Environmental organization Natuur Wijchen has put together an ‘election programme’ in the hope that political parties will take points from it for the municipal elections in March. The program includes: good nature compensation for construction projects, a current policy plan and budget to implement that policy.
Nature in Wijchen is not doing well, says Natuur Wijchen. Bees and butterflies, hedgehogs and birds are having a hard time and nature reserves, rare animals and plants are suffering from desiccation, too much recreation, nitrogen and advancing buildings.
Greening
With a 10-point program, Natuur Wijchen is looking for green voters. “No, we are not going to participate in the elections as a party,” says Theo Hesen of Natuur Wijchen.
“We have spoken to all parties about our program, with the intention that they incorporate as much of it as possible into their election manifesto. We are, so to speak, trying to make them greener. Those were good conversations and we are eagerly awaiting what politicians will do with this.”
Ten points
In the program of Natuur Wijchen The following points are in place for a flourishing, healthy and future-proof nature:
• better nature protection
• more nature restoration and development
• good nature compensation in construction projects
• restoration of the small-scale cultural landscape (e.g. in ecological connecting zones)
• more ecologically responsible agriculture
• protection of nature in zoning plans and permits and through enforcement
• ecological green management (and nature-inclusive construction)
• climate-proof nature and a clean environment
• a current Nature and Biodiversity Policy Plan
• budget to actively implement that policy
Hedgehog. Photo: Saxifraga/Rudmer Zwerver
Health
“The municipality of Wijchen has tens of millions to spend on the well-being and health of its residents. We should not ignore the fact that nature and landscape are also very important for the physical and mental health of the voters,” says Hesen.
“Many thousands of Wijchen residents depend on cycling and walking in nature and landscape for their health. Traveling in greenery and nature is also scientifically provenvery good for mental well-being.”
Nature policy
Nature Wijchen therefore advocates a nature policy in which flourishing, healthy and future-proof nature is central.
“Unfortunately, things are getting worse and worse with nature and landscape. Count your losses. Then ensure a good nature policy and also make sufficient money available to actually implement it. That it does not remain just paper,” says Hesen.
