Brussels Expands Biodiversity Protection with New Natura 2000 Management Plans
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: The Brussels-Capital Region has approved a new series of Natura 2000 management plans aimed at strengthening the protection and sustainable development of its natural areas. The move is a major step in enhancing biodiversity and combating climate disruption, with more than 85% of the region’s Natura 2000 sites now covered by dedicated plans.
“These new management plans are essential to ensure the conservation of our natural areas and combat climate disruption,” said Alain Maron, Brussels’ outgoing Environment Minister (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.”
The newly approved plans form part of a long-term strategy to restore and preserve habitats across the capital. Among the sites benefiting from targeted conservation measures is the Jean Massart Botanical Garden, recognized for its rich biodiversity and educational value. Actions at the garden include the control of invasive species and habitat reinforcement.
The management plans also address the preservation of specific species, including the stag beetle — Europe’s largest insect and a strictly protected species — found in the Woluwe area parks (Watermael-Boitsfort, Auderghem). Measures such as maintaining deadwood structures (standing, lying, or arranged in pyramids) are being implemented to support its population.
The region’s Natura 2000 areas also serve as critical ecological corridors between the Sonian Forest and the Woluwe Valley, offering essential foraging grounds for several bat species. To aid their movement, strategies like reducing light pollution are being introduced.
These efforts are aligned with the objectives of the LIFE B4B project, a €3.5 million initiative co-financed by the European Union, which supports the implementation of EU biodiversity goals. As part of this commitment, the Brussels Region has pledged to approve 48 Natura 2000 management plans by December 2025.
The management plans are subject to public consultation, reflecting the region’s inclusive and participatory approach. Residents, civil society, and stakeholders are invited to review the plans and submit their feedback between June 11 and July 11. Consultation documents and further information are accessible online.
This participatory process is intended to ensure that conservation efforts respond not only to ecological priorities but also to the needs of local communities and the expectations of society.
