Mini forest in Josephine Koch Park

1 day, 900 trees & many hands for greater biodiversity & climate protection.
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Eupen Stad

Begonnen in: 2023

Project by: City of Eupen

Begonnen in: 2023

Het project

Since the end of October 2023, a mini forest has been growing in Josephine Koch Park, modelled on a primeval forest as it would look without human activity. Normally, it would take around 200 years for such a forest to develop on its own. Using botanist Akira Miyawaki’s method, a similar result can be achieved in 20 years.
This method is based on the mechanisms and diversity of nature: 15 to 30 native tree and shrub species are planted in a single forest. These species work very well together and are perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of the planting site.
This habitat becomes increasingly complex and, in balance with the current soil and climate conditions, forms a beautiful ecosystem that promotes increased biodiversity.

Locatie project

Eupen

Bijdrage(s)

0.03 ha

Projectkosten

10.000 - 50.000 €

Deelnemer(s)

This project was carried out as part of the ‘BiodiverCité’ programme with financial support from the Walloon Region.
This project was carried out by the city of Eupen in collaboration with UrbanForests, primary schools, kindergartens and local residents.

Hoe wordt aan de criteria van de doelstelling voldaan?

Stedelijke en voorstedelijke gebieden

  • De specifieke ecologische kenmerken van het gebied (e.g. de topografie, het landschapstype, de plaatselijke fauna en flora);
  • Zorgen voor een aangepast beheer dat gunstig is voor de biodiversiteit (e.g. herwilderen en beperkt maaien van parken, tuinen, bermen, vijvers, geen chemische producten);
  • Zo veel mogelijk "natuurlijkheid"/zo weinig mogelijk verandering van het oorspronkelijke landschap (landschap, kwaliteit van het water/de bodem, ...);
  • De aanpassingen in het omliggende gebied en milieu integreren;
  • Inheemse en lokale soorten/subsoorten gebruiken die veerkrachtiger zijn en beter bestand tegen klimaatverandering.

Mogelijke initiatieven waarbij het project betrokken is :

BiodiverCité

Onderhoud op lange termijn

Maintenance was only carried out in the first two years after planting. During this time, the undergrowth was removed by hand so that the small trees and shrubs would not be overgrown by the faster-growing herbaceous undergrowth. After two years, the trees and shrubs are already so well developed that no further maintenance is required.

Voordelen

The area where the mini-forest now stands was previously a mowing meadow in the city park. The planting of the mini-forest is now developing a beautiful ecosystem that promotes increased biodiversity at the site.
We apply the principles of the Miyawaki method, which originated in Japan and has proven itself worldwide despite different soils and climate zones. In this approach, we select native species that are adapted to local conditions based on scientific criteria such as potential natural vegetation (PNV) and field observations. The aim is to restore a native forest ecosystem on a small scale more quickly, thereby accelerating the positive effects on the urban climate, habitat functions and CO2 sequestration. Its location in the middle of the city creates a special place to experience nature. Here, you can observe forest succession in fast motion.

Andere projecten in verband met de doelstelling: “Stedelijke en voorstedelijke gebieden"

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