BNP Paribas Fortis and Natuurpunt restore nature in the Zuun valley
BNP Paribas Fortis is partnering with Natuurpunt on a large-scale nature restoration project in the Zuun Valley in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. By restoring ponds, planting forests with native tree species, and improving water management, the two partners are strengthening biodiversity and natural flood protection. Over a period of four years, the bank will provide substantial financial support to restore the valley’s wetlands.
The Zuun Valley is a unique mosaic of water features, farmland and rolling forests between the Pajottenland and the Senne Valley. It plays a crucial role in natural water storage. During the extreme rainfall in January 2024, the area absorbed an impressive 160 million litres of water, safeguarding the surrounding residential areas from flooding. Through this project, Natuurpunt and BNP Paribas Fortis will further increase the area’s buffering capacity while enhancing biodiversity, water quality and quality of life.
Investing in restoration and experience
From 2025 until 2028, BNP Paribas Fortis will invest in ecological restoration, water management measures and nature conservation. Thanks to this support, Natuurpunt will be able to restore ponds, convert poplar plantations into native forests of species such as maple and willow, and monitor water and soil quality. Visitors to the area will also benefit from a birdwatching wall and a boardwalk trail.
246,000 football pitches
Over the past 75 years, Flanders has lost an area of wetlands equivalent to 246,000 football pitches. This represents 75% of the wetlands that still existed in 1950. This project marks an important step in their restoration. Wetlands play a vital role in combatting climate change: they store carbon, cool the environment during heatwaves and function as natural water treatment systems.
“Research shows that every euro invested in nature restoration generates between 8 and 51 euros in social value, with a return on investment of 7 to 16 years. This project therefore delivers not only ecological added value, but also economic and social benefits,” says Noah Janssen, Director of Natuurpunt.
Colleagues in action: 1MillionHours2Help
BNP Paribas Fortis is not limiting its support to financial contributions. Its 12,000 employees can participate as volunteers in initiatives such as tree-planting, clean-up days, site visits and biodiversity monitoring. The bank offers each colleague a half-day of paid volunteering time, and by 2026, the Zuun Valley will have become a flagship project within the 1MillionHours2Help programme.
“This initiative fits perfectly with BNP Paribas Fortis’ strategy in terms of biodiversity, water management and climate resilience. As a financial institution, we play a key role in the climate transition and adaptation, as well as in protecting our biodiversity and safeguarding the local environment. Together with our local partners and the commitment of our colleagues, we aim to create a lasting impact,” explains Laurent Loncke, Head of Retail Banking at BNP Paribas Fortis.
BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation
This initiative is part of the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation’s new biodiversity pillar, which focuses on providing multi-year structural support that has a measurable impact on the environment and society.
BNP Paribas Fortis (www.bnpparibasfortis.com) offers the Belgian market a comprehensive range of financial services for private individuals, the self-employed, professionals, companies and public organisations. In the insurance sector, BNP Paribas Fortis works closely, as a tied agent, with Belgian market leader AG Insurance. At international level, the Bank also provides high-net-worth individuals, large corporations and public and financial institutions with customised solutions, for which it is able to draw on the know-how and international network of the BNP Paribas Group.
Natuurpunt is an independent volunteer organization with 125,000 member households. The nature association protects and restores vulnerable and threatened nature in Flanders and Brussels. Across 180 local branches, volunteers and professionals work together to care for nature in your neighbourhood.
