Catalysing scientific research and cooperation in the Forests of Brabant National Park

Before our actions, the Brabantse Wouden National Park lacked a framework connecting research with practical management. As one of our first steps, we developed a scientific roadmap to bridge this gap. The roadmap includes a question aggregator to align research with real needs, an inventory of existing studies, and aims at stimulating further collaborations translating knowledge into action. Now we are preparing for the next steps in this trajectory.

We identified the need to bridge the gap between science and practice by aligning research with the park’s real-world challenges. Key needs included better integration of research into management, a platform for gathering and addressing knowledge questions, and stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and field managers. Additionally, there is a clear demand for accessible data, practical solutions, and innovative approaches to support sustainable development in the park.

To address these needs, we aim to develop initiatives under the Scientific Council’s guidance. Proposed solutions include research seminars to foster collaboration, a scientific newsletter to share findings, and long-term landscape-scale monitoring. We also plan to support master’s and doctoral theses, establish living labs for field experiments, and organize citizen science campaigns to engage the public. Together, these efforts will strengthen knowledge sharing and practical applications.

We are now finalizing the scientific roadmap and based on our findings, planning the next steps. All good practices and advice from other national parks is at this moment very welcome to further strengthen our plans.

We involved a great number of stakeholders in this process, on the one hand the people and organisations that are active in the management of the park and that develop activities there (farmer organisations, nature and forest managers, entrepreneurs, local communities, etc.) and on the other hand the many scientific institutions that are active in Belgium on the topics that we want to research.

We are finalizing the scientific roadmap and getting ready for the next steps. At this moment, we are therefore looking for inspiration from other national parks.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Limited funding and resources hinder the full implementation of our scientific roadmap. Engaging diverse stakeholders, from researchers to policymakers, requires sustained effort and coordination. Building long-term collaborations and ensuring research aligns with practical needs is complex. Additionally, translating scientific findings into actionable solutions demands continuous focus.

Key lessons learned include the importance of early collaboration between researchers, field managers, and policymakers to align goals. A structured approach, like the scientific roadmap, is vital for bridging the gap between science and practice. Engaging stakeholders through clear communication and actionable insights fosters stronger partnerships. Lastly, flexibility and innovation are crucial to adapt to evolving needs and maximize potential.