Geomorphosites: Function and Geoheritage Preservation in Belgium

Abstract

This chapter opens with stressing the need for geomorphosite recognition, and situating the concept of geomorphosite in the broader context of geosites and the relations between geodiversity and biodiversity. Then, after mentioning the measures taken at the national level, notably with the creation in 1835 of the Royal Commission for Monuments, whose responsibilities were extended to sites in the first half of the twentieth century, it reviews the separate legislative evolution for site protection in Wallonia and Flanders after the competence had been transferred to the regional level in the 1980s. In parallel, the sites with a major geomorphic component listed as protected exceptional heritage in Wallonia are briefly reviewed and other sites so far unlisted but worth of interest are also pointed. A similar list of protected geosites is presented for Flanders, where the situation is however very different. Flat landscapes and densely populated areas make geosites far less spectacular there. The number of protected sites with a geologic or geomorphic component is nevertheless similar in Flanders and Wallonia, in each case about 20. Flanders promotes initiatives taken to arouse public interest for geosites by, e.g. integrating them in hiking or cycling trails. Recently, local groups of mixed lay people and geoscientists are also highly active in attempts to create geoparks, which in some cases gather all conditions required by UNESCO for a nomination as Global Geopark.