Faced with high population density, close proximity of urban areas and urban-rural linkages, rural areas in the Netherlands have witnessed a gradual disappearance of characteristically rural landscapes and a deterioration of biodiversity. Future developments will increase pressures on rural land use, making a policy framework to address these challenges only more pertinent.

This comprehensive review of rural policy in the Netherlands examines the character of rural areas in the Netherlands and how they have evolved.  It then examines rural policies and their decentralisation, rural land use planning, and landscape and nature policies. The final chapters discusses how to  strengthen rural policies in the Netherlands.  The book includes a series of recommendations.

Assessment and Recommendations
Chapter 1. Profile and Challenges of Rural Netherlands
Key points
Introduction
1.1. What are the rural areas in the Netherlands?
1.2. Character of rural areas in the Netherlands
1.2.1. Rural land and landscape
1.2.2. Rural population
1.2.3. The rural economy
1.2.4. Rural economic performance
1.2.5. Social conditions
1.2.6. Environmental conditions
1.3. Future developments
1.3.1. Demography
1.3.2. Rural economy
1.3.3. Social conditions
1.3.4. Environment
1.3.5. Land use
1.4. What are the challenges for rural areas in the Netherlands?
Notes
Chapter 2. Rural Policies in the Netherlands
Key points
Introduction
2.1. Rural policy in the Netherlands
2.2. Decentralisation
2.2.1. Coherence and comprehensiveness of national rural policies
2.3. Rural land use planning
2.3.1. Governance frameworks
2.4. Landscape and nature policies
2.4.1. Involvement of local government and private actors
2.4.2. Conclusion
Chapter 3. Strengthening Rural Policies in the Netherlands
Key points
Introduction
3.1. Decentralisation
3.2. Land use planning
3.3. Landscape and biodiversity policies
3.4. Conclusion
Bibliography
Évaluation et recommandations
Conclusies en Aanbevelingen