Business groups urge delay to Flemish nature restoration plan
Flemish business organisations Voka and Unizo, together with the Boerenbond farmers’ union, have called on the Flemish and federal governments not to submit the current draft of the Flemish Nature Restoration Plan to the European Commission.
In a joint letter, the groups warned that the plan could create more legal uncertainty, increase red tape and put extra financial pressure on businesses and farmers. They also said the economic impact of the measures has not been properly assessed.
The organisations support the goals of restoring nature and protecting biodiversity but argue that the draft goes beyond what is required under the EU Nature Restoration Act. They say stricter protection rules could be extended far beyond existing Natura 2000 areas and affect cities, ports and other economic centres.
The groups also criticised the lack of a completed socio-economic impact study and said there has been insufficient consultation with citizens and civil society organisations.
They are calling for the process to be put on hold and for fresh talks with the European Commission before work on the plan continues.
The appeal comes just weeks after the Belgian Biodiversity Alliance handed a petition signed by more than 40,000 people to the Flemish government, demanding a more ambitious and legally binding nature restoration plan. Environmental groups argue that 95 per cent of Belgium’s protected nature is in poor condition and warn that delaying action could worsen biodiversity loss and increase the costs of droughts and floods.
#FlandersNewsService | BELGA PHOTO EMILE WINDAL