Ladonian Foreign Affairs Minister Joins Tree Planting Effort in Belgium

BILZEN-HOESELT, Belgium – On 24 November 2024, Ladonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Duke Yvan Bertjens, joined volunteers in planting 650 trees to establish a new half-hectare forest in the Munster Valley of Eigenbilzen, located in Belgium. The initiative was organized to mark the 25th anniversary of Facil, a Genk-based company, in collaboration with the nature conservation organizations Limburgs Landschap and Forest Fwd.

Duke Bertjens, who also serves as the designated nature conservator for the area, participated in the planting and highlighted the importance of cooperative efforts in environmental projects. “This project demonstrates a strong partnership between Ladonia and local Belgian authorities,” Bertjens said. “The forest, located near the cascade pond and bordering Hoge Kempen National Park, will feature species such as summer oak, winter oak, black alder, and birch, with elder and ash trees providing natural protection.”

The forest’s creation, covering an area equivalent to one and a half football fields, was made possible by private sector support, underscoring the role of businesses in ecological initiatives. Facil’s funding contribution reflects the growing trend of corporate involvement in sustainability efforts.

Flemish Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Jo Brouns, also attended the event and praised the collaboration. “This is a wonderful example of local communities and organizations working together to expand green spaces,” Brouns said. He noted that while 3,000 hectares of forest have already been added, more efforts are needed to meet the goal of creating 10,000 additional hectares.

The tree-planting event contributes to strengthening biodiversity and connecting natural reserves in the region. For Ladonians, who are a nomadic people without a permanent homeland, participation in environmental, artistic, and free speech initiatives in their local areas is a key way to embody Ladonia’s values and strengthen their ties to the broader community. By participating directly in the effort, Duke Bertjens demonstrated a commitment to environmental conservation that aligns with broader sustainability objectives in both Ladonia and Flanders.