Brussels must do more to protect nature, says EU

The European Commission this week criticised Belgium for not making enough effort to protect its natural areas. The Brussels-Capital Region in particular has room to improve when it comes to protecting the areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network of conservation zones across the European Union, according to the Commission. Brussels is required to let the EU know which areas it designates as part of the Natura 2000 network, and take the necessary steps to protect them.

The main objective of Natura 2000 is to contribute to the preservation of biological diversity in the European Union, in order to safeguard the future of the region’s most vulnerable flora and fauna. The Natura 2000 areas of the Brussels-Capital Region make up about 14% of the total area and include densely wooded areas such as the Sonian Forest, the site of Verrewinkel-Kinsedael in Uccle and, in the north of the region, Molenbeek valley, the forests of Laarbeek (pictured) and Dieleghem, Poelbos nature reserve and the King Baudouin park.

"The request for the protection of the area in Uccle has already started,” says Céline Fremault, spokesperson for the Brussels environment minister. “For the other zones, the procedure will start next year."

photo: Hannes De Geest via Flickr