The number of national parks in Belgium has grown rapidly from just one several months ago. Now, the large green space surrounding Brussels is up for the title too.
The Walloon and Brussels Ministers of Nature, together with the Flemish coalition for the Brabant Forests on Wednesday signed an “interregional declaration of intent” to make the Brabant Forests, an area that stretches across Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels Capital Region, a national park.
This space would include the Forêt de Soignes at the end of the Bois de la Cambre away from the centre, of which parts are the only natural areas in Belgium protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the Hallerbos, famed for its bluebells, and the Meerdaal Forest.
The Hallerbos in Halle near Brussels. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
“Today we are taking an important step in favour of protecting our forests," said Brussels Environment Minister Alain Maron.
"I am happy to move forward together with Walloon and Flemish colleagues to protect this beautiful natural heritage and increase biodiversity. Flora and fauna know no regional borders."
Protecting green space
The regions signed the recognition dossier or ‘master plan for the establishment of a national park’ together with several nature organisations, including the Agency Nature and Forest, and submitted it to the Flemish Government at the end of May.
The decision is expected at the end of this year, and if it is given the title, the Forests will be recognised officially for their exceptional natural value and international appeal.
Meanwhile, the interregional declaration of intent for the Brabant Forests should commit partners to present shared ambitions as well as best practices for the plans of the 46,000-hectare area.
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“It is imperative that we act decisively and in close collaboration with all partners involved to make our forests more robust and agile. We have a responsibility to preserve this precious and vital heritage for ourselves and future generations," Walloon Environment Minister Céline Tellier concluded.
