The Landschap vzw not-for-profit group that is leading the ‘Welkom Wolf’ (Welcome Wolf) campaign has filed a lawsuit against the Flemish government that it alleges is failing to offer adequate protection to wolves that are living in the wild in our region. Landschap vzw accuses the Flemish authorities of systematically violating European and Flemish wildlife conservation legislation.
In a press statement released on Tuesday Landschap vzw said that it had filed a lawsuit against the Flemish Transport Minister Annick De Ridder (nationalist) and the Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns (Christian democrat). Summonses to appear before the Court of Frist Instance in Brussels have been delivered to both ministers by a bailiff.
Landschap vzw says that “The legal action is a response to eight years of political inaction and ineffective policies regarding the protection of wolves in Flanders. After numerous attempts to engage in dialogue with ministers and public bodies, legal action is now the only remaining option."
Urgent measures required
Landschap vzw says that urgent measures are needed in order to ensure that wolves and other larger wildlife species are given adequate protection in Flanders.
First of all, immediate action is needed to reduce incidents of roadkill. These include the installation of wildlife fencing and the implementation of lower speed limits at places where larger wildlife species are known to cross over roads.
Secondly, the construction of wildlife overpasses should be prioritised. At least two wildlife overpasses are needed over the N74 and one over the N76 to ensure that fragmented habitats are reconnected and to enable safe passage for larger species of wildlife.
Thirdly, a comprehensive species protection plan is needed for wolves. The plan should contain clear conservation targets and strategies tailored to the management of each wolf territory.
In order to support the ecological balance within wolf territories, the hunting of roe deer should be banned in core wolf areas. Preserving the wolf's natural prey base will reduce incidents of livestock predation and promote coexistence with local communities.
In addition to this, barriers that prevent wolves from migrating, such as fully enclosed fences surrounding designated wolf zones, must be dismantled. These structures not only contravene the wolves’ protected status, but they also severely restrict their movement and dispersal.
Finally, Landschap vzw is calling for Article 22 of the Flemish Species Decree to be revised so that it requires transparency and input from individuals and/or organisation in the procedure to grant any exemptions allowing for the capture or killing of protected species. This is essential if legal safeguards and public trust in conservation policy is to be maintained.
The offices of both the Transport and the Environment Minister have declined to comment until they have had an opportunity to study the contents of the summons.