Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide presents master plan National Park Flanders

That the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Flanders was well understood by the Flemish government by accepting the park as a candidate to become a National Park. Over the past year, Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide worked together with municipalities, nature owners, site managers, farmers, volunteers, entrepreneurs, researchers, tourism and educational partners on a master plan for that candidacy. On Friday 31 March 2023, the municipal authorities, the provincial government and other partners involved received the final version of the master plan. The plan describes an ambitious vision of the future for the next 24 years. Those who approve the plan will join an area coalition of municipalities and other actors who will hand over the plan to the relevant environment minister Zuhal Demir.

"We have drawn up a master plan from Grenspark because we are convinced that a label from the Flemish government offers the best guarantees for the future of our park. We want to guarantee biodiversity in this unique nature reserve for the future of our children, grandchildren and many generations to follow. Becoming a National Park will bring additional opportunities to further develop the area. We focus on our three assets: nature and silence, (cultural) historical heritage and boundless experiences. For instance, by uncovering hidden gems of military heritage, we also want to promote lesser-known places in the region. Together with better cycling and walking infrastructure, we ensure an optimal spread of tourism across the various municipalities and reception ports'," Martin Groffen, chairman Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide  

Participation process
In order to realise a supported master plan, Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide organised a constructive dialogue with many stakeholders via various participation moments. During three thematic work benches, around eighty participants exchanged ideas on the themes of nature, landscape, tourism, recreation and education. A core team and a coalition team, consisting of representatives from private owners, nature, agriculture, tourism, education and local and provincial governments, contributed to the master plan with suggestions, each from their expertise and background. Local residents and visitors were kept informed of the process through press releases and newsletters.

"A National Park is a strong brand, also known abroad. It attracts people and gives charisma. Recognition by the Flemish government gives opportunities for the local economy and tourism to grow, with respect for the environment. The part of the park located in the Netherlands already has the label. It would be nice if the area in Flanders also received the same label. The involvement of the municipalities was a priority for us from the start. We defined clear starting points together. For instance, it was important to us that the total surface area of nature is present, without using agricultural or other land. We want the park to be a collaboration of all stakeholders without any negative impact on agriculture or owners. Because we noticed concerns among farmers and owners, we sat around the table with them several times to make sure that a possible recognition can be positive for everyone", Martin Groffen, chairman Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide

The master plan envisages that the current Grenspark area of 6,000 ha could grow to 14,000 ha. Of this, 8,000 ha are in the Netherlands and 6,000 ha in Flanders. The planned expansion is space that is already nature reserve today, such as the Antitankgracht with the Ertbrandbos alongside it, the Markiezaat, the Peerdsbos, De Zoom... In order to meet the predetermined criteria, no farmland or other land will therefore be given a new destination. Possible cooperation with agriculture and nature owners will only take place on a voluntary basis.

Strong local collaborations
The result is a master plan fully committed to strong local collaborations around nature, landscape, education and experience. The plan focuses on valuing and developing the open space in the area. In it, nature and agriculture can be partners to exchange knowledge on nature management and progressive agricultural practices. This simultaneously strengthens the economic, landscape and social fabric of the region.

"Better local cooperation will lead to better results to protect the precious nature in the National Park, but also to support agriculture. Both nature and agriculture are facing increasing drought in summer. Together, we can look at solutions to minimise the damage of these droughts. Water systems do not stop at the border of nature or agriculture, but are vital for both. More cooperation also offers new opportunities in the recreational field. For instance, we develop routes with multi-day walks and stopovers at local accommodation and catering facilities. The existing nature and agricultural areas are demarcated, nothing will change. But better cooperation will ensure that nature, agriculture, housing and recreation go hand in hand. A label does not mean additional obligations or restrictions; the area coalition thinks in terms of opportunities." Guy Vloebergh of design agency OMGEVING.

Each concerned municipality, the provincial government and other partners now have the chance to look at the finished plan and express their support for it. The end of May 2023 is the deadline for Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide to hand over the dossier to the minister responsible for the environment, Zuhal Demir. At the end of 2023 -after assessment of all submitted dossiers by an independent jury- the final award of the National Park Flanders label to four parks will be made by the Flemish government.

View the (preliminary) Masterplan National Park Kalmthoutse Heide here: masterplan National Park Kalmthoutse Heide

The candidacy for recognition as a National Park is/was subsidised under the project call National Parks, commissioned by the Flemish Government.