In a few sentences, how would you describe your IAP? What is its main focus or goal?
s-Hertogenbosch IAP strengthens biodiversity and climate adaptation by creating an inclusive and connected green network, focusing on encouraging residents' continued engagement with urban nature.
What local challenges or needs does your IAP address?
Unequal acces and quality of green space, habitat fragmentation, governance and monitoring gaps and most importantly low community engagement and ownership
What are the most innovative or inspiring elements of your plan?
Initiatives like BioBlitz go beyond traditional awareness campaigns. They actively involve residents in discovering and shaping urban nature, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
What are the most valuable lessons your city learned during the BiodiverCity project?
Through the BiodiverCity project, ’s-Hertogenbosch gained practical insights into how creative and participatory approaches strengthen biodiversity efforts. Transparent communication, such as clear signage, helps build public support, while initiatives like BioBlitz, Jane Jacobs Walks, and biodiversity art deepen community involvement.
Can you describe one good practice from your city that others could learn from?
A strong good practice from ’s-Hertogenbosch is the mandatory green and water retainment norm for spatial developments, which sets clear requirements for both the quantity and quality of greenery and water retainment in new projects. This ensures that every (bigger) development contributes to climate resilience and biodiversity by integrating functional green spaces and water retention measures.
What was your favourite moment or memory from the BiodiverCity project?
One of my favorite moments from the BiodiverCity project was during our BioBlitz event, where residents among who young children, and ecologists worked together to identify local species. It was inspiring to see how curiosity and collaboration turned biodiversity into a shared experience, creating real enthusiasm for nature in the city. The mix of science, community, and fun made it a highlight of the project.
In transnational regard:
One of my favorite memories from the BiodiverCity project was visiting Guimarães and hearing from one of the ambassadors from one of their “Green Brigades”. These local ambassador groups maintain green spaces and organize clean-ups, creating a strong sense of community stewardship. It was inspiring to see how decentralized engagement can make biodiversity care part of everyday life. This visit sparked ideas for how ’s-Hertogenbosch can strengthen long-term involvement of residents in our own green initiatives.
If you could describe the project in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring, knowledge, partnership
