People themselves can change and improve their living environment. Active citizens bring development and change. When they are surrounded by inspiring professionals, their ideas and plans can be realized faster. Then it is possible to plant, build, work, share and enjoy. As a network of professionals we believe in community participation and help active citizens to improve their physical living environment.

What we do

KNHM supports people who want to improve their neighbourhood, village or city. We assist people who want to realise their idea aiming at the improvement of the physical living environment. We also assist people who want to participate in democratic decision making processes. Our support consists of technical assistance, network and process costs.

Theme’s on which we focus are:

• Regional/local food
• Sustainable local energy
• Livability & demographic changes
• Recreation & tourism
• Cultural heritage & landscape

Our organisation

We are a network of around 100 professionals. These professionals have a proven track record as politician, manager, advisor or entrepreneur. They are willing to offer their services free of charge. Formally we are a foundation with a branch in each of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands. Through these branches our professionals assist active citizens. They do this in collaboration with our project advisors who work at our central office.

KNHM was established in 1888 to advise and stimulate the development of agricultural land, forests and nature. In 1972 KNHM was split into a commercial part (Heidemij) and a non-profit part (KNHM). In 1998 Heidemij changed its name into ARCADIS. ARCADIS has developed into an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in the fields of infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. KNHM is shareholder of ARCADIS.

Community with Spirit in Latvia

KNHM works in the Netherlands. However, there is one exception. Since 2005 KNHM supports Community with Spirit activities in Latvia. Community with Spirit is a kind of competition. Not a real competition, because participants compete with themselves. Will they implement their project in time? That’s the challenge participants are facing. If so, they can call themselves a community with spirit. For implementing their project they receive a donation of 1000 euro. Informal groups of people who want to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods can participate in Community with Spirit. Are you a Latvian organization interested to start up Community with Spirit in your region, you can find more information here.