Valuable cultural landscapes

Eleven areas of special natural, scenic or recreational significance have been designated as "valuable cultural landscapes".

Current situation

Between 1994 and 2000, an incentives policy was in place for "valuable cultural landscapes" (waardevolle cultuurlandschappen, WCLs), with eleven areas being designated as having special natural, scenic or recreational features. In these areas, most of which are in the east of the country, agriculture and/or forestry are of major economic importance and farmers and forestry enterprises manage the green space. Intensive farming practices or other intensive use is putting pressure on the special features.

The introduction of the WCL policy was the first time efforts had been made to adopt an area-specific approach to nature and landscape conservation. The policy promoted regional projects focusing on reducing the tension between agriculture and nature/landscape conservation, on new economic incentives, and on the restoration of natural features, the landscape, and the quality of the environment. The Dutch government helped defray the cost of the projects.

Effects

The WCL scheme came to an end in 2002. An evaluation has revealed that in the areas concerned, a number of measures were introduced that will promote broader, sustainable use of the countryside. These include agrarian nature management, for example, in which a great deal of interest is being shown in former WCL areas.

More relevant information:

Information about the WCL-policy can be found at (only in Dutch): www.minlnv.nl/wcl/index.html