INBO publishes Natura 2000 report: spectacular comebacks and the importance of maintaining a base level of nature quality
The state of nature in Flanders presents a mixed picture, as shown by the most recent six-yearly Natura 2000 report that European Member States are required to submit to the European Commission. The report covers European protected habitats, birds and other animal species, and is determinant for Flemish nature policy.
The good news is that investing in nature pays off. Where large-scale nature restoration is taking place, ecosystems are recovering and iconic species are gradually returning. Thanks to projects like the Sigma Plan, in which flood safety and nature development go hand in hand, riparian zones and estuaries are recovering, and twait shad (a fish species) and otter are finding habitat in Flanders again. The European tree frog made a spectacular comeback thanks to the restoration of ponds and the planting of hedges in Limburg and the coastal region.
At the same time, the report shows that large parts of Flemish nature remain under severe pressure. Desiccation and poor water management provoke a silent crisis for vulnerable habitats and species. The ecological quality of the countryside is still seriously lacking. Sustainable restoration of species and habitats in the cultural landscape requires a structural improvement in nature quality to at least a base level, with hydrological restoration, robust nature reserves and cross-cutting measures to reduce the pressure from fertilisation, pesticide use and desiccation.
In short, the report shows that nature restoration works, but continued and additional measures are needed to prevent species from completely disappearing from Flanders.
Read more:
- Vanden Borre, J., Westra, T., Vandevoorde, B., Provoost, S., Leyssen, A., De Saeger, S., Oosterlynck, P., Thomaes, A. & Carmen, R. (2025). Regionale staat van instandhouding voor de habitattypen van de Habitatrichtlijn. Rapportageperiode 2019 ‐ 2024
- Van Landuyt W., Verbist V., Baert K., Dekeukeleire D., De Knijf G., Gouwy J., Huysentruyt F., Leyssen A., Maes D., Onkelinx T., Packet J., Scheers K., Speybroeck J., van Doorn L., Thomaes A., Van Hecke F., Van Thuyne G., Wils C. (2025). Staat van Instandhouding (status en trends) van de soorten van de Habitatrichtlijn. Algemene resultaten – rapportageperiode 2019-2024
- Vermeersch, G., Devos, K., Stienen, E., Courtens, W., Daelemans, R. & Onkelinx, T. (2025). Methodiek van de Vlaamse rapportage in het kader van artikel 12 van de Vogelrichtlijn en status van vogelsoorten met instandhoudings‐populatiedoelen en van typische vogelsoorten van Natura 2000 habitattypes
Image above: European tree frog (photo Rollin Verlinde - Vildaphoto)