Bijdrage van Stad Mechelen

“At first, I was concerned whether the approach would work, as our citizens have a no-nonsense attitude. But in the end, the process fostered a deeper understanding and empathy for nature, shifting the focus to a broader understanding of our connection to the environment," said Mark Van der Veken (Stad Mechelen) when I spoke to him about the experience of including the 🌳 voices of nature in Mechelen’s citizens’ assembly. Local public administrations worldwide are searching for innovative methods to engage residents in urban transformation projects. Few have gone as far as Mechelen, Belgium 🇧🇪 🍟 , in the European Urban Initiative's WATSUPS project - a New European Bauhaus demonstrator. Over five days, 35 residents co-created 15 basic principles to reconnect the city with the River Dijle—not just for people but for animals and plants, too. I have the pleasure of following the City of Mechelen’s work and capturing their experiences in running a citizens’ assembly that includes the voices of nature in the co-creation process. You can read more in my new article, now available on Portico: https://lnkd.in/d8VjuHdR Read on to find out: 🌊 ...how Mechelen is bridging divides between urban life and the River Dijle. 🐦 ...how animals and plants became key voices in urban planning. 🛶 ...how residents co-created 15 principles for nature-integrated spaces. 🌍 ...how Mechelen sets a blueprint for ecological democracy in cities. Do you know of any projects that include nature as a stakeholder in urban transformation? ping: Ranja Van Asbroeck, Grete Hellemans, Nicole La Iacona, Kathy Marivoet, Nélida Hancco Herrera, Kathleen McCarron, Mathis Hampel, Daniela Rizzi, Björn Wallsten, Ann Maudsley, Benedikte Van Eeghem, Astrid Stroobandt, Line Ostyn, Linde Vertriest, Daniel Christian Wahl, New European Bauhaus, Sarah Theierling, Sarah Rohaert, Dr Antonella Radicchi, Cédric Goessaert, Ighor Van de Vyver, Michiel Van Mele, Patrick Princen, Attila Katona, Eileen Crowley, Alexandru Matei, Federica Risi #UrbanTransformation #EcologicalDemocracy #CitizenEngagement #Sustainability #WATSUPS #Mechelen