Nature protection and biodiversity - Why care? (Netherlands)

Biodiversity in the Netherlands has been steadily decreasing over the past century (Figure 1). The number of species has decreased and, for many species, there has been a large decrease in both population size and distribution area. Although this loss has slowed down, it is on a low biodiversity level. About 8 % of the Dutch breeding birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies have become extinct, and about 40 % of current species are listed on the Dutch Red Lists as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered (see Van Veen et al. (2008) for a summary). Moreover, the number of red-listed species is still increasing, which shows that species depending on specific habitats and environmental conditions are still declining. The National Ecological Network was initiated in 1990. This network has not only halted the loss of natural habitats, but also succeeded in extending natural habitats by converting farmland to nature. The Natura 2000 network is integrated in the National Ecological Network.

Figure 1. The original biodiversity in the Netherlands has been severely reduced over the past centuries. It has reached a low level, compared to other European and world ecosystems. SEBI indicator 01. Source: Van Veen et al., 2008.

Alien species enter the Netherlands via new water connections and international transport routes. Nowadays, alien species outnumber original species in the large Dutch rivers (Figure 2). On land, at least 145 alien plant species have settled in the Netherlands, mostly in urban regions (van der Weijden et al., 2007). Native species still occur, and it is not clear yet to which extent alien species are invasive and will replace native ones. Climate change causes shifts in species distribution, which are noticeable even in a country as small as the Netherlands. For a selection of species, the trends show that populations with a preference for a cool environment are decreasing, while species that prefer a warmer climate are increasing.

Figure 2. Portion of alien species in the River Meuse. SEBI indicator 10. Source: Van Veen et al., 2008.

The Netherlands is an urbanised country that uses natural areas for recreation. For example, in 2001 and 2002, the combined nature areas drew about 110 million day visitors with visits lasting at least two hours (Elands and Van Koppen, 2007). Generally, visitors’ main activities are walking, cycling, sunbathing, swimming and having a picnic. Questionnaires indicate that natural areas are visited more frequently than other recreational destinations, such as fun parks.