Permit under the Nature Conservation Act

Natura 2000 is a network of nature conservation areas spread throughout Europe. The 162 Natura 2000 areas in the Netherlands are covered by the Nature Conservation Act (Natuurbeschermingswet). If you plan to undertake activities in a Natura 2000 area (or Protected Nature Reserve, Beschermd Natuurmonument) that might have a harmful impact on protected natural assets, you need a permit under the Nature Conservation Act (natuurbeschermingswetvergunning). This applies, for example, to construction projects or to setting up a camp site.

You can obtain this permit from the provincial authorities. In exceptional cases, the provincial authorities will refer you to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I).

All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects

In some cases, instead of applying for a permit under the Nature Conservation Act you need to apply for a different permit, namely the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning). You must apply for this permit if you also want to carry out other activities for which you require an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects. You apply for this permit from your local municipal authority. More information about how to apply can be found on the 'All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects' page.