1.2 Integration into the wider landscape and other sectors, connectivity

Release date	14/05/2007

Assessment criterion:

• Measures taken on, and progress made towards integration into the wider landscape, connectivity and integration with other sectors

Description of progress, main obstacles, information sources:

1/ For the development of a coherent ecological network system several instruments are implemented to ensure connectivity between PA and to enhance integration of PA into the wider landscape:

Actual results and trends over the years can be consulted on the regional websites:

http://environnement.wallonie.be/ for Wallonia,
http://www.ibgebim.be for Brussels region,
http://www.mumm.ac.be for the Federal marine area
http://www.anb.be, and http://natuurindicatoren.be  for the Flemish region (information given per indicator, also in English)

                => Establishment of ecological network

Natura 2000 sites have been designated based on the criteria given in de Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive – numbers and surfaces are given in the overview table in annex.

• Flemish Region:

Besides the Natura 2000 network which covers about 12,1 % of the regional territory, a Flemish ecological network system is also being established – both are partially overlapping. This network structure is composed of two main parts. The first one is the Flemish Ecological Network (Vlaams Ecologisch Netwerk, VEN), that includes Large Nature Units (Grote Eenheden Natuur, GEN) and Potential Large Nature Units (Grote Eenheden Natuur in Ontwikkeling, GENO). The second part is the so-called Integral Interweaving and Supportive Network (Integraal Verwevings- en Ondersteunend Netwerk IVON) and is composed of Nature ‘Interwoven’ Areas (Natuurverwevingsgebieden) and Nature Corridor Areas (Natuurverbindingsgebieden).  The basic concept of this integrated approach is that VEN provides the core biodiversity areas within the region, being based primarily on designated areas (for a large part including nature and forest reserves and Natura 2000 sites) and that IVON identifies components of the landscape which mostly have primary functions other than nature conservation and/or elements that connect these core areas together. Identification and designation is based primarily on a detailed spatial planning map that outlines the land use classes for the entire region. In principle this approach of identifying core areas (VEN) and connecting structures (IVON) through an integrated spatial planning perspective offers a practical method to implement connectivity. It is based on the principle of identifying the primary functions of the areas involved. VEN areas must have nature conservation as their primary function; this could include nature-oriented recreation or limited production (nature friendly forestry) as secondary functions. The IVON however utilises areas that are identified for use and production and states that a secondary function can be nature conservation. Examples of such areas include agri-environmental schemes and traditional connecting structures such as small rivers or hedgerows. In practice the process has experienced resistance and difficulties implementation.

The Nature Decree sets the targets for VEN to 125.000 ha and the Interweaving Areas to 150.000 to be established by 2003. Till now 87.022  ha of VEN and 934 ha of   ‘interwoven’ areas have been designated. Establishment of corridor areas is the responsibility of the provincial authorities and are now in preparation – see also  under 1.2.  

Information can be found on http://www.ven-ivon.be and on http://www.natuurindicatoren.be

• Walloon Region:

The designation of the Natura 2000 sites for the protection of priority species and habitats as meant by the Birds and Habitats Directives covers 220 944 ha for 240 sites in the Walloon Region which corresponds to approximately 13 % of the territory. These designation mostly happened in 2002. The network is based on the hydrological network.

• Brussels Capital Region :

The green network plan is the masterplan for the ecological network. An specific ecological networkplan  has been developed and has been accepted as general guidance. The practical implementation in the field is however not very easy. The implementation of the Natura 2000 network, which is based on the concept of core areas and connecting areas, however is already a  major contribution to the realisation of the network and covers about 14,3 % of the regional territory. 

=> designation of nature corridors to ensure spatial and functional connectivity between PA

With reference to network cherence and connectivity the Natura 2000 network was developed mainly on the basis of the hydrographic network to ensure a good connectivity between the different sites and coherence between core areas and connecting areas.

The Brussels Capital Region being highly urbanised, also developed the concept of green and blue network, as strategic vision in the concept, development, realisation and management of its greens spaces and (semi)natural areas. The green network emphasizes the cohesion and continuity of green spaces and semi-natural areas in the urban environment. The intention is to integrate the scenic, esthetical, social, recreational and ecological functions of the green spaces and to develop of their interconnectivity by greenways and new green areas. Simultaneously, work is being done to implement the blue network. Its purpose is to have an integrated, durable and ecologically-justified management of the open waterways and associated wetlands in the Region.

In the framework of the development of the Flemish Ecological Network Structure (see above) the areas with important natural value or  with potential value have been mapped and about 433 connective zones or nature corridors identified – to be consulted on the website under the indicator ‘corridor areas’. Provincial authorities are developing designation and management plans for the corridor areas – 11 pilot projects are in process.

=> for the protection of small landscape elements which have an important function as stepping stones and migrating corridors several types of measures are taken by the government, promoted and financially supported for private owners

• Delayed mowing of road embankments (« fauchage tardif des bords de routes » ) and ecological managemenbt of rad and waterways verges;

In Flanders about 998 km of road-side verges and 636 km of river and canal verges are now under nature-oriented management schemes.

• Financial incentives are given to private and public landowners to plant or restore hedges, for ecological management of borders of plots, for enhancing botanical values of grasslands  (see also under agri-environment measures)
• On the basis of an ecological network map or of an environment policy plan, ‘Municipality plans for nature development’ develop actions to maintain and restore biodiversity at the city or municipal level.
• The Natural Parks intend to protect nature of an area of high biological interest in harmony with the population concerns, rural and economic development. There are 9 Natural parks in the Walloon Region  covering 306 971 ha, and 1 National Park in Flanders covering about 4.500 ha.
• fitting out of roofs and church towers for bat populations, installation of nesting boxes for birds and roosts for bats, nest box actions for raptors and owls (« Opération Combles et Clochers » in Wallonia)
• in urbanized areas: active promotion to develop green roofs, green walls, development of more  natural gardens

In Flanders about 560 municipal projects are being carried out with the objective of conservation and development of nature, forest or green spaces.

=> in river basin management plans include conservation and restoration of natural values through the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and through specific waterway schemes (Contrats de Rivières in Wallonia, implementation of the “blue network” in Brussels Region, floodplain restoration and development in Flemish Region)

=> construction of fauna passages

The construction of  “eco-tunnels” and “eco-passages” in fragmented habitats and now also as mitigating and compensatory action in various construction projects. A project for the constructing of an eco-passage in the most important natural site of Brussels, the Sonian Forest, is under study.  

In the Flemish Region 15 % of 193 known barriers for amphibian passages are neutralized till now, while 2 large ecoduct-projects and 17 ecotunnel-projects have been implemented.

=> ensuring fish migration by de-fragmentation of rivers

Inventories of the obstacles for fish migration have been compiled for the Walloon and Flemish Region, measures for restoring migration passages are included in the river basis management plans and also form the implementation of a Benelux Agreement.

In the Flemish Region 110 of 796 (14 %) of known barriers are neutralized till now.

=> spatial planning

• Flemish Region: designations of the Flemish Ecological Network areas are integrated into the spatial land use destination plans, implying specific regulations for the protection and management
• Brussels Region: In the regional zoning plan of 2001, a category “B” (sites of high biological interest” has been added in the general category of green spaces. This is a very important recognition. Also the concept of “ecological network” has been accepted, but has no legal force until now. 
• Federal marine area:  The Masterplan North Sea foresees the spatial planning of the Belgian marine areas and takes into account (at least to a certain extent) the integration of the marine protected areas in other sectorial policies.  A Royal Decree has been approved for user agreements in protected areas (KB14 October 2005). A Royal Decree concerning protection of ship wrecks has been proposed (Chamber of Representatives – November 2006). 

=> urban parks and green buffers

Public parks also contribute to nature conservation.  Some large landscape parks including forests, grasslands, ponds,…in Brussels Region do present a very rich flora and fauna and received the status of Natura 2000 site.  Park management plans include zoning of the park area in order to have different area’s dedicated to different functions: recreational, walks, nature…. The administration gives advices to municipalities for ecological management to develop natural values

• Flemish Region : Handbook for harmonised park management + training sessions
• Brussels Capital Region: regional public green spaces (parks, gardens, …) are managed following the principles of  “differentiated management”, which implies ecological management where there are potentialities 

2/ sectoral integration is being stimulated and supported through:

=> agri-environment measures and other measures for the agriculture sector encourage the conservation of landscape elements, ecological network elements (such as  hedges, tree rows, isolated trees, fruit tree, grove, pounds) ; natural grasslands ; well managed borders and grassland buffer zones; high nature value grasslands;  actions under the programme a Fallow for fauna (“jachère-faune”) and delayed mowing of grasslands for meadow bird protection schemes.

=> management agreements:

In the regions management agreements are established with Ministry of Defence for nature and forest management in the Natura 2000 sites on military domains (about 15.000 ha for Flanders and Wallonia together), with Infrastructure Departments for the ecological management of road and waterways verges

Federal marine area: legislation concerning marine protected areas requires that ‘user agreements’ are negotiated and approved between competent authorities and sectors (yachting and angling in particular).  At present there is no integration of the commercial fishing sector or tourism sector in management of marine protected areas – although stakeholder networks exist to exchange information and to prepare sectorial integration. Belgium reported in 2006 its implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (Recommendation 2002/413/EC) (Nationaal Rapport van België inzake de aanbeveling 2002/413/EC. FOD, DG 5 Leefmilieu : 40 pgs). The ICZM also foresees and facilitates inter-sectorial cooperation.

Information can be consulted on : www.de-Noordzee.be

=> forest certification

About 42% of the forest area in Wallonia is ecocertified under the PEFC scheme. This process includes a regional plan to improve the forest management and practices, and commitments for the owners and managers participating to the process ; internal and external audit are scheduled every year.

Information available on www.pefc.be

In Brussels Region, the whole Sonian Forest, 1650 ha and about 10 % of Brussels surface, is ecocertified with the FSC label.

In Flanders about 14%  of the public forests has a FSC certification.

The federal Council of Ministers approved in November 2005 a public procurement policy on timber and timber products. Federal public services and institutions have to procure wood and wood products from sustainably managed forests. Both FSC and PEFC are accepted as a guarantee that wood and wood products are coming from sustainably managed forests. Equivalent certifications schemes are also accepted after assessment by an expert panel. More information is available on  http://www.guidedesachatsdurables.be

=> concertation with forest groups and game management units to ensure integration of biodiversity concerns in their management plans

• Walloon Region: different tools are available to improve sustainable forest management:

• The “Circulaire relative aux aménagements dans les forêts soumises au régime forestier” is a normative tool forthe  management planning in public forests (255.000 ha in Wallonia). At this stage, about half of the forest area is covered by new plans following this circulaire. The other half should be covered in the next 3 years.
• A new tool is just published: “Normes de gestion pour la préservation de la biodiversité forestière en Wallonie”, with the aim of improving the biodiversity consideration in the forestry practices. Clear target are included for the forest protected areas.

• Brussels Region: Nature and forest department of the BCR are integrated in the same division, which ensures the integration of biodiversity in the forest management. Further more, as all Brussels forests are Natura 2000 , a specific biodiversity Natura 2000 management plan has been made or it will be. 

• Flemish region: financial and technical support is given to forest groups (12 established) and game management units (171 established) for management planning and implementation. Criteria for sustainable forest management are provided by a ministerial decision of 2003 and guidelines for management plan development and measures have been published and are available from the website, technical advice is given by the government administration. Game management units are supported to develop a management plan and have to report on the monitoring of game and of hunting data.

=> Ecosystem approach

The ecosystem approach is being applied as far as possible for the development and implementation of management plans. The basis of these plans include ecological functions, specific habitat and species requirements and take into account actual land use and services. For coastal and marine areas the overall management approach is based on the ICZM principles which are guided by the ecosystem approach. Both Federal marine authorities and Regional authorities are now in negotiation for implementation of ICZM.