Our Constitution sets out the rights to which all citizens are entitled. It also sets out the rules for living together harmoniously. People who live or work in Apeldoorn explain what this law means in their daily lives. This time: Peter Huis in ’t Veld, technical tree manager, on Article 21.
Constitution, Article 21 | Environment
“We’re lucky because our city has loads of green spaces”
‘The government is trying to ensure that people can live comfortably and safely’
“When I think of a good place to live, I think above all of a natural environment. Lots of people in Apeldoorn enjoy living surrounded by greenery. Or at least close to it, so you can walk or cycle out into nature. We’re really lucky, because our city has plenty of trees and other green spaces. It’s a real part of this town’s character.”
“As a ‘tree manager’, I work on our living environment every day. For example, I help to shape the city’s layout. How can we ensure there’s more greenery in places where there isn’t much yet? How do we keep the plants and trees healthy and thriving? I also check that no dangerous situations could arise, for example from loose branches. Because it has to be safe, too.”
“Climate change means it’s only going to get warmer. And we’ll see more extreme weather: heavy downpours and more severe droughts. To ensure that you can continue to live here comfortably, trees are particularly important at such times. They provide shade, retain water and purify the air. Old trees, in particular, are incredibly valuable, not least because they are teeming with life. We must take great care of them.”
“In my work, I look far into the future, because trees only reach maturity after decades. I keep asking myself: how can I ensure that it will still be a good place to live for my (grand)children? With that future in mind, we need to give trees a bit more space. Couldn’t we make a bit less room for cars and a bit more for nature? That’s good for the environment and the air. And green spaces are also important as places where people can meet.”