The Dutch Environment and Planning Act (2024) replaces 26 existing laws with the aim of creating a simpler, more coherent and clearer legislation.
The Nature Conservation Act (species and area protection) will be fully incorporated into the new Environment and Planning Act. Although there are many changes, especially in the procedures, there are also some substantive innovations. The most important substantive change is that the duty of care will apply to plants, animals and Natura 2000 areas. This duty of care may require additional measures to be taken (compared to the usual measures) to mitigate or compensate for the effects on wildlife and the natural environment.