List of protected areas of Belgium

There are numerous protected areas in Belgium with a wide variety of types, protection levels and sizes. The below list gives an overview of the most important protected areas.

National parks

There is currently only two national parks in Belgium, De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide from 2001 and the Hoge Kempen National Park opening in 2006.[1] Only about half of De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide is in Belgium, the other half is part of the Netherlands.

PhotoNameFounded inArea (km²)
De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide 2001 37.5 (c. half in The Netherlands)
Hoge Kempen National Park 2006 127

Natural parks

There are many natural parks in Belgium, including 9 in Wallonia (called Parcs Naturels).

PhotoNameFounded inArea (km²)Comments
Hohes Venn – Eifel Nature Park 1978 720 This natural park is a transboundary park between Belgium and Germany.
Burdinale-Mehaigne Nature Park 1991 110
Two Ourthes Nature Park 2001 760
Upper Sure Anlier Forest Nature Park 2001 720
Attert Valley Nature Park 1994 70
Viroin-Hermeton Nature Park 1998 120
Scheldt Plains Nature Park 1996 260
Hill Country Nature Park 1997 233
Gaume Natural Park 2014 581
High Country Nature Park 2002 157 11.5% (1,840 ha) is Natura 2000[2]

Nature reserves

There are many tiny nature reserves, including:

  • Zwin 1.58 km² (1.25 km² on Belgian territory)

See also

References
  1. "Ignace Schops - Goldman Prize". Retrieved 2009-01-22. After years of campaigning, Ignace Schops has led the effort to establish Belgium's first and only national park.
  2. These figures are from the park's website, but doesn't add up. Either 11.5 % is wrong or 1,840 ha is wrong.
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