Belgium consists of three regions with policies adapted to each region.
Fauna in Flanders
Flanders is a densely populated, dynamic region with a very fragmented landscape. For this reason, wildlife is under a lot of pressure.
The website of the Institute for Nature and Woodland Research has more information about fauna in Flanders
Fauna in the Brussels Capital Region
In spite of increasing urbanization, traffic and intensive economic activity, the Brussels Capital Region has a number of rare species of animal. This rich fauna is, of course, very vulnerable.
Further information about fauna and endangered species in the Brussels Capital Region can be found on the website www.leefmilieu.brussels and www.environnement.brussels (fr)
Fauna in Wallonia
The populations of numerous species of plant and animal continue to decrease in Wallonia. Not only rare, but also common species are struggling to survive.
The serious decline of certain species is primarily the result of loss of natural habitat, essential to their chances of survival.
The Wallonia region’s environment portal offers more information about the protection of endangered species and habitats (in French).
International conventions
Belgium applies the « Natura 2000 » directives, the European network of protected areas
More information about Natura 2000 :
- in Wallonia (French)
- in Flanders (Dutch)
- in the Brussels Capital Region (French or Dutch)
- in the North Sea
Belgium is a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Belgium has been a member of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) since 2004. Belgium plays an active role within this group of countries that do not hunt whales and that aim to achieve effective measures to control, and even abolish, commercial whale hunting.