Based on this question, Forest Defenders EU analyzed the campaign and listed the lessons learned:

“This victory is a beacon of hope. We encourage others across Europe to take inspiration from this campaign and consider similar efforts to halt destructive biomass projects. Working together, we can protect forests, biodiversity, and climate integrity. By sharing the strategies behind this success, we hope to inspire organisations across Europe to take similar action in their own countries”

Top Four Key Lessons:

  • Creative and Focused Litigation
    The nature permit challenge focused on nitrogen emissions. The campaign argued that the plant’s proximity to the Naardermeer Natura 2000 site—managed by Natuurmonumenten—necessitated a proper impact assessment. Citing Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive (see article below).
  • Cooperate with Others Who Share Your Goals
    The second cornerstone of this victory was collaboration. Each NGO brought unique expertise to the table. MOB specializes in nitrogen emission regulations and the EU Water Framework Directive. Comité Schone Lucht focuses on woody biomass and led the public campaign effort. Natuurmonumenten, the manager of the affected Natura 2000 site, also joined the effort.
  • Involve The Local Community in Your Campaigns
    From the beginning in 2019, Comité Schone Lucht led a grassroots campaign that never lost momentum. Their efforts included a children’s march to Vattenfall, extensive media outreach, and numerous articles in national newspapers.
  • Base Your Campaign on Nothing but Science

Read the full article: forestdefenders.eu/vattenfall-biomass-plant-defeated-lessons-from-a-successful-dutch-campaign