Survey: 'more participation in management Maasheggen'

Six students from Wageningen University conducted research late last year on the management of the Maasheggen. They asked farmers in the UNESCO area about their experiences with and ideas for managing the Maasheggen.
Among the conclusions drawn from the research are the following:

• Involve the local community before a plan is made;
• explore alternative business models only with those farmers who are enthusiastic about them;
• Steer clear of opportunities to redesign the agricultural nature management of the Maasheggen area. Suggestions included the following:
  • higher financial compensation;
  • longer-term contracts;
  • establishment of an independent advisory committee;
  • give farmers more freedom to manage their own hedges;
• Improve farmer involvement and communication.

To learn more about the study, click here for the summary and here for the full (English) study.