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 and Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Ham, the third neighbourhood is still to be determined. 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.
Climate is changing, so Ghent is changing with it. By 'rewilding' Ghent, we are making our city more resistant to flooding, heat and drought.
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the European Urban Initiative – Innovative actions (EUI-IA).
