Hikers thoroughly enjoyed 'the Natura 2000 day’ edition 2021!
On 21 May we celebrated the European Natura 2000 day. From 12 to 24 May, all LIFE BNIP project partners organised various outdoor activities in both Flanders and Wallonia in the context of “De natuur is jarig / Nature en fête”. The programme included a number of beautiful hikes in our stunning Natura 2000 areas, which the public could enjoy at their own pace, using the digital app RouteYou.
Around 2,000 people participated in the Natura 2000 day, with one or more hikes, taking part in guided activities or watching our free webinar on European nature. In Flanders the most popular hikes were the ‘climate walk’ in Kortenberg and the ‘tour of Stappersven’ in Kalmthout. In Wallonia the hike ‘along the river with kingfishers and storks’ in Bérismenil proved the most attractive. Discover the complete list of activities here.
In Flanders, Minister of Nature Zuhal Demir also put on her walking boots. She chose the hike in Most-Keiheuvel, where major nature restoration works have been carried out through a European Life+ project. Watch the regional TV footagehere.
We also made a beautiful promotional video . This video shows why Natura 2000 and LIFE are so important (attention: only available in Dutch). Continue reading below the video.
To draw extra attention to our campaign, an Instagram contest was launched. Hikers submitted photos of their walks through one of the Natura 2000 areas. Check out the winning photos below.
Top 3 jury selection:
Other winners:
We enjoyed the fresh air thanks to ‘De natuur is jarig / Nature en fête 2021’. Many thanks and see you next year!
