NCI 2024
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    The Netherlands, officially known as the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a country located in Northwestern Europe. Germany borders it to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest. Covering an area of approximately 41,543 km² (16,040 mi²), the Netherlands is known for its flat landscape, extensive canal systems, windmills, tulip fields, and cycling routes.

    The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, with relatively high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year. This climate, combined with the country’s low-lying topography, supports a variety of agricultural activities, making the Netherlands one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural products.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 62.5 18 N/A
    Land Management 47 130 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 83 54 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 60 73 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 21 170 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine) 62 23 N/A
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 62 169 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 35 105 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 9 138 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 64 76 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 94 22 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine) 52 94 N/A
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 100 1 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas 88 86 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 34 62 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine) 0 10 N/A
    Depleted Fisheries 0 39 N/A
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas 100 89 N/A
    Invasive Species Pressure 52 166 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 78 6 N/A
    Total Management Cost 97 85 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 45 86 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 38 97 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 70 3 N/A
    Control of Corruption 88 7 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 82 8 N/A
    Future Trends 61 12 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 61 12 N/A

    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     The Netherlands, among the world’s most densely populated countries, primarily allocates its terrestrial area to agriculture, followed by forests and residential areas. Much of its land is highly productive agriculturally, with few pristine ecosystems remaining. The country hosts a total of 392 protected areas, with 194 designated under national laws and 198 recognized as Natura 2000 sites. These Natura 2000 sites, designated under the Birds and Habitats Directives, include 78 Special Protection Areas and 140 Sites of Community Importance, with several areas falling under both directives.

    Threats to Biodiversity

     Various factors have contributed to the enduring decline of animal populations throughout the 20th century. These include extensive hydraulic projects, organic pollution, salinization, loss of eelgrass beds in the Wadden Sea, channelization of waterways, land reclamation leading to acidification, eutrophication, and drying of wetlands, as well as the disappearance of floral habitats. Aquatic wildlife faces additional threats from European fisheries, resulting in significant declines in fish stocks, with substantial bycatch from fishing gear exacerbating the issue.

    Sustainability criteria for commercial fish species in the North Sea are not met according to the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES), leading to high discard rates, where approximately 75% of the catch does not survive. The long-term decline of plant species, including lichens, algae, and macrofungi, is attributed to air pollution, nitrogen deposition, habitat destruction, loss of eelgrass beds, rising water temperatures, acidification, eutrophication, and reduced forest health.

    Capacity and Governance

     The Dutch government aims to conserve and enhance the natural environment and biodiversity of the Netherlands through various national and international laws and regulations. Initiatives like the National Ecological Network (NEN) and Natura 2000 are established to safeguard nature areas and foster connectivity between them and surrounding farmlands. Prioritizing environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the government advocates for ‘green growth,’ promoting economic development that minimizes environmental impact. Embracing new technologies is pivotal in advancing green growth.

    Additionally, the government supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices domestically and globally, as outlined in the Natural Capital Implementation Agenda, aligning with international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the European Birds Directive and Habitats Directive.

    Future Trends

     In a vision document, the government outlines its strategy for managing the natural environment up to 2025, aiming to integrate nature into society rather than confining it to reserves. Emphasizing broader societal engagement, the policy encourages individuals, businesses, local authorities, and civil society organizations to participate in nature conservation and sustainable resource use. Examples of this evolving approach include farmers creating wild-flower margins, urban buildings featuring green roofs, ecological noise barriers on motorways, and local residents maintaining communal gardens.

    Additionally, initiatives like joint nature area purchases, riverbank nature development projects, landscape preservation efforts by farmers and locals, and collaborations between multinational companies and conservation organizations in the tourism sector reflect the government’s vision for a more integrated and sustainable relationship between society and nature.


    Biodiversity

    The Netherlands boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, although it is not particularly known for endemic species due to its highly urbanized landscape. However, it still harbors a variety of native wildlife, including mammals like the European hare and the red deer, and bird species such as the Eurasian spoonbill and the common kingfisher. The country’s wetlands, including the Waddenzee and the Oostvaardersplassen, support numerous waterfowl and migratory birds.

    Additionally, the Netherlands is renowned for its vibrant tulip fields, particularly during the spring season when these colorful blooms blanket the landscape. While not native to the Netherlands, tulips have become an iconic symbol of the country. Lavender cultivation is also gaining popularity in certain regions, especially in the southern province of Limburg, adding to the country’s rich floral diversity.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Netherlands only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 80 (#141) 3 3.8%
    Birds 2711 (#143) 10 3.7%
    Reptiles 19 (#159)
    Amphibians 17 (#112) 9 52.9%
    Fishes 211 (#163) 24 11.4%
    Plants 2,018 (#149) 1 0.0% 4 0.2%

    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Netherlands

    Much more than just a pretty face – it's a treasure trove of biodiversity!

    Score:

    62.5 / 100

    Rank:

    18 / 180