Flemish cuts force Natuurpunt to scrap 3 of 5 Limburg visitor centers: 4 part-time jobs disappear

Three out of five visitor centers of Natuurpunt in Limburg will lose their full operational status due to budget cuts by the Flemish government, resulting in the loss of four part-time jobs. The centers affected are in Kiewit, Schulensmeer, and Hageven in Pelt. The Flemish government has decided to cut €210,000 in subsidies, with €150,000 specifically impacting Natuurpunt. Dirk Vandervelden from Natuurpunt acknowledged the significant impact of these cuts, stating that professional support will be removed from the affected centers. The organization is currently assessing how to maintain services and activities with the remaining volunteers and other organizations involved.