An environmental organisation has challenged the Brussels regional authorities over the way the region monitors its wooded and undeveloped areas. We are Nature brought the issue before the Brussels Court of Appeal on November 2, arguing that the region does not have a sufficiently accurate picture of its natural spaces.
The organisation works to protect undeveloped urban land and preserve biodiversity. It says reliable information about green areas is essential for understanding how much natural land remains and how well it supports the environment. The group is concerned that gaps in monitoring could make it harder for authorities to protect land from construction and paving.
The Brussels regional government has defended its existing information systems. Its lawyers referred to several sources of data, including the BruGis planning tool, maps produced by Brussels Environment and satellite images from the European Copernicus programme. These systems contain information on land use and vegetation coverage from different years.
However, We are Nature says the available information does not provide a complete enough picture. The organisation argues that officials need a more accurate inventory of undeveloped areas before they can make sound decisions about land use and environmental protection.
The legal dispute follows an earlier ruling from October 2025. That decision placed restrictions on the construction and paving of undeveloped plots larger than half a hectare. The restrictions were intended to remain in place until the end of 2026 while the wider legal process continued.
The regional government appealed the earlier decision. We are Nature is now asking the appeals court to extend the protection until at least 2030. The group says that keeping the restrictions in place would give the authorities more time to improve their monitoring systems and protect important green spaces.
The organisation is supported by 1,330 Brussels residents. It says a proper land inventory is also important under the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulation, which requires member states to improve the protection and recovery of natural areas.
The case has wider implications for urban planning. Brussels faces pressure to provide housing, infrastructure and public services while also protecting green spaces. Undeveloped land can support biodiversity, absorb rainwater and help reduce the effects of heat in cities.
The Court of Appeal is expected to issue its decision by January 4. Its ruling could determine whether the current restrictions remain in place for a longer period.
The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing development with environmental protection. A reliable record of the region’s natural land will be important for future planning, while the court’s decision may shape how Brussels protects its remaining green spaces.
