In Belgium, several parties are researching how to fortify the Itterbeek Valley against drought and flooding. The Antwerp provincial government and its development corporation (POM Antwerpen), the province's water utility company, Pidpa, and three cultivation companies (Van Pelt, Op De Beeck en Primato) are involved.
They are considering smart ways to capture, store, and reuse water. They want to create a water source for the horticultural sector, which needs plenty of it.
They also want to improve the valley's ecological, natural, and recreational value. This is part of the Life ACLIMA project, an example of how different players work together to achieve integral water management that respects the environment and local economy.
Come see for yourself
On October 14, 2023, on De Dag van de Trage Weg (The Day of the Slow Path), you can take an educational walk along Stombaarshoekpad in the Belgian village of Koningshooikt. There, you can see how climate change is affecting the Itterbeek Valley.
Those taking part in this guided walk will learn from, among others, Pidpa and the horticulturalists in this river valley. Participants can find out how the Jutse Plassen basins fit into plans to adapt to climate change, and local growers will invite you to visit their farms.
They will share how they are trying to combat the more extreme dry weather and flooding and how the Itterbeek helps them do so. Following the slow Stombaarshoekpad path, you will learn about the Itterbeek Valley's past and future.
Practical information
The walk begins at the Jutse Plassen and follows the Itterbeek River's course. Along the way, walkers will learn about the forest and hedge plant nursery, Op De Beeck, tree nursery Van Pelt, and tomato nursery Primato. These companies are actively seeking sustainable water solutions. After that, participants return to the starting point via the Itterbeek Valley.
Departure point with info board: 315 Lierbaan, 2580, Putte
Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can explore the Stombaarshoekpad trial at your own pace. There is only one guided walk that starts at 1:30 p.m. and should end at 4 p.m.
You can register here.
For more information:
Life Aclima
101 Duffelsesteenweg
2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, NL
www.lifeaclima.eu