Urgent Call to Protect Urban Community Gardens in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
Urban community gardens in the Netherlands are threatened by rapid development, impacting local biodiversity and community health. Advocates seek integration into planning and funding through the Groenfonds.
The Shrinking Urban Green Oasis
With approximately 3,600 hectares of community gardens in the Netherlands, these green spaces are facing significant risk from urban expansion. This area, nearly half the size of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, is being quickly reduced by development projects catering to housing and business needs, particularly in city areas. Pancras Pouw, chairman of the General Association of Allotment Associations in the Netherlands (AVVN), highlights that these gardens are not legally secured within current zoning laws, which makes them vulnerable to disappearing[1].
Stakeholders Call for Legislative Support
In response to these challenges, the AVVN is advocating for the incorporation of community gardens into formal spatial planning structures to ensure legal certainty. They urge the Dutch government and municipalities to reserve more space for these gardens, proposing an increase to 5 square meters per inhabitant from the current average of 2 square meters. This change is considered modest but crucial for preserving urban biodiversity and community spaces[1].
Funding and Policy Initiatives
The community and advocacy groups are also calling for the activation of funding mechanisms like the Groenfonds to support ecological initiatives within urban planning. The Groenfonds, a dedicated green investment fund in the Netherlands, could play a vital role in subsidizing the integration of community gardens into urban settings. Structural support would not only protect these green havens but also enhance their contributions to community health and environmental resilience[2].
Broader Implications and Future Directions
Community gardens play a crucial role in urban environments by contributing to local biodiversity and offering substantial health benefits to residents. Their reduction could have long-lasting impacts on urban ecosystems and community well-being. The debate now includes calls for political parties to recognize gardens in their manifestos as part of a commitment to sustainable development goals and urban well-being[1][2].