Eurosite member Staatsbosbeheer and the Biosphere Reserve Niedersächsische Elbtalaue (BNE) in Germany are currently in the process of developing a new Eurosite Twinning agreement. In February, the director and the steering group of the BNE visited the Netherlands. During this first visit the two organisation explored a number of subjects, including: dynamic rivers, urban development in connection with high water safety and nature development, and nature development in connection with agricultural shared use and recreation.

As a result of this visit, Staatsbosbeheer is now looking at what can be learnt from a permanent involvement of citizens and stakeholders in the management phase. Meanwhile, BNE is now exploring vision and planning development and construction. This exchange of information will be followed up by a visit from Staatsbosbeheer to the Biosphere Reserve Niedersächsische Elbtalaue. Staatsbosbeheer wants to explore whether the model of a Biosphere Reserve might be suitable in the Netherlands. Currently, the Wadden Sea is the only biosphere area in the Netherlands.

Eurosite’s Twinning Coordinator Roelof Heringa has been closely involved in the process and the two organisations aim to sign a Twinning contract later on this year.

If you are interested in Twinning and would like to explore the possibility of Twinning your site, please contact Roelof Heringa at: rheringa@archive.eurosite.org