In the new beach vision ‘More Beach Naturally’ the municipality presents principles for the beach policy of The Hague. In the beach vision choices are made for the future of the beach of The Hague. Finding a natural balance on the coast is central. In this balance there is still room for activities that make the beach so popular among The Hague residents, but there is also more attention for nature on and around the beach.
Alderman Robert Barker (Outdoor Space, Animal Welfare & Environment): ‘The Hague is characterised by its unique location on the sea. The people of The Hague are rightly proud of the beach, the dunes and everything that the coast of The Hague has to offer. In order to maintain the great value of the beach for the city, we are now making choices for the future. We are looking for a natural balance in this. We are giving nature more space and at the same time cherishing the many activities that make the beach attractive.’
Peace on the coast
For many residents of The Hague, the beach is a place to catch their breath during the winter. This period also offers the necessary peace and quiet for nature and animals on and around the beach. The municipality wants to maintain this peace. This means that the number of operations such as beach pavilions will not be expanded any further. There will also be no new permanent construction on the beach.
‘Nature develops itself, but it needs space to do so. We provide this space by not expanding the number of operations on the beach and by maintaining the distinction between the seasons. This keeps the dunes and the beach an attractive place for people and animals’, says alderman Barker about the choices in the new beach vision.
Space for nature
Nature on and around the beach will be given a more prominent place by establishing two nature zones. These nature zones are located on the north and south sides of the beach. Machine cleaning will no longer take place here and the dunes will be given the opportunity to develop naturally. ‘By creating zones in which nature is given priority, we will increase biodiversity and strengthen the coastline. We are also doing this with an eye to the future: by strengthening nature and dunes on the coast, we will make The Hague more resistant to rising sea levels’, says alderman Barker about the new nature zones.
Most sustainable beach in the Netherlands
The Hague has the ambition to make the Hague beach the most sustainable beach in the Netherlands. The municipality wants to work together with beach entrepreneurs. The beach vision also focuses on sports, accessibility and safety on and around the beach.
For the beach vision, the municipality has held discussions with many stakeholders and interested parties. From beach entrepreneurs to nature organizations. The vision is now being presented to the municipal council for decision-making.
The entire beach vision ‘More Beach Naturally’ can be read here . (in Dutch)
Source of article & photos: Gemeente Den Haag Press Release
Translation from Dutch: Google Translate + TheHagueOnLine