Netherlands Creates 22nd National Park Along Densely Populated Coastal Strip
The Hague, Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
The newly designated Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen spans over 18,000 hectares from Hoek van Holland to Hillegom, making it unique as a national park serving over one million residents in the densely populated Randstad region. This coastal protection system combines beaches, dunes, and urban green spaces while providing access to €30 million in funding through 2030 for conservation efforts.
Minister Van Essen Approves Long-Delayed Application
Natural Environment Minister Jaimi van Essen (D66) officially granted national park status to the Hollandse Duinen on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 [1][2][3]. The designation follows a protracted approval process that began in September 2024 when the Province of Zuid-Holland submitted its application [4][5]. The decision had been repeatedly delayed under the previous BBB State Secretary Jean Rummenie, but a ministry spokesperson indicated that Van Essen prioritized this initiative as “an important subject” [4][5]. The formal legal entity for the park was registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality on December 9, 2020, setting the groundwork for this week’s official designation [6].
Diverse Coalition Drives Park Development
The park represents an unprecedented collaboration between over sixty organizations and individuals who submitted the joint application [3]. Key stakeholders include water utility company Dunea, multiple municipalities (Den Haag, Voorschoten, Wassenaar, Westland), environmental organizations IVN and Natuur en Milieufederatie Zuid-Holland, forest management agency Staatsbosbeheer, and various nature foundations [6]. Georgette Leltz, who served as director overseeing the application process, emphasized that the allocated funding will primarily support coordination between these managing organizations rather than routine maintenance activities like tree pruning or garden upkeep [4][5]. The collaborative approach reflects the complex governance structure required to manage this urban-adjacent conservation area effectively.
Strategic Funding and Conservation Planning Through 2030
The national park designation unlocks access to a dedicated funding pool of €30 million available through 2030 for all Dutch national parks [1][2][4][5]. However, funding availability beyond 2030 remains uncertain, creating a six-year window for establishing sustainable conservation practices [1][2][4][5]. Zuid-Holland Deputy Arno Bonte (Nature portfolio) described the designation as providing “a powerful impetus to further strengthen and develop the natural wealth of this special area together” [1][4][5]. The park’s management strategy focuses on enhancing biodiversity while maintaining recreational access, with plans to improve connectivity between natural areas without implementing stricter regulations [4][5].
Urban Integration and Biodiversity Protection
The park encompasses critical Hague green spaces including Het Haagse Bos, Westduinpark, Madestein, De Uithof, and Landgoed Ockenburgh, demonstrating integration of urban and natural environments [1]. The coastal landscape supports over 7,000 plant and animal species, highlighting its significance for biodiversity conservation [3]. The designation varies in width from approximately 9 kilometers between Den Haag and Leiden to just a few hundred meters in other coastal sections [2][4][5]. Den Haag municipality plans to enhance access from Central Station to the national park and establish a visitor center providing information about nature, activities, and hiking and cycling routes [1]. Park management emphasizes that visitors will encounter enhanced educational signage about local natural and cultural history while maintaining existing recreational opportunities for walking and cycling [1].