• June 26, 2025

InterLIFE Benelux 2025: Working together restoring nature in the Benelux

On the 17th and 18th of June, Natuurmonumenten organized a new edition of InterLIFE Benelux in Assen (NL), as part of the European Peat Pals for LIFE project. For the first time since 2019, over 80 nature managers, researchers, and policymakers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg came together to exchange knowledge and experiences around LIFE Nature projects. The central theme: nature restoration in transition zones.

The event opened on Tuesday the 17th of June in the Provincial House of Drenthe, where participants were welcomed by Jordan Jumelet (Provincie Drenthe). Natuurmonumenten’s Director of Nature, Jeroen de Koe, shared his experiences regarding transition zones and the importance of European projects.  Joseph van der Stegen, representing the European Commission, provided an update on the recently adopted EU Nature Restoration Law. A lively pitch carousel followed, featuring no less than 14 LIFE projects showcasing their projects and lessons learned.

In the afternoon, participants joined interactive workshops covering topics such as paludiculture, invasive alien species, carbon credits and cooperation with stakeholders in the transition zones. The day ended with dinner in Veenhuizen and with thematic cycling tours through the UNESCO World Heritage site Veenhuizen, organised by the Municipality of Noordenveld, exploring its link with the nearby Fochteloërveen.

On the 18th, participants visited two key Natura 2000 sites: Fochteloërveen and Bargerveen. These field trips provided a hands-on view of peatland restoration in action and demonstrated the importance of cooperation with different partners and the role of transition zones.

We look back on two inspiring days of exchange, new ideas and inspiration. These LIFE projects show that restoration doesn’t stop at the edge of protected areas. Broader landscapes — including transition zones — must be part of our approach. European policies and programmes like LIFE are essential to achieve this. Not just for funding, but also for bringing people, organizations, ideas and policies together.

Next year, InterLIFE Benelux will be organised by our Flemish partner Natuurpunt — and we’re already looking forward to it!