Nature management of peatlands
The Netherlands has committed itself to nature conservation goals in compliance with European regulations. Provinces are responsible for performing much of the nature management but central government is tasked with achieving nature and climate goals.
Nature is in a poor condition in the Netherlands. The two greatest stress factors are nitrogen deposition and drought. Nature management and recovery are necessary to strengthen nature and prevent further degradation.
What are we auditing?
The Netherlands Court of Audit is examining nature management in the areas most affected by drought: peatlands. Natural peatlands are important habitats for many rare plants, amphibians and birds. During periods of drought, they are an enormous source of CO2, with serious consequences for the climate.
This audit will examine:
- the effectiveness of nature management of peatlands,
- whether nature management of peatlands can contribute to CO2 storage.
Why are we carrying out this audit?
Healthy nature is a source of clean air, water, food, biodiversity and animal and public wellbeing. The Netherlands has undertaken to comply with national and European regulations to preserve healthy nature.
Peatlands are an important natural resource. They also have potential as carbon sinks. CO2 storage is key to achieving the country’s climate goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050. The Court will audit whether management of natural peatlands contributes to these goals.
Do you want to take part in this audit?
The Court of Audit invites you to share any information you may have that would benefit our audit. We appreciate all contributions, knowledge and experience you may care to share with us on this topic. Simply send an email to bijdrage@rekenkamer.nl.
We read all emails carefully and treat them in confidence. However, we are not able to reply to every contribution we receive.