ABSTRACT
Belgium is the second smallest country in the European Community with an area of 30000 km2, and a population of 10 million. Of all the countries within the European Community, Belgium has one of the most complex political structures. From an old law, dating back to 1790, the management of water supply in Belgium is the responsibility of the municipalities of which there are over 600. The Regional framework within Belgium is a useful case study for many of the issues facing Europe as a whole. Belgium's internal organizational structure for dealing with nature conservation is as complex as anywhere in Europe. The types of land designations adopted by Belgium are similar to those found elsewhere in Europe, with the exception that there are no National Parks - a designation which tends to cover larger tracts of land.
