Capital injection for nature restoration in South Holland
The state of nature is rapidly deteriorating; 2023 was the warmest and wettest year ever recorded, setting a drought record. Realising climate-proof nature is necessary and that is why the Culture Fund is investing an extra 2 million in 2024 through the provincial Landscapes. This amount is in addition to the 1.5 million euros with which the Culture Fund already supports almost 300 nature projects every year.
‘Nature and cultural heritage are inextricably linked. Climate change has a huge impact on the Dutch landscape, which is why we are donating the extra 2 million to the provincial Landscapes. Creating climate-proof nature is a priority,’ said Cathelijne Broers, director of the Culture Fund.
Every euro invested in nature restoration in Europe yields 8 to 38 euros, according to European Commission research. The provincial Landscapes have been strengthening nature and protecting the landscape and cultural heritage in the Netherlands for decades.
‘Dutch nature is under great pressure. Many vulnerable plant and animal species are in danger of disappearing from our country, also because almost all habitats are in poor environmental condition. Thanks to the freely spendable and generous donation from the Culture Fund, our 12 provincial organisations can start various, necessary restoration projects. The Culture Fund’s contribution also acts as a financial flywheel, enabling us to realise an even greater impact,’ explains Hank Bartelink, director-director of LandschappenNL the umbrella organisation for the provincial Landscapes.
In the province of South Holland, the Culture Fund supports, among others, Stichting Sociale Moestuin Sliedrecht, Stichting Plukhoek Mookhoek and Living Lab. They all have the same goal of expanding ecological square metres in the province, by restoring native biodiversity and advancing local food production. Think of planting vegetable gardens for the elderly and people with disabilities. With the additional donation from the Culture Fund, more such projects can be launched. It is also possible to apply to the Culture Fund for your nature projects.
With nature protection and nature development, the provincial Landscapes contribute to restoring biodiversity. For instance, buffer zones have been created to collect water during heavy showers and planting varied woodland absorbs CO2, which is good for soil recovery. Healthy soil holds more water and thus contributes to nature quality.
Care about nature
The fact that the Culture Fund has been contributing to the preservation and enhancement of nature in the Netherlands for some 60 years is possible thanks to the generous support of donors and supporters. Broers: ‘We cannot do without the donations of nature lovers, because the need is high to invest in climate-proof landscapes. This way, we can contribute to important nature projects, education, biodiversity and landscape conservation. We therefore call on nature organisations to submit an application to us.’
The Culture Fund
The Culture Fund invests more than 40 million euro annually in the future of culture and nature, thanks to private donations and inheritances, cooperation with partners and remittances from the Friends Lottery and Dutch Lottery. Through the Culture Fund, more than 3,500 culture and nature projects throughout the Netherlands, in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and in Suriname receive an annual financial contribution. For more info, visit cultuurfonds.nl/natuur.
Photographer: Anne Claire de Breij
Performance: Laagland. Het Nationale Theater
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