ESEM National Park has mandated Ecofirst, The University of Liège-Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech and Belgian naturalist circles To initiate an ambitious program of monitoring the ecological state of its free evolution forests, in particular in connection with the risks linked to climate change.
1800 ha of forest will be left in free evolution, they will constitute an integral biological reserve (RBI). A project coordinated by Nicolas Goethals who sees many advantages.
“These areas exempt from silvicultural operations, doomed to accommodate a Rich biodiversity and to ensure various ecosystem services, are also places conducive to wonder, to Nature Tourismto various Educational activities And, of course, in scientific research ”
The project is accompanied by a research component, to assess the ecological impact of these wild zones.
The experience begins with the installation of a “T zero” (T0) – an initial ecological inventory – of these forest massifs, to be able to follow its natural evolution in the longer term.
“Ecofirst and the Uliège will be responsible forEstablish a sustainable monitoring protocolexhaustive and operational, of the ecological evolution of RBIs. Follow -up studies will focus on fauna and flora as well as on the forest structure and the connectivity of habitats. »»
They will make it possible to assess forest resilience to climate change, and in particular their ability to continue to provide services such as carbon storage and water retention, creation of freshness islets or still fire prevention.
A consortium is responsible for carrying out this project, it is controlled by Ecofirst and brings together experts from the University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech and The National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE). It is also followed by members of the Scientific council of the national park, of Department of Study of the Natural and Agricultural Middle (DEMNA) andInstitute for Nature and Forest Research (Inbo). The other partners are the Natagora Studies Department and the Department of Nature and Forests (DNF).
Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse observation towers
In addition to this project, the park’s observations were presented in April of this year in the presence of the ministers Mmes Dalcq and Lescreniers. These towers are a wire of Ariane tense in the sky to visit the many sites of interest and natural environments, and browse the thousand trails of the National Park. They will be built in 2026.
Each round is linked to a strong theme, from the free evolution forest to the starry night, passing by the Bocage de Fagne and its mysteries. And each has its construction logic, which offers visitors and visitors a unique way to project themselves into the living landscapes that surround them. Here, niches and platforms invite you to adopt the point of view of a nesting bird. There, an external staircase invites you to cross the forest floors one by one, to climb you above the canopy.
5, all these towers are part of a unique concept of construction, inspired by our wooden games in Boisqui gives them a immediately familiar and recognizable character. But the concept above all enabled architects of the Tromcourt (Couvin) workshop to create a harmonious and varied set.
Heaven
An astronomical observation terrace at the top, a green theater at its feet.
Tour du Pays de Chimay
A 360 ° view of the Fagne.
Calestian Tour
At the heart of the herd of sheep, observe biodiversity at orchid.
Forest
At the heart of an integral biological reserve, cross the forest floors and admire the valley.
Border
A tower that transforms the border into a place open to meetings and convergences.
