More flora and fauna on federal sites with the BiodiversiScape programme
The BiodiversiScape programme run by DG Environment helps federal organisations and public companies integrate biodiversity into their sites, infrastructure and operations. As part of this programme, Sweco carries out ecological surveys, develops ecological recommendations and, where needed, translates them into technical specifications and landscape studies. We also support the monitoring of the measures implemented. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Buildings Agency, SNCB/NMBS, Infrabel and Defence.
- Expertise:
- Climate resilience & nature
- Client
- BiodiversiScape by DG Environment (FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment)
- Location
- Wallonia, Brussels and national level, Belgium
- Services
- Biodiversity study, field surveys, ecological consultancy
Mapping biodiversity
Every site starts with a thorough ecological survey. Sweco maps the fauna and flora present and analyses the site’s ecological opportunities and challenges. To date, our ecologists have carried out 43 surveys on federal sites.
Based on these analyses, we develop practical, well-considered recommendations to enhance biodiversity. Where required, we develop these further into technical specifications or detailed landscape studies, ensuring the measures can be implemented effectively.
In this video, Nina Wauters (Biodiversity Project Manager, Sweco) and Goele Drijkoningen (Change Manager, BiodiversiScape) explain how this came about at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels.
Our strength lies in combining scientific expertise with an operational understanding of each site.
Nina Wauters, Project Manager Biodiversity
Supporting a wider federal approach
In addition to fieldwork in Wallonia and Brussels, Sweco is also contributing to the national roll-out of the BiodiversiScape programme. We support the development of survey methodologies and a uniform monitoring approach, enabling federal partners to track and strengthen biodiversity in a consistent way.
Our ecologists also carried out surveys for SNCB/NMBS at nine locations in 2025. The reports provide an overview of the fauna and flora present, along with concrete recommendations to preserve biodiversity sustainably and help it develop further.
Every site calls for its own solution
No two federal sites are the same. That is why we always begin with a field survey in which we analyse the entire setting: buildings, hard surfaces, green areas, bodies of water and ecological connections with the surrounding environment. We map the species present and their habitats, and identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity.
This analysis forms the basis for a tailored plan that reflects the specific characteristics and potential of each location.
From grey space to green habitat
The proposed measures vary from site to site, but they all have the same aim: to create more space for nature.
This may involve removing hard surfacing and introducing new planting. Depending on the location, we may also create ponds or amphibian pools, provide stone piles as shelter for reptiles and amphibians, install nesting boxes for bats and swifts, or set aside areas of bare ground for wild bees.
In this way, hard-surfaced, functional sites are gradually transformed into green habitats where biodiversity can thrive once again.
We hope the impact of BiodiversiScape will extend beyond the federal sites themselves. By visibly greening these locations, we aim to inspire other organisations and private individuals to make space for nature too.