CONFERENCES IN

NATURE CHOOSE FLANDERS AS LOCATION?

Wim Dries, Mayor of Genk

Conference: EUROPARC FEDERATION

Location: GENK

“Genk is the greenest central city in Flanders. Thus we have many conference locations where the link between man and nature can be felt. Just think of Bokrijk, C-mine or Thor Park. The link with heritage is also never far away in Genk.

For the organisation of Europarc 2012, the Hoge Kempen National Park was the inspiration. Limburg was also a logical choice. And with Genk, they opted for a green, centrally located city with many assets: beautiful heritage locations, entrance gates to the Hoge Kempen National Park and the Wijers and easily accessible by public transport. A city where you can immediately feel the connection with nature.”

Mien Quartier, Project Leader

Social Innovation Stiemer Valley

Conference: CONNECTING NATURE SUMMIT

Location: THOR CENTRAL, GENK

“The presence of nature offers the city significant benefits in adapting to the climate change. Greenery can provide cooling, buffering of water, more biodiversity, more happiness, a safer feeling.

This is why the Connecting Nature research project is so interesting for Genk. 30 partners – including cities, academics and entrepreneurs – working together to explore how nature can be used as a solution to urban challenges.

The “Connecting Nature Impact Summit 2022” was therefore perfectly in its place in Genk. Five years of research and innovation around Nature Based Solutions were presented there. The project resulted in the implementation of large-scale projects in 10 European cities and in a global capacity-building programme.”