Agreement has been reached at the European level to halt the decline in biodiversity by 2010. To achieve this goal a network of protected areas, called Natura 2000, is being established. The areas designated by the Dutch government as part of Natura 2000 all lie within the National Ecological Network (NEN). These areas are protected under the Nature Conservation Act.

Consequences of European nature conservation policy remain unclear

As yet we do not know what consequences Natura 2000 will have for Dutch environmental and water management policies and for habitat management. Central government is currently drawing up and mapping the conservation objectives having implications for these policies. An inventory of the current conservation status has shown that a great many habitats are in a less than favourable condition. 

It is questionable whether the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 match the Dutch conservation objectives for ecosystems and habitats. Moreover, the more devolved nature policy in the Netherlands raises the question of who will be responsible for ensuring the environmental quality of these areas. Monitoring is currently a central government task, but the provinces could take over this responsibility in future.

Provisional evaluations indicate a favourable conservation status for the Spoonbill and a highly unfavourable conservation status for the Great Reed Warbler.

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