Europe > Western Europe > Belgium > Belgium Nature protection and biodiversity

Belgium: Belgium Nature protection and biodiversity

2011/07/03

Why Belgium cares about biodiversity and the status of the loss of biodiversity.

Key message

Biodiversity in Belgium is under tremendous pressure and could have an impact on human health and the productivity of the rural areas.

Biodiversity in Belgium is under tremendous pressure as a result of human activities. This pressure is especially high to the north of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, where the human population density is exceptionally high. Besides eutrophication, acidification, climate change and invasive alien species, land conversion poses a big threat to biodiversity. Construction and densification of the transport infrastructure are the main drivers behind the increased fragmentation of the natural spaces. Due to this fragmentation, species that are unable to adapt to climate change are also incapable of moving to a more suitable habitat through natural dispersion. It is feared that as individual species start disappearing, the quality of larger parts of the ecosystem will decline. This could have impacts on human health and well-being and the agricultural productivity of rural areas in Belgium, even though considerable uncertainties on the topic remain.

The state and impacts

The state of and the impact on biodiversity in Belgium.

The state of biodiversity in Belgium is described with indicators on species abundance and detailed with figures on the conservation status of species of European interest for the national (where available) as well as the regional levels. Trends are given for some bird indices (e.g. the European common bird index). The state of biodiversity is always closely connected to the quality and availability of habitat, hence the inclusion of several descriptive figures on the progress of their conservation to conclude the section.

The status and trends in species in Belgium.

Key message

A great number of species in Belgium are critically endangered especially amongst the reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

Regarding terrestrial biodiversity, a great percentage of reptiles (71 %), amphibians (60 %) and butterflies (60 %) are currently 'critically endangered'^¹. For mammals (36 %), birds (25 %), fish (23 %) and vascular plants (29 %), the situation is slightly better. More worrying is the situation for dragonflies and damselflies where 48 % of the species analysed are critically endangered. Terrestrial biodiversity in Belgium is monitored and managed on a regional level. More precise data are therefore given below per region.

Concerning marine environment, there has been a continuous decline in the number of fish species and crustaceans in the Belgian part of the North Sea, primarily as a result of overfishing^².

The trend of the marine bird species occurring in the Belgian part of the North Sea and listed in annex I of the EU Birds Directive is as follows: the populations of little tern (Sterna minor) is in decline while the populations of Sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis) and common tern (Sterna hirundo) are stable or fluctuating^³. Several reports describe the international importance of the Belgian part of the North Sea for marine bird species.

The trend for marine mammals is less clear, although it is certain that most species remain threatened. Article 17 reporting, in application of the Habitats Directive, mentions positive trends for the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) (primarily due to a shift of the population in the North Sea), the common seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)^⁴.

1 Directorate-general Statistics and Economic information of Belgium (2008): p36 – percentages given only reflect the situation of the species which were analysed.

2 http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/

3 http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/

4 National Focal Point of Belgium for the Convention on Biological Diversity (2009), p13.

The status and trends in species in the Flemish Region

Key message

The conservation status of only a small percentage of the species occurring in the Flemish Region has been documented. From what we know the situation is especially worrying for butterflies where more than 50% of the species documented are on the Flemish Red List.

Figures

Figure 1. Species status in the Flemish Region in 2008

Figure 1 illustrates the species status in the Flemish Region. The conservation status of 3 451 of the species (9 % of the total) occurring in Flanders has currently been documented. Knowledge on the status of Flemish biodiversity is strongly biased toward vertebrates and vascular plants. From the species assessed, 6 % have recently become regionally extinct and 29 % have been listed as 'critically endangered', 'endangered' or 'vulnerable' so-called Red List species. Butterflies are among the most affected with 25 % extinct and 33 % on the Flemish Red List. Empidids (no extinctions and 15 % on the Red List) and Dolichopodids (9 % extinct and 18 % on the Flemish Red List) prove to be the most robust species groups.

The status of habitat conservation in the Flemish Region

Figure 7: Conservation status of habitats of European interest in the Flemish Region

Three-quarters of the 37 habitats have an unfavourable (bad) conservation status and 15 % (seven habitats) have an inadequate conservation status. The latter group comprises two peat and marsh habitats, one heathland, two grassland and two woodland habitats. Consequently, only two habitats have a favourable conservation status, these being one saline habitat (Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide) and one coastal dune habitat (Dunes with Sea Buckthorn). All aquatic habitats are of a unfavourable (bad) conservation status. Water and air pollution pose the most serious threats for most habitats.

The status and trends in species in the Walloon Region

Key message

In Wallonia, the species conservation status is poor for roughly 40% of the species which were monitored.

Figure 4.1 Species status in the Walloon Region in 2009

In Wallonia, the species conservation status (see Figure 4.1) is poor for roughly 2/5 of the species in the monitored groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, dragonflies, butterflies, ladybirds, beetles, vascular plants and non-vascular cryptogamous plants). Combining all the groups, 31 % of the species which have been studied run the risk of disappearing. Furthermore, nearly 9 % have already disappeared. Among bats, fish, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies (odonata), more than half of species analysed are in an unfavourable situation.

The status and trends in species in the Brussels-Capital Region

Figure 5. Estimate of the species status in the Brussels Capital Region

In the Brussels-Capital Region, the species status is highlighted in Figure 5. It should be stressed that considering the limited size of the Brussels Region (161 km2) and its urban character, it is not possible to strictly apply the IUCN’s criteria to determine the conservation status of the various species. Therefore, the data presented below constitute an estimate and should be considered with caution. In particular, the number of species of mammals present in the Brussels Region could actually be higher than 39 because there is doubt concerning the presence of certain species of bats.

About 50 %, 15 % and 100 % respectively of the native and non-extinct species of mammals, birds, and reptiles and amphibians are threatened (endangered or vulnerable). Compared to other taxonomic groups for which historical data are available in the Brussels-Capital Region, butterflies and dragonflies record a particularly important regression.

For plants, 66 species (out of 578 ’native’8plants recorded) are identified as being endangered. Actually, this figure is most likely much higher since the conservation status is unspecified for the majority of the plants. The number of ’neophytes’ (plants arrived under human influence) is rising rapidly. It is currently estimated at approximately 215 species. For mosses and lichens, no distinction is made between native and exotic species. Many exotic animal species are also observed, including inter alia three species of mammals and 11 species of birds.

The status of habitat conservation in the Walloon Region

Overall, for the continental region, only boxwood xerothermic formations were deemed to be in favourable status. Rivers, megaphorbic areas and acidophilous beech forests with Ilex and Taxus were deemed to be in an inadequate status. The other habitats evaluated are in an unfavourable status. As far as forests are concerned, factors lowering the status basically involve the presence of wide diameter-wood and dead wood (insufficient volume and number). No forest habitat in the continental region had a good evaluation as far as the vertical structure was concerned or the presence of natural regeneration. As well as various structural and functioning problems, the poor evaluation of other formations, such as dry heaths, grasslands and screes, comes from the reduced size of their distribution area in relation to the land area required for the good functioning of the habitat and its long term conservation

The status of habitat conservation in the Brussels-Capital Region

In the Brussels-Capital Region, the majority of the habitats are in an unfavourable conservation status. Only two habitats, namely the Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities and the alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior, have a favourable conservation status. Despite the small regional scale which sometimes limits the quantitative potential for natural habitat development, it is mainly the habitat quality that causes the generally unfavourable conservation status. Therefore, the future emphasis will lie on improving this habitat quality in order to attain a better conservation status for all habitat types;

Abundance and distribution of selected species in the Flemish Region

Figure 2. Trend abundance of forest, farmland and other common birds in the Flemish Region (1990 to 2007-2008)

Figure 2 illustrates the evolution of the European Common Bird Index from 1990 to 2007-2008 in Flanders. The ‘Common bird index’ is calculated as the trend abundance of forest, farmland and other common birds. The trend is calculated as annual median over species.

The farmland bird indicator dropped sharply between 1990 and 2000-2002. Afterwards, the decline continued, but less pronounced.

Abundance and distribution of selected species in the Walloon Region

Key message

Near one third of the nesting bird species in the Walloon Region are threatened and the abundance of the forest common birds and farmland birds is declining.

Figure 4.2 Changes in common birds numbers in the Walloon Region

In Wallonia, near one-third of the nesting bird species are threatened. Threatened species are particularly encountered in open, aquatic and agricultural ecosystems. This situation is notably explained by the fact that the area of the heathlands, fens or grasslands is particularly confined. In agricultural areas, few nesting sites and food resources are available throughout the year, without factoring in the specific impact of certain practices (phytosanitary treatments for instance). According to the last inventories, the abundance of the forest common birds would have decreased by 18.5 % between 2005 and 2009. Moreover, the Farmland bird index dropped by 20.5 % between 1990 and 2009.

The conservation status of 'species of European interest' in the Flemish Region

Key message

In the Flemish Region, slightly more than a quarter of the species (16 species, 27 %) have a favourable conservation status. For 12 species (20 %) the conservation status is inadequate and for 22 species (37 %) the status is unfavourable (bad).

Figure 3: Conservation status of species of European interest in Flanders

The conservation status of ‘species of European interest’ (see Figure 3) has been evaluated as part of the reporting requirements for the EU Habitats Directive, under the Article 17 Report (2001-2006). In the Flemish Region, slightly more than a quarter of the species (16 species, 27 %) have a favourable conservation status. For 12 species (20 %) the conservation status is inadequate and for 22 species (37 %) the status is unfavourable (bad). For nine species there was insufficient data to evaluate the status. The status of aquatic species gives the greatest cause for concern, with only one of the ten species being considered as having a favourable status. Water pollution and eutrophication are the main threats reported for most species.

The status of habitat conservation in Belgium

Key message

The conservation status of 79% of the habitat which is to be conserved in the framework of the EU Habitat Directive in Belgium has an 'unfavourable bad' conservation status.

Figure 6. Overall assessment of conservation status by habitat category (%) (2001-2006).

he overall assessment of conservation status as reported within the framework of the Article 17 reporting of the EU Habitats Directive (2001-2006) is the following: 6 % of the Belgian habitats are in ‘favourable’ conservation status; 13 % are in ‘unfavourable inadequate’, 79 % ‘unfavourable bad’ and 2 % are in ‘unknown’ status. Figure 5 shows the assessment of conservation status by habitat category.

The key drivers and pressures

The related key drivers and pressures on nature protection and biodiversity in Belgium

Key message

Land conversion, fragmentation, artificialisation, eutrophication, acidification, climate change and invasive alien species are the most prominent drivers behind the loss of biodiversity in Belgium.

Land conversion, fragmentation and artificialisation - whether for urban and industrial expansion, agriculture, infrastructure or tourism - are among the major causes of biodiversity loss in Belgium. This topic is treated elsewhere, under commonality topic land use.

Other key drivers and pressures such as eutrophication, acidification, climate change and invasive alien species are discussed in this section with regional indicators and figures on the subject. Additionally, high recreation pressure – especially in the Brussels-Capital Region - is also an important driver of biodiversity loss in Belgium, but is not discussed in the current analysis.

Exceedance of critical load for eutrophication in the Flemish Region

Key message

The exceedance of the critical load for eutrophication in Flanders is one of the highest in Europe.

Data source: http://indicatoren.milieuinfo.be/indicatorenportal.cgi?lang=en&detail=57

Figure 8: Exceedance of critical load for eutrophication in Flanders 1990-2006

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen in Flanders amounted to an average of 37.0 kg N/ha in 2006, a reduction of 33 % compared to 1990. In 2006, nitrogen deposition exceeded the critical load in 100 % of forest, 100 % of heathland and 68 % of species rich grassland areas. Together, this amounts to 91 % of the nitrogen sensitive areas. The exceedance in 2006 averaged 17.6 kg N/ha. The mean exceedance is highest in forests (+23.4 kg N/ha in 2006), followed by heathlands and species-rich grasslands (+13.4 and +5.8 kg N/ha respectively in 2006). The exceedance of the critical loads in Flanders is one of the highest in Europe (European Environment Agency, 2005). The average exceedance of the critical load has been decreasing since 1999 (trend 2000-2006: -1.7 kg N/ha/year).

Exceedance of critical load for acidification in the Flemish Region

Figure 9: Exceedance of critical load for acidification in Flanders 1990-2006

The area of sensitive ecosystems where deposition of acidifying compounds exceeded the critical load decreased steadily during the period 1990-2006, primarily as a consequence of emission reduction policies. In 2006, this downward trend was halted and even reversed, with critical load being exceeded on 49, 22 and 41 % of the area of forests, heathlands and high nature value grasslands, respectively. Taken together, critical loads for acidification were exceeded on 44 % of the overall area covered by sensitive terrestrial ecosystems in Flanders in 2006. Given the downward trend in deposition rates of nitrogen and sulphur, a further decrease of the area with exceeded critical load is to be expected. However, the current 2010 policy target will not suffice to allow for spontaneous soil chemical recovery. A further decrease of deposition rates to levels below the critical loads is a prerequisite for such a recovery and for halting the pressure on biodiversity;

Exceedance of critical load for eutrophication of forest and semi-natural ecosystems in the Walloon Region

Figure 10: Exceedance of critical load for eutrophication in Wallonia 1999-2010

In 2007, around 6 % of forest land, and almost all open land ecosystems (moors, swamps, peatlands...) were affected by exceedance of the critical load of nitrogen. In forests, the situation has noticeably improved compared to 1990, following a reduction in atmospheric deposits of nitrogen (-12 % between 1990 and 2004). This does not apply to the other semi-natural ecosystems that are more sensitive to this kind of disruption; important exceedings (superior to 3.5 kg N/(ha.an)) were still recorded in 2007, particularly to the north of the Sambre-and-Meuse river line. The acidifying effects of nitrogen deposits are less problematic, in that they only affect less than 1 % of the total area of the land concerned.

The areas of forests for wich the critical loads were exceeded in 2007 coincide with the ones that have been calculated considering that the emission ceilings fixed by european legislation (2001/81/EC directive) were respected. This shows the positive impact of measures that are implemented in order to reduce nitrogen pollutants atmospheric emissions in Wallonia (AGW dated 25/03/2004, Plan Air Climat) and at the european level.

On the other hand, no beneficial effects are expected for the semi-natural vegetation of open environments, given that more than 98 % of corresponding superficies (areas? surfaces?) are still set to suffer the negative impacts of excessive nutrient nitrogen fallout between now and 2010.

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