Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Borger-Odoorn

Environmental Protection and Energy: The administration promotes rigorous waste management through "door-to-door" separate waste collection and a weight-based pricing system (following the "polluter pays" principle). Home composting and the separation of bulky waste are strongly encouraged, with the aim of achieving a 75% separation rate. Regarding energy, the Municipality has signed the Northern Netherlands Energy Agreement and is implementing sustainable building projects, heat pumps for new sports complexes, the "Fresh Schools" project, and wind turbine installations (such as in the "Wijken voor Water" water project). To reduce light and water pollution, dimming technology is used for nighttime street lighting (a 50% reduction), LED lamps are installed on cycle paths, and 54 hectares of paved areas have been disconnected from the sewer system to allow for the natural infiltration of rainwater.

Infrastructure, Mobility, and Urban Quality: The area is traversed by an extensive and safe network of cycle paths—comprising 170 km of paved and 20 km of gravel tracks—connecting schools and public facilities. Traffic is regulated through 30 km/h zones in residential areas and reduced speed limits (from 80 to 60 km/h) on local access roads. Thanks to the LOFAR astronomy project, the municipality benefits from high-speed fiber-optic connections that extend to all local schools. The administration has also launched the "Spazio per te!" (Space for You!) program, aimed at creating integrated green areas, playgrounds, and central social spaces in every village.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: Regional products are marketed under the "Drents Goed" brand and distributed at the Hunebed Information Center, a facility supported by the municipality. Of particular note is the Slow Food Presidium for the "Drenthe Heath Sheep" and the promotion of short supply chains and animal welfare through the premium "Drents Weidevlees" meat. The town of Borger—named Drenthe's "Capital of Taste" in 2010—actively pursues healthy eating programs (adopting methodologies such as EPODE/JOGG) to combat high rates of obesity and diabetes. The area's trees are protected through a dedicated inventory system ("Treewatch") designed to care for monumental trees.

Social Cohesion and Hospitality: The tourism strategy centers on the art of relaxation—specifically the "four Rs": rest, room, roots, and rehabilitation. It promotes Borger-Odoorn as an ideal Dutch destination for unwinding and connecting with nature, a success exemplified by the "Boomkroonpad" (treetop walkway), which attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. The Borger-Odoorn Destination Foundation manages and coordinates the Tourist Information Points (TIPs) located throughout the area.

List of Events

SIVO Festival: One of Europe's largest international open-air folk festivals, hosting 18–20 foreign groups annually and attracting over 25,000 visitors with songs, dances, authentic instruments, and traditional costumes.

Sheep-shearing Festival in Exloo: A spring event where sheep are shorn using traditional methods, accompanied by local dancing and demonstrations of ancient crafts.

Op de Kloeten":  An international summer festival showcasing around 180 ancient crafts and traditional artisanal skills from both the Netherlands and abroad.

Glassblowing Festival: A celebration in Nieuw-Buinen designed to keep alive the memory of the area's historic and thriving glass industry.

Week van de Smaak (Taste Week) and Preuvenement: National gastronomic events and showcases focused on tasting regional, artisanal, seasonal, and organic foods, with Borger playing a leading role.