Minister of the Flemish Periphery Ben Weyts has announced a campaign to plant another 100,000 trees and shrubs in the Flemish municipalities surrounding the Brussels-Capital Region. This is in addition to the 100,000 that are already being planted.
There is much natural beauty in the Flemish municipalities that surround the capital region but the urbanisation spreading from Brussels and the region's popularity with prospective buyers pose a threat to the existing natural features of the area.
"We used to be satisfied if we could keep existing greenery," said Weyts. "Now, we are going on the offensive: we are doubling the initial target and will make space for more greenery, more trees and shrubs in our Flemish Periphery."
In 2019, Weyts initiated a plan to plant 100,000 trees and shrubs in the area. Financing for this project has now been completed and the trees are being planted. The minister has now revised ambitions and now aimed for another 100,000 trees and shrubs for the Periphery. A campaign aims to mobilise companies, local authorities or associations to ensure more greenery in the region.
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Through the Bûûmplanters initiative, people can have one or more trees delivered, which they can plant themselves. Those who do not have a place themselves for a tree can donate €1 via the growfund campaign – every euro collected, the government will top up with €4 via the Randfonds. The campaign will run until the planting season of spring 2024.
"Through investments in land purchases and greening playgrounds, we will make greenery more accessible," Weyts said as he hailed an increased effort to ensure that natural spaces are open to all. "We are continuing that offensive and even shifting up a gear. The area must boom."
