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South Limburg landscape foundation
Published on 19 November 2018
Netherlands
Limburg (NL)
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
At the initiative of VVV Zuid-Limburg, the LLTB, the IKL, and Natuurlijk Limburg have issued a petition with the aim of putting agriculture high on the political agenda.
Research has shown that 59% of Limburg's tourists see its nature and landscape as the main motivation to return more often. 2.8 million of all overnight stays in South Limburg take place in rural areas. This is 63% of all overnight stays. This makes Limburg's landscape the main tourist attraction that brings visitors. The farmers are responsible for making the landscape attractive.
The cooperation Natuurlijk Limburg currently supports dozens of farmers who maintain hedges, slopes, pools, and orchards. Approximately 2,600 hectares of Limburg's farmland are maintained in this way. 70% of this farmland is in South Limburg. Annually, the farmers receive a grant of 1.5 million euros as compensation for their expenses. However, this money is running out and there is no provincial budget for new requests. For this reason, VVV Zuid-Limburg and the other parties, agrarians, and the hotels and restaurants have decided to recommend measures to safeguard the sustainable development of our landscape in the future.
Conclusion: a landscape foundation has been set up with long-term financing that is meant to safeguard the vulnerable landscape of South Limburg for at least thirty years. The Province of Limburg is the main facilitator and the director of this foundation.
Research has shown that 59% of Limburg's tourists see its nature and landscape as the main motivation to return more often. 2.8 million of all overnight stays in South Limburg take place in rural areas. This is 63% of all overnight stays. This makes Limburg's landscape the main tourist attraction that brings visitors. The farmers are responsible for making the landscape attractive.
The cooperation Natuurlijk Limburg currently supports dozens of farmers who maintain hedges, slopes, pools, and orchards. Approximately 2,600 hectares of Limburg's farmland are maintained in this way. 70% of this farmland is in South Limburg. Annually, the farmers receive a grant of 1.5 million euros as compensation for their expenses. However, this money is running out and there is no provincial budget for new requests. For this reason, VVV Zuid-Limburg and the other parties, agrarians, and the hotels and restaurants have decided to recommend measures to safeguard the sustainable development of our landscape in the future.
Conclusion: a landscape foundation has been set up with long-term financing that is meant to safeguard the vulnerable landscape of South Limburg for at least thirty years. The Province of Limburg is the main facilitator and the director of this foundation.
Resources needed
Steps that have been taken to put this topic on the political agenda:
Brainstorm session with all parties concerned in order to formulate recommendations, Stock-taking of local produce, Collective willingness, A project manager has been appointed.
Brainstorm session with all parties concerned in order to formulate recommendations, Stock-taking of local produce, Collective willingness, A project manager has been appointed.
Evidence of success
Short term: the grant for the upcoming years has been fixed.
Long term: The Landschapsfonds has been equipped with a long-term financial plan facilitated by the authorities (i.e. The Province of Limburg). An ‘Area agency’ has been created, The aim of this is to set up a budget for the future promotion of local produce in South Limburg.
Long term: The Landschapsfonds has been equipped with a long-term financial plan facilitated by the authorities (i.e. The Province of Limburg). An ‘Area agency’ has been created, The aim of this is to set up a budget for the future promotion of local produce in South Limburg.
Potential for learning or transfer
There is insufficient awareness of the value and importance of the landscape on the political level. Authorities have to contribute and help facilitate the aim. It is helpful when various parties come together and voice their opinions and visions.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
VVV Zuid-Limburg
Netherlands
Limburg (NL)
Contact
Environmental Engineer