Action 5: Knowledge of ecosystems and their services

This Belgium Ecosystem Services (BEES) network is a community of practice aiming to connect different societal actors involved in ecosystem services research, practice and policy-making.

The BEES community of practice aims to:

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  Develop ecosystem services concepts, tools and practices that help to adapt human activity and clarify ecosystem thresholds in order to preserve the actual and potential well-being of present and future generations; and to stop ecosystem and biodiversity degradation, and improve their status.
  
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  Develop mainstreaming & policy tools to promote the integration of ecosystem services concepts in policy and management, business and society.
  
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  Facilitate capacity building, exchange of expertise and experience: including methodologies and transfer of knowledge on Belgian ecosystem services to policy and share the needs from policy makers on this issue, to enable involvement of Belgian actors in national and international initiatives and build the capacity to conduct assessments of ecosystem services.
  
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  Provide overviews of state of the art knowledge and good practices.
  

The knowledge base on ecosystem services is enhanced through various projects in cooperation with relevant departments and research institutes under the MINA plan 4.

A summary overview of the methodology on the valuation of ecosystem services: http://www.lne.be/themas/beleid/milieueconomie/linken/publicaties/Brochure%20ESD.pdf

The nature values explorer has been refined and updated and includes now an online tool and manual in English also: (www.natuurwaardeverkenner.be).

A study report on the benfits of Natura 2000 in Flanders highlights the values for 13 ecosystem types: 'Estimate of the benefits delivered by the Flemish Natura 2000 network' [to be updated by the Member State]
The INBO nature report ‘NARA-T’ describes the state and trends of ecosystems and their services in Flanders and will be published by the beginning 2015. This report consists of a technical report and a synthesis report. The technical report is a scientific background document and consists of two series of chapters. In the first series, the different components of the conceptual framework are described for 16 separate ecosystem services. Each of the ecosystem services are mapped at regional scale (Flanders) using biophysical data. The mapping contributes to the reporting about the state of ecosystem services by Member States that is required under Action 5 of the European biodiversity strategy. In the second series of chapters, a set of key questions is answered. These chapters rely on the findings and data of the first series of ES-chapters. Key questions:

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  Which ecosystem services (ES) are provided by which ecosystems and what organisms, processes and structures play a role?
  
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  What is the state of the ecosystems?
  
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  What is the role of biodiversity in the provision of ES and how is biodiversity affected by the use of ES?
  
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  What is the current state and trend in the demand, supply and use of ES and how they are spatially distributed?
  
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  What are the direct and indirect drivers that influence ES demand, supply and use?
  
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  How does ES contribute to wellbeing, how are these contributions valued and who are the ES-beneficiaries?
  
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  To what extent can ES be delivered together and under what conditions can ecosystems provide multiple services in a sustainably?
  
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  How is the ES governance structured in Flanders, and how can the ES-concept be applied to support sustainable use of ecosystems and their services?
  

WALES : Instauration en septembre 2014 d’une plateforme régionale chargée d’accompagner le développement et la diffusion d’outils d’aide à la décision publique basés sur le concept de services écosystémiques. La plateforme constitue une large structure fédératrice qui regroupe tous les services de l’administration régionale (SPW) et les universités francophones du pays. Les principaux résultats attendus après la première année de fonctionnement (septembre 2015) sont : 1. l’établissement et l’adoption d’un cadre conceptuel régional commun ; 2. la réalisation d’une première évaluation et cartographie des services écosystémiques à l’échelle régionale sur base d’une approche biophysique ; 3. l’accompagnement du développement de certains outils d’aide à la décision spécifiques selon les besoins manifestés par les services de l’administration (cf. études ci-dessous).

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  Analyse de la disposition des (jeunes) agriculteurs à adopter de nouveaux outils de gestion de l'environnement
  
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  Etude et diffusion des notions de biens publics et de services environnementaux en lien avec 1) l'agriculture, 2) la forêt multifonctionnelle et 3) les services environnementaux fournis par les entreprises et les systèmes de paiements mis en place.
  
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  Evaluation économique des services écosystémiques (SES) produits dans le cadre de la réhabilitation de carrière.
  
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http://www.beescommunity.be/en-us/ [to be updated by the Member State]

http://www.natuurwaardeverkenner.be

http://www.lne.be/themas/beleid/milieubeleidsplan/leeswijze/projecten/ecosysteemdiensten/introduceren-van-het-concept-2018ecosysteemdiensten2019

http://www.natuurrapport.be/natuurrapport-2014

Contributions to the development and management of green infrastructure are included in several programmes:

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  Management and nature development measures under the Natura 2000 programme within and outside the sites, and especially the species protection plans for species having wider distributions and high mobility
  
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  ‘Nature in your neighbourhood’ to promote greening elements in urban and residential areas
  
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  Cooperation projects with private sector and business to promote greening of industrial zones
  
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  Cooperation with the administration for Roads & Traffic to enhance nature oriented management of road verges and restore main connectivity zones between nature areas with a focus to Natura 2000
  
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  Agri-environment schemes within and around nature areas, and especially (sub)-zones of Natura 2000 and species distribution areas
  
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  Water course management plans
  
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  Forest management plans and implementation of regulation protecting all forests
  
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  Subsidies to local authorities promoting greening the environment, eg. Green roofs, nature oriented park devemoopment and management, development of community gardens
  
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  NGO activities for nature areas, organising campaigns for greening urbanised zones and stimulating for natural gardens
  

Many measures contribute to the green infrastructure in the Walloon region via tools and measures in place to preserve and restore natural habitats (threatened habitats as well as the more common ones):

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  The Law on nature conservation
  
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  All measures related to the Natura 2000 network
  
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  The Water Code
  
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  Agri-environmental measures
  
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  The Forestry Code
  
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  The 'Circulaire Biodiversité en Forêt'
  
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  PEFC certification of forests
  
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  'Plans Communaux de Développement de la Nature', delayed mowing, River contracts
  
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  Agreements with the private sector (quarries, electricity companies, railroad companies...)
  
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  The natural zones, green spaces and forests under the ‘Code wallon de l’Aménagement du Territoire, de l’Urbanisme et du Patrimoine’
  
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  Species action plans
  
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  Catalogue of actions of the ‘réseau Wallonie nature’
  
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  Life Projects
  
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  The Walloon strategy to adapt to climate change
  
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  Some agreements with the quarries, energy… sectors.
  
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  Projet biodibap: Le Ministre Wallon du Développement durable a lancé un projet invitant les gestionnaires de bâtiments publics à introduire la biodiversité dans et aux alentours de leurs locaux. Des écoles, des communes, des CPAS, des sociétés de logement public ont reçu une aide financière et un accompagnement afin de concrétiser un projet en lien avec la promotion de la biodiversité: pose de nichoirs, toitures et murs végétaux, gestion écologique des abords, etc.
  
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  One of the objectives of the 'Plan Pluie' is to arrange the beds of rivers and alluvial plains to take into account the meteorological and hydrological features while respecting and promoting the natural habitats
  

The Water Code and some resulting plans and programs:

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  The ‘Plans d’Assainissement par Sous-bassin Hydrographiques’ PASH define the decontamination and clean up regime for the relevant areas
  
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  The programme for the sustainable management of nitrogen is the application of the Nitrate Directive (part of the Water Framework Directive)
  
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  Les plans de gestion par bassin hydrographiques ;
  
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  Les PARIS (programmes d’actions sur les rivières par approche intégrée et sectorisée): projet visant à intégrer les exigences diverses de la DCE, de NATURA 2000, de la Directive Inondation, … dans la gestion courante des cours d’eau en planifiant les interventions à réaliser à court et à moyen terme.
  

One of the objectives of the Regional Development Scheme (CWATUP) is the valuation of the patrimony and the protection of resources: protection and development of the natural patrimony for a sustainable development of the Walloon Region, integration of the landscape dimension in the management practices, sustainable protection and management of the resources.

http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/index.php?mact=tbe,mdb1bf,default,1&mdb1bfalias=Fragmentation-du-territoire_1&mdb1bfreturnid=43&page=43

The Regional Nature Plan (in development) foresees the following measures:

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  To ensure an adequate protection and management of the sites with a high biological value and to ensure the implementation of the ecological network
  
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  To develop an integrated vision for the preservation and restoration of (ancient) agricultural zones and sites
  
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  To implement the management plans within the protected sites the different policy levels competent for the ecological management of public green spaces should adopt a common language
  
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  To develop and implement plans for the multifunctional management of green spaces
  

The Blue Network Programme: this programme aims to have an integrated, durable and ecologically justified management of open waterways in Brussels. The "blue network" is made up of small rivers, ponds and marshes. It is dedicated to the enhancement of natural values and biodiversity while maintaining the access of the public to the areas concerned.

A Plan for water management adopted by the BCR in 2012 is in line with this programme (See chapter II, item 4.4 on water management).
Data links:

http://www.natuurenbos.be/nl-BE/natuurbeleid/groen [to be updated by the Member State]

http://natura2000.wallonie.be/

http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/index.php?mact=tbe,mdb1bf,default,1&mdb1bfalias=Fragmentation-du-territoire_1&mdb1bfreturnid=43&page=43

Several projects have been carried out for the defragmentation of roads dividing important natural areas by construction of ecoducts, and on river systems by installations resolving fish migration barriers. A more comprehensive approach and action plan to map and prioritise fragmentation by road infrastructure is being developed in cooperation with the administration for Roads & Trafic.

Monitoring and reporting of pressures due to fragmentation are given in the 2-yearly reports NARA and MIRA
Walloon Region:

The evaluation of the conservation status of natural habitats is performed by biogeographical region. The conservation status of the continental habitats (covering 70% of the Walloon territory) is considered to be bad for 85% of the concerned surface. A recent study estimated the fragmentation level of the Walloon territory based on an effective maze size indicator. Walloon Region: (action 6 is mainly covered by what’s above under Aïchi Target 11)

In addition to adoption of management plans for Natura 2000 sites and nature reserves, specified by the ordinance of 1 March 2012 on nature conservation, the Regional Nature Plan (in development) provides for production of infrastructures to re-establish connectivity between the various parts of the Forêt de Soignes.

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  Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism projects:
  
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  Federal Reduction Plan for Pesticides 2013-2017 (FRPP) (see also chapter II, 4.1).
  

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  Biological quality of water courses: in 2010, 55% of the controlled surveillance sites showed a good to very good biological water quality. The number of sites with a good to very good water quality increased the last ten years mainly thanks to a decrease of diffuse pollution, an increase of the purification of used water and the ecological restoration of certain water courses. Despite the slowness of ecosystem recovery, a progressive improvement is expected for the entire water network following the implementation of additional measures foreseen in the projects of the hydrographical districts management plans.
  

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/gesaneerde-vismigratieknelpunten-prioriteitsklasse-1

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/ontsnippering-langs-vlaamse-transportwegen

http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/index.php?mact=tbe,mdb1bf,default,1&mdb1bfalias=Fragmentationdu-territoire_1&mdb1bfreturnid=43&page=43 [to be updated by the Member State]

A new mapping exercise of permanent grasslands has been finalised. Management measures and legal regulations are in development and consultation procedure.

By the end of 2010, 54% of the Walloon farmers (28% of the agricultural surface) subscribed to one or more agri-environmental measures. In 2010, 5% of the Walloon agricultural surface was dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity (ecological compensation surface). Note that a percentage of 7% is considered as globally very favourable to the preservation of the wild fauna. En Région wallonne, Améliorer sensiblement l’état de conservation des espèces et habitats tributaires de l’agriculture d’ici à 2020 sera un grand défi qui sera au moins partiellement réalisé de part les actions citées ci dessous. Le plan 100% nature pourra grandement y contribuer.

http://etat.environnement.wallonie.be/index.php?mact=tbe,mdb1bf,default,1&mdb1bfalias=Indicateursstructurels-environnementaux_2&mdb1bfreturnid=43&page=43 [to be updated by the Member State]

Enhance contribution to biodiversity of agro-environmental measures under the Rural Development Programme

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also financed some demonstration projects with direct positive effects on the (agro-) biodiversity, such as the project on genetic diversity in vegetables ... where information is gathered and shared to stimulate farmers in growing their own seed of their own local varieties.

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/oppervlakte-beheerovereenkomsten-met-natuurdoelen

www.vlm.be

In June 2012, Belgium officially notified its public collections to join the Multilateral System of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture ... and signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of a European Genebank Integrated System.

In 2005, Belgium prepared its first national report to FAO on animal genetic resources and in 2014-2015 the report on biodiversity for food and agriculture.
Walloon Region for the entire action 11:

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  A measure aims to protect threatened local livestock species.
  
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  A collection of ancient fruit tree varieties is managed by the Walloon Agricultural Research Centre.
  
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  Other actions undertaken to preserve or develop genetic resources: the cultivation of spelt and a barley variety, the conservation and valorisation of the genetic patrimony of the mixed type of the Belgian Blue and of the 'poule ardennaise'.
  

http://www.planttreaty.org/inclusions

http://aegis.cgiar.org/about_aegis.html

http://agriculture.wallonie.be/apps/spip_wolwin/IMG/pdf/RapportNationalFAO.pdf

Nature conservation policy measures: extension of surface and numbers of nature and forest reserves, development and implementation of Nature Objectives Plans, site or species specific management plans for nature and forest areas, management agreements with local authorities and land users (+ cross-compliance), introduction of criteria for sustainable forest management; legal framework for protection scheme for FEN and Natura 2000 sites, establishment of Natura 2000 conservation objectives and development of implementation plan in cooperation with stakeholder groups.

http://www.natuurenbos.be/nl-BE/natuurbeleid/bos/duurzaam_bosbeheer

One of the objectives of the Forestry Code is to combat climate change and to preserve biodiversity. It stipulates that the sustainable development of woodlands and forests implies the application of certain principles:

- The preservation and improvement of forestry resources and their contribution to the carbon cycle

- The preservation of the health and vitality of forest ecosystems

- The preservation, conservation and improvement of biodiversity in forest ecosystems

- The preservation and improvement of the protective functions of forest among others related to the water and the soil

- The preservation and improvement of other socio-economic benefits and conditions (preservation of an equilibrium between resinous and broad-leaved trees and promotion of a mixed forest type with a diversified age composition, adapted to climate change and able to mitigate some of its effects; restriction of areas where trees are cleared; for public owners: preservation of dead, damaged or biologically interesting trees, preservation of at least 1 tree of special biological interest per 2 ha, the preservation of shrubby hedges, ban on the planting or resinous trees next to water courses; the planning tool for public forests within the Forestry Code takes measures for the promotion of biodiversity into account; the Forestry Code imposes that 3% of the broad-leaved forests with a surface of more than 100 ha are to be delimited as integral reserves)

- The use of pesticides as well as the burning of branches is forbidden in all forests

- All artificial regeneration actions using tree varieties which are not optimal or tolerated following the 'ecological tree varieties registry' are forbidden.
Many tools are available to improve sustainable forest management:

. The ‘Circulaire relative aux aménagements dans les forêts soumises au régime forestier’ is a normative tool for the management planning in public forests (255,000 ha in Wallonia). At this stage, about 65% of the forest area is covered by new management plans following this circulaire. The remaining area should be covered by 2013,

. About 150,000 ha of forests are included in Natura 2000 areas. Management contracts will be concluded between the authorities and the owners, to implement the objectives of each site.

. PEFC certification: owners engage themselves voluntarily to diversify their forest, to maintain dead wood, to maintain patches where trees can grow old, etc (51.8% of the Walloon forests).

. Pro Sylva: research about and promotion of a close-to-nature sylviculture based on natural processes.
Federal level:

These following actions are not directly addressed to forest holders but could stimulate sustainable wood sector:

. Adoption of a sectoral agreement in the wood sector to stimulate the production and sell of sustainable wood products.

. Development of a federal public procurement policy to promote SFM (circular letter in 2005); a methodological guide supports federal purchasing authorities; promotion and follow-up of forest certification.

. An information campaign was set up to inform the public on SFM and related certification (2006 and 2007)

. Adoption of the 'products plan: towards an integrated product policy'.

. The development of biofuel production pathways/chains is conditioned by the application of a system of sustainability criteria (European directives on Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality 2009/28/CE published in June 2009). Those criteria represent the main measures to allow reasonable use of biofuels while limiting negative impacts on biodiversity. According to the law of 10 June 2006, which promotes biofuels in Belgium, the approval of biofuel production units is based on certain criteria, such as: (1) a short distance between biomass cultivation site and biofuel production unit; (2) the most favourable CO2 balance; (3) the energetic efficiency of the production unit; and (4) reduced use of fertilizers and/or pesticides. Decision rules with respect to the approval of production units also take into account the global CO2 balance, in order to assure that biofuel production leads to a significant reduction of greenhouse gases. However, apart from the use of fertilizers and/or pesticides, no biodiversity-related criteria are included in the attribution criteria.
Data links:

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/oppervlakte-bosbeheerplan

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/oppervlakte-bosreservaat

http://www.natuurenbos.be/nl-BE/natuurbeleid/bos/wetgeving_en_vergunning/bosdecreet

Set of indicators (in English) http://www.milieurapport.be/en/facts-figures/sectors/agriculture/

1° la description de l'état des bois et forêts concernés et l'identification de zones à vocation prioritaire de protection afin de maintenir la qualité de l'eau et des sols ainsi que de zones à vocation prioritaire de conservation, […];

2° la détermination et la hiérarchisation des objectifs spécifiques de gestion durable des bois et forêts, y compris l'équilibre entre la faune et la flore;

3° le rappel des mesures de conservation liées au réseau Natura 2000 et aux autres espaces naturels protégés, le cas échéant;

4° la planification dans le temps et dans l'espace des actes de gestion en vue d'assurer la pérennité des bois et forêts et, le cas échéant, de promouvoir une forêt mélangée et d'âges multiples;

6° des mesures liées à la biodiversité;

9° les modes d'exploitation envisagés dans les peuplements, en ce compris le débardage au cheval, en vue d'assurer la protection des sols et des cours d'eau;

10° des mesures liées à l'intérêt paysager des massifs forestiers et à leurs éléments culturels.

Dans l'axe 3 « attractivité du milieu rural et diversification de l’économie rurale », la mesure « Conservation et mise en valeur du patrimoine rural » (mesure 323) vise la restauration de milieux ouverts (pelouses et landes) ainsi que l’exploitation de résineux en vue d’avoir un impact positif sur les paysages et aussi sur la biodiversité

The Flemish forest policy is based upon multifunctional and sustainable forestry and applied through development of a management vision consisting of:

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  Specific and concrete guidelines for a close-to-nature forest management,
  
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  A framework to assess the forest functions,
  
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  A method for quality control,
  
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  Promotion and granting of FSC-label to forest,
  

To enhance integration of biodiversity concerns into forest management and into approaches for multifunctionality of forests, several guidelines and instruments have been developed - especially to support private forest owners: criteria of sustainable forest management, mulitifunctionality approaches, FSC certification,…

Aspects relating to biodiversity concerns include: higher levels of deadwood, ecosystem-based measures including protection of water and soil systems, enhance multi-species variation. Concrete management aspects for EU forest habitat types are under development.

If complying with the criteria for sustainable forest management private forest owners and local authorities receive technical and financial support to develop and implement the management plan for their forest.

La région wallonne intègre des mesures de biodiversité dans les plans de gestion des forêts via :

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  The 'Circulaire Biodiversité en Forêts' recommends integrating measures with a more biodiversity friendly dimension within the objectives of forest management. One of the objectives of the Forestry Code is to combat climate change and to preserve biodiversity. It stipulates that the sustainable development of wood(land)s and forests implies the application of certain principles.[T]he ‘Circulaire relative aux aménagements dans les forêts soumises au régime forestier’ is a normative tool for the management planning in public forests (255,000 ha in Wallonia). At this stage, about 65% of the forest area is covered by new management plans following this circulaire. The remaining area should be covered by 2013. About 150,000 ha of forests are included in Natura 2000 areas. Management contracts will be concluded between the authorities and the owners, to implement the objectives of each site.
  
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  The Forest code (see under action 11) dont un des 5 objectifs est de lutter contre le réchauffement climatique et sauvegarder la biodiversité ; son article 1er stipule que le développement durable des bois et forêts implique la nécessité d’appliquer notamment le maintien, la conservation et l’amélioration de la diversité biologique dans les écosystèmes forestiers; Ceci entre parfaitement dans les orientations paneuropéennes sur le niveau de gestion durable des forêts.
  
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  Pour les propriétaires publics, le code forestier demande le maintien d’arbres morts, cassés ou biologiquement intéressants, à raison de 2 bois par hectare, le maintien d’au moins un arbre d’intérêt biologique exceptionnel par superficie de 2 hectares.
  
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  Enfin, le code forestier impose dorénavant que 3% des forêts feuillues publiques de plus de 100 hectares soient classées en réserves intégrales.
  
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  Selon l’art. 57 du code forestier, tous les bois et forêts des personnes morales de droit public, d’une superficie supérieure à vingt hectares d’un seul tenant, sont soumis à un plan d’aménagement. Ceux ci contiennent des mesures liées à la biodiversité, un rappel des mesures de conservation liées au réseau Natura 2000 et aux autres espaces naturels protégés, le cas échéant;
  
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  L’Art. 14 du code forestier prévoit que le Gouvernement peut temporairement limiter ou interdire la circulation en cas de risque d’incendie.
  
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  Un plan de prévention incendie visant à établir une coordination entre le DNF et les Services d’Incendie pour une intervention rapide et efficace des pompiers lors d’incendies de forêts est en développement.
  
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  La certification forestière PEFC
  
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  Pro sylva (17.437 ha end 2014)
  
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  Zones forestières avec plan d'aménagement spécifique à la biodiversité (7.634 ha in 2014)
  
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  Protection sols Hydromorphes (73.667 ha in 2014)
  

The Sonian Forest management plan already fulfill the EU objectives

http://www.natuurenbos.be/nl-BE/natuurbeleid/bos/duurzaam_bosbeheer [to be updated by the Member State]

http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-biodiversite/action-de-la-region/plan-de-gestion-pour-la-foret-de?view_pro=1&view_school=1

. Sand and gravel extraction, dredging and dumping of dredge spoil are subject to licences. Zero tolerance policy in relation to oil pollution.

. Development of a cleaning policy of the North Sea through the ‘fishing for litter programme’.

. Measures regulating coastal fisheries in protection of marine mammals.

. Ongoing actions in order to reduce import of nutrients and hazardous substances into the North Sea

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences develops through the Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models and the Scheldt estuary (http://odnature.naturalsciences.be/coherens/applications) a mathematical model to better understand fragile ecosystems such as coastal areas and mangroves in Asia (Vietnam) and Latin America (Peru) in order to be better able at developing integrated management plans taking into account the protection of sensitive areas.

http://odnature.naturalsciences.be/coherens/applications

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  Harmonia+ is a first-line risk assessment scheme for potentially invasive species.
  
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  Pandora+ is a first-line risk assessment scheme for pathogenic or parasitic (micro) organisms that may be of concern to environmental, plant, animal or human health. It refers directly to a particular host organism, and as such, is designed to support assessments within Harmonia+.
  
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  Pandora is a first-line risk assessment scheme for the risks posed by pathogenic and parasitic (micro) organisms. It is the counterpart of Harmonia+ for potentially invasive (macro) organisms.
  

The Agency for Nature and Forests developed a first strategy including a special instrument for invasive alien species; to conduct an invasive species policy focussed on awareness and prevention, as well as combating IAS when necessary, taking also into account control actions and horizontal needs (such as policy framework, communication and knowledge / research. The reports of 2013 indicate a total number of 89 exotic species on the “signal list” of problematic species. At least 41 of these species are recorded as being invasive: 16 plant species, 5 fish, 4 mammals, 4 crustaceans and 4 bird species. The Executive Act on species protection published in 2009 includes the legal basis for preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive alien species in Flanders.

There is a program in which rare, colonial and introduced breeding bird species are being monitored in Flanders.

For the main IAS an information form on description, location and measures for control or eradication are published of the Agencies’ and NGO’s websites.

For some species groups, such as invasive exotic geese control measures are being carried out on yearly basis.

In cooperation with the research institute INBO and NGO Natuurpunt an early warning testing study is being carried out.

In the Walloon Region, 375 exotic species of ornamental plants and 21 exotic species of vertebrates were considered as naturalised in 2011. Of these, 29 species of plants and 11 species of vertebrates are known to cause considerable environmental damage and are mentioned on the black list.

Preventive and control actions against invasive alien species are coordinated through a dedicated interdepartmental unit that has been established in 2009 within the strategic plan of the Administration. This unit is in charge of the following tasks:
. Identify priority pathways and develop preventive and regulatory measures accordingly, including guidelines for plantations, soil movement, green waste management, etc.

. Prepare a coherent legislative framework to regulate preventive and control actions against invasive alien species in Wallonia.

. Set up an early warning system in cooperation with the other regions in the country and nature conservation NGOs.

. Identify and disseminate best practices for the management of invasive alien plants and animals;

. Coordinate control action plans against priority species like giant hogweed, Japanese mosquito, Canada goose or muskrat.

. Conduct studies to assess non-native species invasiveness in the field and compile information for risk analyses of priority species.

. Communicate and develop capacity building actions towards field managers and the general public.

. Nature Parks, many River Contracts and cities which have either a Municipality Plan for Nature Conservation or a ‘Roadside management plan’ actively manage invasive alien species at a local scale.

. The introduction of non-indigenous species or indigenous species of non-indigenous origin in nature is forbidden except for species used for agriculture and forestry.
Brussels-Capital Region:

En Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, la plupart des groupes d'espèces comptent au moins une ou plusieurs espèces exotiques. La part d'espèces exotiques est particulièrement élevée chez les reptiles, les plantes et les oiseaux. Parmi les plantes exotiques observées à Bruxelles, plusieurs sont invasives. Les plus répandues sont la renouée du Japon (Fallopia japonica), la berce du Caucase (Heracleum mantegazzianum) et le cersisier tardif (Prunus serotina). Parmi les oiseaux, les espèces invasives les plus répandues sont l'Ouette d'Egypte, la Bernache du Canada et 3 espèces de perruches vertes. The the Regional Nature Plan (in development) also aim to reduce nuisances caused by problematic species, in particular invasive exotic species and foresees diverses measures to do so.

Action 18 of the second Federal Plan for Sustainable Development is devoted to biodiversity and focuses on sectoral integration of biodiversity in key federal sectors (transport, economy, development cooperation and scientific policy). The action plan ‘Integration of biodiversity in the four federal key sectors’, adopted in November 2009 was evaluated in 2014. Some specific actions were dedicated to IAS.

. Economy: the consultation of key sectors in order to increase awareness and understanding of the issue and the identification of the most appropriated measures (such as e.g. labelling, substitution, information, etc.) (see AlterIAS LIFE project above) and the review, actualization and extension of existing legislations at federal level are still under discussion in order to be in line with the new EU legislation but some meausres were already taken:

- Renforcement de l’expertise scientifique notamment dans l’élaboration des procédures d’évaluation des risques ;

- The federal law of 1973 on nature conservation has been modified in 2012 and in 2014 in order to update the general legal framework related to the federal competences concerning the importation, exportation and transit of non indigenous species, including invasive alien species. New provisions include i.e. the possibility to take different measures on invasive alien species like to prohibite, suspend or regulate them as well as sanctions applying in case of non compliance.

. Science: the establishment of an early warning system on IAS and the development of a system based on molecular barcoding to identify organisms of policy concern (including IAS) for use by Transport (see for example the Alien-Alert project above).

. Transport: the control and management of ballast water. La ratification de la Convention de la gestion des eaux de ballast est réalisé au niveau fédéral, de la Région de Bruxelles et de la Wallonie. Il est attendu que l’entrée en vigueur se fasse fin 2015 ou au premier semestre 2016. Les travaux préparatoires pour l’implémentation sont déjà en cours

The Belgian Law of 20.01.1999 (MMM law) forbids the intentional introduction of non-indigenous species in the marine environment without special license (Art. 11, §1).

A royal decree will be adopted in the second part of 2009 to implement the Council Regulation dealing specifically with alien species in aquaculture (708/2007/CE) with regard to marine species.

http://www.natuurenbos.be/nl-BE/Natuurbeleid/Soortenbeleid/Overlast_schade/door_uith_soorten/Visie%20ANB.aspx [to be updated by the Member State]

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/aantal-uitheemse-en-invasieve-uitheemse-soorten-op-een-signaallijst

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/bedreiging-door-nieuwe-uitheemse-diersoorten

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/bedreiging-door-uitheemse-plantensoorten

https://www.inbo.be/nl/natuurindicator/aantal-rosse-stekelstaarten-vlaanderen

http://documentation.bruxellesenvironnement.be/documents/NARABRU_20120910_FR_150dpi.pdf?langtype=2060

http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-biodiversite/action-de-la-region/le-plan-nature?view_pro=1&view_school=1

• 
  Implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates directive to protect aquatic environment and to reach good ecological status.
  
• 
  Many different projects focussing on sustainable food production and consumption, i.a. direct selling and CSA-farming (Flemish Strategic Plan), organic farming (Flemish Strategic Plan), prevent food waste…
  
• 
  Biodiversity conservation measures e.g. on high nature value pastures prevent degradation of biodiversity rich grasslands (see conditionality principle Wallonian contribution).
  
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  Integrated pest management in the fruit sector (see Wallonian contribution).
  
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  Projects to stimulate a circular economy: reuse and recycling of food and other organic waste, mainly in the agrofood business complex, often combined with renewable energy production. + Actions of Target 3.
  

Organised and controlled hunting in Wildlife Management Units (WMU) is promoted so that hunters can act as joint managers of the open space. Principles, criteria and indicators are being developed to evaluate the sustainability of the implementation and hunting plans and to review policies.

• 
  Many tools are available to improve forest biodiversity and sustainable forest management:
  

- About 150.000 ha of forests are included in Natura 2000; management contracts will be concluded between the authorities and the owners, to implement the objectives of each site

- The‘Circulaire relative aux aménagements dans les forêts soumises au régime forestier’ is a normative tool for the management planning in public forests (270,000 ha in Wallonia, including regional nature reserves)

-The application of the 'ecological tree varieties registry' allows to optimise sylvicultural practices as well as to improve ecosystem functioning, the mineral and water cycles, and the biodiversity of the undergrowth.

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  The Walloon Region has adopted the Water Code (Code de l’Eau) on 27 May 2004 to implement the Water Framework Directive. One of its objectives is to prevent additional degradations and to preserve and improve the state of the aquatic ecosystems as well as of the terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands depending on them.
  
• 
  Agri-environmental methods foresee incentives for a better consideration of nature in agricultural areas.
  
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  Organic farming: this type of agriculture forbids synthesized fertilizers and pesticides, excludes GMOs and has a particular attention for the well-being of cattle and the soil quality. In 2011, approximately 6.9% of the Walloon agricultural area was covered by organic farming.
  
• 
  The strategic plan for the development of biological agriculture to 2020 has been approved by the Walloon Gouvernment in December 2012. It aims to promote production and consumption of Walloon bio products.
  
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  Integrated pest management aims to limit as much as possible the use of synthesized fertilisers and phytopharmaceutical products, mainly in the fruit production sector. At the end of 2008, the main label gathered 25% of the Walloon producers, equalling 45% of the production.
  
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  The conditionality principle in relation to grants for agriculture entered into force on 01.01.2005. It is linked with several European directives, among others the Bird and Habitat Directives. The conditionality principle contains following points:
  

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  It is forbidden to remove indigenous hedges without an urban permit
  
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  It is forbidden to drain Natura 2000 areas without the permission of the DGARNE.
  

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  The non-profit organisation ECOCONSO promotes environment-friendly and healthy consumption patterns, among others in relation to water, gardening, pesticides ... The campaign 'Achats verts' is directed towards municipalities and public communities. It aims to implement a more ecological way of consumption within local policies and to improve purchasing practices.
  

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  In the Brussels-Capital Region, much attention is paid to the ecological management of the green spaces, the use of pesticides is therefore prohibited: http://www.bruxellesenvironnement.be/Templates/Particuliers/Informer.aspx?id=1834&langtype=2060. [to be updated by the Member State]
  
• 
  Forest exploitation in the Brussels Capital Region is in line with the FSC and PEFC certification criteria:
  

• 
  New buildings but also restoration of buildings tends to be more and more nature friendly. One of the more used indicators to measure this is the BAF (biotope area factor): http://www.sustainablecity.be/themas/sustainable-building, http://www.bruxellesenvironnement.be/guide_batiment_durable/. [to be updated by the Member State]
  
• 
  Much effort is also made in the field of sustainable food and supply chain: http://www.sustainablecity.be/themas/sustainable-consumption.
  

• 
  The Regional Nature Plan (in development) foresees the following measures:
  

• 
  To develop an integrated vision for the conservation and restoration of agricultural relict zones
  
• 
  To develop an indicator to evaluate the taking into account of nature into projects
  
• 
  To strengthen the taking into account of impacts of plans and projects onto the ecological network and the green spaces
  

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  Adoption of a sectoral agreement in the wood sector to stimulate the production and sell of sustainable wood products.
  
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  Results of both ‘Business and biodiversity’ and ‘Consumers and biodiversity’ studies (see action 17a below).
  
• 
  An information campaign was set up to inform the public on SFM and related certification
  

http://www.bruxellesenvironnement.be/Templates/Particuliers/Informer.aspx?id=1834&langtype=2060 [to be updated by the Member State]

Business and biodiversity: Two studies were carried out in 2012-2013 in order to better integrate biodiversity in key market players (business, consumer, civil society).

• 
  "Consumers and biodiversity" study: This study analyzes the consumption patterns of consumers and their knowledge and sensitivity to biodiversity. The internet survey covered 1.219 Belgian consummers. The main conclusions are: Regarding the preservation of the environment and biodiversity, it is extremely difficult to identify ‘homogeneous’ consumer groups since one can find very engaged and very disengaged consumers in all categories of the population. This study shows also how the federal government can encourage biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services, adopting measures to alter the demand for goods and services to consumers and citizens. This study is line with the ‘Biodiversity barometer’ of the UEBT.
  
• 
  "Business and biodiversity" study: This study aims to encourage market participants to provide models of sustainable consumption and production and to consider the potential for sustainable use of biodiversity for economic, social gain, and environmental. This study proposes a list of instruments that can be supported by the federal government.
  

• 
  CAP direct payments under cross compliance to ensure compliance with i.a. biodiversity legislation and some supplementary rules (for example measures to counter erosion, obligation to maintain amount of permanent grasslands on farm level). . Code of good agricultural practices nature and biodiversity to stimulate farmers to take into account biodiversity in their operations.
  
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  Research and projects to test, demonstrate and stimulate sustainable use of biodiversity in farming context.
  
• 
  Local projects are promoted to i.a. increase green farm sites, create pools, prune trees and hedges…
  

• 
  Financing of several measures of the Walloon rural development program has a direct positive effect on biodiversity:
  

• 
  Measures in relation to agri-environmental subsidies
  
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  Natura 2000 remunerations for the farmers
  
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  Natura 2000 remunerations for the forestry sector
  
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  Conservation and valorisation of the rural patrimony
  

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  Subsidies for biological agriculture.
  
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  Supplementary subsidies for agri-environmental measures in Natura 2000 sites and in the main ecological structure areas (SEP).
  
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  Subsidies for the planting of hedges, tree rows and orchards.
  
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  Subsidies attributed through the 'Plan Communal de Développement de la Nature', for delayed mowing, for the program 'combles et clochers', within river contracts, for the Maya Plan, for natural parks, for the action 'Semaine de l'Arbre', etc.
  
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  Subsidies for the regeneration of broadleaved and conifer species.
  
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  Subsidies for the acquisition of land that will be designated as nature reserve. . Dispensation of property tax and of succession and donation rights within Natura 2000.
  
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  Natura 2000:
  

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  Agricultural compensations are available to farmers; they can be cumulated with agri-environmental measures
  
• 
  Compensations are also available to forest owners
  
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  Restoration and acquisition subsidies are available for all Natura 2000 sites and SEP sites, for all owners and farmers
  
• 
  Subsidies for the management of open spaces are also available.
  

• 
  Non financial incentives:
  

• 
  PEFC label
  
• 
  BIO label
  

• 
  The new nature ordinance foresees several cases where positive incentives may be accorded by the Government: public awareness and information (art. 4), scientific research (art. 5), protected areas management and ground purchases (art. 35, 55), management and development of urban biotopes and other key elements of the ecological network (art. 66), actions in favour of protected species (art. 72).
  
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  The Regional Nature Plan (in development) foresees inter alia the following measure: to co-ordonate and to guide nature support mecanisms.
  

• 
  Following the adoption of the European Maritime and Fishery Fund (EMFF, 2014-2020) the Flemish administration in charge of the Fishery Policy and the federal administration in charge of the protection of the marine environment are currently preparing the Operational Programme so as to facilitate the use of EMFF for the restoration of the marine Natura 2000 areas and to support the implementation of measures of the EU-Marine Strategy Directive.
  

http://cebios.naturalsciences.be

BE is funding the CEBioS programme, housed at the Royal Belgian Institute for Natural

Sciences to mainstream conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in development cooperation and hence contribute to global biodiversity conservation. CEBioS has a ten year strategy (2014-2023), with a first five year programme of 6 M Euro (2014-2018).

Based on the results of the study, a phased approach was adopted by the relevant Belgian regional and federal authorities for the national implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. Its purpose is to maintain the necessary flexibility in order to allow integration of future developments that will result from ongoing European and global discussions, while still allowing a timely ratification to allow Belgium to participate as a Party to the Nagoya Protocol at COP/MOP1.

Step 1: political agreement to support timely ratification.

Step 2: legal measures implementing the political agreement, based on currently available guidance.
After expressing their clear political commitment to implement the core obligations of the Nagoya Protocol, within the limits of the decisions already taken at the international and European level at the time of the agreement, the competent authorities will proceed with developing legal measures to achieve the following:

. Establishment of PIC and benefit-sharing as general legal principles.

. Designation of four Competent National Authorities (CNAs) as well as one centralized input system for the four CNAs.

. Enforce that Genetic Resources (GR) utilized within Belgian jurisdiction have been accessed by PIC and MAT, as required by provider country legislation, and to address situations of non-compliance.

. Making the PIC documents available in the ABS Clearing-House (ABS C-H) as checkpoint.

. Designation of the Belgian CBD CHM, managed by the Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences (RBINS), as the Belgian contribution to the ABS C-H.

Work under step 1 and 2 is ongoing and progressing as fast as possible, aiming for the June 2014 ratification deadline. It must however be kept in mind that for ratification by Belgium, due to the extent of competences covered to implement the Nagoya Protocol, probably 9 parliaments will need to give their consent.

http://www.biodiv.be/implementation/cross-cutting-issues/abs/20130321-final-report-np-abs-be.pdf