Local governments

Local governments are the closest administration to citizens and to the land issues and activities within their administrative boundaries. Their responsibilities cover a wide range of issues, view but taking good care of the land should be one of their top priorities. Therefore, ed they are more likely to be the first public body to get involved in land stewardship.

Local administrations can also play an active role developing stewardship initiatives in their municipalities, acting as public landowners that reach agreements with conservation organisations, as land stewardship organisations themselves, or as facilitators of agreements between landowners and stewardship organisations in their territories

Photo: Jan Tuip

Recommendations to be considered by local governments

• Introduce the concept of and promote land stewardship into the local policy agenda and urban planning, especially in relation to conservation and protection of the environment.
• Ask for support and guidance from land stewardship networks and organisations, other public bodies and organisations, to solve any doubt or consider best actions to promote land stewardship in the municipality.
• Create the conditions for land stewardship agreements, create tax benefits that help make land stewardship agreements more attractive for landowners and stewardship organisations.
• Facilitate the contact and partnership between land stewardship organisations and landowners.
• Give support to land stewardship organisations in the area.
• Use land stewardship agreements as a means for participation and local involvement in the protection and management of natural areas of local interest.