By means of: Editorial
Wed Mar 27, 1:11 pm
General
MIDDELBURG – Stichting Landschapsbeheer Zeeland (SLZ) announces that Drs. Petra Smits will become the new director of the foundation. Petra Smits takes over from current director Joan van der Velden, who has been in charge since March 2017.
The SLZ board is pleased with the appointment. “With her extensive professional experience both within and outside the province of Zeeland, her personality and her knowledge of the field of Nature and Landscape, the board is convinced that Petra Smits will be an inspiring director who will further put the importance of landscape management on the map. “, the board said.
Petra Smits, originally from Middelburg and graduated in geography from Utrecht University, has worked for the province of Zeeland since 2005. She held positions as Climate Adaptation and Multi-Layer Safety coordinator, Environmental Act Implementation coordinator and Nature and Landscape coordinator. She was also involved in the interprovincial guidance of the Evaluation of the Nature Pact, with special attention to connecting nature and landscape with society and economy. Petra Smits: “Stichting Landschapsbeheer Zeeland has been an important independent organization in Zeeland for 42 years, which takes care of our cultural landscape and society. I look forward to starting work from June 1.”
After working at SLZ for more than 7 years, Joan van der Velden has decided to stop as director. With the prospect of retirement approaching, he wants to focus on his many hobbies, including setting up, conducting and publishing ecological research. “I have always enjoyed working for SLZ and am proud of all the developments that the organization has gone through. I confidently hand over the baton to Petra and hope that she can continue working on our beautiful landscape in Zeeland with just as much pleasure,” says Joan van der Velden.
