Belgium currently has just one National Park, the Hoge Kempen located in Limburg. However, two new heritage sites will be created in Wallonia – the first two in the region.
As was reported in the summer of 2021, the Walloon government was on the hunt for areas that would be suitable as national parks as part of its Recovery Plan following the pandemic.
Now more than one year later, it has announced the two winners: the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse and the Semois Valley, which have been selected to be National Parks. As such, the areas will be recognised officially for their exceptional natural value and international appeal.
"We have our first two National Parks! This recognition will allow us to better protect and develop our exceptional natural areas, real gems of our region!" the region's Minister for Nature, Céline Tellier, said following the announcement.
The Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse project will also become a National Park. Credit: Natagora
Four candidate projects were evaluated by a committee of independent experts from various sectors (ecology, tourism, economy, heritage, landscapes and ecosystem services).
Increase international visibility
By recognising these areas of more than 51,000 ha as National Parks, they will become shared territorial projects, which will ensure the "exceptional natural heritage" on these sites will be enhanced both for nature conservation and tourism purposes.
"This recognition will increase the international visibility of our territory and will contribute to our sustainable tourism offer," said Valérie De Bue, Minister of Tourism.
Each project will receive an additional €13 million in financial support, including €1.4 million to develop tourism infrastructure surrounding the areas.
The announcement comes a week after the region said it would create another 1,558 hectares of nature reserves in the region in addition to the 2,000 hectares added over the past two years in a bid to protect its natural ecosystems. The Walloon government has now approved 30 new nature reserves as well as the extension of 23 existing nature reserves.
Meanwhile, Flanders also launched a call for new national parks in April 2021. Seven locations have been shortlisted, from which four will be awarded the National Park Flanders label following a decision in mid-2023.
