Support for the integration of private plots into the nature reserve network

In the Walloon Region, nature reserves still cover less than 1% of the territory, yet many private landowners own land with high ecological potential and would like to integrate it into the nature reserve network. This would enable them to make the most of plots of land that are of little or no production and/or of biological or heritage interest.

However, these landowners face a number of obstacles when trying to have their land approved as a nature reserve while retaining their property rights.

Aware of this problem, Ecofirst is actively involved in the “Ma parcelle en réserve naturelle” project, initiated by the SRFB in collaboration with agricultural and forestry representatives, environmental associations and universities. This project aims to set up a structure to facilitate the approval of private land as approved nature reserves, thereby guaranteeing their legal and social recognition.

The main aim of this mission is to support landowners in this process, and to offer them the means to manage these areas appropriately, or to delegate management to an entity.

Launched in September 2023 for a one-year period, the project has already identified nearly 240 hectares of pilot plots. The main obstacles and levers to setting aside land as a reserve have been analyzed, and the legal bases required to create this structure have been established. This initiative paves the way for greater involvement of private landowners in the preservation of biodiversity, by reconciling conservation and sustainable land management.

Our expertise at the service of this project:

• Study of pilot site potential : C. Bauffe