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A nature-based future for The Netherlands in 2120

The Netherlands faces major challenges: the energy transition, transition toward sustainable agriculture, restoring biodiversity, urbanisation and climate adaptation. All these challenges have consequences for spatial planning in our country. It is inevitable that the Netherlands will look much different in a hundred years. Major changes are needed to cope with rising sea levels, periods of extreme weather, an increasing demand for food production and a need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These challenges require a new narrative for the Netherlands. A narrative in which this densely populated country develops into a guide for the rest of the world by giving priority to nature, a sustainable economy, quality of life and safety. A story that centres on ‘nature-based solutions’ in which solutions for climate and biodiversity go hand in hand.

Wageningen University & Research has compiled this narrative based on expert knowledge; it is our vision for the future of the Netherlands in 2120, in which nature and natural processes play a major role. It is a vision that is intended to inspire. It outlines a future in which economic development and
a nature-inclusive society go hand in hand. This vision for the future also takes account of the unique characteristics of various regions in the Netherlands. By means of maps and cross sections we present a general picture of what is possible in each region regarding spatial development.

The thinking behind this picture is based on the outcomes of various design and discussion sessions with researchers. Obviously, further specification and substantiation is needed. Together with stakeholders we will continue to develop and substantiate this vision and translate it into action perspectives for the here and now.

Source: A nature-based future for The Netherlands in 2120 - WUR

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