In the Netherlands, De Natuur en Milieufederaties has developed a seven-part course to turn citizens into ‘energie boswachters,’ or energy wildlife rangers, that is local experts on protecting nature in solar and wind farms.
The focus of the program is on evaluating the ecological impact of a solar or wind farm on a specific plot of land, its effects on the surrounding landscape, and how to protect biodiversity in new and existing locations.
NMF has completed courses in five Dutch provinces and is planning a second series in 2023.