Actions related to objective 3.1

Full text of the objective 3.1: "Develop an integrated, representative and coherent network of terrestrial protected areas at national and transboundary level" from the National Strategy

Flanders:

• development of ecological network VEN-IVON (objective 125.000 ha VEN, 150.000 ha + interconnecting sites IVON), partly overlapping with Natura 2000 (= ca 163.400 ha); installation of ecoducts and fish passages, agri-env measures; forest reserves network
• implementation of Natura 2000 through development of Nature Objective Plans, priority setting for acquisition of land, protocols for cooperation (e.g. with ministry of Defence, Port Authorities), agri-environment contracts, financial support of nature development and management projects of local authorities and Regional Landscape Organisations,...
• with NL: transboundary ecological planning processes: Grensoverschrijdend Ecologisch Basisplan GEB, Zwinproject, Schelde estuary, grensparken (bv. De Zoom Kamthoutse Heide), Grensmaas, 3-Landenpark (with Germ.,)
• with FR: conservation measures for the coastal zone between Duinkerken-Lombardsijde, transboundary integral coast reserve De Westhoek
• MINA-project 19: Ruimte voor natuur
• MINA-project 24 Stedelijk milieubeleid: netwerken van groene ruimten opzetten

Brussels:

• Blue and Green Networks, installation of Natura 2000 network (+ 2.400 ha).
• Installation of protected areas in forest, Nature and Forest reserves, Integral reserves.
• Development of "Green network" including ecological network, promotion of ecological management, green roofs, green walls, trees,...
• Installation of ecoducts, promotion of fauna passages

Walloon Region:

Core area's: The Nature department of the Walloon region continues to strictly protect natural sites through the following status : government nature reserve (Réserves Naturelles domaniales (RND)), chartered nature reserve (Réserves Naturelles agréees (RNA)), forest reserve (Réserves Forestières (RF)), wetlands of biological interest (Zones Humides d'Interêt Biologique (ZHIB)), and underground cavity of scientific interest (Cavités Souterraines d'Interêt Scientifique (CSIS )), in order to protect important sites for species and habitats. The target of this process is to protect all sites of great biological value on the Walloon territory.

Furthermore, 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. The network is based on the hydrological network so there is a good connectivity between the different sites (http://natura2000.wallonie.be/). In the Walloon Region 44 habitats of community interest (of which 10 are priority habitats) 101 bird species of community interest and 31 other species of community interest are present.

Bilateral co-operation with neighbouring countries (GD Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Germany) does exist for the management of transboundary protected areas, such as the Hautes Fagnes Eiffel Natural Reserve with Germany and the management of the Our Valley area together with Luxembourg and Germany in the frame of the Benelux Convention and EU framework.
A project plan for the transboundary management of an ecological network between GD Luxembourg and the Walloon Region is being developed.
Joint actions are also implemented with The Netherlands in the frame of Salmon reintroduction in the river Meuse basin (project Salmon 2000).

We also have a transboundary Ramsar Site with Luxembourg: The Haute-Sûre valley.

Federal:

TBC by BELSPO on socio cultrural barriers

Future actions:

• Identify possible protected areas linkages across regional and national boundaries, linking existing PA;
• Promote conservation and/or rehabilitation of small landscape elements playing a key role in ensuring connectivity between networks, using the opportunities of the water framework directive;
• Enhence public's participation by making biodiversity a "citizen stake"