Actions related to objective 5.10

Full text of the objective 5.10 "Maintain and reinforce the social function of biodiversity" from the National Strategy

Flanders:

The theme on biodiversity in the Environment & Nature Policy Plan includes an education and public awareness programme. The aims of this programme are to:

• raise public awareness on biodiversity;
• enhance the understanding of how biodiversity affects them and the role they can play;
• ensure that people understand the links between environmental quality and quality of life;
• help people to learn more about biodiversity so that they can appreciate it and help to conserve it;
• develop public awareness and participation in biodiversity conservation.

The key objective is to increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of biodiversity, and engage many more people in conservation. Actions are taken to extend the accessibility of nature and forest areas for the public supports the efforts to in-crease public awareness and support of the society for nature conservation - NGO's receive financial support for such actions. In each of the five provinces several Visitors Centres have been established nearby or in main nature areas with exhibitions on the local and regional biodiversity, organised guided tours and educational programmes for schools or interested public groups. The Nature and Forest Divisions participate on regular basis in provincial, regional and national exhibi-tions and fairs. Websites of these divisions are being revised to be more attractive and informative for the general public. Indicators for follow-up of public awareness are being developed.

NGO's publish brochures, news letters, weekly outing programmes and organise management week-ends.

• MR 445 verhogen van de verwevenheid met andere functies (bos)
• MR263 opbouwen van een beleid voor stedelijk en randstedelijk groen
• MR278 gebruiksvormen in het buitengebied (o.a. recreatie, sport, militair gebruik, extensieve landbouw) afstemmen op de ecologische randvoorwaarden. MR282 communicatiebeleid ontwikkelen en uitvoeren (zie boven?)

Brussels:

Awareness raising for biodiversity is taken place through: publications, several actions (building nest boxes for birds and bats), promotion of wildlife friendly gardening, guided tours,...
Contribution in management of nature reserves.
NGO recieve financial support for awereness raising for nature conservation.

Walloon region:

Une page web du site de la DGRNE « Promenades et randonnées » présente les différents sites web qui permettent de découvrir la nature, que ce soit à pied, à vélo ou à cheval.

A l'initiative de la DGRNE, un groupe de travail sur l'accessibilité des sites naturels aux personnes handicapées a été mis en place. Il vise à :

• Favoriser par tous les moyens l'accessibilité des sites naturels aux personnes handicapées
• Améliorer et augmenter la signalétique et l'accompagnement de ces sites.
• Établir un recensement complet et le plus exact possible des ressources de ces sites.

Future actions:

• The social and cultural diversity in Belgium will be duly taken into account when elaborating and implementing biodiversity policies (connection with Objectives 5.8 and 7.5).