Brussels

Abstract

Brussels, which occupies 161 km², and located in the centre of Belgium, is situated in an area of different biogeographical influences where species of Atlantic and medio-European origins grow together. The flora has taken advantage of this heterogeneity of mosaics by developing a higher diversity than that of the adjacent areas. A total of 730 plant species have been recorded in the city, which represents half of the Belgian flora. The bryoflora comprise 225 species, of which 40 are hepatics and 185 are mosses; they represent about 33% of the Belgian bryoflora. 1306 species of fungi and 86 lichenised fungi have been recorded in the city so far. Nine important EU-habitats are present, mainly in three Special Areas of Conservation that cover a total of 1,900 ha (12% of the city). Current strategies for nature development are based on three different actions: (1) the increase in total surfaces of green spaces, (2) the increase in ecological quality of green spaces and (3) the development of ecological networks. The diversity of various taxonomic groups and habitats is particularly well monitored providing a biological database that has been integrated into and provides for the effective planning, design and management of the city’s environment.