Belgium for Biodiversity

Introduction

The B4B project's objective is to protect and restore biodiversity in Belgium by contributing to the implementation of all regional Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs) and the Belgian Marine Strategy - Natura 2000 conservation objectives and measures. The project will be carried out by all authorities in charge of Natura 2000 policy. The B4B covers the entire territory of Belgium.

Four Pillar Approach

A four-pillar approach has been designed to protect and restore biodiversity based on the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and PAFs:

1. Protect biodiversity by improving the integrity of the protected areas (Natura 2000 and other Green Infrastructure):

   • This means enlarging the area of Protected Areas (P.A),
   • Connecting Protected Areas,
   • Installing appropriate management in Protected Areas, and
   • Promoting compliance.

2. Restoring biodiversity by improving the conservation status of species and habitats:

   • A dedicated large-scale restoration agenda will be put in place and carried out with complementary funding.
   • In addition, species protection programmes and action plans for species and habitats will be drafted and implemented using complementary funding.
   • Several agricultural initiatives will be developed, such as nature-inclusive agriculture, and Private Land Conservation tools will be piloted in Belgium.

3. Reducing the impact of environmental pressures:

   • For light pollution, effects of effluents, and recreation, several pilots will be initiated to mitigate the effects of these threats and will be upscaled using complementary funding.
   • Hydrology and climate change are the other two threats that will be tackled within the scope of this project.

4. Enabling Transformative Change:

   • Many stakeholders are involved, and thus several horizontal measures are put in place.
   • This includes capacity building, communicating towards stakeholders, Natura 2000 branding, and investing in relation managers towards other policies to mainstream biodiversity.
   • The LIFE B4B will also contribute to the biogeographical process.

Conclusion

With B4B, we bring Natura 2000 to the people!