The Government of Wallonia on Thursday approved a set of 43 priority actions aimed at improving public health by addressing environmental factors.
Dubbed ‘ENVIeS 2025-2030,’ the initiative stems from consultations with citizens, healthcare professionals, researchers, government bodies, and associations. These consultations focused on major strategic areas such as air quality, noise, chemical pollution, PFAS, pesticides, water quality, and mental health.
Unlike traditional action plans, ENVIeS seeks to supplement existing measures by introducing essential actions identified as necessary yet previously absent, with implementation anticipated by 2030.
It includes using biomonitoring to track exposure to pollutants, addressing inadequate housing, improving indoor air quality, strengthening noise regulations, and preserving quiet areas.
Other actions include safeguarding drinking water, improving resource management, reducing toxic substances, implementing proactive soil management, pursuing a responsible approach to electromagnetic radiation, and monitoring allergenic spores and exotic mosquitoes.
“Combining health and environmental expertise is both an opportunity and a responsibility,” said Health and Environment Minister Yves Coppieters. “ENVIeS represents this convergence.
“In response to pollution, climate change, and environmental inequalities, we offer concrete actions supported by citizens,” Coppieters added. “It marks an important step toward realising the ‘One Health’ principle for better policy coherence.”
