Belgium Natural Resources: Coal, Limestone and Ardennes Forests

Belgium, a country in northwestern Europe, has a variety of natural resources that have been exploited for centuries. They include fertile soils, coal reserves, limestone, clay and sand, as well as rich biodiversity in its forests and rivers.

Throughout its history, the exploitation of these resources has been a fundamental pillar of the Belgian economy, and although their use has declined today, they remain an important part of the country’s natural heritage.

What are Belgium’s natural resources? What natural wealth does the country have? How much water does it have, and how does it produce energy? What animals and plants live in Belgium?

Examples of Belgium’s main natural resources

Water resources of Belgium

Belgium has 18.3 km³ of renewable freshwater resources, which places it 110th in the world ranking of water reserves. Although it is not near the top of the list, the country has enough water to supply its population.

Belgium also has two main rivers, the Scheldt and the Meuse, and one major lake, Lake Genval. These bodies of water are important for the country’s economy and tourism.

Average rainfall and soils of Belgium

Belgium has an average annual rainfall of 847 mm, which places it 87th in the world. Thanks to this moisture, Belgian soils tend to be fertile and productive, supporting the country’s agriculture and food supply.

Renewable electricity and hydropower production in Belgium

In 2025, Belgium generated 29.3 TWh of electricity from renewable sources — 44% of its total generation of 66.9 TWh — and hydropower supplied 490 GWh (Ember, 2025); Elia, the Belgian electricity grid operator, publishes the country’s official annual electricity-mix figures. The country’s main hydroelectric plant is Coo-Trois-Ponts, in the Wallonia region.

This pumped-storage plant has an installed capacity of more than 1,000 MW; because it pumps water back uphill to store electricity, it is not a net source of renewable generation.

Forest resources of Belgium

Belgium’s forest area covers 22.76% of its territory, equivalent to 6,893 km². Although it is not one of the most heavily forested countries, its forests are a very important resource for the region.

Belgium ranks 126th in the world for forest area. The country’s main forest region is the Ardennes, in southeastern Belgium.

Environmental performance and protection of Belgium’s natural resources

In Belgium, natural resources are protected through terrestrial and marine protected areas, which make up 17.64% of the total territorial area. The link between these areas and the country’s environmental performance is clear: Belgium ranks 15th, with a score of 66.8, in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI 2024).

Natural parks of Belgium: the hidden wealth of natural resources

Biodiversity: animal and plant resources of Belgium

Birds of Belgium

Belgium has an impressive diversity of birds, with a total of 263 species recorded in 2018. Although it has no endemic species, the country ranks 140th in the world for number of bird species.

However, it is important to note that 8 of these species are endangered. Among the most notable species is the great tit, one of the most common and emblematic birds in the country.

Fish and amphibians of Belgium

Belgium has a diversity of amphibian and fish species; its main amphibian is the common frog and its main fish is the brown trout. Although its number of amphibian species is relatively low, at 19 in total, it ranks 78th in the world for number of amphibian species.

Its total number of fish species, meanwhile, is 193, and it ranks 176th in the world for number of fish species. Notably, 13 of its fish species are threatened.

Mammals of Belgium

Belgium had two threatened mammal species in 2016 and no endemic mammals in 2020, ranking 86th in the world. Even so, the country has implemented measures to protect and conserve its wildlife, making biodiversity a valuable resource for its sustainable development.

Belgium’s main mammal species is the deer, which lives in the country’s forests and natural parks.

Reptiles of Belgium

Belgium has a total of 10 reptile species, ranking 133rd in the world for diversity of these animals. This natural resource is very important for the country’s biodiversity.

Plants of Belgium

Belgium has a great diversity of vascular plants, with a total of 1,340 species recorded in 2020, placing it 98th in the world. The country’s main plant species is the flax flower, which is highly valued for its use in the textile industry.

Organizations that protect or study Belgium’s natural resources

• Natuurpunt – Non-governmental organization that protects biodiversity and promotes environmental education in Belgium.
• Greenpeace Belgium – International NGO that fights climate change and promotes environmental protection in Belgium.
• Brussels Environment (Bruxelles Environnement) – Government agency responsible for managing and protecting the environment in the Brussels region.
• WWF Belgium – International NGO working on nature conservation and the fight against climate change in Belgium.

Sources used

• Lists of countries by mineral production – Wikipedia
• Economic data by country – The Global Economy
• Forest area (km²) – World Bank
• Forest area (% of land area) – World Bank
• Arable land area (km²) – World Bank
• Oil reserves – The Global Economy
• Coal reserves – Worldometers
• Water and agriculture statistics – FAO
• Precipitation (mm) – World Bank
• Environmental Performance Index – Environmental Performance Index
• CO2 emissions (tonnes per capita) – World Bank
• Bird species – Mongabay
• Amphibian species by country – Mongabay
• Mammal species – Mongabay
• Endemic mammal species – Our World in Data
• Plant species – Mongabay
• Reptile species by country – Mongabay
• Endemic bird species by country – Our World in Data

Last updated: September 26, 2026