Natuurmonumenten is an association with 750,000 members dedicated to preserving nature and cultural heritage in the Netherlands. Founded in 1905, Natuurmonumenten looks after more than 100,000 hectares of nature and is committed to growing, conserving, and managing nature reserves throughout the Netherlands. 

Oliver Wyman helped define the cost and benefits of further expanding the Marker Wadden, an artificial archipelago under development in the Markermeer, a lake in the Netherlands. Between 2016 – 2021 five artificial islands were constructed and have already improved the biodiversity, bird and fish populations and water quality of the local area. The further development of the Marker Wadden aims to expand and perpetuate "National Park Nieuw Land" by constructing additional islands and developing a nature area of international character. 

Oliver Wyman helped create a business case for the further development of the Marker Wadden, assisting Natuurmonumten to monetize the impact on biodiversity, the release of nitrogen space, the improvement of the business climate in the region, and knock-on effects in terms of innovation for the civil and maritime industry.

This project will help Natuurmonumenten lobby for a significant Dutch grant that aims to provide approximately 2,000 acres of a new protected nature reserve in the heart of the Netherlands.