The Brussels-Capital Region is taking a new step in protecting its biodiversity with the approval of several 'Natura 2000' management plans, which will benefit from concrete measures to ensure their conservation and development.
The new management plan marks the continuity of efforts to protect and restore the region's natural areas. Today, more than 85% of the 'Natura 2000' network in Brussels is covered by dedicated management plans, ensuring enhanced, coherent and sustainable protection of these sites.
"Brussels is continuing its commitment to biodiversity. These new management plans are essential to ensure the conservation of our natural areas and combat climate disruption," said Brussels outgoing Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo).
"Nature provides us with indispensable services for our health and well-being. Protecting it also means offering Brussels residents a healthier and more pleasant living environment," he added.
Natura 2000. Credit: Alain Maron's office
The Jean Massart Botanical Garden, recognised for its botanical richness and its educational role, will benefit from specific actions aimed at strengthening the conservation of its natural habitats and combating invasive species.
Additionally, the sites around the Woluwe (Watermael-Boitsfort, Auderghem) are known as the habitat of the stag beetle, the largest insect in Europe and a strictly protected species, which has been observed in the parks of this region for several years now. The use of dead wood (standing, on the ground or in pyramids) makes it possible to support its population and develop its habitat.
These sites play an essential role as corridors between the Sonian Forest and the Woluwe valley, and serve as hunting grounds for various bat species. Reducing light pollution is an effective measure to improve these connections and facilitate the movement of bats.
European and regional commitment
The approval of these management plans is one of the objectives of the LIFE B4B project – a €3.5 million project co-financed by the EU – which aims to ensure the implementation of European biodiversity protection commitments. The Brussels Region has committed to approving 48 Natura 2000 management plans by December 2025.
The Natura 2000 management plans are subject to public consultations to fully involve citizens, associations and all stakeholders in their development. Several sites are currently involved in this participatory approach.
Residents are invited to consult the documents relating to the public consultation, organised from 11 June to 11 July, and to share their comments or suggestions. All the documents necessary for understanding and evaluating the management plans for these Natura 2000 sites are available here.
This consultation aims to ensure that the proposed measures take into account the needs of the territory and the expectations of society.
