LIFE HEROES (English)

Wetalands are among the most threatened ecosystems and the most important carbon stocks in the world. In addition to their unique biodiversity, they provide various natural benefits: water supply, water purification, flood protection, carbon sequestration, climate regulation, production of raw materials and food, tourism, and recreation. They also have significant aesthetic and cultural value.

Eutrophication, acidification, dessication, pollution, overgrowth and invasive alien species are the greatest threats to the decline of unique fauna and flora (dragonflies, butterflies, amphibians and plants) and the degradation of the most important underground carbon reservoirs in Flanders.

Since 1950, 75% of wetlands have disappeared. The causes for the disappearance of nutrient-poor wetlands are drainage for agriculture, peat extraction, residential development and infrastructure, afforestation, and groundwater extraction.

By restoring them, we not only protect special species and habitats but also strengthen the natural resilience of the landscape. By retaining water upstream for longer, we prevent flooding further downstream.

Many of the degraded peatlands are currently emitting carbon. And we want to reverse this cycle into a carbon sponge instead of a carbon bomb. A natural, "healthy" peatland stores carbon (on average 0.7 to 1.8 tonnes equivalent per hectare per year). A degraded (drained) peat emits an average of between 30 and 40 tonnes of CO2 per hectare.

The project will restore nature at 11 locations in Natura 2000 areas in Flanders. LIFE HEROES focuses on European protected habitats such as nutrient-poor wetlands, fens, and wet heaths. In these areas, we tackle the biggest bottlenecks: desiccation, eutrophication, acidification, overgrowth, and invasive alien species.

In the province of Antwerp: 

• Kalmthoutse Heide
• Klein Schietveld
• Groot Schietveld
• Ronde Put 
• Visbeekvallei
• Netevallei (Tikkebroeken, Witte Netevallei en Tussen Wamp en Neten)
• De Maat - Den Diel en Buitengoor

In the province of Limburg

• Ophovenderheide
• Teut-Tenhaagdoornheide
• Sint-Maartensheide – De Luysen
• Terlaemen

LIFE HEROES has three major objectives.

• First and foremost, we want to restore water management at the landscape level so that wet nature can function properly again.
• In addition, we are taking targeted measures to restore vulnerable habitats and species.
• Finally, the project places a strong emphasis on collaboration. We involve land managers, local partners, and other stakeholders in the implementation so that the results are sustainable in the long term and serve as a stimulus for future projects.

LIFE HEROES focuses on ecosystem restoration to address the current biodiversity and climate crisis and to restore ecosystem services of nutrient-poor wetlands. The project offers a first-ever implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Law by prioritizing restoration efforts regarding wetlands and carbon-rich systems. The main objective of our LIFE Heroes project is active in Natura 2000 areas (9 SACs) and focuses on EU habitats (3110, 3130, 3160, 7110, 7140, 7230, 91E0), and addresses the main threats to wetlands (eutrophication, drought, and invasive species).

The restoration measures provide opportunities for species typical of nutrient-poor wetlands. In the Kalmthoutse Heide, the Irish damselfly receives special attention. At the Schietvelden, these include the Irish damselfly, Sphagnum marsh orchid, and marsh andromeda. In De Teut, the project focuses on the Northern damselfly, Sphagnum marsh orchid, water lobelia, and cotton grass, among others. At multiple locations, the moor frog, northern emerald, alcon blue, and yellow-spotted whiteface will also benefit from the restoration.

More information will follow.

More information will follow.

Agency for Nature and Forests

The agency is responsible for policy, sustainable management, and strengthening nature together with all partners. Nature and Forests cherishes, protects, and develops over 90,000 hectares of nature reserves, forests, and parks in Flanders. The Agency for Nature and Forests strives for more and better nature in Flanders and aims to place nature at the heart of society.

Natuurpunt Beheer

Natuurpunt Beheer is an independent volunteer association with more than 123,333 members. It protects vulnerable and endangered nature in Flanders. Natuurpunt manages more than 25,000 hectares of Flemish nature in 500 different nature reserves. The volunteers take the initiative: they handle the purchase, management, and opening of nature reserves. They are assisted in this by professional teams. With a strong network of walking trails, viewing hides, benches, play forests, and visitor centers, we give everyone the chance to enjoy nature.

Natuurpunt Studie

Within the project, Natuurpunt Studie coordinates monitoring based on available data, e.g. waarnemingen.be, and, if necessary, through field surveys.
www.natuurpunt.be

Limburgs Landschap

Limburgs Landschap is the second largest nature association in Flanders. For more than 50 years, together with our members, volunteers, and partners, we have been protecting and managing nature and the landscape in Limburg. In doing so, we ensure that people and animals can enjoy what is dear to us, now and in the future.

Natuurinvest

Natuurinvest invests on behalf of the Agency for Nature and Forests in projects that enhance the experience of nature. In this way, Natuurinvest ensures that people can fully enjoy our nature. It does this in collaboration with private entrepreneurs and government partners. For the optimal management of forests, nature, and green spaces in Flanders, Natuurinvest also invests in programs that increase people's knowledge.