Nature conservation

Nature conservation lies entirely within the legal competence of the Regions, with the consequence that approaches may differ according to the responsible authority.

Nonetheless, the national 'Law on Nature Conservation' of 1973 provides for the basis for the current legislation. It is the main instrument for the establishment of protected areas in Belgium.

It has since been adapted to the regional context, such as by the Nature Protection ordinance of March 2012 in the Brussels Capital Region, the Nature Decree of 1997 (last modification in 2014) in Flanders and the Natura 2000 Decree of 2001 in Wallonia.