4. List of indicators for biological diversity in Belgium
Release date | 20/02/2006 |
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The report is based on an indicative list of biological diversity indicators provided as a reference point by the CBD Secretariat. The Notification from the Executive Secretary and the reference list of indicators can be found on the CBD Clearing-House Mechanism at the following URL: http://www.biodiv.org/doc/notifications/
The proposed tables were filled in with indicators currently used in Belgium. Indicators marked in red were added to the proposed list, and are specific to the Belgian context.
A clear distinction between actual "official" indicators for biological diversity and available data on status/trends of biodiversity is not always easy. Much more data are collected than presented in regional indicator reports, such as VRIND for Flanders or EEW for Wallonia. In this regard, we have opted to include in this report all relevant published information used by Belgium in its biological diversity monitoring process.
When an asterisk (*) is found next to an indicator number, it refers to an explanatory note at the end of the table.
Table 4.1. Forest Biological Diversity
Comments linked to Table 4.1.:
3) There are no truly natural forests in Belgium. Most forests are
planted, a few are semi-natural.
4) Wallonia and Flanders: this indicator is used to establish ownership
(private, state, local communities). In Wallonia, there is a big difference
in forest composition between privately- and publicly-owned land. Therefore,
this indicator indirectly shows how private owners evolve in the management
of their land (i.e. whether they plant more hardwoods or conifers, what
species they choose, etc.).
6 and 8) Wallonia: the undergoing forest inventory has been compared to
previous inventories (1970's and 1980's), in order to assess changes in
forest composition (trends in areas covered by hardwoods or conifers, trends
in areas of given tree species such as Norway spruce, beech, etc.).
Flanders: changes in forest composition and change of forest area by forest
type are obtained by comparing the results of the first forest inventory
(1997-1999) with the forest map of Flanders (1990).
10) Flanders: the deforestation rate is obtained by comparing the forest
map of 1990 with the forest map of 2000. For example, the total forest area
amounted to 152,488 ha in 1990 and 146,381 ha in 2000.
13) Wallonia: the fragmentation of forests is assessed using the number and
average size of forests ownership.
16-17) Flanders: the two indicators are important indicators for Flanders,
as forests have not only have an ecological and an economical function, but
also a very important social function (recreation and tourism). Only the
forest reserves and the open areas in forests have no production
function.
19) Flanders: i.e. the distribution (%) of forest reserves by forest type,
by age class and successional age.
24) Wallonia, Flanders: data concerning reforested areas can be deduced
from data concerning money granted for reforestation. However, not all
forest owners ask for a subsidy and/or not every reforestation project
qualifies for such subsidies. Data concerning the afforested areas can
similarly be inferred from subsidies for afforestation of agricultural land
(see agri-environmental measures, indicator 76).
27) Wallonia: stands managed for the utilisation of genetic resources
(genetic protection zones which are stands whose trees are selected for seed
collection). Flanders: data available at the Institute for Forestry and Game
management, Gaverstraat 4, 9500 Geraardsbergen.
28) All regions: logging activities (major economic function of forests in
Belgium).s
29) Wallonia: occasional censuses are carried out following natural
disasters such as storms (volume of windfalls, 1990) or insect attacks
(volume of Norway spruce attacked by spruce bark beetles, 1992 or beech
attacked by beech bark beetles, 2000). However, they are not used regularly
as forest indicators.
31 and 40) Flanders: the extent of mixed stands and data concerning volume,
basal area, cover of various tree species can be deduced from the first
forest inventory of Flanders.
35) Wallonia: this indicator gives the % of stands and volume of wood
suffering from big game damage (browsing, bark-peeling, etc. by deer, roe
deer, wild boar) per stand type. It is useful in the context of finding the
right balance between big game and forest foraging capacity.
36) Wallonia and Flanders: forest health monitoring is part of a European
initiative. Indicators gives the % of trees affected by defoliation and
discoloration, as well as the average level of defoliation per
species.
37) Wallonia: this indicator gives nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide
fallouts (kg/ha/year) at given sites in Wallonia, and reflects the air
pollution level in areas relatively distant from polluting sources
38) Wallonia: this indicator gives the number of public awareness
activities each year, especially oriented towards sustainable forest
management and use.
39) Wallonia: this indicator gives the number of infringements to the
forest legislation, reflecting the public pressure on forests.
41) Flanders: the changes in the volume of wood of different species will
be available at the end of the second forest inventory.
43) Wallonia and Flanders: threatened species mostly, and for some groups
only. There has been little work on keystone and flagship species in Belgium
so far, especially in forested ecosystems. Wallonia: the black stork is used
as a flagship species for migratory birds. In Belgium, the preferred habitat
of the black stork is forested areas; the bird is used essentially to raise
awareness on the problem of vanishing habitats for migratory birds (see
indicator 145).
45) In all Regions, species are used as biodiversity indicators and red
list are elaborated for major groups, including for species in forest
ecosystems (vascular plants, mammals, birds, invertebrates, etc.). See
indicators 145 and 155-170.
46) Flanders: red lists. See 45) above.
51) Flanders: A research project is under way to estimate the quality of
"ancient forest species" as biological diversity indicators.
Historical-ecological research has pointed out differences in species
composition between ancient (old-growth) and young forests. The so-called
ancient forest species are usually confined to ancient forests. These
species are excellent indicators of the ecological value of forest
communities and can be used to understand the colonisation process of newly
created forests.
52) Flanders: Indices of biological diversity are under development. These
indices incorporate species richness and rarity (Species Quality Index,
SQI), as well as species abundances and vulnerability (Site Conservation
Quality Index, SCQI). Data must be collected via continuous and similar
sampling techniques. They are elaborated using i.a. invertebrate
species.
53) Wallonia: this indicator refers to the number of animals killed by
hunting as compared to the number of animals alive in spring, before the new
births.
Table 4.2. Agricultural biological diversity
Comments linked to Table 4.2.:
54-55) These indicators are compiled annually by the National Institute
of Statistics (NIS), both at federal and regional level. See agriculture
indicators of the NIS at
http://www.statbel.fgov.be/figures/agriculture_fr.htm
56) The NIS provides some data at national level on extensively farmed
land: total area of extensive vegetable cultivation and high-stem
orchards.
57) The NIS compiles annually the total area of land taken away from
agricultural production, both at national and regional level.
58) The NIS also provides data on organic farming, through the number of
organic farms and the total area for organic pastures and cultivated
land.
59-60) Data is compiled at federal level by NIS, but additional data is
available at regional level. The main indicators used are the product
quantity/ha/year (amount of fertilizers used or amount of active matter used
for pesticides). Flanders: A monitoring programme specifically evaluates
agricultural pressures (MAP - Manure Action Plan). In this regard, the
region assesses the pressure from manure spreading on the soil and ground-
and surface-water quality (amount of manure produced and spread on fields,
in terms of phosphate and nitrogen production).
61) The NIS estimates annually the total area of agricultural land
afforested (including the total area of Christmas tree plantations), both at
federal and regional level. Wallonia also uses as an indicator the total
area concerned by financial support for afforestation (area/tree species
planted).
62-63) Flanders: exhaustive species inventories and red lists have been
established for a wide range of habitats, including grasslands. Information
is also available for agricultural lands. Species include vascular plants,
butterflies, spiders (see indicators 145 and 155-170).Trends analysis has
been carried out for some bird species in agricultural areas. Wallonia: data
are available for birds in agricultural areas.
75) Flanders: a research project is carried out at regional level on 3
vulnerable vascular plant species (Primula vulgaris, P. veris en P. elatior)
typical of agricultural areas.
76) Wallonia, Flanders: the financial assistance (amount of money) given
for the implementation of the EU's agri-environmental measures is used as an
indicator by both Wallonia and Flanders. These measures include the
plantation of hedges, late mowing practices, rare cattle breeds and
extensive grazing, establishment of wetlands and ponds, etc.
Table 4.3. Inland Waters Biological diversity
Comments linked to Table 4.3.:
77) Flanders: temperature, sulfates, chlorides, pH, nitrates and
nitrites, EC 20, dissolved oxygen, organic matter, ammonium, phosphate,
total phosphor. Wallonia: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorides,
sulfates, total cyanides, ammonium, Kjeldahl Nitrogen, total phosphor, heavy
metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn), anionic detergents, HAP, pesticide
residuals (e.g. Lindane). Brussels: surface water quality is evaluated among
others for the Senne, the Woluwe and the canal Brussels-Charleroi. Analysis
is made at the phyico-chemical level, biological level and through the
analysis of sediments (heavy metals, PCB, non-degradable organic
matter).
78) Biochemical Oxygen Demand during 5 days (Flanders: BZV5, Wallonia
DBO5).
79) Wallonia: number of catchments, nitrate concentration (mg/l), pesticide
concentration (including atrazine, mg/l), heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg,
Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Zn).
80) Wallonia : data are collected by the Ministry of Transport and
Equipment (MET) for large rivers and by DGRNE for smaller rivers and
streams.
82) Flanders: see note on indicators 120-121 for the Scheldt estuary.
83) Flanders, Wallonia: data are available for water production and water
consumption. Flanders: data are collected on the number of sewage
installation and wastewater treatment plants.
86) Wallonia: piezometric level measurements of the groundwater tables are
carried out at about 200 locations. Potential follow-up could amount to 2000
locations.
89) and 95) Both Flanders and Wallonia have carried out inventories of
freshwater fish species in their rivers. Flanders has established red lists
for brackish- and freshwater fish, and has several research projects under
way to study the distribution, ecology, habitat use and migration of several
species. It is also carrying on research for the establishment of an Index
of Biotic Integrity characterising fish populations and the quality of
Flandrian water bodies.
90) The Belgian Biotic Index (BBI) is used in both Flemish and Walloon
regions. It is derived from the French "Indice Biotique". In Wallonia, both
the Belgian and French standards are used. List of species can be obtained
on demand. In Brussels, a research project is under way to assess the
feasibility to use macro-benthic invertebrates for water quality
evaluation.
92) Wallonia: this indicator contributes to the evaluation of the
implementation of the groundwater protection policy. There are 4 levels of
protection depending on the distance from the catchment area. These
protection zones are a recent prevention tool to protect groundwater
quality, and only 2 have been approved to this day.
100) As for the other ecosystems, monitoring and red lists are being
elaborated for a number of groups and species (see indicators 145 and
155-170), including vascular plants, waterfowl, amphibians and
dragonflies.
104) In Belgium, fishing is mostly done as a recreational activity. It is
both carried out in artificial areas created for the purpose or in natural
rivers. Fishing activities generate important revenues (fish farming,
commerce, tourism) but can also some inflict more or less heavy pressures on
the environment (artificial stocking of ponds and rivers, overfishing,
etc.)
Table 4.4. Coastal and Marine Biological diversity
Comments linked to Table 4.4.:
* General note: The Belgian coast borders the North Sea and extends in
a straight line for 66.5 km. It has been in continuous urbanization for
decades because of popular tourism. In matters of environmental protection,
the Federal Government is competent for dealing with pollution at sea,
marine nature conservation, fisheries, etc. Other aspects concerning the
North Sea are dealt with through co-operation agreements, established
between the Federal State and the Flemish Region. Although the
Brussels-Capital and Walloon Regions do not have access to the sea, they are
involved in the decision-making process together with the Federal Government
and the Flemish Region, through their participation in the "Steering
Committee for the North Sea" (e.g. for waste water). The responsibility for
planning and implementing the national policy concerning the North Sea is
thus shared by the Federal Government and the Regions.
112) Flanders: the Flemish Environmental Society carries out yearly
inventories of the quality of Flemish recreational waters, both at the coast
and inland (about 40 inventory locations at the coast). Indicators used are
the total content of E. coli bacteria / 100 ml, the fecal E. coli
bacteria / 100 ml, the fecal Streptococci bacteria / 100 ml and
Salmonella / liter.
117) For commercial fish, the Sea Fisheries Department (SFD) carries out
weekly market samplings in the two most important Belgian fishing harbours,
Zeebrugge and Oostende. In the southern North Sea, specific surveys are
conducted with the Research Vessel "Belgica" to obtain fishery independent
estimates of the distribution and abundance of adult flatfish, and to
collect information on their migrations. Annually, young fish surveys are
carried out in the flatfish nursery areas along the Belgian coast. These
data are used to study the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the
dynamics of juvenile sole, plaice and dab, and they are incorporated in the
annual stock assessments, which eventually lead to the formulation of catch
quota.
118-119) Federal level: studies of marine mammal populations such as seals
and dolphins along the coast and in the Scheldt Estuary. Flanders:
exhaustive species inventories and red lists have been established for a
wide range of habitats, including sand dune ecosystems (see indicators 145
and 155-170). More specific projects include the study of the population
dynamics and spatial distribution of vascular plants and of invertebrate
species in coastal dune ecosystems (e.g. carabid beetles, Diptera, etc.).
Monitoring of sea- and shorebirds is carried out all year round and is used
as an indicator of the sea quality. Methods include boat, plan and
land-based inventories, as well as breeding birds surveys. Another
intensively studied coastal ecosystem is the Scheldt Estuary, for which
vegetation and birds are monitored along the gradient salty-, brackish-,
freshwater. The macro-benthos of the estuary is also monitored regularly and
serves as indicator of stress and pollution.
120) Flanders: research is under way (under Federal funding) to evaluate
which species of benthic communities (i.e. shallow sand banks systems) can
be best used as indicators for marine ecosystem health.
121) Flanders: in order to assess the level of oil pollution at sea,
regular counts of beach seabirds are being carried out each year since the
1960's. It is Belgium's contribution to the "International Beached Birds
Surveys" . The counts of beached seabirds are not really used as indicators
for biological diversity, but they are essential for providing data on
trends of oil pollution.
122) Flanders: see indicator no. 52.
Table 4.5. General indicators of Biological diversity - Part a
Comments linked to table 4.5. - Part a:
124) Wallonia: the Karst Atlas (Atlas du Karst) has been established
for the Region.
130) Major habitat types are inventoried in all regions.
Brussels: private green spaces (gardens, etc.), open green spaces (forests,
parks), railway embankments, scrubland, agricultural areas, other green
spaces (cemeteries, road embankments, etc.), blue spaces (ponds, rivers,
wetlands).
Flanders (total area, % area of Flanders): coastal dunes, heathlands and
bogs, wetlands, grasslands, forests, scrubland, inland waters (including
estuaries).
Wallonia: the CORINE typology is used: 2- non-marine waters, 3- scrub- and
grassland, 4- forests, 5- bogs and marshes, 6-inland rocks, screes and
sands, 8- agricultural land and artificial landscapes, 9- wooded grasslands
and scrubs.
See http://mrw.wallonie.be/dgrne/sibw/habitats/home.html
135-136, 138, 144) Major types of protected areas are:
Brussels: nature reserves, forest reserves, Natura 2000 areas, green
spaces.
Flanders: nature reserves, forest reserves, military areas managed for
conservation purposes, protected coastal dune areas (Duinendecreet), areas
of international status such as Natura 2000 (including special protection
areas and special areas of conservation) and Ramsar areas.
Wallonia: nature reserves, forest reserves, wetlands of biological
interest, underground cavities of scientific interest, Natura 2000 areas
(including special protection areas and special areas of conservation),
natural parks (see indicator 144 for natural parks). See http://mrw.wallonie.be/dgrne/sibw/sites/home.html
141) Brussels: the Region is working on establishing green and blue
networks, which are planning concepts emphasizing the cohesion and
continuity of green spaces (parks, gardens, railway embankments, woods,
etc.) and waterways (rivers, ponds) within the urban structure. See http://www.ibgebim.be/ESPACES-VERTS/MAILLAGE/index.htm.
Flanders: the Region is developing a "functional ecological network for
Flanders" (VEN + IVON) linking sites of ecological value (including nature
reserves and Natura 2000 areas).
144) Brussels: see 141. Wallonia: several measures are being taken to
preserve nature outside protected areas. They include natural parks, local
management plans (plans communaux de développement de la nature), thematic
operations (late mowing of roads banks, adequate fitting of church towers to
attract owls), financial support for hedge plantations, agri-environmental
measures. Flanders: regional management plans (gewestplannen).
Comments linked to table 4.5. - Part b:
145) and 155 to 170) Major groups have inventoried in all regions and
are used as biological diversity indicators. Red lists have been established
for those species, and population trends are monitored for most groups. Some
species/groups are used as bio-indicators but few species/groups are used as
keystone or flagship species/groups.
Brussels: vascular plants, fungi, amphibians and reptiles, birds (incl.
waterfowl), mammals (incl. bats). Some data on mosses and lichens.
Flanders: list of species and red lists are available for vascular plants,
mosses and liverworts (list of species but no red list yet), lichens (idem),
amphibians and reptiles, fishes (fresh- and brackishwater fishes), some
invertebrate groups (long-legged flies, butterflies, carabid beetles,
dragonflies, spiders) birds (breeding bird surveys, overwintering birds,
migrating birds), mammals. See http://www.instnat.be/Soorten/index.htm
Wallonia: regularly monitored groups are orchids, butterflies, dragonflies,
reptiles and amphibians, birds and bats. Lists of species are available for
orchids, some invertebrate groups (crayfishes, butterflies, dragonflies,
ladybirds), reptiles and amphibians, freshwater fishes, birds and mammals.
Red lists are available for mammals, birds, butterflies and dragonflies. See
http://mrw.wallonie.be/dgrne/sibw/especes/home.html
When projects on flagship or keystone species exist, they usually are not
utilised as biodiversity indicators. However, a few examples of projects are
given hereafter for information purposes. Projects on flagship species are
often oriented towards birds. Two projects with a high public awareness
impact use storks as flagship species for migratory bird species (one
project on white storks in Flanders and one on black storks in Wallonia) In
Wallonia, another project by a NGO is oriented towards the protection of the
bittern (Botaurus stellaris), which is used as a flagship species for
reedbeds habitats. As for keystone species, most projects are still only at
the research level. For example, one project uses the common red starfish
(Asterias rubens) as a keystone species for coastal biotopes of the North
Sea (open and closed estuarine branches, intertidal and offshore
zones).
149-150-157) Brussels: some data on introduced / naturalised species are
available for vascular plants (incl. trees), amphibians and reptiles, birds.
Follow-up of some species of those group is carried out, for example in
waterfowl populations. Wallonia: some data is available for some groups such
as birds, vascular plants, mammals and invertebrates (e.g. crayfishes).
Studies are carried on an occasional basis.
180) Wallonia: urbanization (total cover and distribution of rural and non
rural areas) is used to evaluate the pressure of urban development on
natural areas. It also gives an indication of the fragmentation of these
natural areas.
181) Wallonia: pressure from transport is evaluated through the average
distance covered per person and per year for major transport categories
(foot, bike, motorbike, car, train, bus, cab, underground). This indicator
is complemented by an indicator on pressure by aerial transport.