For protection of the nature, the Bird- and Habitat directive is an important instrument of the European Union. Objective of the directive is reaching a favourable condition of conservation of types of habitats that are of common importance that can be protected. One of the provisions in the directive is to establish a network of special protection zones, Nature 2000. In these zones, the conservation of habitats and sorts, are in front. Further development of these areas; require a test of the effects of it, on the nature. In the Netherlands 161 of these zones are pointed out. For 2010, implementation programmes have to be established and executed.
In the densely populated Randstad area, the spatial effects of the European environment- and nature policy are enormous. Pollution is big, the space to develop industry and places to life are limited. In practice, this leads to tightness. Especially because the statistical approach of EU-legislation is not always flexible, and that makes a more dynamic approach more complicated. An approach, that for the Randstad is necessary in order to preserve the special area, with a lot of water- and peat areas for the future. In the expert group, intensively is worked together to examine the application of European environment- and nature regulation for the Randstad, and to share experiences with the implementation of it.