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Wetlands4Cities
Wetlands aims to install five urban wetlands in Flanders and turn them into biodiversity hotspots, which act as natural climate buffers.
Project
Wetlands4Cities is a project by Natuurpunt in collaboration with Ecover, manufacturer of a range of eco-friendly cleaning and other products. The project aims to install five urban wetlands in Flanders and turn them into biodiversity hotspots, which act as natural climate buffers.
Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots where thousands of vegetation and wildlife species flourish. They are natural sponges that offer numerous opportunities for tackling climate change. These robust and natural climate buffers play a crucial role in retaining and capturing water, preventing water shortage, mitigating heat and reducing atmospheric carbon. In this way, we also improve the quality of life in Flanders, especially in cities.
Site du projet
Flanders
Contribution(s)
Coût du projet
Au-delà de 500.000 €
Participant(s)
- Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (VMM)
- Natuurpunt
- Pidpa: disconnect rainwater to maximise separate sewers
- Stad Mechelen: depavement in the city
- inwoners Mechelen (tuintesters/meetpaddenstoel)`
How are the criteria met?
Urban and peri-urban areas
Initiatives éventuelles à laquelle le projet participe :
Protected areas - national and regional parcs - Natura 2000
Maintenance à long terme
Management practices are always adapted to the area. For example, mowing is limited (only when necessary) and excess grass cuttings are disposed of. There is no use of chemicals or biocidal products, and electric machines are used where possible (to reduce CO2 and particulate matter (PM) emissions). In Mechels Broek Galloway cattle is used for managing the area.
Benefits
Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems in Europe, characterised by unique, highly threatened habitats. They are biodiversity hotspots where thousands of vegetation and wildlife species flourish. Wetlands are important migratory stops and breeding and hibernation habitats for birds. By restoring those urban wetlands, we strengthen biodiversity in urban areas and preserve rare habitats and species in Flanders.
In addition, urban wetlands have a positive effect on the living environment of local residents and for the population in several ways. Urban and peri-urban areas suffer more from global warming. Measurements show a large difference between the temperature in cities and the countryside. This difference can sometimes reach 6-10 °C on a warm summer's evening. Wet nature and greenery have been proven to have a cooling effect. Wetlands can be a vital part of the blue-green network of a city providing a welcome cooling effect during heatwaves. Heatwaves have become more frequent in Flanders and lead to excess mortality over specific periods of time.
Ever more scientific research points to the importance of greenery and open spaces for the mental and physical well-being of humans. The creation and development of urban wetlands can contribute to a better health and well-being of the local residents. In addition to providing a cool place to hide on a hot summer's day, urban wetlands can also serve as a mental refuge for local residents where they can unwind and feel at peace. Wetlands can also help to improve air quality in urban areas, which is inadequate in many (big) cities.
