Actions related to objective 3.6

Full text of the objective 3.6 "Take measures to minimize impact of the identified processes and activities threatening biodiversity" from the National Strategy

Flanders:

Monitoring and reporting of pressures: 2-yearly reports NARA and MIRA. Nature conservation policy measures: extention of surface and numbers of nature and forest reserves; development and implementation of Nature Objectives Plans, site or species specific management plans for nature and forest areas, management agreements with local authorities and land users (+ cross-compliance), introduction of criteria for sustainable forest management; legal framework for protection scheme for FEN and Natura 2000 sites.
EIA-procedures imposed for development projects, licenses needed for alteration of bottom relief, vegetation and hydrological system; stricter protection regimes in FEN and Natura 2000.
The use of pesticides and herbicides by local authorities in public domains or parks is forbidden since January 2004.

• Ontsnipperingsmaatregelen (ecoducten, vistrappen, ...)
• NEC reductieprogramma (verzuring en vermesting)
• Maatregelen i.v.m. klimaatproblematiek? . Biosafety Counsultative Council ( see Federal )

Brussels:

EIA-procedures imposed for disturbing activities, large building activities, development of infrastructure, etc. Licenses needed for every impact such as alteration of bottom relief and vegetation for sites declared as having biological valueon the zoning plan and sites belonging to the green network.
prevention of water pollution originating from motorways; limitation of general pollution: no use of pesticides; invasive exotic species: special attention is given to their management to prevent extension; eradication is performed where and when possible; creation of non accessible forest and nature reserves to develop biodiversity islands in the forest. Biosafety Consultative Council (see Federal).

Walloon Region:

• En vue de transposer la Directive Cadre sur l'Eau, la Région wallonne a adopté le Code de l'eau (27 mai 2004). Un de ses objectifs est de « prévenir toute dégradation supplémentaire, de préserver et d'améliorer l'état des écosystèmes aquatiques ainsi que, en ce qui concerne leurs besoins en eau, des écosystèmes terrestres et des zones humides qui en dépendent directement ».
• La Circulaire Biodiversité en forêts recommande d'intégrer dans les objectifs de gestion des forêt soumises au régime forestier, des mesures plus favorables à la biodiversité
• Les nouvelles mesures agri-environnementales prévoient des mesures d'incitations pour une meilleure prise en compte de la nature au niveau agricole (voir point 3.3).
• Environemental impact assemenets studies are required for new activities near or in Natura 2000 sites.
• protected zones of the ‘Code wallon de l'Aménagement du Territoire, de l'Urbanisme et du Patrimoine' may not be changed anymore without an urban permit.

Federal:

• Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism projects.
• Extensive pesticide risk reduction plan (March 2005).
• North Sea: sand and gravel extraction, dredging and dumping of dredge spoil are subject to licences. zero tolerance policy in relation to oil pollution
• Development of a cleaning policy of the north sea through ' fishing for litter programme'
• measures regulating coastal fisheries in protection of marine mammals
• ongoing actions in order to reduce import of nutrients in the North Sea.
• Biosafety Consultative Council (involving representatives of federal and regional levels) is in charge of environmental risk evaluation of GMOs files introduced for field trials in BE or for commercialisation in the EU. National sanctions have been established to punish violations to EU GMO legislations.µ

Furture actions:

• Strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries for a biodiversity early warning network for threats other than those from IAS;