Restoring nature for the local community

The “Connecting nature in Ports and residential areas – Ghent Canal Zone and Moervaart Valley” project focuses on developing the space between the industrial port and residential regions in the Ghent Canal Zone, emphasising a multifunctional approach that goes beyond merely acting as a buffer.

“The areas are buffer zones that not only bring more greenery to the port but also maintain a balance between good-quality work, home and living environments. These efforts are closely coordinated with all stakeholders, including local residents,” says Daan Schalck, CEO of North Sea Port.

Prioritising nature

With a priority on nature development and restoration, the project aims to enhance biodiversity and public support for commercial port activities.

Encompassing 16 sub-areas spanning approximately 730 hectares, it also integrates elements like recreation, small-scale agriculture, water management, cultural heritage and archaeology.

The initiative is part of North Sea Port’s commitment to corporate social responsibility which aims to create a high-quality integration between the port and its neighbouring residential environment.

Local residents were directly involved in the design of the areas and the sequence in which the areas were developed.

”Their needs and wishes were taken in account and they were able to influence the improvement of the quality of their living environment. They have not only contributed to the area design, but they also remain closely involved, including in the management and maintenance of the area,” says Mr Schalck.

The website of the Ghent Canal Zone project includes an environmental hotline that anyone can access 24/7 concerning reports, complaints and suggestions. Events are frequently organised for stakeholders to meet each otheir, including walking tours and nature explorations.

There is a cycle map with a 75 km recreational cycle route through the area. The area has beautiful viewpoints where visitors can experience the connection between nature and port, contributing to a positive image of the North Sea Port area. Employees of North Sea Port and the companies in the port frequently use these paths to commute to work.

A cross-border connection to the cycling network in the Netherlands will soon be realised.

Green innovation

The firewater basins in the port area are landscaped and designed to form an important foraging and resting area for protected bird species.

An orchard has been planted in one of the areas where local residents are allowed to pick fruit.

One of the innovative aspects of the project is its multifunctional buffer area where residential areas, forest, nature and industry are woven into a single landscape.

It’s a project owned by all stakeholders and has proven to be an extraordinary way of connecting industry, nature and housing using bottom-up participation of all stakeholders; local residents, nature organisations, farms, industry, local authorities and the port.

Companies have voluntarily co-financed a landscape fund, which the port says has not yet occurred elsewhere.

ESPO award

The project won the ESPO Award 2023, which was presented to the port by Magda Kopczynska, director general of DG MOVE in the European Commission, during a specially festive edition which also marked the 30th anniversary of ESPO. 

“We were impressed by the commitment shown by ports to nature restoration and biodiversity. We congratulate the North Sea Port for its long-lasting commitment to the local community,” says Dimitrios Theologitis, chairman of the jury, ESPO Award.

In all, four projects were shortlisted for the 2023 award from Port of Cartagena (Spain), Guadeloupe Port Caraïbes (France), North Sea Port (Belgium- Netherlands) and Port of Vigo (Spain).