Natuurmonumenten

Natuurmonumenten was founded in 1905 by the two founding fathers of nature conservation in the Netherlands, Jac. P. Thijsse and Eli Heimans. Their aim was to improve the quality of life in the Netherlands by preserving nature, landscape and cultural history. Over the last century, the organization has continued this work through its permanent staff... and many volunteers. By acquiring natural areas, Natuurmonumenten protects animals and plants, which are native to the country and enable people to enjoy the countryside by providing footpaths, cycle paths, observation points and excursions. Natuurmonumenten is a society with over 735,000 members, run by a management team, board and a member's council. As a society, its members have a say in its decisions and policies. As a result of its acquisition policy, Natuurmonumenten now manages and protects 101,066 hectares distributed over 345 areas in the Netherlands. Natuurmonumenten works together with other conservation organisations, provinces, municipalities, water authorities and local residents to create links between people and nature. It also has international connections with fellow organisations in Germany and Belgium.Read More