I amsterdam - Biology & Ecology

Greenery
There are around 200,000 trees in the city's open spaces, including some 8,500 elms and limes lining the canals. As early as 1454, damaging the city's trees was made a criminal offence, punishable by flogging, banishment or even mutilation. In addition, special by-laws have been in force since 1615 to protect the gardens of 27 residential blocks within the ring of canals. In recent years, cutting down any tree requires a permit, issuance of which is preceded by a motivation study and neighbourhood survey. Every borough administration has published a 'trees booklet' setting out walks through the most attractive green areas in its district.More greenery is provided by the 13 school gardens around the city, which have now been in existence for 80 years. Nearly all primary schools in Amsterdam have their own patch of ground.

Biology
Amsterdam has constructed 'green roads' to help Animals carry on their lives in the busy city. In addition to grassy 'animal highways' alongside the A10 highway ring and main rail routes, there are now 'eco-ribbons' that criss-cross the city - sluices, linked gardens, embankments and tunnels. Park squirrels are no longer isolated from the outside world, and hedgehogs, foxes and salamanders are making a comeback within the city limits.

Ecology
In order to counteract soil subsidence caused by sinking groundwater levels, Amsterdam is designing an operation to flood certain areas around the capital - an about-turn from the usual Dutch practice of reclaiming land. According to the municipal planning department of the Dienst Ruimtelijk Ordening (DRO), the solution is to build artificial lakes around the city that would act as water reservoirs. These lakes would also enhance the appearance of the area, and some would be turned into recreational facilities.

Fauna
The patchwork of Amsterdam landscapes provides a home to many wild animals. 140 species of bird breed in the city, and there are 34 species of mammal, 60 fish species, 6 species of frog and salamanders, and the grass snake. The city also houses several petting farms as well as other farms, including a goat farm in the Amsterdam Bos woods.

Artis
In addition to a clear excess of dogs and cats, Amsterdam also has its share of rare animals - such as the snow leopard and the lesser panda, which can be found in the Artis Zoo. The oldest zoological garden on the European continent, the zoo came to life in 1838. Since 1992, Artis has coordinated the European Endangered Species Programme for the more than 200 members of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. Black-footed penguins are being bred in Amsterdam for this programme. Artis also works for the conservation of old Dutch domesticated animal breeds such as the black-faced sheep, the sheeted cow, crested farmyard ducks and variegated pigs and milking goats. The keeping of homing pigeons on the roof by pigeon fanciers is a popular Amsterdam sport.

Municipal Planning
The DRO is the central service arm responsible for policies reguarding municipal planning for the 14 city districts. The DRO advises the city on issues reguarding planning policies, research, and design and planning of civil architecture.

Visiting Adress: Jodenbreestraat 25 
Telefoon: +31 (0)20  552 7711
E-mail:info@dro.amsterdam.nl