4. Nature and biodiversity 4A. Current Situation The various types of landscapes in the Rijk van Nijmegen offer living space to many species. Because of its growth since 1880, Nijmegen has barely any open space: this is why Nijmegen is fully investing in the green ring around the city. Its secondary channel will become an artery for nature and biodiversity. ‘River scape Nijmegen embraces the Waal’: making the city more accessible and attractive for nature and biodiversity. Indicator Number and total surface area of Natura 2000 sites that are situated in the city or nearby (i.e. within 10 km) Number and total surface area of assigned areas of national interest for biodiversity in the city (habitat / species management areas) Number and total surface area of assigned areas of local (urban) biodiversity interest in the city (habitat / species management areas)
Number
2
Gelderland Nature Network within city limits (Natural areas are not defined separately by the province/State)
10 + 9 Hotspots
1 + follow-up plans (see footnote and 4D) Date and time horizon of the city’s biodiversity action plan
Total surface area (ha)
Year of the data provided
Gelderse Poort total 6,105 ha Rhine branches Waal total 5,525 ha Approx. 800 ha categories: Natura 2000 Nature Interweaved Wildlife corridor
2014 (see figure 2)
1 - 10: approx. 600 ha A - I: approx. 20 ha Whole Nijmegen territory (5,760 ha)
2015 (see map 4)
2015 (see figure 2)
Groene Draad determined 2007 (including all developments 2020)
Natura 2000 Waal floodplains to the west and east, partly on Nijmegen territory, was finally destined as Natura 2000 area in 2014 (figure 2) (open water, swamps, muddy banks, underwood, willow forests, types of grassland) (figure 1). The area is also largely Habitats Directive and Birds Directive area.
Figure 1: Nature Waal floodplains Main Ecological Structure/Gelderland Nature Network The green ring around Nijmegen is largely within the conservation regime of the national Main Ecological Structure and provincial protection (=Gelderland Nature Network) (figure 2). West of Nijmegen the green ring is partly urbanised, partly agricultural. Millingerwaard is situated in the National Landscape Gelderse Poort: origin (1983) of large-scale nature rehabilitation along Dutch rivers and of cooperation between Ministry of Waterways, the brick industry, farmers, soil removers and nature organisations. Nature reserves in Gelderse Poort connect to the nature and landscape, including Natura 2000 areas, along the German Niederrhein. Nijmegen does not have a separate biodiversity plan. Green policy is laid down in Policy Plan De Groene Draad with elaboration: Handboek Stadsbomen, Groene Allure Binnenstad, Groenaanpak Dukenburg and Lindenholt; Groen Verbindt; and in green management plans.