Natagora

Natagora is a major nature conservation association active in Wallonia and Brussels. It works to protect biodiversity through a mix of reserve creation and management, scientific observation, public education, advocacy, and local volunteer action. The organization serves a broad public: members, volunteers, landowners, schools, companies, public authorities, and anyone interested in protecting local nature. It positions itself as both a field-based conservation actor and a civic voice, combining practical habitat protection with expertise, awareness-raising, and policy engagement. Founded in 2003 from the merger of Aves and RNOB, Natagora now relies on a professional staff, a large volunteer base, local regional groups, and partnerships, including its role alongside Natuurpunt as BirdLife International’s Belgian partner. Key Offerings Nature reserve creation and management : Natagora creates, expands, and manages protected natural areas across Wallonia and Brussels. Its reserves are used to safeguard habitats and species, with day-to-day stewardship supported by volunteers. Species monitoring and conservation : The association studies and protects wildlife, with particular attention to birds, bats, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and other threatened or emblematic species. It also runs specialized poles and working groups such as Aves, Plecotus, and Raînne. Training and education : Natagora offers in-person and online training on ornithology, ecology, climate and biodiversity, photography, entomology, botany, bats, herpetology, and related topics. These programs are designed to build knowledge and strengthen conservation skills. Public activities and outreach : The organization runs guided walks, conferences, exhibitions, educational activities, and themed events throughout the year. It also provides nature advice and practical guidance for gardens, terraces, balconies, and other managed spaces. Corporate and land stewardship support : Through initiatives such as the Nature Network for businesses, Natagora helps companies and other land managers improve biodiversity on their sites. It also offers ethical partnership frameworks for organizations that want to support conservation. Core Values Biodiversity protection : Natagora’s central purpose is to protect and restore natural habitats and wildlife. Its strategy emphasizes conservation, ecological restoration, and the defense of threatened species and landscapes. Scientific rigor : The association grounds its positions and actions in field data, expert observation, and research. It also manages biodiversity data and uses scientific knowledge to inform conservation priorities. Civic engagement : Natagora values volunteer participation, local action, and public involvement. It encourages people to contribute through volunteering, membership, donations, and community-based initiatives. Ethics and independence : The organization stresses ethical governance, transparent fundraising, and ethically framed partnerships. It presents independence as essential to its ability to advocate for nature. Accessibility and inclusion : Natagora seeks to make nature accessible to children, people with disabilities, and audiences less familiar with the natural world. Its activities and educational tools are designed to broaden participation in conservation. Unique Aspects Strong territorial network : Natagora operates through 25 regional groups and around a hundred specialized commissions, poles, and working groups, giving it a dense local presence across Wallonia and Brussels. BirdLife International partnership : Together with Natuurpunt, Natagora represents BirdLife International in Belgium, linking its local conservation work to a global bird-conservation network. Large volunteer-driven model : The association mobilizes thousands of volunteers, who contribute to reserve management, species monitoring, education, and local advocacy. Broad conservation toolkit : Natagora combines reserve management, scientific monitoring, policy advocacy, public education, and practical land-management advice in one organization. Ethical partnership framework : Corporate partnerships are explicitly governed by an ethical charter, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on transparency and mission alignment.