The solution for the fragmentation and loss of quality: the National Ecological Network (EHS)
<br>The Dutch National Ecological Network (EHS) is a spatially coherent network of existing and new nature areas that has to be developed and has to be ready by 2018. The goal of the EHS is “the sustainable preservation, restoration and development of important national and international ecosystems”. The EHS has to solve the problem of the fragmentation and quality loss of nature in the Netherlands.
The objective of the EHS is in fact two-fold: to increase the carrying capacity of the nature areas (increasing the surface area and improving the quality of the natural habitats) and increasing the coherence, or connectivity, of the nature areas (density of the network and the permeability of the countryside).
On 23 April 2004 the government adopted the new National Spatial Strategy (Nota Ruimte) This policy document also contains the main outlines of the national ecological policy in the field of spatial development. The map with the EHS areas and the robust linkages is an important step for the further elaboration of Dutch nature policy.
You can download the PDF-file: Ecological Networks: Experiences in the Netherlands. <br><br><br>
