On Tuesday, September 22, the festive conclusion of the 30th anniversary of National Park Zuid-Kennemerland took place in the walking park and open-air theater Caprera. Together with partners and direct stakeholders, a brief look back was taken at three decades of collaboration and especially looked forward to the future.
Under the leadership of the National Park chairperson, Annette Baerveldt, and after a warm welcome by the host and director Lode van Piggelen, the evening was opened. Subsequently, deputy Anouk Gielen shared her vision for the future of the national park and the important role that nature plays in it. Behavioral researcher Joeri Kabalt then provided a special moment of wonder, inspiring the attendees to look at their surroundings with a fresh perspective.
Dreams
One of the highlights of the evening was the future discussion between Jannemarie de Jonge, Ambassador of Inclusive Nature, Carmen Capendale, urban ecologist of Haarlem, and Rien de Vries, forest ranger at Staatsbosbeheer. They took the audience into their dreams for the coming years. Central to this was breaking down boundaries, boundaries that nature itself does not draw. The importance of experiencing nature was also extensively discussed: in nature itself and by bringing nature closer to people.
Future Perspective
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland is already actively committed to these challenges, including projects like the Schoolyard Expedition, the Dune Gardens, and the Outdoors - 30 Days Better Outside Challenge. The attendees found it an inspiring evening full of new insights, beautiful conversations, and future perspectives. National Park Zuid-Kennemerland looks forward with enthusiasm to the next 30 years.