The coordinated regional law about nature (2012)

A new coordinated regional law about nature was adopted in March 2012, consisting of 119 articles and 8 annexes, with the general aim of contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of components of biodiversity. Measures taken under this nature law are intended to:

• maintain or restore to a favourable conservation status natural habitats and species of fauna and flora of community and regional interest;
• contribute to the establishment of an ecological network in Brussels;
• contribute to the integration of biodiversity in an urban context.

This regional law requires the elaboration of a regional plan for nature, which should be adopted at the latest two years after the coming into force of the law (articles 6 and 8 to 11). It also foresees the elaboration of more specific action plans (art. 6 and 12 to 14). These action plans would aim at:

• the improvement of the conservation status of natural species and habitats.
• the struggle against biodiversity threats such as invasive alien species.
• the encouragement of sustainable use of biodiversity components.