Indicator in the spotlight: coverage of protected areas
The indicator Coverage of protected areas shows the evolution of the coverage of protected areas and areas where area-specific conservation measures apply. These are geographically defined areas with specific nature conservation objectives. This indicator will be used to monitor the global framework for biodiversity as established within this convention.
The indicator includes the Natura 2000 areas, the areas within the Flemish Ecological Network, the planological green and yellow-green areas (including agricultural areas of ecological importance) and areas with protection status under nature legislation in Flanders (e.g. protected dune areas under the Dune Decree).
At the end of 2024, the coverage of protected areas in Flanders was 314,397 ha. That is 23% of Flanders. Natura 2000 areas accounted for the largest share with 166,224 ha (12%). Outside these areas, 2.1% is Flemish Ecological Network, 7.4% is green destinations, 0.6% is yellow-green destinations, and 0.7% is areas with Flemish protection status. Legal protection of these areas is a crucial step, and effective nature management is essential to halt biodiversity loss. Current land use within Natura 2000 and yellow-green areas includes a very significant proportion of uses other than nature. Often, these are even activities that cause environmental pressure on the adjacent nature.
Image above: Het Blak: Het Blak is located in the Noorderkempen (province of Antwerp), on both sides of the Dessel-Schoten canal. Covering approximately 7,700 hectares, it is one of the smallest habitat directive areas in Flanders (photo: Natuur en Bos).