Source: BELGA
Today at 3:26 PM
Brussels
The Brussels government approved at second reading on Thursday a decision that also limits the use of pesticides in private gardens and regulates their sale.
“Since 2019, pesticides are no longer allowed in public spaces in the Brussels Region and Leefmilieu Brussel has been maintaining its green spaces without pesticides for 20 years. We are now going a step further by combating the use of dangerous pesticides in private spaces to protect the health of Brussels residents and the biodiversity around them,” explains Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo).
The decision approved on Thursday, together with two previously approved decisions, ensures that the use of dangerous pesticides will be prohibited in private gardens and private green spaces in the Brussels Region from 2025. These could, for example, be company gardens or sports fields.
This obligation will apply from 2030 to farmers and vegetable growers, who will have more time to adapt their practices, as this cannot happen overnight.
“Private green spaces cover a third of the green space in the Brussels Region. This measure therefore makes it possible to protect a large part of nature in our capital,” says Maron.
In addition, the sale of pesticides in the Brussels Region will also be regulated from 2025. Dangerous pesticides will only be available on request, just like cigarettes, for example. Stores selling pesticides will also be required to have an advisor to inform users of the risks of the products and restrictions on their use.
These three decisions have now been submitted to the Council of State for advice.
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