The minister has now been in office for almost 100 days. A good time to draw extra attention once again to the importance of biodiversity: “Dear minister, it is important that you do a lot of work for nature in the Netherlands because it concerns our future. If all the animals eventually die, that will also affect us,” was the appeal from Jasmijn of OBS Piet Mondriaan. She hopes that the minister will pay extra attention to wild bees.
Working towards a strong natural environment
All the children believe that the minister should also genuinely listen to young people. Minister Van der Wal: “You often have to explain to adults why nature is important. I don’t need to tell children anything. And you are right, because it is your future. I am very curious about your advice. I will certainly keep it in mind as I work towards a stronger natural environment. And I hope that many schools will follow your good example and teach children about nature and sustainable living. Because working towards a strong natural environment is something we should do together as much as possible!”
Kirsten Schuijt, director of WWF-NL, is enthusiastic about the initiative: “In this introductory dossier, all the children indicate that they are concerned about the extinction of animals and plants. It is their future, and they believe it is important for the minister to take action. Both in our own country and beyond. I wholeheartedly support their appeal.”
Future Studies
During the Future Studies lesson ‘Time for Biodiversity’, pupils from years 5–8 explained why the minister must make every effort to protect biodiversity.