Reimagine Mechelen pt.2 - Nature As A Stakeholder in the Revival of the River Dijle

an interview with Mark Van der Veken (City of Mechelen)

This is part 2 of our trip to Mechelen in Belgium to find out how to give nature a voice in urban development. 🌱 The City of Mechelen in Belgium 🇧🇪 is reimagining the connection between water, public spaces, animals, plants, and people.

In this episode:

🌊 Why a river should be understood as an actor/stakeholder in urban transformation...
🌿 How empathy towards nature is essential for co-creating urban biodiversity...
🗣️ How to organise a citizen panel that ensures the voices of nature are heard in urban transformation projects...
💡 How taking into account the voices of nature requires empathy, knowledge, and “mildness”...
📜 How Mechelen’s Citizen Assembly developed over 120 recommendations for enhancing nature along the River Dijle...

More and more cities are reimagining their connection to rivers, ponds, and other water bodies. Historically, cities turned their back to the water, which was used primarily for economic purposes. In the 21st century, however, this perception has shifted significantly: water in cities is now seen as a source of livability and sustainability.