As part of Pilot A within the MONA project, Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park (NPUH) is working with Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide and Montagne de Reims Regional Park to encourage a modal shift from car-dependent travel to more sustainable alternatives such as walking and cycling. To support these efforts, NPUH has commissioned the consultancy firm Rebel Group (Living Mobility) to guide the development process of a shared long-term mobility vision in close collaboration with the authorities, transport providers and other regional stakeholders.
The large number of stakeholders involved calls for a region-wide mobility vision that is also administratively supported and secured. A joint long-term sustainable mobility vision (2050) will be worked on, including concrete ambitions for the short (2026) and medium term (2030).
“We selected Rebel because of their experience, proposed approach and experience with previously implemented mobility projects in the region. With this vision process, we can develop a shared picture of the future with all relevant stakeholders. This provides a solid foundation for cooperation between regional and local stakeholders, including the province of Utrecht, municipalities, land management organisations, Dutch Railways (NS) and ProRail.” - Sterre Sparreboom, project manager for sustainable mobility at NPUH
“We are happy to use our expertise in mobility and nature conservation to contribute to sustainable recreational mobility. In this way, we work together to ensure appropriate accessibility to the National Park and a healthy balance between people and nature.” - Djavan Braumuller, project manager at Rebel
Next steps
The next phase of the project will focus on building a shared vision through a series of working sessions. On 16 April 2025 and 8 May 2025 interactive stakeholder workshops will take place, bringing together regional stakeholders to co-develop an initial shared vision for 2050 on sustainable leisure mobility in and around the National Park. The outcomes of these workshops will form important building blocks in the further development of the mobility vision.
This will be followed by an administrative follow-up meeting on 24 April 2025. During this meeting, the results of the first workshop will be presented to administrative representatives, who will be invited to reflect on the shared vision and engage in a plenary discussion. This exchange aims to strengthen administrative alignment and ensure that the long-term vision is both actionable and supported at all levels.