The Netherlands faces major spatial challenges in the coming decades. We are expected to build nearly 900,000 new homes, work on the next phase of river widening and must prepareon arising sea level. At the same time, we want to restore nature, retain water during dry periods, and keep our living environment attractive and healthy.
Nature-based solutions are an important ally in this regard. By aligning with the natural functioning of water, soil, and ecosystems, they can contribute to water safety, climate adaptation, and a healthy living environment, while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity, improving water and soil quality, and sequestering CO₂ and nitrogen. This is already happening in various places in the Netherlands—and it’s working.
NL2120 develops expertise in nature-based solutions and puts that expertise into practice across five landscape types: coastal, riverine, peatland, sandy, and urban. Discover our vision for a more natural approach to each landscape, and which solutions hold the most promise.
Coast
For decades, the Netherlands has been using sand and water to shape its coastline, from the Sand Motor to dynamic dyke landscapes and protective salt marshes.
Cities
Parks, water features, and green corridors throughout the neighborhood: how nature keeps our cities cool and livable.
Peat
From cattails to dairy cattle on wet peatlands: we’re exploring new revenue models suited to higher water levels.
Rivers
More space for the river: side channels, natural banks, and areas that retain water rather than draining it away immediately.
Sand
From stream valley restoration to climate-resilient agriculture: on the high sandy soils, we’re working to create a landscape that retains water more effectively.
Would you like to learn more about NL2120’s work?
In different landscapes, we are working on solutions together with nature.