Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Natuurpunt, WWF, Velt and Dryade are today holding the Flemish government accountable. The Flemish pesticide regulations have been violating the European habitat and pesticide directives for over ten years. In the interest of citizens and nature, extensive buffer zones must urgently be established around houses, schools, nurseries, and nature and water extraction areas. It is estimated that this will make 35% of Flanders pesticide-free. The organisations are giving the Flemish government one month to align the Flemish regulations with European legislation.
Today, the five nature and environmental organisations are holding the Flemish government accountable because the Flemish pesticide regulations are in conflict with the European pesticide directive. “Belgium is the second largest pesticide user in Europe after the Netherlands,” says Iliana Janssens from WWF.
In recent years, more and more research has emerged about the widespread use of pesticides and their detrimental effects on nature and health. “Recently, the 3xG study by VITO found high levels of pesticides in Flemish children. Research in German and Dutch nature reserves shows that the number of insects has decreased by 75% over 27 years. Excessive pesticide use appears to be one of the main causes,” explains Jos Ramaekers from Natuurpunt.
The nature and environmental associations have three demands for the Flemish government. Firstly, they are asking for an impact assessment for pesticide use in or near habitat directive areas. Such an assessment means that pesticides may only be used on the condition that nature does not suffer. Europe has been demanding such an assessment for all activities that may impact the quality of these natural areas since 2004.
In addition, the European pesticide directive imposes measures to prohibit or reduce pesticide use in water extraction and Natura 2000 areas. This is essential to protect water quality and nature. The obligation has existed since 2011, but the Flemish government has failed to take the necessary actions. The French Council of State compelled France in 2021 to implement these measures. The organisations are demanding the same measures from the Flemish government.
Finally, wider buffer zones must be established to minimise the effects on aquatic life, humans, and nature. The buffer zones are currently typically 1 to 10 metres wide, which is insufficient. Recent research shows that pesticides can spread up to 2 to 3 kilometres. Here too, France was forced by the Council of State to establish wider buffer zones.
“Taking into account the area of nature and water extraction areas and the spatial fragmentation in Flanders, we aim for at least 35% of the Flemish territory to be pesticide-free,” states Heleen De Smet from Bond Beter Leefmilieu.
Today, the formal notice is being sent to the Flemish government. They have one month to agree to the impact assessment, reduction and prohibition, and buffer zones. Otherwise, a pesticide case will follow. The long-standing and blatant violation of European directives and the jurisprudence of the French Council of State show that the organisations have a solid case.