The Province of Limburg has offered Minister Van der Wal (Nature & Nitrogen) the so-called ‘measure packages’ that the minister requests from all provinces for the first approach to the transition of the rural area. The package of measures are coordinated with and are as close as possible to the initiatives of partners in the Limburg Rural Coalition and the four LPLG areas. This emphatically concerns the first steps in realizing the goals of the Limburg Rural Area Program. Minister Van der Wal previously had a maximum of 55 million euros in store for Limburg for these first steps. More is needed for a decent start, according to Limburg deputy Léon Faassen.
Province of Limburg April 2, 2024
Until April 1st
Provinces were allowed to ask the government for a ‘provisional’ contribution to their plans and were given until April 1 of this year by The Hague to concretize those plans. The total money reserved by the ministry (1.28 billion euros) for the start of the approach to the rural area must be divided between all twelve provinces. The Province of Limburg initially asked for 150 million euros, but has now increased that request to more than 209 million euros. The Province sees more opportunities, including to support as many companies as possible that want to innovate, extensify or stop.
Collaboration and clarity
In order to collaborate as best as possible, the Province has opted for an approach with the Rural Coalition consisting of Staatsbosbeheer, Limburg Water Board, WML, Natuurmonumenten, the Limburg Agriculture and Horticulture Union, the Limburg Nature and Environment Federation, Stichting Het Limburgs Landschap, regional representatives of municipalities from the four sub-areas and the ministry itself. With this working method, the Province hopes to provide long-term clarity to those involved in the various areas.
The ‘measure packages’ that are now being submitted by the Province concern:
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restoration and expansion of nature and forests
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water, hydrological restoration and the ‘stream valley-wide’ approach
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source measures regarding nitrogen and methane
A way that works for everyone
Deputy Léon Faassen: ‘We have to move towards a way that works for everyone. This is a start. It is now important to continue with good will and energy, to spend the money well here in Limburg and to continue to develop the collaboration. Then, hopefully, with a new cabinet and a stable national vision, we can all move forward at a rapid pace.’
Tags: Province Limburg requests million euros cabinet start implementing Limburg Rural Area Program
