12,000 hectares of valuable ancient forests colored as a residential or agricultural area in our country. Professor: “Protect them as a nature reserve” | the interior

The professor calls him on Tuesday in response to a Recently published report From the European Forestry Institute, which discusses the biodiversity of European forests. The report takes a closer look at managing forests with the goal of increasing biodiversity. Thirteen researchers from ten different European countries participated, including Bart Moyes and Koenrad van Meerbeek from the University of Leuven.

Belgium does not have primeval forests like those in Romania or Poland, for example, but there are parts that have remained a forested area since the mid-18th century. “These forests are home to rare plant and animal species,” Moyes says. But a large part of it is taboo: forests are still colored on regional maps as residential or agricultural areas. As a result, in theory they could be cut in this way.”

The forests that Professor Moyes is talking about are spread all over the country. The professor cites several regions in southern Limburg or Brabant as examples.

The report also makes several recommendations for increasing forest biodiversity. One of the most important tips is that there should be better monitoring. Moreover, according to scientists, there is still room for cooperation with the private sector. “For example, you could put in place a system whereby forest owners receive subsidies if they take biodiversity-related measures,” Moyes says. “There is also a financial incentive.”