Environment and Nature Council of Flanders
Name: SAR Minaraad (SAR Minaraad)
Established in: 1991 (In June 2009, the Council was changed by decree to the ‘strategic advisory council for Environment and Nature, SAR Minaraad).
Role: The Minaraad advises on environmental and nature conservation policies in Flanders in a broad sense, including climate policy, energy policy, circular economy and good governance. The Minaraad may present both solicited and unsolicited advice to the Flemish government. The Flemish government must ask the Council for advice on all legislative projects concerning the policy fields within the council’s mandate.
Duties: The Council is tasked to: mediate between environmental movements, researchers, socio-cultural and socio-economic partners concerning environmental policy matters; prepare and present advisory reports, opinions and reflections upon proposed governmental policies within its mandate.
Composition: The Minaraad is a stakeholder body that includes 20 Council members, representing different stakeholders. Stakeholders include environmental and nature conservation NGOs in Flanders, social-economic pressure groups, countryside associations and socio-cultural associations. In addition, two members represent local governments.
The secretariat: The Minaraad has a secretariat that includes 8 staff members.
