What’s land recycling? Read about this German example
The city of Flensburg got a grant from the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein so that it would avoid building on new land
A view of City Hall and Saint Rumbold's Cathedral, from Market Square in Mechelen, Source: Frank / Unspalsh
The project is backed by Greenpeace
This week, Greenpeace announced they will support an initiative to create an ‘Edible City’ in Mechelen, Belgium. The initiative started in 2021 and was originally launched by four climate organisations: Velt, Klimaan, Citamine and Natuurpunt, as well as the Funky Jungle restaurant.
The so-called Groene Voeten (Green Feet) project proposed greening a small area next to Saint Rumbold's Cathedral (Sint-Romboutskathedraal) in central Mechelen. However, instead of just planting trees, the group proposed that the church greenspace should also host fruit trees like berries, grapes and apples, as well as herbs.
The idea here is to transform the space from an uninteresting square which pedestrians pass through daily into a vibrant public space with street furniture and gardens, where both people and restaurants can come and pick produce that can later go into kitchens.
This would shorten the distance between food growth and consumption – a big part of the fight to make cities more sustainable. Reducing the gap between these two points would allow for more biodiversity and less carbon-intensive access to fresh produce.
Additionally, it could help regenerate local fauna, as many insects, small mammals, and birds can find a home and sustenance between the herbs and fruit trees.
In 2022, the Flemish government had to pay a fine of 850,000 euros to Greenpeace for failing its air pollution reduction plans. According to the VRT, the funds that Greenpeace is investing in Mechelen come from that pot (25,000 euros).
Additionally, the local council in the city has also decided to take part in the Edible City project and funded the idea with 150,000 euros.
Alderman of Nature and Green Development, Patrick Princen, was quoted by the VRT explaining that local authorities want to take out the cobblestones and much of the hedges that are already there. Moreover, the area would benefit greatly from rain capture, but the redevelopment will need to try and protect as much of the trees already present.
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
His name is Adrian-Dragoș Benea from Romania
Find out her vision for the next five years and what’s in store for the European Union
Gotland wants to be at the forefront of this emerging mobility technology
It’s all about preventing the habit of slowing down just for the radar
Landkreis Heilbronn will also enlist the help of sensors to identify incorrectly filled organic trash bins
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
The Old Continent gets ready for the largest festival of sports
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital