EU: Stavros Dimas at opening of Belgium's first national park

Today at 14h00, European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas will inaugurate Belgium's first national park, the Hoge Kempen, in the province of Limburg. The park covers an area of 56 km2, between Genk and Maasmechelen. The Hoge Kempen is the largest coherent forest and nature area in Flanders, with large pine forests, heather and stretches of water. It is the home of several rare and special animals, such as the bird Eurasian Nightjar, rare butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles, as well as water Lobelia vegetation, and many Orchid species. The park contains areas which are part of the EU-wide network of protected areas, Natura 2000. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Dimas will underline the importance of initiatives of this kind to preserve biodiversity, and fight the extinction of species. "Biodiversity loss is continuing at alarming rates, both in the EU and globally. Together with climate change, it is one of the most serious challenges mankind is facing. We are in danger of undermining the Earth's life support systems to the point where one day they could collapse." He continues: "The European Union has taken a strong position in order to stop this trend. The EU's leaders have committed themselves to halting the loss of biodiversity in Europe by 2010. The cornerstone of the EU approach is Natura 2000 which is now the world's largest network of protected areas. It presently covers 18% of the land in the EU-15 and is being extended to the EU-10." Correcting the impression that no economic activity is allowed within Natura 2000 areas, Commissioner Dimas says: "The Hoge Kempen National Park will join thousands of other sites in the network in demonstrating that nature conservation goes hand in glove with rural development. The national park will help to safeguard a beautiful landscape and exceptionally rich biodiversity in the heart of a densely populated frontier region. At the same time, it has the potential to attract thousands of visitors a year who will contribute extra revenue to the area's economy."

Source: Stavros Dimas at opening of Belgium's first national park
Author: EU:

Other EVANA-articles about this topic:
Pacific isles get wildlife drive (en)

World Must Tackle Wildlife Smuggling - UN Official (en)

U.N. Biodiversity Meeting Embraces Eco-Friendly City (en)

Are We Winning the Race to Stop Biodiversity Loss? (en)

Biodiversity: Curitiba, an Indigenous Conference (en)