OO. 1.1 Define a common Belgian methodology for the identification and monitoring of priority components of biodiversity according to EU guidelines

So far, no methodology to identify priority elements of Belgian biodiversity is available at national level. The Regions manage biodiversity according to their own criteria and priorities. Nevertheless common standards can be developed and therefore it is useful to compare the monitoring methods of the different Regions. The methodology could consider conducting the identification of priority components of biodiversity on the basis of a bioregional approach,* deciding to choose components of biodiversity which are most at threat of disappearing, or species that are of particular importance for the functioning of vulnerable ecosystems, together with a number of flagship* species for Belgium.

Common standards for biodiversity inventories and monitoring should also be defined and applied for the evaluation of biodiversity status taking into account existing guidelines for monitoring and obligations for reporting at EU and CBD level. A short set of common indicators and evaluation criteria (cf. EU headline indicators and indicators developed by the Flemish Institute of Nature Conservation¹⁵) would enable the evaluation of progress towards the 2010 target at national level and greatly help reporting to international bodies (i.e. the European Commission and EEA, PEBLDS, OECD, CBD, OSPAR and other conventions). The categories and criteria used by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species could also be considered. Synthetic and cost-efficient direct and indirect indicators could be developed (for example territory fragmentation, rate of fertilisation). The monitoring system could apply the method "Pressure - State - Response" prescribed by the CBD or the "Driving forces, Pressures, States, Impacts, Responses (DPSIR) method*" adopted by the EEA.