Mission and vision

Dryade uses the power of the law to protect nature.

We provide information on new legal developments relating to nature, environment and climate, and engage in dialogue on these issues with policy makers and economic actors.
We also monitor the application and enforcement of the law, share our knowledge and strengthen the legal capacities of citizens and organisations.

"Fish cannot go to court" - Advocate General Sharpston at the European Court of Justice in the Trianel case

Systemic change

One third of Flemish surface waters exceed the nitrate threshold and more than 90% of waters contain too many nutrients. Flanders aims to restore only 15 of its 195 surface water bodies to good status by 2027, whereas the European Union requires all water bodies to achieve good status by that date. The Flemish nitrogen emissions program reveals that more than 80% of Flemish habitats are in poor conservation status.

These obligations stem from the Nitrates Directive, the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive respectively. The objectives set by these directives are not being met, and in some areas, Flanders is even falling further behind.
 
Dryade is using the power of the law to reverse this trend.

Legal innovation

The law can either drive societal change or hold it back. What was once a legal innovation has now become the norm. The driving force of the law transforms social consensus and rewrites the social contract.
Conversely, the law can slow down societal change and hinder progress.
These dynamics illustrate the power of the law.
 
Dryade acts on both fronts: we channel the positive force of the law towards the recognition of the rights of nature, and we break the status quo and the barriers that hinder change.

Human beings and nature

In our society, human beings take centre stage, while nature plays a supporting role. Nature has no voice and cannot defend its own cause.
NGOs such as Dryade take on this responsibility.
We use the power of the law to defend nature's interests.

It is a balanced approach: Dryade acts on behalf of both nature and humans.
Protecting nature also means protecting humans, and vice versa.
Their interests converge; their challenges are the same: protecting the natural environment and human health.

A healthy environment for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren is also an environment where nature thrives.
If we can reconcile nature, agriculture and the economy, everyone will benefit.
We want to overcome opposition and forge alliances between human beings and nature.