On October 13, the Flemish government recognized four National Parks: Brabantse Wouden, Scheldt Valley, Hoge Kempen and Bosland. The final part of an appeal launched by Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) in April 2021.
The Boerenbond is now challenging all these recognitions with the Council of State, except for Hoge Kempen. The latter park has been there for some time and at Boerenbond they consider Hoge Kempen’s approach to be an example for the rest. According to the organization, there is also no support for the new National Parks. One of the arguments with which the Boerenbond is approaching the Council of State is that the public investigation did not proceed according to the rules. Owners, stakeholders and interested parties would not have been given the opportunity to respond.
Farmers have long feared that national parks may limit their activities or permits, although the decree explicitly states that this is not the case.
In addition, the Boerenbond will also challenge the decree itself at the Constitutional Court. This could also have consequences for the five Landscape Parks that the Flemish government has recognized.