Biodiversity

Six targets have been set to increase biodiversity by 2035. The policy framework outlines how we will work on this. The following goals are envisaged:

• We will increase species diversity and reduce the vulnerability of (Frisian) populations.
• We will take soil, water and biodiversity as a starting point when designing and managing the human environment.
• We want to restore, strengthen and expand existing green-blue structures.
• We will aim for a future-proof food system without adverse effects on air, soil and water quality.
• We are committed to restoring biodiversity when issuing and zoning land.
• We will encourage positive contact between people and nature.

The Biodiversity Policy Framework was adopted 4 December 2024 by the city council.

The local authority has written two implementation programmes: Biodiversity and Greening.

Biodiversity Implementation Programme

The Biodiversity Implementation Programme explains the actions to protect and increase biodiversity. The local authority works along 4 lines of action:

1. Biodiversity Environment Act-proofing.
2. Nature-inclusive working for Basic Nature Qualities.
3. Strengthen and expand Leeuwarden’s Ecological Structure.
4. Education and communication.

The programme includes the following actions:

• We are making a plan to better protect vulnerable animals inhabiting buildings.
• We are installing 10 special facilities that will allow animals to live and move around better in the city.
• We are producing 20 documents providing information on important species. That enables to provide a good habitat for these and other animals in new plans.
• We are working on the Leeuwarden Ecological Structure (LES). The LES is the ecological network of our local authority. We want to actively expand this structure by better connecting and enlarging areas. We will solve 4 bottlenecks in this network over the next 2 years.
• We will improve the nature management of roadsides and other green areas, paying extra attention to certain natural values.

To restore biodiversity, we need to know where the various natural values are. For that reason, we are creating a natural values map and a plan to monitor these natural values. We would like to cooperate with nature management organisations (e.g. Staatsbosbeheer), government authorities, schools and volunteers in our area.

Greening Implementation Programme

The Greening Implementation Programme contains 14 clear measures to strengthen and expand green space in Leeuwarden. We do this, for example, to improve the quality of life in villages and neighbourhoods. Up to and including 2035, we will work on projects including the following:

• We are improving 6,000 growing sites, which is the space a tree needs to grow. We will remove bricks and tiles that are not needed.
• We will plant 6,750 new trees.
• We will replace 5,300 diseased and weak trees.
• We will make 40 school playgrounds greener and create 36 cool places. These are also referred to as shaded areas.
• We will provide larger green areas for large projects in a neighbourhood or village.
• We will make residents more aware of the benefits of a green living environment. We will encourage residents to work on their own gardens.

The following policy document can be found on the website Administrative information:

• Biodiversity policy framework.

Contact the City of Leeuwarden.