Bringing nature into school playgrounds.
Opération Ré-création
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EcoSchools Antwerp
The city supports EcoSchools that focus on climate with coaching and a subsidy of up to 30,000 euros.
Developing the green-blue network
The project
Through EcoSchools, schools receive advice, guidance, and financial support to develop a multi-year plan and embed their climate efforts in school policy. Each school receives a coach, thematic expertise, and implementation support. Schools choose their own level of ambition and can opt for a climate-aware or climate-resilient school.
A climate-resilient school installs a natural playground, green roof, and/or facade garden, focusing on nature and water. This encourages students to engage with nature and makes the environment resilient to the effects of climate change, such as heavy rainfall, heat, and drought.
Project location
City of Antwerp
Contribution(s)
66 buildings and/or infrastructures
Project costs
More than 500.000 €
Participant(s)
The trajectory guidance and coaching is provided by the City of Antwerp, MOS Antwerp, and/or an external expert (Goodplanet, Groenlab, Klimaten, BOS+, Making Space, Speelmakers, Vergroen je speelplaats, Route 2030).
Schools can choose from three ambition levels. The higher the level, the greater the commitment and the support granted by the City of Antwerp.
How are the criteria of the objective met?
Buildings and infrastructures
- As little alteration of the initial landscape as possible /as much naturalness as possible to replace grey and concrete surfaces (e.g. green roofs and walls, greening the surroundings, incorporating the existing landscape into the infrastructure);
- Use native species/subspecies that are more resilient and resistant to climate change, if appropriate;
- Incorporate elements that are suitable for the local biodiversity (e.g. birdhouses suitable for the bird species on site, insect houses at an appropriate height, appropriate vegetation types).
Possible initiatives in which the project is involved :
Network Playground with a Future
Long-term maintenance
After three years, the school can continue independently and share its experiences with other schools. Throughout the process, they will be supported in incorporating the use and management of the natural playground into their policies. EcoSchools commits to maintaining the implemented measures after the coaching program ends for at least 10 years.
Benefits
Nature at school also brings children and young people into closer contact with nature and has positive effects on their mental and physical health and social-emotional development.
A climate-resilient school also fosters engagement, support, and awareness among students, teachers, and their community.
EcoSchools are also encouraged to share their natural playground with external parties, such as youth groups, holiday camps, or neighborhood organizations.
These natural playgrounds contribute to climate adaptation within the neighborhood. They help reduce heat stress and water problems (both drought and flooding) in the neighborhood.
Other projects linked to the objective: "Buildings and infrastructures"
Bijgaardehof and Bijgaardepark
Abandoned factory site is being transformed into a park extension and collective housing project that integrates biodiversity.
Removing grey areas in Hove
Replacing grey areas and integrate as much naturalness as possible.