Nature goals for peat areas not met, 'environment too fragmented'

The Dutch Court of Audit reports that significant investments in peat areas are not achieving nature goals. Despite a €2 billion budget from 2021 to 2030, only 18 out of 173 peat areas are sufficiently improved. The areas face threats from drying, nitrogen, invasive species, and poor water quality. Effective management requires not only improvements within the areas but also surrounding buffer zones, where governance is fragmented and unclear. Conflicting interests, such as agricultural practices and urban development, further complicate conservation efforts. The Court criticizes Minister Van Essen for his limited role in advancing necessary policies, warning that failure to act jeopardizes both peat and other natural areas.