Natuurpunt protests 'minimum policy' of Flemish government: 'Don't lock up nature, Minister Brouns'

Natuurpunt staged protests at five locations across Flanders this morning, calling on Environment Minister Jo Brouns and the Flemish government to allocate more resources to nature development. Under the slogan 'do not lock up nature,' the organization is urging the government to create robust nature restoration plans, which are due to be submitted to the European Commission by September 1.

Natuurpunt expressed serious concern over proposed changes to current nature legislation. The organization believes Flanders is at a critical juncture, where the government must choose between fostering necessary natural growth to combat climate change or facing a "nature stop." Jos Ramaekers of Natuurpunt Limburg sharply criticized the Flemish government, stating, "The first message is that they must stop trying to weaken nature legislation in Flanders."

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De eerste boodschap is dat men moet stoppen in Vlaanderen met de wetgeving rond natuur te willen afzwakken.

Flanders is required to present a nature restoration plan to the European Commission by September 1, 2026. However, Natuurpunt asserts that such a plan is still lacking. The organization emphasizes the societal benefits of investing in nature, citing that "every euro invested in nature yields at least 8 euros for society." Therefore, Natuurpunt advocates for continued and increased investment, including the acquisition of new nature areas.

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Iedere euro geïnvesteerd in natuur, levert voor de maatschappij minstens 8 euro op. Dus laten we dat alsjeblieft verder doen en zelfs nog meer doen.

Many lands crucial for water buffering and infiltration are still designated as agricultural areas on the regional plan, which dates back to the 1970s. Natuurpunt fears that new policy measures could hinder nature restoration in these zones. "We want the minister to stop pursuing a policy of restrictions," Ramaekers stated, highlighting the essential need for additional space for water resources and cooling. He stressed that effective nature restoration requires attention to water infiltration, demanding an ambitious plan from the government.

Ramaekers pointed out that Limburg alone holds 40 percent of Flanders' nature. In many heathlands, grasses are encroaching due to excess nitrogen and persistent drying. "Yet, it is essential here to buffer water and allow groundwater to infiltrate," he said. Natuurpunt estimates that an additional 25,000 hectares of nature are needed, suggesting the use of lands currently zoned for agriculture. Minister of Environment Jo Brouns acknowledged the challenges, stating, "We must learn to reconcile all these challenges in our space in Flanders."

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Al die uitdagingen in onze ruimte in Vlaanderen, moeten wij weten met elkaar te verzoenen.