A charter that combines agriculture and nature, while valuing farms and their products through the internationally recognised brand ‘National Park’. Let us move towards agroecology, each at their own pace !
Why an agricultural charter?
With its dry hills and humid plains, the south of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region is not particularly suited to intensive farming. This unique feature has made it an ideal region for the conservation of semi-natural habitats such as humid grasslands, hay meadows and calcareous grasslands. Restoring and maintaining the ecological quality and biodiversity of these habitats is a priority for the National Park. Through a flexible and inclusive agricultural charter, the Park supports farmers who wish to give more space to nature and increase the resilience of their farms.
Every situation is unique: contact us at info@parc-national-esem.be to discuss your situation.
Agroecology as compass
A few guidelines apply to the protection of semi-natural habitats (mainly associated with livestock farming) and the transition to agroecology:
- stop ploughing permanent grasslands
- transition to organic farming (without artificial fertilizers or synthetic biocides)
- low-density grazing
- development of ecological networks (hedges, ponds, orchards…)
LEVEL 1 : FIRST LEVEL OF COMMITMENT
Conventional farming without ploughing permanent grasslands.
LEVEL 2 : INTERMEDIATE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT
Compliance with one of the following two conditions:
organic farming (or in transition)
or low-density livestock farming (max. 1.4 LU*/hectare)
LEVEL 3 : STRONG COMMITMENT
Compliance with all three of the following conditions:
organic farming (or in transition)
low-density livestock farming (max. 1.4 LU*/hectare)
15% ecological networks (hedges, copses, ponds…)
What opportunities are available for landowners ?
The enrolled landowners and the tenants benefit from various advantages.
Upon enrollment (level 1):
- participation in the network of National Park farmers: advice, training, conferences…
- 50% co-financing for ecological restorations and developments (grasslands of high biological value, ponds, hedges, orchards...)
- use of the brand ‘National Park Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse’
Depending on the level of commitment (levels 2 and/or 3):
- official recognition of your services and products by the National Park
- communication support
- increased co-financing (80%) for ecological developments
- specific monitoring and diagnostics