Netherlands spends 11 billion euros on subsidies that harm biodiversity |
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New dashboard shows nature recovery is falling behind, with only 10 per cent of built-up areas meeting basic nature quality standards
The Netherlands spends more than 11 billion euros annually on subsidies and tax benefits that harm biodiversity. Meanwhile, nature recovery continues to fall behind. This is revealed in the latest update of the National Biodiversity Dashboard, published on 29 October. The figures for nature in built-up areas and water quality are particularly striking.
The dashboard monitors progress towards fourteen biodiversity recovery targets. Not a single target is currently on track. New figures are available for eight of the targets. They show that the Netherlands needs to make substantial changes to meet its nature targets for 2030.
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None of the fourteen biodiversity recovery targets is on track
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Funding for nature, but even more funding that harms it
Research by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), CE Delft and Naturalis shows that more than 11 billion euros in national subsidies and tax benefits have a predominantly negative impact on biodiversity each year. By comparison, 3.9 billion euros is allocated to nature management and restoration. International agreements call for harmful subsidies to be phased out or reformed by 2030 at the latest.
Only 10 per cent of built-up areas meet basic standards
For municipalities and green space managers, the new Basic Nature Quality indicator is particularly relevant. It shows the condition of nature outside protected areas. Only 10 per cent of built-up areas meet the basic nature quality standards. In agricultural areas, the figure is even lower, at just 9 per cent. These figures highlight how much work remains to improve biodiversity in towns and cities.
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Only 10 per cent of built-up areas meet basic nature quality standards
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Water quality also falls short
Another new indicator focuses on surface water quality. Although water quality is gradually improving, approximately half of all water bodies still fail to meet the required physicochemical standards. The recovery of aquatic life is also lagging behind. This means that the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive are still far from being achieved.
Some positive developments
Not all the figures are negative. Nitrogen emissions are declining slightly, and reductions in nitrogen oxides are on track. However, ammonia emissions from agriculture need to fall more quickly. The amount of land required worldwide to support Dutch consumption has also decreased slightly for the first time in years.
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The Netherlands needs to make substantial changes to meet its nature targets for 2030
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The National Biodiversity Dashboard was developed by Naturalis, IUCN NL, Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology and SoortenNL. The dashboard provides municipalities, policymakers and green sector professionals with information on progress towards nature recovery.
This article was previously published on 2 November 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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