Flemish environment minister looking into natural burials
Joke Schauvliege, Flemish minister for the environment, is working on legislation that would allow burials in forest and parks in the region specially developed for the purpose
Green burials coming to Flanders
“A lot of municipalities want to take this step but lack the needed knowledge and support,” Schauvliege said in a statement. “They will in future be able to receive assistance from the Agency for Nature and Forest.”
The minister also said that there is a demand for burial forests where relatives can bury an ecologically friendly urn under a tree or scatter the ashes of the deceased. Scattering ashes in natural areas is currently against the law, although forest rangers occasionally find scattered ashes.
“People are increasingly more aware of their impact on the environment, including concerning their funerals,” stated Schauvliege. “They are looking for environmentally friendly, sustainable ways to be buried.” According to the minister, natural burials offer relatives the possibility to remember the deceased in a peaceful, natural environment.
A burial forest is managed in the same manner as an ordinary forest. Schauvliege is now starting to look for suitable locations in Flanders’ natural and forested areas. The minister is convinced the legislation can be approved by the end of next year.
The concept of green burials is common in some other countries. This week, reports in the Dutch media, where such a burial is legal, introduced the concept to the Flemish public.
Photo courtesy natuurbegraven.eu
