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THE NETHERLANDS
1. Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s).
A formal National Council for Sustainable Development does not exist in the Netherlands. This is because the Netherlands
was already applying policy planning procedures involving various governmental and non-governmental actors and agencies,
well before the term "Sustainable Development" was coined and spread internationally in 1987. The best illustration of this
approach is the way in which the National Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) is drafted. This document contains the
equivalent of a national strategy on sustainable development. Prior to publication, intensive discussions are held with all
those concerned, both within and outside government. The NEPP is updated every four years (the third one is due at the end
of 1997).
It is signed by the Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of
Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and the
Minister for Development Cooperation.
In connection with this integrated approach to planning, various coordination mechanisms have been established at different
levels. While these generally have not been set up with a view to promoting sustainable development, many of them
incorporate considerations of sustainability in their normal activities.
Contact point (Name, Title, Office):
Herman Verheij
Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment,
Directorate for International Environmental Affairs
Telephone: 31 70 339 4870
Fax: +31 70 339 1306
e-mail: verheij@DIMZ.DGM.minvrom.nl
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 30945,
2500 GX, The Hague,
The Netherlands, IPC/670
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved:
Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature
Management and Fisheries, Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participation of academic and private sectors:
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations:
A large number of NGOs from all major groups are involved in many coordination mechanisms at different levels.
Furthermore, some fifty NGOs from all sectors of society participate in the National Commission for international
cooperation and Sustainable Development, which has been established with a view to stimulate the debate on sustainable
development at the national and local level. This Commission also liaises with the government on issues concerning
international meetings such as the CSD.
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council:
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between
ministries:
Submitted by
(Name): Mr. Herman Verheij
Signature:
Title:
Date: January 1997
Ministry/Office: Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment
Telephone: 31 70 339 4870
Fax: +31 70 339 1306
e-mail: verheij@DIMZ.DGM.minvrom.nl
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