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Zaanstreek-Waterland (NL)

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The Zaanstreek-Waterland region consists of seven municipalities in the province of North Holland, just north of Amsterdam. The area is home to approximately 350,000 people. It is a region rich in history, characterised by a mix of urban centres and open rural landscapes. 

With its high-quality infrastructure, strong economy, and rich cultural heritage, the region aims to develop in a way that promotes greening and sustainability, while also enhancing the quality of life for its residents.   

Focus area and Challenges

Zaanstreek-Waterland faces several challenges due to population pressure, housing shortages, preserving the valuable cultural landscape, nitrogen deposition, loss of biodiversity, and notably, its location below sea level. These issues place considerable strain on the limited available space and therefore call for innovative and sustainable solutions. 

Objectives

The region has several key objectives. First, it is essential to preserve the cultural open landscape and the characteristic meadow birds, which have a deeply rooted historical significance. In addition, the implementation of effective water management and climate resilience is crucial for the sustainability of the area. There is also a focus on achieving balanced urban densification and promoting local food systems to further strengthen farmer-citizen relationships.

Through the PLUS Change project, we aim to gain better insight into the values, desires, and motivations of the local population regarding land use. Based on this understanding, we strive to develop effective policies that contribute to a sustainable future for the region. 

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