Antwerp Province seeks ‘beaver coordinator’ following rise in reports of damage
The Province of Antwerp aims to recruit a full-time “beaver coordinator” to monitor the increasing damage and nuisance caused by beavers. At the same time, it is asking the Flemish government for greater clarity on the application of the rules concerning this protected species.
The province hopes to recruit a coordinator by September. The coordinator will be responsible for developing a provincial framework for the management of beaver populations and for liaising with local authorities, farmers and nature organisations, amongst others.
According to the province, the number of incidents on the ground is increasing. By the end of 2025, 29 beaver lodges were known to exist near provincial watercourses, and 495 locations with beaver activity were recorded, mainly dams.
Although beavers contribute to wetland habitats and water retention, some dams also cause flooding and damage to crops and trees, it is reported. In 2025, the provincial Integrated Water Policy department carried out approximately 4,500 inspections and more than 1,000 interventions, mainly involving the lowering or removal of dams. The costs of these measures amounted to more than 100,000 euros.
“We are seeing a very clear increase in the number of incidents on the ground,” stated Jan De Haes, the provincial responsible for Integrated Water Policy. “The province wants to fulfil its responsibilities but too often comes up against the limits of the current framework.”
The European beaver is a protected species, meaning that interventions are only permitted under certain conditions. Flanders launched a new species protection programme in 2024, but according to the province, more clarity is needed regarding its practical application.
#FlandersNewsService | European beaver © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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