The National Park Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse is the result of collective work and a participatory vision. Its governance is built around a Territorial Coalition, which is involved in major strategic decisions. Day-to-day implementation is carried out by the non-profit organisation (NPO) Bureau de Projet du Parc national ESEM.

The coalitions

Territorial Coalition

The Territorial Coalition forms the core of the National Park's governance: strategic decisions are unanimously approved by its 23 members. The Territorial Coalition meets several times a year to discuss and approve the main policy directions of the National Park.

The members of the Territorial Coalition are active in various strategic sectors. They include the elected representatives from the five municipalities involved, the Département de la Nature et des Forêts of the Walloon administration, environmental protection organisations, and stakeholders from the tourism, heritage and socio-economic sectors. Several of them – the founding members – are represented on the board of directors of the NPO Bureau de Projet.

Broad Coalition

The Broad Coalition brings together around 80 regional stakeholders who support the project through their involvement in co-construction workshops and various activities.

At present, about 60 members (in addition to those who are also part of the Territorial Coalition) are actively engaged in this Broad Coalition. They are kept informed about the project's progress and invited to participate in co-construction workshops depending on the topic being addressed.

The board of directors

The NPO Bureau de Projet du Parc national ESEM is managed by a board of directors made up of representatives of the five founding members and the mayors of the five municipalities of the National Park.

  • The founding members are: Fondation Chimay-Wartoise, Cercles des Naturalistes de Belgique, Maison du Tourisme Pays des Lacs, Natagora, Parc naturel Viroin-Hermeton.

The municipalities are: Chimay, Couvin, Froidchapelle, Momignies and Viroinval.

Meet the team of the NPO Bureau de Projet

The Scientific Council

The National Park maintains close connections with the academic world. In its various themes, the National Park bases its actions on robust and up-to-date scientific data. In addition, a national park offers a unique and innovative setting for research.

The Scientific Council is the National Park's reference body for all scientific questions relating to its challenges. Its 18 members bring diverse expertise aligned with our 10 strategic goals.

The Scientific Council:

  • provides support and advice to the NPO Bureau de Projet;
  • provides advice and guidance on research and monitoring;
  • maintains connections with the academic community and university researchers;
  • contributes to a global reflection on the missions and goals of the National Park and its responses to current issues.