Joint venture between Staatsbosbeheer and 'the Facultatieve Group'

Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission) and 'the Facultatieve Group' are to work together to enable the scattering of ashes in conservation areas within the Commission’s remit. They are investigating the possibility of subsuming this within a foundation in which both organisations would participate. This foundation would initially assess the options for scattering ashes in two areas on existing burial mounds or placing urns in previously dug or prospective burial mounds. Two different areas are under consideration here: one that may be signified using art and memorials, and one – for those wishing to return to nature in its purest form – where this will not be permitted so as to keep the area ‘unadulterated’. Staatsbosbeheer and 'the Facultatieve Group' are currently discussing a suitable timescale for creation of the foundation, and where and when relevant projects can be initiated. Code of conduct Earlier this week, Minister G. Verburg of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality submitted to the Dutch Lower House a proposed code of conduct entitled ‘the scattering of ashes and burial in Staatsbosbeheer conservation areas’. This code essentially allows the scattering of ashes in areas under the authority of Staatsbosbeheer, but also states that Staatsbosbeheer does not consider it a core responsibility to allow burials in the existing natural environment. Since scattering ashes is also not considered a core responsibility of Staatsbosbeheer, this body has found a partner with extensive experience in this field: 'the Facultatieve Group' (owner of the Westerveld Cemetery & Crematorium, the first crematorium in the Netherlands). Henry Keizer, president of the Executive Board of ‘the Facultatieve Group’: “We are very pleased to be able to flesh out this initiative on behalf of Staatsbosbeheer. Our history and experience have of course played a role, but the positive way in which we have dealt for many years already with environmental issues in our fields, and the degree to which this is reflected in the quality of our service provision, has been of particular significance.” Staatsbosbeheer Staatsbosbeheer was commissioned in 1899 to manage Dutch state woodland and to create new woodlands. Its tasks were later expanded to include conservation, countryside development, recreation and the promotion of dedicated ‘green areas’. The Staatsbosbeheer mission statement focuses on encouraging a sustainable living environment for people, plants and animals. To further promote an enduring relationship between humans and nature, multi-functional natural environments have been selected ensuring the accommodation of human needs.