11 new guidelines for municipalities to reverse insect decline in cities |
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Guide provides practical tools to increase biodiversity in public space
The Netherlands needs more functional and ecologically valuable green space to restore insect populations. We recently reported on this as well. Experts see a key opportunity particularly in cities. New guidelines for urban biodiversity recommend creating at least one contiguous ecological area of 8,000 m² in every city.
This article was previously published on April 15, 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
| Call for greening (Image NWST, for illustration) |
The guidelines were developed by Collectief Natuurinclusief, together with EIS Knowledge Centre and Natuur & Milieu. A new guide outlines eleven recommendations to help municipalities and developers create more space for insects in the built environment.
More coherence in green structures
An important step is the creation of so-called nature cores: green areas of at least 0.8 hectares, distributed throughout the city. These areas should be connected through green-blue structures such as tree rows, verges, waterways and hedges. This allows insects to move more easily.
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New guidelines for urban biodiversity recommend creating at least one contiguous ecological area of 8,000 m² in every city
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Native and diverse vegetation
The guidelines emphasise the use of native planting without pesticides. Variation in height and structure is important, with a layered composition of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants and gradual transitions. Roofs and façades also offer opportunities to add more green.
Management and soil as a foundation
In addition to design, management plays a key role. Extensive mowing - no more than twice a year and not all at once - helps insects survive. A healthy soil and sufficient water, such as ditches and ponds, are also essential. The recommendation is to completely stop using pesticides in both management and construction.
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The guidelines emphasise the use of native planting without pesticides. Variation in height and structure is important
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11 guidelines for insect-friendly cities
| 1. | | Establish nature cores of at least 0.8 hectares, spread throughout the city
| | 2. | | Ensure green-blue connections between habitats
| | 3. | | Use native trees, shrubs and plants without pesticides
| | 4. | | Create variation in height and structure of vegetation
| | 5. | | Provide a wide range of herbs, plants, shrubs and trees
| | 6. | | Utilise roofs, façades and boundaries for greening
| | 7. | | Ensure sufficient nesting and shelter opportunities for insects
| | 8. | | Work towards a healthy, living soil
| | 9. | | Provide variation in water, such as ditches and ponds
| | 10. | | Stop using pesticides
| | 11. | | Apply extensive management: mow no more than twice a year and leave parts uncut
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Involve residents and practitioners
According to the authors, communication with residents and practitioners is necessary for measures to succeed. This can include information boards or local campaigns to build support.
On April 23, Natuur & Milieu will organise a workshop on insect-friendly cities in Den Bosch. Municipalities, landowners and initiators will work together on practical applications of the guidelines. Participation is free.
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An important step is the creation of so-called nature cores: green areas of at least 0.8 hectares, distributed throughout the city
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