Rotterdam port can leave nitrogen lock if dune nature is restored
The cabinet has set aside €50 million for nature restoration in four dune areas, which should let Rotterdam port businesses get building and other permits again.
The Rotterdam port can be released from the nitrogen lock (stikstofslot), the block on new permits because of nitrogen deposition on protected nature, if nature is restored in four surrounding dune areas. The cabinet has allocated 50 million euros for the work. The money is meant to pay for restoration next year, so that building and other permits can be issued again.
What changes for you
- The governments behind the plan expect to be able to issue permits to port businesses again early next year
- The €50 million is to pay for the nature restoration next year
- Fewer cyclists and walkers may be allowed along parts of the coast
The plan is set out in a road map from, among others, the national government, the municipality of Rotterdam and the port authority. It is one of the area-based plans with which the minister wants to tackle the nitrogen problem.
Rabbits and dunes
The work covers four protected Natura 2000 areas: Meijendel and Berkheide between The Hague and Katwijk, The Hague's Westduinpark and Wapendal, Solleveld and Kapittelduinen between The Hague, Westland and Hoek van Holland, and Voornes Duin on the island of Voorne-Putten.
Measures include releasing more rabbits, fighting exotic plants and insects, and limiting the number of cyclists and walkers along the coast. The plan calls for a "robust dune ecosystem that can withstand nitrogen deposition". The dunes need to be able to drift, which requires the vegetation to be kept down. Rabbits do that, but their numbers have fallen sharply because of infectious diseases.
The port itself must also take measures, such as closer cooperation between businesses and nature organisations, more electrically powered equipment in the port, and ships that emit less.
Arne Weverling, the South Holland provincial deputy, of the political party VVD, said the measures together mean permits can be issued again. "There are companies that have plans but no longer even dare to apply for a permit," he said. "We say: submit your plans again. Come to Rotterdam."
In such a small, densely populated country you almost always have to deal with each other. We are a team Netherlands together, and together we must make sure we move forward again.Tim Versnel, Rotterdam alderman responsible for the port
Versnel called the agreements an important first step. He said the port wants to be the most sustainable and strongest port by 2050.
Stikstofslot (Nitrogen lock)
The nitrogen lock is a near-halt on new building and expansion permits that took effect when Dutch courts ruled that nitrogen deposition from cars, industry, and agriculture was damaging protected nature areas. The government must now approve projects only if they do not increase nitrogen pollution in sensitive ecosystems, or if nitrogen is reduced elsewhere through 'nitrogen credits'. This has blocked major infrastructure and development projects across the country.
Natura 2000
Natura 2000 is a network of protected nature areas across the European Union designed to preserve endangered species and habitats. The Netherlands has 162 Natura 2000 sites covering forests, wetlands, dunes, and coastal areas. These sites are strictly protected from pollution and development that would harm their ecological value, which is why nitrogen deposition rules apply to projects near them.
VVD (Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie)
The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy is a conservative-liberal political party in the Netherlands. It has been a major political force for decades, frequently leading national coalition governments. The party generally champions free-market economics, individual liberty, and a strong business climate.