vzw Groothertogdom Flandrensis

An environmental non-profit organisation

Since 12 August 2021, Flandrensis has been officially registered in the Belgian Official Journal (Belgisch Staatsblad) as a non-profit organization (vzw) under registration number 0772.515.027. In its statutes, the organization outlines its mission and objectives as follows:

Flandrensis is an international non-profit organization committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and uniting individuals across the world who are concerned about global warming. The organization focuses on informing, raising awareness and mobilizing citizens to take meaningful action on climate issues and to integrate sustainable, climate-friendly practices into their daily lives.
Flandrensis is deeply committed to safeguarding Antarctica’s unique and fragile environment. The organization advocates for decisive global climate action and calls upon policymakers worldwide to recognize the entire Antarctic continent (consistent with the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty) as an internationally protected nature reserve, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of its unique ecosystems, fauna and flora.

To advance its mission, Flandrensis applies the innovative concept of a micronation. While it adopts certain features commonly associated with a “state,” it is not recognized as such under international law. This concept of micronationalism serves as a creative advocacy tool to draw attention to climate issues and is not intended to seek territorial recognition. Through this framework, Flandrensis has developed distinct cultural symbols and institutional characteristics that foster organizational cohesion and support the achievement of its objectives.
Furthermore, the micronation provides opportunities for youth and adults to develop their skills and creativity in fields such as governance, media, design, communication,and event organization. Flandrensis also promotes and supports local cultural and ecological initiatives.

In pursuit of its mission, Flandrensis may undertake activities that directly or indirectly contribute to the realization of its objectives, including complementary commercial or revenue-generating initiatives. All income is fully reinvested into the organization’s mission: supporting activities such as website maintenance, publication and promotional materials, event organization, climate-friendly projects and participation in international conferences and conventions to promote ecological micronationalism.

Logo

Since the foundation of the non-profit organization “vzw Groothertogdom Flandrensis”, the Board of Directors chose a modern logo for all official communication with local authorities and environmental organizations.
The blue and white colors refer to Flandrensis’ mission of protecting Antarctica. For all micronational affairs and events, Flandrensis always uses her national symbols.

Official statutes

Click here to access the official statutes published on the website of the Belgian Official Journal.

The Board of Directors

According to the official bylaws the non-profit organisation is managed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for all non-profit finances, budget-planning and legal administration. Members of the Grand Ducal Cabinet are external advisors but don’t have the right to vote in the Board.

Trademark and copyright

A patent was registered for Flandrensis with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, protecting the Flandrensis trademark as well as the intellectual concept behind the creation of the Antarctic micronation. Any commercial use or reuse of the name Flandrensis or its symbols without the patent holder’s consent is strictly prohibited.

Partnerships

On 28 October 2022 Flandrensis has been granted accreditation as an observer to the governing body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).