This spring, Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia are once again putting water centre stage. Local authorities, nature associations and schools are organising numerous activities, from guided nature walks along rivers and ponds to workshops on rainwater harvesting and bathing water quality. Together, they are raising interregional awareness of water issues.
On 14 and 15 October 2025, the LIFE Platform event took place in Brussels, focusing on the recently published European Water Resilience Strategy. The event brought together more than 100 experts, project leaders and other stakeholders to discuss the critical state of European river basins and explore solutions.
In Halle, construction has begun on the controlled floodplain at the ‘Grote Weide’. This new buffer basin is being built on behalf of the city of Halle and the province of Flemish Brabant. These works will provide better protection against flooding for the surrounding residential streets, including Poststraat, Victor Baetensstraat, Auguste Demaeghtlaan, Beertsestraat and parts of Bergensesteenweg.
On 14 September 2025, Oyenbrugpark was officially opened in Grimbergen: a new green area at the recreational airport, realised as part of the Oostelijke Maalbeekvallei Grimbergen land development project.
On 14 and 15 October 2025 in Brussels, together with CINEA and supported by ELMEN, we will organise an important LIFE Platform Meeting around the practical implementation of river basin management plans. the focus will be on the strategy around water resilience
The valley of the Maelbeek, between the centre of Grimbergen and the Brussels-Charleroi Canal, is gradually changing into an attractive place for nature, heritage and recreation. But there is more: water is also given new space!
On World Water Day (22 March), exceptional kayaking took place on the Senne in Wallonia during our campaign. A unique experience for all participants that could continue with the support from the Life Belini project and its partners. In addition, during our campaign you could also cycle and walk in several places and in Beersel you could even spot aquatic animals.
In 2025, as usual, we will put an extra spotlight on water (awareness) in all its facets around the period of World Water Day (22 March). With a new fully-fledged edition of our Fiere Rivieren – Rivières Fières campaign, we are once again bringing together water activities within our project area, across regional borders.
We had our European project supervisors visit us for a monitoring visit. The ideal opportunity for taking a moment to take stock of the project.