SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND PUBLIC HEALTH: A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP

KAREN VAN CAMPENHOUT Flemish Human Biomonitoring Program A sustainable living environment and health are closely related. Flanders is developing a unique initiative in this area, with which the region is a pioneer at European level: the Flemish Human Biomonitoring Program (VHBP). Program leader is dr. ir. Karen Van Campenhout of the Vlaams Planbureau voor Omgeving (“Flemish Planning Bureau for Environment”).

“The VHBP measures with a representative group of Flemish people which substances are present in their bodies under the influence of the environment. The government uses this research to take the necessary policy measures.

In the coming period, the VHBP also wants to carry out exposome research. In doing so, we measure the impact of spatial influences and noise on well-being. Our chemists, biologists, medics and biomedics will be accompanied by sociologists for this.”

Van Campenhout believes it is important that the results of her research are useful not only for the government, but also for society as a whole. Therefore, it is crucial that socioeconomically weaker groups are also represented in all samples. Moreover, the knowledge gained is shared with the public so people can change their behaviour.

For example, the VHBP developed a web tool that supports citizens to garden more healthily. People with green thumbs can enter soil analyses in that web tool, where they receive personalized advice for growing vegetables. Thanks to such initiatives, the levels of substances such as dioxins, heavy metals, pesticides and chlorinated compounds in humans are systematically decreasing.

Flanders has nine “iconic cycling routes”. These themed routes lead you along the region’s most beautiful assets.

DISCOVER FLANDERS IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY: SMART & SUSTAINABLE

A conference on sustainable living also calls for a sustainable social program. In Flanders there are 1001 ways of doing this, and cycling is one of the most enjoyable.

So, don’t hesitate to put a bicycle tour on the programme of activities for your delegates. Not only will you be treating them to a blissfully relaxing experience, you’ll also be creating a link to your conference theme in smart & sustainable living.

In Limburg, your delegates will take an unforgettable cycling tour. They will literally cycle through water. TIME Magazine labelled this route as “one of the world’s 100 greatest places”.