New network 'Natural to Guest' aims to balance nature and recreation
New network 'Natuurlijk te Gast' aims to keep nature and recreation in balance Nine Achterhoek organizations are joining forces with the new network 'Natuurlijk te Gast in de Achterhoek'. Their joint mission: to ensure that recreation and nature go well together, now and in the future. The new cooperation was ratified on Thursday, October 9, at the Nature Observation Post in the Vragenderveen.
The Achterhoek is becoming increasingly popular for getting out and it shows. Hikers, cyclists and tourists are flocking to the countryside. The increasing crowds also create challenges. Animals experience less peace and quiet, there is more litter, and farmers also notice the effects on their livestock. With the 'Natuurlijk te Gast' network, the organizations involved want to ensure that the region remains hospitable and attractive. For people, plants and animals.
Keeping the Achterhoek beautiful together
Chairman of the new network Arjen Schutten, alderman of the municipality of Oost Gelre on behalf of the Achterhoek Leisure Agenda, is pleased that parties are finding each other in the network. "We all want to keep our beautiful Achterhoek beautiful too. Nature and recreation are valuable elements that can reinforce each other. By seeking each other out, we can achieve much more on that score."
The parties clinched the cooperation in the Vragenderveen. Guide Ron Krabben of Stichting Marke Vragender Veen explained there that the Vragenderveen is beautiful, but also vulnerable. That is why visitors cannot just enter it, but can do so together with a guide. "This way the area remains accessible for people and there is peace and quiet for plants and animals. The guides know where the species are and when they need rest. These excursions are popular, we notice."
Implementing concrete projects
The participants of the Natuurlijk te Gast network are also tackling concrete projects together, such as a campaign to make recreationists more aware of where and with whom they are guests.
Participating organizations in the network are Achterhoek Tourism, Gelders Particulier Grondbezit, Vrijetijdsagenda Achterhoek (the cooperating Achterhoek municipalities), HISWA-RECRON, Leisurelands, LTO Noord, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, Wandelnet.