Why LIFE Belgium for Biodiversity?

The LIFE Belgium for Biodiversity project (LIFE B4B) will contribute to the protection and restoration of biodiversity in Belgium. The focus will be on facilitating the implementation of existing regional policy frameworks and the program of measures  for Belgian territorial  waters. The project is implemented by all Belgian authorities responsible for the Natura 2000 policy and 8 other partners (14 partners in total) including other authorities and stakeholders. LIFE B4B will be active throughout the whole Belgian territory.

The project focuses on 4 pillars, based on the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and will facilitate the implementation of the ‘prioritized action framework’ or PAFs ((Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) and other regional strategic programmes, strategies and action plans:

Protecting biodiversity by improving the integrity of protected areas (Natura 2000 areas and other green infrastructure). This will be achieved by expanding and connecting protected areas, as well as installing appropriate nature management and preventing violations of the nature regulations in these protected areas.

Restoring biodiversity by improving the conservation status of species and habitats. A dedicated large-scale restoration agenda  will be designed and implemented with additional funding. Species protection programs and action plans for species and habitats will be developed and implemented with additional funding. Biodiversity in an agricultural context receives the necessary attention through “nature-inclusive agriculture”-projects. Lastly, various pilot projects will be set up to test instruments for the conservation of biodiversity on privately owned land in Belgium.

Reducing the impact of environmental pressures on Belgian biodiversity, such as light pollution, waste water and recreation. Several pilot projects will be launched to reduce the impact of these environmental pressures. If successful, these will be further scaled up using additional funding. Hydrology and climate change have an impact on biodiversity and therefore deserve the necessary attention in the context of this project.

Enabling system change: many stakeholders and actors are involved in the restoration and conservation of our biodiversity. To further strengthen this network, various horizontal measures are being taken. This includes providing training, communicating with stakeholders, knowledge sharing, Natura 2000 branding and using ambassadors to place biodiversity higher on the agenda of other policy areas. On an international level, LIFE B4B will also contribute to the European biogeographical process Natura 2000.