The government of Flanders has taken a significant step in enhancing its natural landscapes and bolstering the international allure of the region by designating four new national parks.
The national parks of Bosland, Brabantse Wouden, Hoge Kempen, and Scheldevallei were officially recognized in an announcement made on Friday.
Flemish Environment Minister, Zuhal Demir, and Heritage Minister, Matthias Diependaele, jointly revealed the national park designations. Minister Demir stressed the importance of these parks in creating substantial and resilient natural areas within a densely populated region, with a strong focus on preserving biodiversity.
Minister Demir remarked, "The Flemish parks will not only be an engine for regional development, but together they will also strengthen the international appeal of Flanders with its splendor, beauty, and regional products."
The newly designated parks offer a diverse range of landscapes and natural wonders. The Hoge Kempen National Park in the province of Limburg boasts a combination of forests, heathlands, dunes, and lakes. Similarly, Bosland, located in the same province, is a treasure trove of forested landscapes.
The Scheldevallei National Park covers the picturesque area situated between the cities of Antwerp and Ghent, encompassing the serene river Scheldt and its tributaries. In Flemish Brabant, Brabantse Wouden, which includes the Sonian Forest, Meerdaal, and the Hallerbos, provides a haven for nature enthusiasts.
These official designations follow a rigorous selection process initiated in 2021 when ten potential sites submitted their candidacies. The approved national parks will receive annual funding of 608,000 euros to promote further nature conservation and development.
The ultimate goal for these national parks is to encompass a substantial 10,000-hectare natural core. This core will be robust enough to sustainably protect the exceptional natural diversity they house.
Furthermore, in addition to these national parks, Flanders has designated five landscape parks that focus on preserving the quality of their landscapes. These parks—Grenzeloos Bocageland, Haspengouw, Maasvallei, Vlaamse Ardennen, and Zwinstreek—integrate nature conservation, recreational activities, heritage preservation, and sustainable agriculture. These landscape parks will receive annual funding of 489,000 euros, contributing to the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture in these regions.