31 October 2007, Tilburg, the Netherlands

On 30 October Noord-Brabant’s new Regional Minister of Ecology, Mr Onno Hoes, visited the European House for Biodiversity and the ECNC offices. He was welcomed by ECNC’s Executive Director Rob Wolters and Eurosite’s Director Gernant Magnin.

Mr Hoes presented the new policy strategy of the Province, including the 'Clean Brabant' and 'Beautiful Brabant' programmes, which focus on practical results, innovation, stakeholder and civic involvement, and the development of new coalitions.

Mr Onno Hoes, his Director Ecology Mrs Marly Bloem and Head of Programmes Mr Loet Visschers talked to the staff of ECNC and Eurosite, who presented their work. The Brabant delegation said that they were impressed with the wide expertise and networks of the organizations in the European House, and their truly international character.

It was agreed that the existing cooperation between the Province of Noord-Brabant and ECNC will continue and expand to new areas of mutual interest, including the involvement of business in ecology including biodiversity and the interaction between biodiversity and other stakeholders, such as regional planners, and the banking and infrastructure sectors. The economic valuation of biodiversity, civic and school children's involvement in biodiversity, interregional cooperation via projects such as LIFESCAPE-YOUR LANDSCAPE, and issues related to Natura 2000 were also mentioned as areas of common interest.

For more information: Rob Wolters, ECNC Executive Director; email: wolters@ecnc.org