The project aims at the development of an ecosystem vision for
heathlands and forest in the sandy region of Flanders. This
vision will be the base for the future policy on nature conser-
vation in this area. First, all available abiotic (soils, hydro-
logy and land use reconstruction) and biotic (flora, fauna and
vegetation) will be studied. These data will be analysed to
achieve an overview of the present situation and of the key
processes relevant to nature. This will lead to a description of
nature (target) types. In the field it can be checked whether or
not these types are realised or whether they can be realised.
From that two scenario's will be developed: one for an optimal
nature conservation in this region and another one giving more
current state of nature in the area. Both visions will be
evaluated.
