23 50

Region

Belgium

02

Ecoregions

02

Members

23

% Protected

Belgium is making a concerted effort to transform old industrial areas into green spaces, providing greater interconnectivity for wildlife. High levels of urbanization have fragmented Belgium’s landscape, creating small pockets of wildness here and there. Through coordination and planning, Belgium is attempting to rewild its countryside.

Ardenne Immo, Belgium. Photo by Drone Marting.

Belgium's Ecology

For a small country, Belgium has an outsized portion of biodiversity. Over 35,000 species of plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria live within the boundaries of this coastal country. In order to thrive, biodiversity needs habitat, and the best quality habitat is wilderness, both for the green services these areas provide for humans – such as clean air, water, and fertile soils – and for the shelter and provender they grant to wildlife. Establishing green spaces given over to natural processes and evolution must be a key part of Belgium’s biodiversity strategy.

Half (Mission Achieved)

Ecologically intact & protected landscapes comprise 50% or more of this country.

Can Reach Half

Intact landscapes lacking protected status comprise 50% or more of this country.

Could Be Restored

Between 20-40% of landscapes are still ecologically intact.

Imperiled

Less than 20% of the natural ecology of this area is intact.

Members

Rewilding Europe

Making Europe a wilder place, with more space for wild nature, wildlife and natural processes, and exploring new ways for people to enjoy and earn a fair living from the wild.

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The Nature Needs Half movement is only as strong as its member organizations. Discover more about the individuals and organizations who have committed to protecting 50% of the planet by 2050.
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EcoRegions

Belgium eco region Hallerbos
Hallerbos

Carpeted in bluebells during the spring, this forested area was restored after World War I. Still, for over 300 years it has been isolated from other wild areas.

Kalmthout Heath, Belgium. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.
Kalmthout Heath

Bordering the Netherlands, this area makes up the Dutch-Belgian cross-border park De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide. National collaboration is needed to interconnect ecosystems.

Baai Van Heist, Belgium. Photo by Marck Rickaert.
Baai van Heist

Influenced by the ever-changing forces of wind and sea, this protected area consists of beach, sand dunes, and salt marsh. A haven for coastal wildlife.

Related News

The importance of biodiversity in Belgium (extract from the Fifth National Report to the CBD)
All Articles
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If you believe that we have a window of opportunity to end the Sixth Mass Extinction by protecting half of nature, act today and become a part of a global community transforming society's relationship with the natural world!

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