Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide moves to next phase in recognition as National Park
Recognition as National Park important for entire region
The Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide has been selected for the second phase to be recognised as a Flemish national nature park. Flemish minister Demir announced. "We are honoured and delighted that this confirms the value of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, although this does not yet imply recognition. Recognition as a National Park is important not only for future investments in this nature and recreation area but also for the entire region. We will now set to work to draw up the plan in consultation with all stakeholders," said Martin Groffen, chairman of the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.
Additional national parks
In spring, the Flemish government launched an appeal for several nature reserves in Flanders to be recognised as national parks. Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide applied in September. Recognition as a national park would not only confirm the natural value of the area, but also mean an investment in its continued existence.
Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide: recognition as a National Park offers guarantee for the future
Grenspark Kalmthoutse heide is a real green lung for the region and provides 6000 ha of nature and recreational opportunities. Many tourists from home and abroad come here every year. This makes it a real pole of attraction within the province of Antwerp. On the Dutch side, the area is already part of the network of National Parks.
Martin Groffen, Chairman of Grenspark Kalmthoutse heide: "The heathland is extremely important. A lot of rare fauna and flora can be found here in the fens, dunes, woods and meadows. Visitors praise the silence and vastness that are not evident in this region. At the same time, holidaymakers can come here to exercise, relax and catch their breath. We are therefore delighted to be advancing to the second round to be recognised as a national park. It would be a guarantee for the preservation of the moors, an investment in the future of the park, but also of the local economy, tourism and the image of the region."
Consultation
The Kalmthoutse heide is optimistic about further progress. "The grenspark has been selected for the next round based on its current area. According to information from the Flemish Government, recognition will not have an undesirable impact on owners and farmers in the area. Already today, the heathland is protected by the Natura 2000 directives. We want to walk this process together with everyone and will therefore invest in consultation with our local residents, municipalities and other stakeholders."
As a result of the selection, the Grenspark will now be guided in drawing up a master plan that should lead to a final choice and award of National Park status in spring 2023.
The candidacy for recognition as a National Park is/was subsidised under the project call National Parks, commissioned by the Flemish Government.
