implementation and management of the EU Natura 2000

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

sites and the conservation of its Natura 2000 habitat

Aichi Targets 17

types and species. These sites are part of the NEN,

The Netherlands has committed itself to achieving nature

which is due to be completed in 2027. The Dutch

objectives in the European biodiversity strategy and thus

government has decentralised the responsibility for

also indirectly those in the CBD. The conventions, direc-

habitat restoration and conservation management to the

tives and agreements have been implemented in national

provinces.

policy documents and legislation, including the following:
• The Natural Capital Agenda focuses (2013)205, both
nationally and internationally, on conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity. The strategy’s objective
204 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
205 https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p1-en.pdf

206 https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/nl/nl-nbsap-v4-p2-en.pdf
207 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2013/09/18/
kamerbrief-natuurpact

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 109

Caribbean contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 17
The NBSAP for the Caribbean Netherlands is the Nature

Target 18
Traditional knowledge

Policy Plan 2013-2017208, which was adopted in May 2013.
An evaluation was completed in 2017 and will be used to
update the plan in 2018 for the next five years.

By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and
practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for

Aruba

the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and

Aruba did not have a formal biodiversity strategy and

their customary use of biological resources, are respected,

action plan in 2015, nor is such a plan to be expected

subject to national legislation and relevant international

soon.

obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the
implementation of the Convention, with the full and

Curaçao

effective participation of indigenous and local communi-

Curaçao did not have a formal biodiversity strategy and

ties, at all relevant levels.

action plan in 2015, nor is such a plan to be expected
soon.
Why this target is important?
Sint Maarten

Traditional knowledge contributes to both the conservation

There is a lack of legislation on the conservation of Sint

and the sustainable use of biological diversity. This target

Maarten’s biodiversity. A Nature Policy Plan is currently in

aims to ensure that traditional knowledge and customary

draft form and includes measures to tackle nature conser-

sustainable use is respected, protected and encouraged,

vation and biodiversity.

with the effective participation of indigenous and local
communities and reflected in the implementation of the

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

Convention. Given the cross-cutting nature of this target,

Aichi Targets 17 at a global level

actions taken to fulfil it will contribute to several of the

The Natural Capital Agenda focuses, both nationally and

other Aichi Biodiversity Targets210.

internationally, on the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity. The focus of ecosystem services protection

Summary of progress towards the target

lies on the implementation and management of natural

Based on the current lack of specific policy in this thematic

capital and sustainable production and consumption,

field and the still rather strong focus on Dutch develop-

mostly outside the Netherlands. Dutch development policy

ment cooperation and trade policies, it remains questiona-

focuses on fair and sustainable growth and prosperity

ble to what extent the Netherlands has contributed to

from which everyone benefits. The core of the policy is

respecting traditional knowledge. Progress towards

stated in the document A World to Gain: A New Agenda

Aichi Targets 18 in all overseas territories in the Caribbean

for Aid, Trade and Investment.209 The main goals of the

is assessed as ‘not applicable’. The Caribbean Netherlands,

agenda are:

Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten lack local or traditional

• eliminating extreme poverty within a single generation

communities as defined by the CBD.

(getting to zero);
• promoting sustainable and inclusive growth throughout
the world;
• success for Dutch companies abroad.

Dutch contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 18
The Netherlands has no indigenous peoples or local
communities as defined by the CBD within its borders.
It can, however, substantially affect indigenous and local
communities beyond its borders through international
cooperation, foreign policy and policies on sustainable
trade. Specific policy on indigenous peoples dates back to

208 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2013/04/24/
natuurbeleidsplan-caribisch-nederland-2013-2017
209 https://www.government.nl/documents/letters/2013/04/05/
global-dividends-a-new-agenda-for-aid-trade-and-investment

110 | WOt-technical report 156

210 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

1993 and has not been reviewed since. The Netherlands
ratified the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO
Convention 169) in 1998 and voted in favour of the
adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007, but no specific
policies have been developed to support its implementation. The Netherlands Centre for Indigenous Peoples
(NCIV) was an NGO that supported the promotion and
protection of the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide
since 1969, but is no longer active. Other Dutch NGOs,
such as Both ENDS, take action for people elsewhere in
the world.
Traditional knowledge used in relation to genetic resources
is part of the Nagoya Protocol (see Aichi Targets 16).

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 111

forest, nature and landscape management. This knowl-

Target 19
Sharing information and
knowledge

edge is made publicly available on a website.212
The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL),
in cooperation with scientific institutes and NGOs, periodi-

By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies

cally reports on the status and trends in nature, biodiver-

relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and

sity and other environmental issues in the Netherlands.

trends, and the consequences of its loss, are improved,

This is a statutory requirement under the Nature

widely shared and transferred, and applied.

Conservation Act. Dutch nature policy is significantly
influenced by the content of these reports and the information is widely available. The Dutch language website213

Why is this target important?

includes hundreds of indicators on nature and the environ-

Biodiversity-related information is vital for identifying

ment. The most important indicators, like those needed

threats to biodiversity, determining priorities for conserva-

for the CBD report, are regularly updated. Several indica-

tion and sustainable use, and enabling targeted and

tors are used in national assessments (Balans van de

cost-effective action. Given this, progress towards this

Leefomgeving, Lerende Evaluatie Natuurpact).

target can contribute to the attainment of the other Aichi
Biodiversity Targets. This target is a general commitment

One of the actions of the Natural Capital Agenda is the

to increase the amount and quality of biodiversity-relevant

development of the digital Atlas of Natural Capital in the

information and technologies available, to make better use

Netherlands. The Atlas of Natural Capital (ANK) is an

of these in decision making, and to share them as widely

initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the

as possible

Environment and was produced in association with

.

211

knowledge institutes Deltares, Wageningen
Summary of progress towards the target

Environmental Research, Wageningen Economic Research

The substance of Aichi Targets 19 is very well developed in

and RIVM. The Atlas supports the development of infor-

the Netherlands and can be considered to have been

mation tools for policy and society to treat our natural

achieved. Progress towards Aichi Targets 19 in the

capital sustainably and to find appropriate solutions,

Caribbean Netherlands and Curaçao is assessed as

especially for the long term. It provides information

‘progress towards target but at an insufficient rate’.

about natural capital and ecosystem services, related

Progress in Aruba and Sint Maarten is assessed as ‘no

concepts and inspirational examples. Maps contain

significant change’.

information that can be used when taking decisions that
affect the human environment at site level. Businesses

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

can use the information to make their operations more

Aichi Targets 19

sustainable and in their reporting on corporate social

The Netherlands has a long history in environmental

responsibility. The ecosystem services and stocks were

research and biodiversity monitoring. We present the

defined in accordance with the European Union’s CICES

some important platforms for sharing knowledge and

classification (Common International Classification of

information below.

Ecosystem Services). The classification was developed to
provide an internationally harmonised nomenclature,

The Knowledge Network for Restoration and Management

enabling ecosystem services to be mapped Europe-wide.

of Nature in the Netherlands (OBN) is an independent and

This is an initial embodiment of the EU Biodiversity

innovative platform in which management, policy and

Strategy. The Atlas214 is a work in progress.

science work together on nature restoration and conservation management. OBN develops and disseminates

There is a central Dutch web portal on biological diversi-

knowledge on the restoration and management of nature

ty.215 The objective is to provide a maximum amount of

and is an important partner for everyone involved in
212 https://www.natuurkennis.nl/
213 www.clo.nl
211 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

112 | WOt-technical report 156

214 http://www.atlasnatuurlijkkapitaal.nl/home
215 www.biodiversiteit.nl

information on biodiversity and biodiversity policy relating

Availability and quality of biodiversity data in the Caribbean

to the Netherlands. This portal also forms the Dutch

Netherlands

implementation of the Clearing-House Mechanism of the
CBD.
National reports of international conventions are published
on a website216 and news items on nature and biodiversity
are also published on a website.217
Caribbean contribution to the achievement of
Aichi Targets 19
The Caribbean Netherlands have much higher biodiversity
values than the Netherlands, but the monitoring effort is
much less intensive. The availability and quality of data is

Figure 47. Assessment of the availability and quality of data in the

generally insufficient for trend analysis. Only about 10%

Caribbean Netherlands (Debrot et al., 2018)

of the data are regarded sufficient (see Figure 47) and
most of these are from Bonaire and concern species such
as seagrasses, Caribbean flamingos, sea turtles and the

Research and monitoring was one of the strategic goals in

yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot.

the Caribbean Netherlands Nature Policy Plan 2013-2017.
Since the Caribbean islands became special municipalities
of the Netherlands on 10 October 2010 many initiatives

216 www.natuurgegevens.nl
217 https://www.naturetoday.com/intl/en/home

have been taken. The Ministry of Economic Affairs therefore commissioned the development of the Dutch

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 113

Caribbean Biodiversity Database for Aruba, Bonaire,

provides access to most of the available studies and data

Curaçao, Saba, Saint Eustatius and Saint Maarten

on biodiversity and the DCNA regularly shares information

(www.dcbd.nl), which was developed and is managed by

and knowledge through its newsletter BioNews.

Wageningen University and Research (Wageningen UR) in
the Netherlands. It was established to guarantee long-

Curaçao

term data availability and access, support conservation

The Carmabi Foundation has been the engine for knowl-

management and facilitate treaties and convention

edge generation on Curaçao for more than 50 years.

reporting requirements.

Thousands of scientific studies have been published and
are available. The Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database

In 2012, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and

provides access to most of the available studies and data

Science allocated EUR 2.5 million for the establishment

on biodiversity. The DCNA regularly shares information

of a multidisciplinary knowledge centre in the Caribbean

and knowledge through its newsletter BioNews.

Netherlands, the Caribbean Netherlands Science
Institute (CNSI). It is the starting point for research and

Sint Maarten

monitoring in the region and plays an educational role

Recent years have seen a major growth in biological

for the local community. The Netherlands Organisation

research and publications, particularly from EPIC, a local

for Scientific Research (NWO) commissioned the Royal

NGO. The Nature Foundation is also active in generating

Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) to set up

knowledge and participating in joint science endeavours.

this centre, which is located on Saint Eustatius and was

The Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database provides

opened in 2013. The Ministry of Education, Culture and

access to most of the available studies and data on

Science allocated an additional EUR 10 million to launch

biodiversity. The DCNA regularly shares information and

a research programme covering the Caribbean as a

knowledge through its newsletter BioNews.

whole. The research programme and the knowledge
centre focus on earth and life sciences, complemented
by topics from the humanities and social sciences. In
2018 NWO decided to continue its support for the CNSI
for another five years and prolong its Caribbean research
programme.
The Dutch government provides funding to the Dutch
Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) to produce the monthly
publication BioNews, which contains information about
biodiversity research, monitoring and conservation
projects in the Caribbean Netherlands, but also on Aruba,
Curaçao and Sint Maarten because DCNA is active there as
well. It provides regular updates on science and nature
projects as well as overviews of ongoing research and
monitoring efforts, long-term projects, recent reports and
publications. Bionews is freely available on the internet
and is actively distributed to park management and other
conservation organisations, island government officials
and national government policymakers, students and
researchers, the international conservation community
and any other interested people.
Aruba
Very little scientific research currently takes place on
Aruba and access to information is rather limited.
However, the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database

114 | WOt-technical report 156

document ‘Reporting on baseline and progress towards

Target 20
Mobilising resources from
all sources

2015’ in the online Financial Reporting Framework.219 The
biodiversity-related official development assistance (ODA)
in 2015 was EUR 51 million. This is less than half the
baseline (EUR 106 million), the average biodiversity-relat-

By 2020, at the latest, the mobilisation of financial

ed ODA for the years 2006-2010. The coefficient used for

resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan

resource flows indirectly related to biodiversity is 40%

for Biodiversity 2011-2020 from all sources, and in

(The Netherlands, Financial Reporting Framework:

accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in

Reporting on baseline and progress towards 2015). The

the Strategy for Resource Mobilisation, should increase

annual financial support provided to domestic biodiversi-

substantially from the current levels. This target will be

ty-related activities in the Netherlands reported is

subject to changes contingent to resources needs assess-

EUR 1,455 million in 2015. This amount is below average

ments to be developed and reported by Parties.

(EUR 1,685 million) for the years 2007-2015.
Financing of nature conservation

Why is this target important?

In order to halt biodiversity loss, the Dutch provinces

The overall objective of this target is to increase the

acquire land for habitat creation to enlarge and defrag-

resources available to implement the Strategic Plan for

ment the currently small and isolated ecosystems and

Biodiversity. The fulfilment of this target will have implica-

habitats. The government subsidises conservation man-

tions for the feasibility of achieving the other 19 targets

agement in natural and agricultural areas. Nature conser-

contained in the Strategic Plan218.

vation organisations and, to a lesser extent, the agricultural sector and several other parties also cover part of

Summary of progress towards the target

the costs of nature and landscape conservation. Other

Financial resources from several sources are substantially

financial sources for nature organisations include dona-

increasing which is in line with the goals of Aichi Targets

tions and a lottery. Net annual cost for nature and land-

20. The net cost and financing of nature and landscape

scape conservation has decreased by one fifth to EUR 830

has not increased, and the biodiversity-related official

million compared with the peak year 2009 (when it

development assistance decreased substantially. The

exceeded EUR 1 billion). Net cost equals gross cost minus

international target of doubling biodiversity-related

revenues. Government finances 56% of these costs

funding flows to developing countries by 2015 and

(Figure 48).

maintaining them until 2020 has not been reached. The
Netherlands is moving away from this target. On the other

Green investments

hand, market shares of raw materials with sustainable

Efforts to broaden funding sources and increase financing

labels and consumer spending on sustainable food has

focus especially on the development, wider implementa-

increased substantially (section IV-6 and Aichi Targets 4).

tion and acceptance of Innovative Financing Mechanisms

Progress towards Aichi Targets 20 in the Caribbean

(IFMs) and the mobilisation and use of private funding

Netherlands is assessed as ‘progress towards target but at

sources. The Green Projects Scheme, which has been in

an insufficient rate’. Progress in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint

force since 1 April 2016, is a joint arrangement between

Maarten is assessed as ‘no significant change’.

the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment (now
Infrastructure and Water Management) and the Ministry of

Dutch contribution to the achievement of

Finance to stimulate sustainable and innovative construc-

Aichi Targets 20

tion projects. The government gives tax benefits to ‘green’

In Decision XII/3, the Conference of the Parties adopted a

savers and investors. Banks and other financial institu-

financial reporting framework to provide information

tions accredited as green institutions can offer loans at

related to the global financial targets under Aichi

lower interest rates to companies to fund green projects.

Biodiversity Target 20. The Netherlands has submitted the

Banks with designated green funds are obliged to invest at
least 70% of those savings in projects approved under the

218 Global Biodiversity Outlook A mid-term assessment of progress towards the
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

219 https://chm.cbd.int/pdf/documents/resourceMobilisation/206306/1

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 115

Net cost and financing of nature and landscape

Figure 48. Net cost and financing of nature and landscape conservation has remained stable on average

Green Projects Scheme. They are permitted to provide

annually (until 2016). DCNA also became a beneficiary of

such loans for projects that enhance the environment and

the Dutch Postcode Lottery in February 2009. From each

nature. Only companies holding a Green Declaration may

annual donation of EUR 500,000 from the lottery,

borrow money from this Green Fund at a lower interest

EUR 200,000 is deposited straight into DCNA’s trust fund

rate. These have to be requested by the bank from the

account.

Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The green banks
and green funds finance approximately EUR 800 million

For the implementation of the NPP-2017 the former

annually in sustainable projects through the Green

Ministry of Economic Affairs earmarked EUR 7.5 million for

Projects Scheme

nature conservation projects on the islands to be imple-

.

220

mented over a period of four years, specifically to catch
Caribbean contribution to the achievement of

up on outstanding or overdue management measures.

Aichi Targets 20

Projects will address coral reef conservation, in particular

It remains a challenge to provide sustainable and regular

through reduction of erosion, the sustainable use of

funding to cover the operating costs of the organisations

nature, including better access, and improving the syner-

managing the marine and terrestrial protected areas on

gy between nature, land use (agriculture) and tourism.

the six Caribbean islands concerned. To support this
important work the DCNA set up a trust fund in 2006 and

In addition, EUR 600,000 is available annually for imple-

a trust fund bank account was opened at the Rabobank in

mentation of the NPP-2017, plus EUR 500,000 for re-

the Netherlands. The capital is locked in for a defined

search, monitoring and reporting on biodiversity. The

period and cannot be used to solve short-term funding

islands receive EUR 800,000 per year for conservation

needs. Revenues from the fund are reinvested (not

management, to be used at their own discretion. However,

withdrawn from the fund), and will be until 2016, when a

a recalculation of the costs of conservation management

review will take place. A Trust Fund Committee was

in 2015 showed that this amount needed to be increased

created by DCNA and provides coordination, leadership

substantially, in particular for the smallest islands, but the

and decision-making power throughout this process. The

funding was not adjusted accordingly. Revenues from park

Dutch Ministry of the Interior contributed EUR 750,000

entrance fees are invested in conservation management,
but on the very small islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius

220 https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-regelingen/regeling-groenprojecten

116 | WOt-technical report 156

these are far too small to cover the costs. Budgets from

other local sources are unfortunately hardly available on

of marine research, involving an investment of about

the islands. Though the challenges ahead are far larger

USD 5 million over three years. It also committed to

than can be covered by current budgets, financial resourc-

codifying a sustainable ocean policy by the end of 2018.

es have increased substantially. All things considered,

In 2016, a Cooperation Agreement on further improving

much progress has been made towards Aichi Targets 20,

the conditions for conducting marine biological research in

although a substantial gap still needs to be filled.

Curaçao was signed by the government of Curaçao, the
Curaçao Marine Research Center (CMRC) and CARMABI.

Aruba

Funding has been made available to improve the research

The island does not have a formal biodiversity strategy

infrastructure at CARMABI and the CMRC. This project

and action plan and funding has not increased. Arikok

should be completed by the end of 2019. As in Aruba, it

National Park does receive significant funding from the

has proven challenging to obtain sustainable and regular

government for staff costs and entry fees provide addi-

funding to cover the operating costs of the organisations

tional revenue.

managing the marine and terrestrial protected areas in
Curaçao.

Providing sustainable and regular funding to cover the
operating costs of the organisations managing the marine

Sint Maarten

and terrestrial protected areas in the Dutch Caribbean has

The Nature Foundation receives financing from the

proven to be a challenge as a substantial amount of

government per the SLA (Service Level Agreement) signed

funding is in the form of one-time project subsidies,

in January 2018. This SLA appoints the Nature Foundation

limited ad hoc financial assistance from local government

as the scientific and nature authority of the ecosystems on

authorities and fluctuating revenues from tourism. These

the island. The Nature Foundation also receives revenue

uncertainties made it virtually impossible for park man-

from Marine Park user fees.

agement organisations to draft long-term plans, create
systematic protected area management structures
(including the recruitment and retention of qualified
personnel from the local community and elsewhere), and
even threatened the very survival of some organisations.
In 2006 a trust fund was created by the DCNA. The capital
is locked in for a defined period and cannot be used to
solve short-term funding needs. Revenues from the fund
are reinvested. A Trust Fund Committee was created by
DCNA and provides coordination, leadership and decision-making power throughout this process. Until 2016
the Dutch Ministry of the Interior contributed EUR 750,000
annually. DCNA became a beneficiary of the Dutch
Postcode Lottery in February 2009. From each annual
donation of EUR 500,000 from the lottery, EUR 200,000 is
deposited straight into DCNA’s trust fund account.
Curaçao
The government of Curaçao has traditionally been the best
of all islands in terms of providing structural (although
very limited) funding for conservation management,
science and conservation education (almost all through
Carmabi). Since 10 October 2010, however, structural
funding has declined and become less certain, while the
need for funding has increased. At the UN Ocean
Conference in June 2017, the Curaçao government made
two voluntary commitments for the further development

Convention on Biological Diversity - V Aichi Biodiversity Targets | 117

Sustainable Development Goals (Duurzame Ontwikkelings Doelstellingen)

118 | WOt-technical report 156

VI Sustainable Development Goals
Dutch contributions to the attainment of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets that are helping
to address the main issues addressed by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

All Dutch measures taken to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity

Through its aid and trade agenda, the Netherlands is

Targets in the Netherlands automatically contribute

investing in a viable, more stable and safer world in which

directly to SDG 15, ‘Protect, restore and promote sustain-

extreme poverty will be eradicated and inequalities will be

able use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage

reduced. The agenda focuses on themes such as water,

forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land

security and the rule of law, sexual and reproductive

degradation and halt biodiversity loss’, and SDG 14,

health and rights, food and nutrition security, private

‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and

sector development, climate, and women’s rights and

marine resources for sustainable development’.

gender equality. These themes are directly related to the

Furthermore, Dutch contributions to the attainment of

SDGs. On a website223 one can read about how the Dutch

Aichi Biodiversity Target 4, ‘Sustainable production and

development policy is connected to the SDGs.

consumption’, are helping to address the drivers of
biodiversity loss that contribute to the other main issues

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs also supports the Fair

addressed by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such

Green Global Alliance224 of six civil society organisations

as SDG 12, ‘Ensure sustainable consumption and produc-

(Both ENDS, SOMO, Milieudefensie and others) which

tion patterns’, and SDG 1, ‘End poverty in all its forms

works to alleviate poverty, advocate at various levels for

everywhere’. The Dutch government has played a facilitat-

more sustainable consumption and production, and

ing and stimulating role in the transition to sustainable

strengthen civil society organisations in tropical and

labels by providing financial support to voluntary initia-

subtropical developing countries.

tives, through its procurement policy, and via letters of
intent with market parties. Sustainable trade in raw

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made videos to

materials can help to prevent people from falling into

show what actions the Dutch government and partners

poverty and can help to lift them out of it by increasing

undertake in developing countries: SDG 2 – the Food

their income and reducing their vulnerability. More

challenge 2030; SDG 6 – the Water challenge 2030; and

information can be found in the report ‘Sustainable

SDG 13 – the Climate challenge 2030. These videos show

Development Goals in the Netherlands’.221

the results achieved in previous years and the targets for
2030.225

Dutch development policy focuses on fair and sustainable
growth and prosperity from which everyone benefits. The

In 2017 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a

core of the policy is stated in the document ‘A World to

Voluntary National Review of the Kingdom of the

Gain: A New Agenda for Aid, Trade and Investment’

Netherlands on the implementation of the Sustainable

.

222

Development Goals on the occasion of the 2017 United
The main goals of the agenda are:

Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable

• eliminating extreme poverty within a single generation

Development.226

(getting to zero);
• promoting sustainable and inclusive growth throughout
the world;
• success for Dutch companies abroad.

223 https://www.dutchdevelopmentresults.nl/sdg
224 https://fairgreenandglobal.org/
225 SDG 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrAIy7OvoE8

221 https://www.pbl.nl/sites/default/files/cms/publicaties/pbl-2016-sustainabledevelopment-in-the-Netherlands_1966.pdf
222 https://www.government.nl/documents/letters/2013/04/05/
global-dividends-a-new-agenda-for-aid-trade-and-investment

SDG 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYYkNLCl88Y
SDG 13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNSINNUmQcU
226 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/
documents/16109Netherlands.pdf

Convention on Biological Diversity - VI Sustainable Development Goals | 119

120 | WOt-technical report 156

VII Country profile
Biodiversity country profiles provide an overview of information
relevant to your country’s implementation of the Convention

Biodiversity facts

safeguarding and restoring existing nature as well as in
creating ‘new’ natural areas.

The Netherlands is among the most densely populated
countries in the world. Agriculture occupies most of the

Among all vertebrates, plants and some major groups of

total terrestrial area, followed by forests and dwellings,

invertebrates, approx. 40% of the species are, to some

respectively. Most of the country’s terrestrial area is highly

extent, threatened with extinction at the national level.

productive agricultural land; pristine ecosystems are

Since 2005, the number of threatened species has slowly

virtually absent.

declined and the threat level has declined slightly.
However, the increase in both the number of threatened

The Kingdom of the Netherlands includes six overseas

species and the average level of threat in 2017 shows that

territories: the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao,

the cautious recovery of recent years is still fragile. The

Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius. Aruba,

conservation status of 73% of the protected species and

Curaçao and Sint Maarten are constituent countries within

96% of the habitat types for which the Netherlands is

the kingdom, while Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius are

responsible have recently been assessed as more or less

special municipalities of the Netherlands, generally

unfavourable in 2012.

referred to as the Caribbean Netherlands. All six islands
are part of the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The

Although not all biodiversity has been measured in detail,

ecosystems are very different from the European

the state of biodiversity appears to be improving in the

Netherlands and range from tropical rainforest and caves

North Sea. For example, the stocks of herring and sole are

to mangrove forests and coral reefs. The islands are home

above their biologically safe numbers.

to hundreds of endemic and threatened species, many of
which probably still need to be discovered. The islands

Main pressures on biodiversity and drivers of

economies are very much dependent on ecosystem

change (direct and indirect)

services, particularly for tourism and fisheries.

Factors considered to have contributed to the long-term
decline (over the 20th century) of populations of animal

Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits

species include reclamation of semi-natural areas, the

from biodiversity and ecosystem services and

drainage of wet areas, use of artificial fertiliser, etc., all to

functions

increase agricultural production, as well as expanding

Since the early 1900s the average quality of all distin-

urbanisation and infrastructure due to the growth in

guished types of nature has declined, but since 1990 the

population size and mobility. Most remaining semi-natural

Dutch Living Planet Index (LPI) has increased by 7%. The

areas were designated as nature reserves to protect them.

LPI shows the average trend in the population size of the

These nature reserves were too small and fragmented to

native species of breeding birds, mammals, reptiles,

sustain species populations and they suffered environ-

amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies and freshwater fish.

mental pressures such as from acidification, eutrophica-

The increase is mainly due to an improvement in the

tion and desiccation, mostly resulting from intensive

quality of fresh water and marsh. The Netherlands also

agricultural land use.

has a relatively large area of wetlands (particularly four
large inland waters). It is not yet clear to what extent

Climate change is causing noticeable distribution shifts in

alien species in the large rivers are invasive and replacing

the Netherlands. For instance, birds breed earlier in the

native species. Considerable effort has been invested in

breeding season, butterflies start to fly earlier in spring

Convention on Biological Diversity - VII Country Profile | 121

Kingdom of the Netherlands

and trends among a selection of species in the Nether­

marked decline in large fish catch; the collateral damage

lands reveal an increase in species that indicate warmth.

caused by fishing gear is also high. Moreover, fishing for
most stocks of commercial fish species in the North Sea

The long-term decline in plant species (including lichens,

has not meet the sustainability criteria of the International

algae and macrofungi) is attributed to factors such as air

Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) for spawning

pollution, nitrogen deposition, desiccation, habitat de-

biomass and fish mortality.

struction, the disappearance of eelgrass beds in the
Wadden Sea, increased water temperatures, acidification

The Caribbean island ecosystems are fragile. Most habitats

and eutrophication of waters and decreased forest vitality.

are small, as are the species populations that depend on

Habitat restoration has led to a positive trend in the

them, while the threats are high. Progress towards most

abundance of Red List species of vascular plants.

Aichi Targets is not on track due to local threats from
free-roaming grazing livestock, pollution, invasive species

Threats to aquatic wildlife include pressures from

and overfishing, which makes the island habitats less

European fisheries on stocks, which have resulted in a

resilient to the major threat of climate change. Actions to

122 | WOt-technical report 156

deal with these local threats, if any, are generally insuffi-

2

for protecting species and habitats;

cient. This is illustrated by the fact that progress towards
five of the Aichi Targets has actually been negative, while

3

subsidies for conservation management measures
important to maintain biodiversity;

no significant change can be observed for 50% of the
targets on some of the islands.

the Nature Conservation Act, an important instrument

4

the Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN) policy
instrument;

5

Measures to enhance implementation of
the Convention

stimulating sustainable use of natural capital and
mainstreaming the use of nature for the benefit of
society and the economy;

6

utilising the self-organising ability of society by

Implementation of the NBSAP

stimulating, facilitating and financially supporting

Dutch actions for implementing the Convention are

green initiatives.

integrated into several national policies and programmes.
The Netherlands published its Strategic Action Plan for

The policy for the NEN is to create a sound national

Biodiversity in 1990, followed by ‘Nature for people,

network of natural areas, including expanded ecological

people for nature’, a policy document for nature, forest

corridors, by 2027. Several of these areas are designated

and landscape in the 21st century (2000) and in

under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. The economic

‘Biodiversity works for nature, for people, forever’, the

values of these areas, including the ecosystem services

biodiversity policy programme of the Netherlands (2008-

they provide, are being taken into account. The NEN, in

2011). Other related policies for addressing specific

combination with management measures and a substan-

biodiversity targets were included in various policy

tial decline in environmental pressures, has slowed down

documents and white papers, including the Fourth

the rate of biodiversity loss in the Netherlands.

National Environment Policy Plan (2001), ‘Sources of our
existence: conservation and the sustainable use of genetic

The EU common fisheries policy has led to more sustaina-

diversity’ (2002), International Policy Programme on

ble use of fish stocks and all the most important fish

Biodiversity (2002-2006), the policy letter to parliament

stocks are within safe biological limits. Dutch policy

on agro-biodiversity (2004) and policy paper on invasive

promotes fisheries that minimise collateral damage caused

alien species (2007). The latest actions are set out in

by fishing gear.

policy documents and legislation, including the Natural
Capital Agenda and the national nature vision The Natural

The implementation of environmental policy has made

Way Forward – Government Vision 2014. The Nature Pact

progress towards reducing nitrogen emission and deposi-

(2013) defines the ambitions for the restoration and

tion to improve environmental conditions and steps have

management of nature in the Netherlands for the period

been made to incorporate this policy into other sectors,

to the end of 2027.

including agriculture, transportation and industry.
However, nitrogen levels are still too high. Some of the

The first NBSAP for the Caribbean Netherlands was for the

reasons for this include high agricultural productivity

period 2013-2017 and the NBSAP for the next period is in

(including from dairy farms). This often limits the feasibili-

draft form. No NBSAPs have been prepared for Aruba,

ty of conceivable measures because of the considerable

Curaçao or Sint Maarten.

social and economic impacts the measure would have.
Overall, the reduction of nitrogen emission and deposition

Overall actions taken to contribute to the

still presents challenges for the country. The Programmatic

implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity

Approach to Nitrogen seeks to limit nitrogen pollution

2011-2020

from intensive livestock farming and can be considered to

The six most important overall measures in the

be the most important strategy for making the necessary

Netherlands are:

improvements in environmental conditions for biodiversity

1

creating new habitat within the national ecological

restoration. The programme combines restoration meas-

network (NEN) to connect fragmented habitat patches

ures to improve habitat quality with nitrogen emission

and supporting viable species populations;

measures. Other environmental and spatial planning
legislation is also important in this respect.

Convention on Biological Diversity - VII Country Profile | 123

Support mechanisms for national implementation
(legislation, funding, capacity building,
coordination, mainstreaming, etc.)
The main objective of Dutch development cooperation is
to assist poverty reduction and economic development,
acknowledging that environment and biodiversity are
integral to poverty reduction. A number of measures have
also been taken through support funds and coordinated by
the Dutch NGOs Hivos and Oxfam-Novib. The Netherlands
has also contributed to various international and national
organisations working with local communities. These
programmes often include support to local communities to
strengthen their rights and facilitate participation in
decision making.
Through the EU Forest Law and Enforcement, Governance
and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan (2008), a sustainable trade
initiative is promoting collaboration among businesses,
NGOs and government to create sustainable production
and trade chains for soy, timber, tea, cocoa, natural stone,
tourism, cotton and aquaculture. Support has been
provided for innovative mechanisms to integrate biodiversity concerns into the areas of economy and finance. The
intention is to create a demand and supply mechanism for
environmental goods and services and related economic
instruments, thus integrating biodiversity into the economic system. Further, current biodiversity policy addresses the advice of the Delta Commission to combine nature
conservation and water management efforts to increase
capacity to adapt to climate change.
Mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing
implementation
There is a big difference between monitoring efforts in the
Netherlands and in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. In
the Netherlands, monitoring systems for evaluating and
reporting on biodiversity are well established. For the
Caribbean islands, on the other hand, long-term monitoring data are generally lacking and monitoring systems
similar to those in the Netherlands have not been
established.

124 | WOt-technical report 156

Justification
Biodiversity indicators and information were collected by
M.E. Sanders and R.J.H.G. Henkens, both scientific
specialists from Wageningen Environmental Research and
D.M.E. Slijkerman, specialist from Wageningen Marine
Research. This study was supervised by Astrid Hilgers of
the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
The team consulted several other specialists including
specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and
Food Quality, Netherlands Environmental Assessment
Agency (PBL), the Provincial Governments and the
Caribbean islands.
We would like to thank Derek Middleton for the English
correction.
The authors wish to thank everyone for their constructive
contribution to this report.

Convention on Biological Diversity - Justification | 125

Appendix 1
Main measures and the national and Aichi Targets they
contribute to
Relation main measures and the national targets

3

Subsidy for conservation management measures

they contribute to.

(main measure 3) contributes to the following national

The table below shows the main measures and to which

targets:

national targets they contribute to.

• conservation management (Target 1, habitats areas

1

• agri-environmental management (Target 3, impro-

effectively managed);
The national ecological network (main measure 1)

vement of species affected by agriculture).

contributes to the following national targets:
• new habitat creation enlarges protected areas
4

(Target 1, better conservation of habitats);

Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (main measure 4)
contributes to the following national targets:

• a decrease in fragmentation improves sustainable

• a decrease in nitrogen emissions improves environ-

populations (Target 1, better conservation of

mental conditions (Target 3, sustainable agricul-

species);

ture);

• ecosystem restoration and enlargement improves

• restoration measures improve effectiveness of

ecosystem services (Target 2, ecosystem services

management (Target 1, better conservation of

enhanced).

habitats);
2

• ecosystem restoration improves ecosystem services

The Nature Conservation Act (main measure 2)

(Target 2, ecosystem services enhanced).

contributes to the following national targets:
• it is prohibited to kill species or to disturb or destroy
5

their nests and resting places (Target 1, better

Stimulating sustainable use of natural capital (main
measure 5) contributes to the following national

conservation of species);

targets:

• it is prohibited to perform activities with negative

• agreements to stimulate sustainable agriculture and

impact on habitats (Target 1, better conservation of

forestry (Target 3) and sustainable trade (Target 6);

habitats);

• shared knowledge of nature-inclusive economy

• trade in invasive alien species on the EU list is

improves sustainable use of ecosystem services

prohibited; invasive alien species have to be eradi-

(Target 2, ecosystem services enhanced);

cated or managed when eradication is still possible

• innovation to stimulate sustainable fisheries

(Target 5, invasive alien species).

(Target 4).

National targets

National targets

1

Better conservation of species and habitats

2

Maintain and enhance ecosystem services

3

Better conservation of species and habitats affected by
agriculture and forestry

3 Subsidies for management measures

4

Sustainable fisheries

4 Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN)

5

Invasive alien species controled, eradicated, prevented

5S
 timulating sustainable use of natural
capital

6

Contribution to avert global biodiversity loss

Main measure
1 National ecological network (NEN)
2 The Nature Conservation Act

6U
 tilising the self-organising capacity of
society

126 | WOt-technical report 156

1

2

3

4

5

6

Aichi targets
National target

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

1 Better conservation of species and habitats
2 Maintain and enhance ecosystem services
3B
 etter conservation of species and habitats affected
by agriculture and forestry
4 Sustainable fisheries
5 I nvasive alien species controled, eradicated,
prevented
6 Contribution to avert global biodiversity loss

6

Utilising the self-organising capacities of society (main

1	Create new habitat within the national ecological

measure 6) contributes to the following national

network (main measure 1) contributes to many

targets:

Aichi Targets:

• raising awareness (part of National Target 1);

• the NEN is subject to the ‘no, unless’ protection
regime in the National Policy Strategy for Infrastruc-

• a nature-inclusive economy to improve ecosystem

ture and Spatial Planning (SVIR) (Aichi Targets 2,

services (Target 2, ESD enhanced);

biodiversity in planning);

• agreements to stimulate sustainable agriculture and

• new habitat creation in the NEN reduces fragmenta-

forestry (Target 3).

tion (Aichi Targets 5, habitat loss and fragmentaThe relation between the national targets and the

tion);

Aichi Targets

• larger habitats improve environmental conditions
(Aichi Targets 8, pollution);

The table above shows the relation between the national

• multiple anthropogenic pressures on vulnerable

targets and the Aichi Targets. The main Aichi Targets is

ecosystems are minimised (Aichi Targets 10, climate

dark green. Other related targets are light green.

change);
Relation main measures and the Aichi Targets they

• new habitat creation enlarges protected areas

contribute to.

(Aichi Targets 11, protected areas);
• a decrease in fragmentation improves sustainable

A measure can contribute to more than one Aichi Targets
and more than one measure can be implemented to

populations (Aichi Targets 12, protected species);

achieve a target. The table below shows the relation

• new habitat creation restores ecosystem services
(Aichi Targets 14, ecosystem services restored);

between the main measures and their contribution to the

• ecosystem resilience is enhanced, contributing to

Aichi Targets.

climate change mitigation and adaptation (Aichi Targets 15, resilience).

The contributions made by the main measures to the
Aichi Targets are described below.

Aichi targets
Main measure

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

1 National ecological network (NEN)
2 The Nature Conservation Act
3 Subsidies for management measures
4 Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (PAN)
5 Stimulating sustainable use of natural capital
6U
 tilising the self-organising capacity of society

Convention on Biological Diversity - Appendices | 127

2

The Nature Conservation Act (mean measure 2)

5

Mainstreaming nature and stimulating sustainable use

contributes to the following Aichi Targets:

(main measure 5) contributes to the following

• it is prohibited to kill species or to disturb or destroy

Aichi Targets:
• agreements to stimulate sustainable agriculture and

their nests and resting places (Aichi Targets 12,

forestry (Aichi Targets 7) and sustainable trade

threatened species);

(Aichi Targets 4);

• it is prohibited to perform activities with negative

• shared knowledge of nature-inclusive economy

impact on habitats (Aichi Targets 11, protected

improves sustainable use of ecosystem services

areas);

(Aichi Targets 14, ecosystem services restored);

• loss of habitat has to be compensated (Aichi Targets

• innovation to stimulate sustainable fisheries

5, habitat loss);

(Aichi Targets 6).

• trade in invasive alien species on the EU list is
prohibited; invasive alien species have to be eradicated or managed when eradication is still possible
(Aichi Targets 9, invasive alien species);
• trade in protected species and species products is

6

Utilising the self-organising capacities of society (main
measure 6) contributes to the following Aichi Targets:
• raising awareness (Aichi Targets 1);

regulated (Cites) (Aichi Targets 12, threatened

• conservation of genetic diversity (Aichi Targets 13);

species).

• a nature-inclusive economy to improve ecosystem
services (Aichi Targets 14, ecosystem services

3

Subsidy for conservation management measures
(main measure 3) contributes to the following
Aichi Targets:
• conservation management (Aichi Targets 11,
protected areas effectively managed);
• sustainable forest management (Aichi Targets 7,
sustainable forestry; Aichi Targets 15, carbon
stocks);
• agri-environmental management (Aichi Targets 7,
sustainable agriculture).

4

The Programmatic Approach to Nitrogen (main
measure 4) contributes to the following Aichi Targets:
• sustainable agriculture (Aichi Targets 7, sustainable
agriculture);
• a decrease in nitrogen emissions improve environmental conditions (Aichi Targets 8, pollution);
• multiple anthropogenic pressures on vulnerable
ecosystems are minimised (Aichi Targets 10, climate
change);
• restoration measures improve effectivity of management (Aichi Targets 11, protected areas effectively
managed);
• a decrease in pollution improves sustainable populations of species of nutrient poor habitats (Aichi
Targets 12, protected species);
• ecosystem restoration improves ecosystem services
(Aichi Targets 14, ecosystem services restored).

128 | WOt-technical report 156

restored);
• knowledge shared (Aichi Targets 19).

Appendix 2
Tools or means used for assessing progress towards
national targets
water quality and expert knowledge to fill in gaps. A large

The level of confidence of the above assessment:

part of the information is based on comprehensive monitoring and indicators whose confidence level is assessed

National targets
1

2

3

4

5

6

using statistical tests. There are several monitoring

comprehensive evidence

systems (with protocols) in place, such as the Ecological

partial evidence

Monitoring Network (NEM) and the monitoring of the

limited evidence

Water Framework Directive.
The Netherlands has a long history of ecological monitoring. The NEM was set up in 1999 by various government

The adequacy of monitoring information to support

organisations to monitor nature in the Netherlands with

assessment:

the aim of collecting data to meet governmental needs.
The NEM monitors the trends of nearly all species groups
relevant to nature policy. As such, the NEM can be consid-

National targets
1

2

3

4

5

6

ered as the backbone of the monitoring of nature in the

adequate monitoring

Netherlands. The NEM mainly commissions private

partial monitoring

data-collecting organisations (PGOs) to carry out the

no monitoring system

monitoring and is therefore a well-established example of

monitoring not needed

citizen science. The NEM monitoring protocols are standardised in cooperation with Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
Statistics Netherlands is also responsible for data analysis,

By 2020, the assessments of species and habitats
protected by EU nature law show better
conservation or a secure status for 100% more
habitats and 50% more species (see also
Aichi Targets 12)

which greatly improves the statistical reliability of the
reported status and trends of species listed in the EU
Habitats Directive and Birds Directive in the Netherlands.
In addition to the standardised monitoring data, the NEM
increasingly uses less standardised data from other
sources. The amount of such opportunistic data that is

The latest assessment of the Birds Directive and Habitats

used is increasing rapidly with the availability of easily

Directive is not yet available. The Birds and Habitats

accessible websites (waarneming.nl & telmee.nl) and apps

Directive assessment was carried out in 2013; a new

on mobile phones. New statistical modelling by Statistics

assessment is planned for 2019. The assessment of the

Netherlands makes these data suitable for monitoring

Water Framework Directive was carried out in 2015; a

purposes.

new assessment is planned for 2021. Indicators used in
this assessment:

• Living planet index

By 2020, ecosystems and their services are
maintained and enhanced by establishing green
infrastructure and restoring at least 15% of
degraded ecosystems (see also Aichi Targets 14)

The tools and means used for these assessments are field

The assessment by the Netherlands Environmental

monitoring of species, statistical programmes to calculate

Assessment Agency was made in 2016. The indicators

trends and indices, mapping of vegetation, samples of

were updated in 2017 and 2018.

• Conservation status and trends habitats
• Conservation status and trends species
• Red List index per species group

Convention on Biological Diversity - Appendices | 129

Indicators used in this assessment:

species that depend on agriculture and forestry. Nitrogen

• Red List of bees

deposition is measured and modelled.

• Winter mortality of bees
The NEM can be considered as the backbone of the
Progress with projects, such as those in the Room for the

monitoring of nature in the Netherlands. The NEM mainly

River programme, and trends of species such as bees are

commissions PGOs to carry out the monitoring and is

based on assessments of data collected by field monitor-

therefore a well-established example of citizen science.

ing. Other data on ecosystem services are modelled,

The NEM monitoring protocols are standardised in cooper-

mapped or based on expert knowledge. A considerable

ation with Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Statistics

amount of data has been collected and made available

Netherlands is also responsible for data analysis, which

through the Atlas of Natural Capital website: http://www.

greatly improves the statistical reliability of the reported

atlasnatuurlijkkapitaal.nl/en/home.

indicators.

Despite the current focus on essential ecosystem services

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the

in the Netherlands, their analysis and evaluation is still at

Environment (RIVM) publishes annual charts showing

an early stage and there is no overall monitoring system

airborne concentrations of substances in the Netherlands,

in place.

including nitrogen. The maps are based on a combination
of model calculations and measurements and are intended
to give a large-scale picture of air quality and deposition

By 2020, the conservation of species and habitats
depending on or affected by agriculture and
forestry, and the provision of their ecosystem
services, show measurable improvements (see
also Aichi Targets 7)

in the Netherlands.
The areas under organic agriculture were compiled on the
basis of the Agricultural Census by Statistics Netherlands.
The Agricultural Census is an integral survey of all Dutch
farms and horticultural and other agricultural businesses

Date the assessment was carried out: Assessment of

with an economic size above a threshold value of

forests: 2014, Assessment of agri-environmental

EUR 3,000 Standard Yield.

schemes: 2016, Other indicators: 2016
Indicators used in this assessment:
• Area with agri-environmental schemes: 83,000 ha
agricultural land in 2017
• Area under organic agriculture
• Nitrogen surplus in Dutch agriculture

By 2015, fishing is sustainable. By 2020, fish
stocks are healthy and European seas healthier.
Fishing has no significant adverse impacts on
species and ecosystems (see also Aichi Targets 6)

• Farmland bird index
• Farmland fauna index

Date the assessment was carried out: ICES fish stocks:

• Forest growing stock, increment and fellings

2018, Other indicators: 2015-2016, Marine Strategy

• Dead wood in Dutch forests

(part 1): 2018

• Area forest with FSC: 46%

Indicators used in this assessment:

• Forest bird index

• Fish stock (herring, cod, sole and plaice) in the North

• Forest fauna index

Sea
• Trend in eggs of shark and ray in the North Sea

The tools and means used for these assessments are field

• Trend of benthos in the North Sea

monitoring of species, statistical programmes to calculate

• Trend of fish in the North Sea

trends and indices, mapping of vegetation, measures of

• Sustainable fish techniques

nitrogen concentration, models to map nitrogen deposition

• OSPAR indicators Marine Strategy

and expert knowledge to fill in gaps. Much of the information is based on monitoring, models for nitrogen deposi-

The tools and means used for these assessments are field

tion and indicators whose confidence level is assessed

monitoring of species, statistical programmes to calculate

using statistical tests. The NEM is used to monitor the

trends and indices, and expert knowledge to fill in gaps.

130 | WOt-technical report 156

Much of the information is based on monitoring, models

monitoring. The benthos data (above indicator) are

and indicators whose confidence level is assessed using

derived from the MWTL programme for soil fauna conduct-

statistical tests.

ed by Rijkswaterstaat in the North Sea. This consists of
more than 100 measuring points spread over the Dutch

In the Netherlands an appropriate monitoring programme

part of the North Sea, of which 84 are outside the coastal

was designed to comply with the requirements of the

zone. A sample was taken from the seabed at each

MSFD (Wijnhoven et al., 2013; Troost et al., 2013). From

measurement point each year and the number of speci-

2014, all marine monitoring, including for the CFP, Nature

mens per species in the sample counted.

2000 and MSFD purposes, is programmed in the Marine
Strategy for the Dutch part of the North Sea, part 2, the
MSFD monitoring programme. This programme follows the
structure of the MSFD according to the 11 descriptors. Per
descriptor a description is given of: the environmental
targets, the associated indicators, the research needs per
indicator, the research strategy, the functional measure-

By 2020, invasive alien species are identified,
priority species controlled or eradicated, and
pathways managed to prevent new invasive
species from disrupting European biodiversity
(see also Aichi Targets 9)

ment needs, the monitoring strategy and the measurement plan. The government also invests in the develop-

Date the assessment was carried out:

ment of joint indicators, well-tuned monitoring

The Union list of invasive alien species and the indicators

programmes and coordinated implementation within

are updated regularly.

OSPAR and the International Council for the Exploration of

The indicators were assessed in 2015-2016

the Sea (ICES). Within OSPAR the Joint Assessment and

Indicators used in this assessment:

Monitoring Programme (JAMP) is the guiding principle for

• Number of invasive, potentially invasive and other alien

these coordinated actions. Based on JAMP, the OSPAR
contracting parties made an Intermediate Assessment in
2017 using the data provided by the monitoring programme of the joint indicators.

species in the Netherlands
• Number of alien species in terrestrial, freshwater and
marine ecosystems in the Netherlands
• Dispersion of alien plant species
• Alien species groups

Fish stocks are estimated from the results of research by

• Pathways of introduction

ICES. The ICES website provides guides in the Series of

• Number of eradications

ICES Survey Protocols (SISP), with descriptions of the
protocols and procedures used in the ecological and

The tools and means used for these assessments are field

fisheries inventories coordinated by ICES. The average

monitoring of species, statistical programmes to calculate

trend of all native species of sharks and rays was calculat-

trends and indices, and expert knowledge to fill in gaps.

ed using beach observations and catches of research

Much of the information is based on monitoring, models

vessels. Fishing data are derived from the International

and indicators whose confidence level is assessed using

Bottom Trawl Survey (IBTS) and the Beam Trawl survey

statistical tests.

(BTS). Both are coordinated by ICES. The data were
downloaded from the DATRAS database of ICES.

The information on alien species is collected by Dutch
specialists in flora and fauna, including those from the

The MSFD Monitoring Plan follows the existing Habitats

species organisations. The information is brought together

Directive and Water Framework Directive Monitoring

in the Dutch Species Register (http://www.nederland-

Programmes wherever possible for reasons of cost

sesoorten.nl). The data used for this assessment were

efficiency and consistency. Any outstanding monitoring

exported on 12 October 2017 (Selection species 2, 2a, 2b

demands can be met using the extensive benthos meas-

and 2c excl. 2d).

urement network of the Dutch MWTL water quality
monitoring programme, supplemented with information
from the WOt (Statutory Research Tasks unit at
Wageningen University and Research) for fisheries (shellfish surveys section) and from supplementary area

Convention on Biological Diversity - Appendices | 131

By 2020, the EU has stepped up its contribution
to avert global biodiversity loss (see also
Aichi Targets 4)
Indicators were updated in 2015 and 2016 Indicators used
in this assessment:
• Environmental pressure due to Dutch consumption
• Market share of organic food (produced nationally and
internally)
• Raw biotic resources with a sustainable label in consumption and industrial use
The tools and means used for these assessments are
administrative information on the number sustainable
labels used in production and consumption, and expert
assessment. Information is collected by renowned institutes. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
(PBL) collects all market shares of sustainable labels from
different organisations. Wageningen University and
Research (WUR) collects revenue figures from different
organisations as input for the Sustainable Food Monitor.
Monitoring related to this target is partial because the
impact of sustainable trade and consumption on biodiversity is unknown.

132 | WOt-technical report 156

Appendix 3
Description of obstacles and scientific and technical
needs related to the measures taken
There are many obstacles and scientific and technical

Oversight and enforcement are difficult and many munici-

needs related to the measures taken. Below we describe a

palities have indicated that they lack the necessary

selection of important obstacles. This selection is part of

capacity and expertise230. Very few applications are made

the national report.

for exemptions (Nature Conservation Act) for flora and
fauna, while many more are expected. Compared to the

Measure 1: A major obstacle is the difficulty of acquiring

number of activities that can potentially have an adverse

the final areas to be converted to nature conservation for

effect on protected species, the number of exemptions is

the realisation of the national ecological network (NEN)

low231.

because not all the landowners concerned are willing to
cooperate227. Furthermore, the NEN will not be large

Measure 3: An important problem is that several neces-

enough to secure the status of all the Habitats and Birds

sary ecological measures are largely incompatible with

Directives species in the Netherlands. To achieve the

farmland management that is geared to high productivity.

targets of these directives, new suitable habitat will also

For example, relatively high water tables, herb rich

have to be created outside the NEN.

grasslands and a later grassland mowing dates are
important measures for meadow birds, but lower produc-

Measure 2: The expected effects of mitigation and com-

tivity levels on approx. 30% of the area if they are to be

pensation measures for species protection are mostly

effective. Such measures depend on the motivation and

based on expert knowledge rather than scientific evi-

commitment of the farmer.

dence

. Monitoring is only required in a few specific

228

situations. There are initiatives to change this situation

Measure 4: The uncertainty in the average nitrogen

for specific species. For bats, for example, there is a

deposition on the Netherlands (GDN maps) calculated

website and online database where volunteers and

with the OPS model is estimated at around 30%232. The

professionals can collect, manage and share data and

uncertainty in local deposition is significantly higher at

information on bats present in bat boxes229. Installation

70% (range: -50% to +100%). Moreover, there is a

of bat boxes is a popular mitigation measure where the

difference between the trends in calculated ammonia

suitability of bat resting places has deteriorated or where

emissions and the trends in measured ammonia concen-

they have been destroyed.

trations in the air. The differences have been investigated
and corrected. Systematic errors can be eliminated by

An important consideration in the protection of Natura

focusing on a reduction in nitrogen deposition (trend)

2000 areas is the possibility that activities that do not lead

when permitting new development. AERIUS233, the

to significant negative effects separately, do so together,

software that calculates nitrogen emissions and deposi-

in combination. Dose-effect relationships can take various

tion, makes use of available source data at the highest

forms through different ecological feedback mechanisms

possible level of detail and scale, in particular for emission

and either strengthen or weaken each other. A tool for

sources that are close to the Natura 2000 sites. AERIUS

determining such cumulative effects is the permit for
activities with adverse effects on conservation objectives.
However, not all activities and all dose-effect relationships
are always known when assessing cumulative effects.

230 http://www.natuurindegemeente.nl/magazine/artikelen/september-2014/
kunnen-gemeenten-de-nieuwe-taak-uit-de-wet-natuurbescherming-aan/
231 https://themasites.pbl.nl/balansvandeleefomgeving/jaargang-2014/natuur/
natuurwetgeving-en-soortbescherming
232 Velders et al. (2016). Grootschalige concentratie- en depositiekaarten

227 https://www.pbl.nl/sites/default/files/cms/publicaties/pbl-2017-lerendeevaluatie-van-het-natuurpact-1769.pdf
228 http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/365958
229 http://www.vleermuiskasten.nl/

Nederland Rapportage 2016. RIVM Rapport 2016-0068. Rijksinstituut voor
Volksgezondheid en Milieu, Bilthoven. https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/
rapporten/2016-0068.pdf
233 AERIUS: www.aerius.nl

Convention on Biological Diversity - Appendices | 133

uses more detailed information than in the GDN maps,
making the information more specific in the immediate
vicinity of these sites.
In the PAN areas, only restoration measures may be used
that have been thoroughly examined by a large number of
scientists and also positively assessed by the international
review committee, and their implementation and effects
must be properly monitored. The interim evaluation of
PAN234 concluded that there are risks that measures may
not be implemented in a timely fashion because it is
difficult to anticipate or account for setbacks. Hydrological
measures and new habitat creation are comprehensive
measures because they depend on the cooperation of
surrounding landowners.
Measures 5 and 6: The measures for stimulating sustainable use of natural capital and for utilising the self-organising capacities of society result in many local and international actions on different levels. The effectiveness and
impact of measures such as these on biodiversity are
difficult to assess.

234 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2018/08/31/
tussenevaluatie-programma-aanpak-stikstof

134 | WOt-technical report 156

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Nature & the Environment from 2018 onwards.
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Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

136 | WOt-technical report 156

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