This article discusses the manner in which the Netherlands has engaged with the development of international environmental law since the beginning of the 20th century. It deals with a number of selected topics by focusing on three themes which have at various times surfaced in during the past 100 years. These three themes are individuals matter, principles and pragmatism and European and international environmental law. The topics discussed are nature conservation, oganotins in anti-fouling paint, the whaling regime, climate change and water (river and oceans) law in Europe. The article concludes that the Netherlands continues to invest in the development of international environmental law and that its position is best characterized as pragmatically pro-environment and in support of sustainable development. The conclusions also point out that one theme runs through the development of international environmental law: a search for the ‘right’ institutions.