The vision of GEOLAND is to establish a learning path for the Higher Education students and their professors so that they are able to apply their geospatial analysis knowledge in in decision-making for landscape management, planning and protection of NATURA 2000 sites across Europe. GEOLAND provides the opportunity to students, citizens and stakeholders to become interested in the definition and implementation of landscape policies and to play an active part in setting sustainability indicators of desirable landscape quality objectives (Landscape Quality Objectives/LQO). This is a case study of landscape policy in Flanders (Belgium)

1. GEOLAND
A learning path
for HE students and professors
Case Study - Flanders

2. Implementing the Landscape Convention
• The Convention aims to promote the protection,
management and development of the landscape
• Establishes European cooperation in the field of
landscape care
• Signed in 2000, Ratified 2003, Entry into force
2005
• September 2021 Flanders has a comprehensive
policy framework for landscape planning and
protection.

3. Implementing the Landscape Convention
• The Flemish government has implemented various measures to
ensure the preservation, management, and sustainable
development of landscapes in the region.
• Key instrument for landscape planning, protection is the "Flemish
Spatial Policy Plan" (Vlaams Ruimtelijk Structuurplan or VRP)
• VRP provides guidelines and objectives for spatial planning,
including landscape management.
• It aims to balance different land uses, protect valuable
landscapes, and promote sustainable development.
https://omgeving.vlaanderen.be/nl/ruimtelijk-beleid-en-
planning/ruimtelijk-beleid/ruimtelijk-structuurplan-vlaanderen

4. Implementing the Landscape Convention
• "Flemish Landscape Decree" (Vlaams Landschapsdecreet) provides
legal provisions for landscape protection and management
• Defines the concept of a "recognized landscape"
(erfgoedlandschap)
• Establishes procedures for the recognition, protection, and
development of such landscapes.
• Also sets out requirements for landscape planning, design, and
assessment in spatial projects.
http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?la
nguage=nl&la=N&table_name=wet&cn=2013071244

5. Implementing the Landscape Convention
• Regional landscape organizations in Flanders also
play a crucial role in landscape management and
promotion.
• These organizations, known as "Regionale
Landschappen”, work on a local and regional level
to protect and enhance landscapes
• Often working in collaboration with local
communities and stakeholders.
http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?la
nguage=nl&la=N&table_name=wet&cn=2013071244

6. National level Planning for the future
• The Flemish government has been actively implementing
policies and initiatives to plan for the future and address
various challenges in the region.
• Multiple areas, including spatial planning, sustainability,
mobility, and economic development.
• Specific details and progress continue to evolve
• 4 areas – Spatial Planning, Sustainability, Mobility and
Economic Development

7. National level Planning for the future
• Spatial Planning: The Flemish government has a comprehensive
spatial planning framework in place
• Includes the Flemish Spatial Policy Plan (VRP) that sets long-term
goals for spatial development, taking into account factors such as
land use, housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
• Sustainability: Flanders has been emphasizing sustainability in its
planning and development policies.
• Efforts to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy sources,
and sustainable construction practices. The government has also
introduced measures to protect and enhance green spaces and
biodiversity.

8. National level Planning for the future
• Mobility: The Flemish government recognizes the importance of
efficient and sustainable mobility.
• Initiatives implemented to improve public transportation, promote
cycling and walking infrastructure, and reduce reliance on private
cars.
• Plans for better transport integration are being pursued.
• Economic Development: aims to ensure sustainable economic
growth and prosperity for the future.
• Fostering innovation, supporting research and development, and
attracting investment in key sectors.
• Enhance the digital infrastructure and promote a favorable business
climate.

9. National level Planning for the future
• Landscape is a factor when considering spatial interventions
• Preservation and development (strengthening) of the diversity
and recognition of landscapes in Flanders.
• Landscape operationalised through two tracks
1) an indicative selection of structuring landscape elements
and components of the different landscapes in Flanders
2) the formulation of differentiated development perspectives
for characteristic delineated characteristic elements and
components of the landscape, intact landscapes and open-space
connections.

10. Landscape Designation at national level
• Landscape designation and protection
are primarily carried out at regional and
local levels rather than national level.
• Flemish government established various
mechanisms and tools to recognize,
protect, manage, and plan landscapes in
the region
• Flemish Landscape Decree (Vlaams
Landschapsdecreet)

11. Landscape Designation at national level
• Recognized Landscapes: identified based on their historical,
cultural, ecological, or scenic value.
• The decree sets out procedures and criteria for the recognition of
such landscapes, and once recognized, they are subject to specific
protection measures and planning guidelines.
• Regional Landscape Organizations: network of "Regionale
Landschappen"
• Work closely with local communities, stakeholders, and government
authorities to manage and enhance landscapes at a regional level.
• Conservation, restoration, landscape planning, education, and
community engagement activities.

12. Landscape Designation at national level
• Spatial Planning Instruments: Landscape is integrated into the
spatial planning framework of Flanders.
• Flemish Spatial Policy Plan (VRP) provides guidelines and
objectives for spatial development, including landscape
management.
• Aims to balance different land uses, protect valuable
landscapes, and promote sustainable development.
• Local and regional spatial implementation plans also incorporate
landscape planning measures.

13. Landscape Designation at national level
• Protected Areas: Flanders has
several protected areas
designated for their natural or
cultural value.
• Includes nature reserves,
protected landscapes, and
heritage sites.
• Subject to specific legal
protection, management plans,
and conservation measures.

14. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
• Defining areas of natural and
agricultural structure (AGNAS)
• The Flanders Spatial Structure
Plan (RSV) aims to preserve open
space in the countryside for
agriculture, nature and forest as
much as possible.

15. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
• The Flemish government agreed in 1997 to
evolve towards 750,000 ha of agricultural
area, 150,000 ha of nature area and 53,000
ha of forest area.
• That is an increase of 38,000 ha of nature
area and 10,000 ha of forest area and a
decrease of 56,000 ha of agricultural area.
• The Environment Department monitors the
evolution of these uses

16. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
• In 2001, the government decided to tackle
the demarcation of these agricultural,
nature and forest areas in two phases.
• Firstly, some 86,500 ha of existing nature
areas were designated as part of the
Flemish Ecological Network (VEN)
• Second phase, agricultural areas and the
remaining nature and forest areas have
been demarcated since 2004

17. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
• Agriculture, nature and forest together under
the microscope
• 2004-2009 the Flemish government worked out
a spatial vision on agriculture, nature and
forest in thirteen outlying regions
• Done in consultation with municipalities,
provinces and civil society organisations.
• Outlines which areas will be preserved for
agriculture and where there may be room for
nature development or forest expansion.
• The basis of regional spatial implementation
plans, which lay down the zoning at plot level.

18. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
https://omgeving.vlaanderen.be/nl/ruimtelijk-beleid-en-planning/gebiedsontwikkeling/planningsprocessen-voor-landbouw-natuur-en-bos

19. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
• For each region, the Flemish Government completed that
visioning process by deciding on an action programme for the
spatial implementation plans to be drawn up.
• For the agricultural areas where the zoning of the regional
plan can certainly be maintained, the government decided to
reconfirm the existing agricultural zoning.
• In this way, about 538,000 ha of agricultural land was fixed by
mid-2009.
https://omgeving.vlaanderen.be/nl/ruimtelijk-beleid-en-planning/gebiedsontwikkeling/planningsprocessen-voor-landbouw-natuur-en-bos

20. Regional/local level case study: AGNAS
• Implemented after 2010
https://omgeving.vlaanderen.be/nl/ruimtelijk-beleid-en-planning/gebiedsontwikkeling/planningsprocessen-voor-landbouw-natuur-en-bos

21. Landscape Strategy
• For each of the thirteen
outlying regions an action
plan has been made, e.g.
for Veldgebied Brugge &
Meetjesland

22. Landscape Strategy
• 20 July 2006, the Flemish government approved the policy
reconfirmation of the existing regional plans for about 55,800
ha of agricultural land
• 29 June 2007 it took note of the spatial vision and approved an
operational implementation programme
• This indicates which regional spatial implementation plans the
Flemish government will draw up in the coming years to
delimit the remaining agricultural, nature and forest areas.

23. For more about GEOLAND
GEOLAND Web site
https://www.geolandproject.eu
GEOLAND on social media
https://www.facebook.com/GEOLANDthePROJECT