In the Netherlands, biodiversity has steadily declined during the past century. Over the last years, this decline has been gradually slowing down. The implemented nature and environmental policy is starting to have its effect, but this will probably be insufficient to adhere to the European agreement of halting biodiversity loss by 2010. Decreasing overfertilisation and acidification have had positive effects on the loss of biodiversity. Land available to plant and animal species is increasing, due to the expansion of nature areas. However, the number of endangered species is also growing larger and many internationally important species are declining. This is shown in the brochure 'Halting biodiversity loss in the Netherlands', presented by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, at the '9th Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)', in Bonn today.

Insufficient space

In 1990, nearly half of all species in the Netherlands lacked sufficient space to live and breed without the risk of extinction. Over the past twenty years, protective measures have halted the previously ongoing decrease in nature areas. New nature areas have been acquired, which were mostly former agricultural areas. Moreover, nature areas are being interlinked to prevent land fragmentation, although 15-45% of all species still lack sufficient living space. This especially applies to those species that depend on large territories.

Climate Change

The influence of climate change on biodiversity is becoming increasingly obvious, even in a country as small as the Netherlands. Many southern insect species, which react quickly to a longer and warmer season, are increasing rapidly, while other plant and animal species are leaving for cooler climates.

END OF PRESS RELEASE

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The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP) supports national and international policymakers by analysing the impacts of societal trends and policies on the environment. We provide independent integrated assessments on topics such as sustainable development, energy and climate change, biodiversity, transport, land use and air quality. The MNP acts as the interface between science and policy. 

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