On Saturday 17 May, local residents, partners, forest managers and visitors to the Sonian Forest gathered during the annual Sonian Forest's participatory meeting, an initiative of the Sonian Forest Foundation. Presentations were given about Natura 2000 and biodiversity. Forest managers from the 3 regions gave an update on some current and future realisations in benefit of the forest. As always, it was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences about the future vision, ongoing projects and the protection of the Sonian Forest and its biodiversity. In the afternoon, we officially launched the Great Bioblitz of the Sonian Forest, as part of the Biodiversity Week. We did it together with our Sonian volunteers, participants of the platform, forest visitors and last but not least, with the Flemish and Brussels Ministers of Environment and the Walloon Minister of Nature & Forests.