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Appropriate Assessment & Natura 2000

Any project located near a protected area requires an appropriate impact assessment to obtain a permit.
Nature reserve trail along a lake in summer, illustration for Appropriate Assessment and Natura 2000

The European Union has established an extensive network of ecological sites, Natura 2000, to preserve natural heritage, maintain biodiversity, and contribute to its restoration.

Ces sites, identifiés pour leur caractère naturel exceptionnel, bénéficient de mesures de protection renforcées découlant de deux directives européennes : la Directive Habitat et la Directive Oiseaux. Tout projet à proximité de ces zones est soumis à une évaluation appropriée des incidences.

ABV Environment accompagne les maîtres d'ouvrage dans la réalisation de cette évaluation et dans les démarches auprès des autorités régionales.

Woman stamping an administrative document, illustration for Appropriate Assessment and Natura 2000

A binding European and regional legal framework

Anappropriate assessment is required whenever a project risks compromising the site's conservation objectives, regardless of whether it is subject to planning permission. It must be attached to the application for an environmental permit or a single permit, to impact assessment notices and to environmental impact studies.

The assessment must meet the requirements of Walloon legislation, in particular the Law on Nature Conservation, the Environmental Code, and general legislation regarding environmental impact studies.

If a threat is identified, mitigation or compensatory measures must be proposed.

When is an appropriate assessment mandatory?

An appropriate assessment is mandatory for any project located within or near a Natura 2000 site if it is likely to compromise the site's conservation objectives, regardless of whether the project requires planning permission.

Aerial view of an industrial area served by a railway, illustration for Appropriate Assessment and Natura 2000

Our impact assessment approach

Scientists taking a water sample from a rocky creek
Naturalist with a camera in a dense and green forest
Naturalist doing an inventory on the banks of a river, illustration for Biodiversity and Water Management
Hands flipping through report documents on a desk, illustration for Feasibility study

Nos services

Comprehensive expertise, from protected site status to permit approval.

Fauna & Flora Inventory

Survey and assess species on your sites to meet regulatory requirements.

Biodiversity and Water Management

Integrate biodiversity challenges into your projects to comply with environmental regulations.

Water and Flood Risks

Anticipate and manage water-related risks and flood hazards in your projects.

Permits and Authorisations

Obtain your administrative permits and authorisations with tailored expert support.

Nature reserve trail along a lake in summer, illustration for Appropriate Assessment and Natura 2000

Is your project located within a Natura 2000 area?

ABV Environment assesses the potential impact of your project on local species and habitats, and provides support throughout your interactions with regional authorities.