Green4Grey

Green4Grey is a Life+ project in which grey semi-artificial landscapes were transformed into more natural urban landscapes via a multifunctional, integrated and participative approach. Green-blue infrastructures were realised in six project areas, 3 in the Vlaamse Rand around Brussels and 3 in the urbanised area de Wijers around Hasselt-Genk. While designing each project area, the social added value that the different project areas could offer was taken into account. This resulted in a multifaceted infill combining nature and biodiversity, learning about our environment, health, well-being and tranquillity, a green working and living environment, climate adaptation, outdoor activities, sustainable food production, and improvement of water quality and water buffering as needed.

Städtische und stadtnahe Gebiete

• Wahrung und/oder Verbesserung der besonderen ökologischen Merkmale des Gebiets (e.g. the topography, the type of landscape, the local plant and animal life)
• Einrichtung eines biodiversitätsfreundlichen Managementsystems (e.g. rewilding, reduced mowing of parks, gardens, talus, ponds, no chemicals)
• As much naturalness as possible/as little alteration as possible of the initial landscape (landscape, quality of water, of soil, …)
• Incorporate the developments into the surrounding area and environment
• Use native species/subspecies that are more resilient and resistant to climate change, if appropriate

Green4Grey made management, maintenance and respect for long-term investments an essential part of the project from the outset. Participation processes and communication help combat problems such as poor management and vandalism. Local authorities are the ambassadors of the project, both for consensus and for long-term maintenance.