Belgium applies for Unesco recognition of Sonian Forest

Belgium’s three regions today submitted a joint application to Unesco in Bonn for recognition of the Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes) as a Natural World Heritage site. Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia joined forces to apply for the protected status under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The request is not for the entire Sonian Forest, but for a specific area of nearly 400 hectares in the south of the forest, or about 10% of its total surface. One-quarter of the area is located in Brussels, while another part, in the Zwaenepoel nature reserve, is managed by all three regions.

UNESCO will announce its decision by 2017 at the earliest.