Nature and Woodland in Flanders. Policy in Times of Short-Term Thinking

What is the state of the natural environment in Flanders? There are a few bright spots, but on the whole the situation is not good. And how about environmental policies? The so-called concrete ban, which is intended to preserve what is left of our open spaces, seems like good news, but there is every reason to be sceptical. After all, governments nowadays are rarely in a position to ensure that long-term policies are actually implemented. In contrast to fifteenth-century Venice which was able to do so through enlightened self-interest.