Elze Hemke has been involved in the development and policy for national parks since 2018. She first did this as a coordinator, later as a program leader at the Ministry of LVVN. In this interview, she reflects on her first encounter with the parks and discusses the challenges she faced in developing national park policy.
When did you first become acquainted with national parks?
‘That started during my student days in Wageningen. I frequently visited Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe for a day. The landscape with sand drifts, heathlands, solitary trees, forests, the cattle grids, and certainly also the museum, the sculpture garden, and the beautiful bike rides impressed me. It gave me peace, space, and joy. I liked going there, not because it was a national park, but mainly because of the attractive environment and what it did to me.’
Does that make Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe your favorite national park?
All 21 parks have their own charm according to Elze. 'But Nationaal Park Het Dwingelderveld really impressed me. I find the mix of heathlands, es villages, drifting sand, and small fens appealing. Additionally, the visitor center, the shop, and the offer of play nature, by which I mean the world of OERR, add extra value to a visit and experience of the park.'
Has your view of the national parks changed over the years?
‘Yes, it certainly has. Through collaboration, knowledge, and experience, I have gotten to know the parks, the people, and the networks behind them better. Each park works from its origins, identity, and expertise towards a sustainable future for the area and its immediate surroundings. The versatility of the parks has become increasingly visible over the years. Where I used to mainly see the park as an entity ‘area,’ I now think differently. I know that the park is also a network of local and regional partners. That network influences the development of the region, the reception of visitors, and the nature experience.’
What are you proud of when looking back at your work for and with national parks at the ministry?
‘That we have put the parks better on the map. With, among other things, a policy program, financing from the Ministry of LVVN, collaboration with the provinces and national partners. This took shape in the Manifest Nationale Parken (2025-2030), the Beleidsregel aanwijzing Nationale Parken (2024-2030), and the start of monitoring the policy objectives. The results of the first measurement of this monitoring were recently published. Furthermore, the designation of new parks is something I am proud of: Nationaal Park Nieuw Land and Van Gogh Nationaal Park were added, and there was a redrawing of the boundaries of Nationaal Park Drentsche Aa. Preparing the administrative decision-making process to secure additional resources from the government for the national parks was a real challenge. It was a laborious and not always pleasant process, but with perseverance, you can achieve a lot.’
What could national parks pay more attention to?
Elze has an idea about that. ‘National Parks can pay more attention to informing and activating residents. Initiatives such as ridge gardens at Nationaal Park de Utrechtse Heuvelrug or dune gardens at Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland bring biodiversity literally to the doorsteps of people’s homes. They thereby ensure more involvement with the national park. It is important for parks to know what they stand for, with clear messages and visibility in the local community. As far as I am concerned, the parks do not need to focus on new topics.’
What is needed for that?
Elze’s message is clear: ‘As a national park, show your added value. Work from a clear vision on concrete examples in the region. Collaboration within the national park system is important to take steps together. But as a park, also stay true to yourself, exploit regional opportunities, and contribute to a sustainable future. A national park is much more than just nature and landscape.’
Do you have a wish for the national parks?
‘The special collection of national parks deserves more attention in my opinion,’ says Elze. ‘During my work for and with national parks, I discovered that the 21 parks represent almost all landscape types of the Netherlands. Nowhere else in the world do you encounter so many different landscapes within such a short distance. We must continue to tell the unique story of the national parks.’
Finally, I wish the national parks a sustainable future and thank everyone for the pleasant collaboration in recent years. It has been a wonderful journey. Who knows, maybe see you in one of our beautiful national parks!