We were convinced from the start that our pilot projects would be great additions to the different cities. Now, with more and more pilot projects nearing completion, we are proud to say that others share our enthusiasm for green infrastructure too. Two projects were recently awarded prizes: 

- The ‘Blauwgroen Parkspoor Natuurlijk’ in the municipality of Kontich won the first prize in the category ‘landscape’ in a contest from the Flemish Vereniging voor Openbaar Groen (Flemish Association for Public Green). The project transformed an abandoned railway into a beautiful park with several ponds for water buffering. Take a look here (Dutch spoken) 

- The Bluebloqs system that is used inside The Hague's Urban Water Buffer won the Urban Water Challenge by Imagine H2O. The Bluebloqs system collects, purifies and stores rain water for later use during dryer periods. The Urban Water Buffer has been completed. the official opening will be held this coming spring. Take a look here (Dutch spoken)

The Interreg2Seas Nature Smart Cities and Cool Towns projects held their first annual exchange of experience webinar in the last quarter of 2020. This online event was attended by more than 200 participants from the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, Thailand and South Africa. It provided an opportunity for these two exciting projects, working to build climate resilience across European cities and towns, to share best practices and examples. The recording of the full webinar is now available, or you can also access the individual presentations via the links published on our website. 

The biggest problem in delivering green infrastructure for local governments? Surprisingly enough it isn’t funding – although that comes second. According to our research partner Imperial College London, the biggest problem is a clash of priorities within the municipality itself. Often – despite strategic commitments to climate change – new roads or new housing take precedence. 

But, the interviews with 53 smaller municipalities’ on their approach to delivering green infrastructure show also that the understanding among local governments of the benefits of GI is growing. The fact that more plants and trees can have multiple impacts – pleasant to look at, haven for biodiversity, carbon absorption and so on – means that it can appeal to a variety of funders and a range of political perspectives, the survey suggests. 

 
Would you like to read more about the main obstacles and strategies to make our cities greener? Check out the summary or full report on smaller municipalities’ approaches to delivering green infrastructure. Both are available in the library section of our website now.  

As of June, 24 all work will be completed on the demonstration site in Kontich. Kontich is one of the 7 municipalities in the Zuidrand region with whom province of Antwerp and Streekvereniging Zuidrand perform a pilot investment project.

In Kontich, an abandoned former rail road embankment was transformed into a public park. ;Nearly 5.000 indigenous shrubs were planted with the assistance of local residents. In the park there now is room for water: several pools were added, a pond and brook were enlarged. Instead of being led into the sewer, the rainwater from the& streets and rooftops of the surrounding neighbourhood is now diverted to the new pond and pools, where it can infiltrate into the ground. This reduces the risk of flooded streets during heavy rainfall.

Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy the green and blue surroundings by following a brand new semipermeable path. This path is a nice alternative for the busy road in the centre of the town.