Natuurvisie Haarlemmermeer 2040 – Municipality Biodiversity & Nature Strategy
The Natuurvisie Haarlemmermeer 2040 is an official policy vision issued by the Gemeente Haarlemmermeer in the Netherlands. Valid from October 11, 2022, this document functions as a structural component of the municipal Omgevingsvisie (Environment Vision) and aligns with the wider legal framework of the Omgevingswet (Environment Act) and the provincial Omgevingsvisie NH2050. It establishes a long-term framework for integrating biodiversity, climate resilience, and nature-inclusivity into spatial development and municipal management.
The scope of the vision covers the entire municipal territory, addressing urban, agricultural, and recreational landscapes. It governs regulatory domains including nature conservation, water management, and sustainable construction. The document is structured around a Streefbeeld 2040 (Target Image 2040), specific Uitvoeringsprincipes (Implementation Principles), and the development of the Natuurnetwerk Nederland (NNN). It defines critical terms such as Groen (all green surfaces), Natuur (nature experienced by residents), and Biodiversiteit (the total variety of species and ecosystems).
This regulatory framework provides concrete guidelines for developers, architects, and planners to reconcile societal tasks—such as the construction of 20,000 new homes—with the restoration of ecological quality. It emphasizes the economic and social value of nature, citing that every euro invested in biodiversity yields a societal benefit factor of 1.5 to 2.
Streefbeeld 2040: Landscape Categories
The document defines three primary landscape categories to guide the spatial development of Haarlemmermeer toward 2040:
- Stedelijk gebied (Urban areas): Focus on high-density greening for ecosystem services such as cooling, wind reduction, and rainwater retention. Requirements include nature-inclusive building on roofs and facades and the presence of a park of at least 1.5 hectares within 250 meters of every resident.
- Agrarisch gebied (Agricultural areas): Integration of biodiversity into farming through flower-rich field margins (akkerranden), hedgerows, and the conservation of the open polder landscape.
- Natuur- en recreatiegebieden: Expansion of the Natuurnetwerk Nederland (NNN) through ecological corridors and the creation of both intensive and extensive recreational zones.
Uitvoeringsprincipes (Implementation Principles)
Chapter 6 details 17 specific principles that govern how the municipality and external parties must act to strengthen biodiversity:
- §6.1 Natuurinclusief bouwen: Spatial developments must maintain and, where possible, increase biodiversity through nature-inclusive design.
- §6.2 Groennormen: New housing developments are subject to specific green norms defined in the DIOR (Leidraad Duurzame Inrichting Openbare Ruimte), regulating the ratio of homes to green space.
- §6.7 Energieopwekking: The realization of solar and wind parks in agricultural areas must facilitate existing nature values and integrate biodiversity measures.
- §6.15 Beheer gemeentelijk areaal: Municipal land management prioritizes ecological methods, such as insect-friendly mowing and the preservation of old trees.
Ecological Networks and Water Management
A central objective is the completion of the Natuurnetwerk Nederland (NNN) and the reinforcement of the green-blue structure (groen-blauwe structuur):
- Knelpunten (Bottlenecks): Infrastructure such as the Ringvaart and various motorways are identified as ecological barriers requiring fauna passages or eco-tunnels.
- Verbeterd Droogmakerij Systeem (VDS): This water management system utilizes flexible water levels to improve ecological water quality and create space for reed beds and amphibious habitats.
- Ecolinten: These green-blue ribbons connect traditional nature areas with urban environments, facilitating species migration and local climate adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the green space requirements for new housing in Haarlemmermeer?
Developments must comply with the green norms in the DIOR, which stipulate the amount and quality of green space relative to the number of housing units at the street, neighborhood, and district levels.
Is nature-inclusive building mandatory for developers?
Yes, under principle §6.1, spatial developments must incorporate nature-inclusive design and construction to maintain and improve biodiversity as part of the plan and realization phases.
What is the 250-meter green access rule?
The Streefbeeld 2040 aims for every resident and worker to have access to a park of at least 1.5 hectares within a 250-meter walking distance.
How does the municipality handle biodiversity in agricultural zones?
The municipality facilitates the creation of flower-rich field margins (akkerranden), bird-friendly fields (vogelakkers), and the planting of hedgerows to support functional biodiversity for pest control.
What ecological barriers are prioritized for resolution?
Significant infrastructure barriers, such as the Ringvaart, are targeted for the installation of fauna passages (tunnels/culverts) to reconnect fragmented habitats within the Natuurnetwerk Nederland.
Are solar parks allowed on agricultural land under this vision?
Solar and wind parks are permitted provided they are assessed against the Beleidskader Zonneakkers and ensure that ecological systems are preserved for the long term.
