Parc Naturel des deux Ourthes

22 Mar 2016

Located in the midst of the Ardennes foothills, the Deux Ourthes Natural Park has been developed around two sites of huge importance in terms of natural resources :

a) the Tailles Plateau, overlooking the area from a height of about 600m. It is teeming with an amazing array of flora and fauna in protected biotopes.

b) the confluence of the eastern and western river areas of the Ourthe, which meet at Engreux, next to the Hérou site, forming the Ourthe to continue on its fast turning way northwards, where awe-inspiring sites appear.

The area mainly consists of agricultural plateaus and deep valleys whose sides are occupied by the forest.

The enhancement of this splendid area will allow visitors from all walks of life to enjoy nature and a heritage we are delighted to showcase to the best effect …

The Deux Ourthes Natural Park covers the six municipalities of Bertogne, Gouvy, Houffalize, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Sainte-Ode and Tenneville. Roughly 22,000 people live in this 76,000-ha area, which was created pursuant to the Walloon Government’s 12 July 2001 Decree.

Aims:

• Nature conservation :

– making the most of all the potential opportunities for accommodating wildlife throughout the area as a result of creating an ecological network and a major advocacy campaign.

– defining the management procedures for the miscellaneous ecological network sectors and involving the administrators.

• Environmental protection:

– informing people and making them aware of the efforts made to manage water sources, air, waste, the energy policy being conducted …

• Land planning :

– maintaining the quality and the appeal of the natural and built landscapes..

– working against the background of the European Landscape Convention.

– helping to produce a consistent image of the area.

• Rural and economic development :

– Agriculture: boosting the vital role farmers play in maintaining the rural character and seeing to the upkeep of landscapes, providing incentives for the creation of local products;

– Forestry: successfully reconciling the myriad functions of the forest ;

– Tourism: improving the standard of eco-tourism as a result of protecting the natural environment surrounding us;

– Business: helping to take advantage of mixed economic activity areas.