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Existing forest in Houthalen receives extra protection due to European requirements
The construction of the North-South connection requires additional nature compensation, leading to better protection of a local forest.
In the construction of the North-South connection, Flanders had to convince Europe of the necessity of the project. However, Europe has imposed additional requirements for nature compensation following the loss of protected forest in the Mangelbeek valley.
According to VRT NWS, about 9 are of the Elzenbroekbos will be lost due to the construction of bridges. In response to this development, an agreement has been reached to better protect an existing forest of more than 55 are along Europarklaan.
A public inquiry regarding the new European protection status of this forest is ongoing until October 8, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad. These measures are intended to mitigate the impact of the construction on the local nature.