Flemish Minister Allocates Subsidies for Local Authorities to Create Community Forests

The Flemish government is introducing a new subsidy program designed to empower local authorities in establishing community forests. This initiative encourages municipalities to acquire land specifically for the creation of these green spaces, bringing nature closer to people's homes.

Flemish Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Jo Brouns, emphasized that the government will not dictate the locations for these local forests from Brussels. Instead, he stated, "Local authorities know their environment best, and we want to support them wherever possible." Recognizing that suitable land may not always be in municipal ownership, Minister Brouns has allocated purchase subsidies to enable cities and towns to seize opportunities when appropriate parcels become available.

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We are not going to determine where local forest should be from Brussels behind a desk.

These new community forests are envisioned not only as places for people to experience nature close by but also as vital contributors to climate resilience and biodiversity. The trees will absorb CO₂, help manage extreme rainfall, and provide cooling during heatwaves. This initiative aligns with the Flemish government's broader goal of creating 10,000 hectares of additional forest by 2030.

So far, the government has approved seven subsidy applications, totaling €460,000 for 8.2 hectares of land. A significant portion of these newly designated forest areas are located in East Flanders, with subsidies already granted for projects like the Kloosterbos in Aalst, Heynsdaele in Ronse, and a parcel in Sint-Lievens-Houtem. The program aims to foster a closer connection between residents and the natural environment while addressing critical ecological challenges.

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Local authorities know their environment best and we want to support them wherever possible.