Ghent receives European funding to 'Rewild the city'
The subsidies will go to scientific research on de-sealing and greening and to pilot projects in three Ghent neighbourhoods.
Out of a total of 122 submitted projects by European cities, Ghent's 'Rewild the city' is one of the 22 selected projects which will receive 5 million euros in European funding for a project on de-sealing and greening. To this end, the City is collaborating with Ghent University, Hogeschool Gent, University of Antwerp and 2 private NGOs: Breekijzer vzw and Ghent Environmental Front.
Two tracks
The project ‘Rewild The City’ will work on two tracks: research and practice. Together with the partners, the City of Ghent will map where de-sealing can be done faster, how this should be done and what the thresholds are for this. This should lead to a guideline with a clear long-term strategy.
REWILD aims to enable de-sealing initiatives, but will also test solutions through pilot projects in 3 vulnerable neighbourhoods. This concerns Ledeberg, Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Ham and the surroundings of Ottergemsesteenweg. The pilot projects will actively involve Ghent citizens and enterprises. The focus is not only on de-sealing and greening public space, but also private land.
Ultimately, the project will develop a strategy to reduce soil sealing, equip the city to implement new solutions and replicate its positive impact in other places.
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the European Urban Initiative – Innovative actions (EUI-IA) as well as by the Province of East Flanders.
