Prioritaire en symboolsoorten voor soortbescherming in West ...

Assigning priority species is done at two levels. On the one hand there are the true priority species, and on the other hand the symbolic
species for conservation in Flanders.
Priority species are chosen in an objective way. More than 30% of their Flemish population is found in West Flanders and they are
included in the Flemish Red List. The province of West Flanders holds an important responsibility towards the conservation or restoration
of their populations. Naturally, many of them are species of dunes, as this is a habitat primarily found in West Flanders, but there are
numerous other examples.
Flagship species are not necessarily typical of the province of West Flanders, but can be locally proposed as a symbol for actions. Their
selection is based on ten criteria, some of which are subjective. For instance, cuddliness and easy recognition are taken into account,
while these subjective reasons are of no relevance to the true priority species. It helps, but is not necessary, that the species is typical of
West Flanders or is included in the Flemish Red List. Species that are typical of specific environmental circumstances or habitats, or are of
cultural and historical importance may also be selected. Species that are declining in West Flanders or will become threatened in the
relatively short term when no actions are taken, have priority.
In addition to species, a number of habitats typical of West Flanders have also been included, as well as soil types, for which actions can
be taken. After all, the conservation and restoration of habitats as a whole are the only effective measures for species protection.
Lastly, a discussion has been included of reintroduction programs. In some cases recolonisation of formerly deserted and now restored
areas is no longer possible in a spontaneous way, and can only be achieved through human intervention. Care is needed however, hence
the comparative assessment. It is only a makeshift means; area-driven management is definitely preferable.
The species lists can be used not only by the provincial council to stimulate actions in the field. Many species are confined to nature
reserves with a very specific type of management. In the reserves that have been officially recognized and are subsidized by the Flemish
government, the provincial administration as a rule can take few to no actions. However, it goes without saying that private nature
organisations that are managing reserves, local administrations, the Flemish Region (Agency for Nature and Forests) and ‘Regional
Landscapes’ may also draw inspiration from this list to initiate species protection schemes.
Prioritaire en symboolsoorten voor soortbescherming in West-Vlaanderen
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