Transfer cities Helsinki, Guimarães and Wrocław explore Ghent

“Ghent has exceptional experience with innovative projects. There’s a lot we can learn from that. Still, it’s crucial that the transfer process doesn’t go in just one direction, but that knowledge is exchanged among all partners.” These words from EUI project officer Nélida Hancco-Herrera set the tone for a dynamic two-day event, where the four cities continuously inspired each other.

Meet the partners

After presenting their cities and ambitions for urban greening, the partners delved deeper into Rewild. Why were they so eager to join this project? A key similarity quickly emerged: engaging and activating private owners, housing associations and businesses is a major challenge for every city. Over the next few years, this will be an area of extensive experimentation.

Ghent’s innovations

Within Rewild, Ghent is also seeking innovative solutions to other challenges faced by cities committed to greening. Project workers addressed several crucial issues:

• Many internal stakeholders: A complex project like this requires involvement from numerous city services, departments and politicians. This means extensive coordination and discussion - something to keep in mind before starting.
• Hands-on approach: Since 2017, project partner Ghent Environmental Front has created over 5,000 vertical gardens in Ghent’s streets. Within Rewild, they are launching Koerkrakers (Courtyard Crushers), transforming private courtyards into green spaces.
• Stay close to residents: Through neighbourhood managers, Ghent knows what matters to residents in pilot areas. In Rewild neighborhoods - characterized by many tenants, small homes, social and economic challenges and language barriers - the need for socially just greening is even larger.
• Set priorities: Ghent is developing GIS models to identify precise locations for desealing, avoiding arbitrary decisions.
• Explore alternative financing: With government budget cuts, alternative funding models are essential. Together with the University of Antwerp, Ghent is exploring tools such as green loans, donations and public-private partnerships.
• Research matters: What are the barriers to desealing? Or why do people choose to do it? UGent conducted extensive research across Flanders, and Ghent uses these insights to bring stakeholders on board.
• Break institutional barriers: Ghent is identifying regulations - within its own organization and other authorities - that hinder desealing, and working to overcome them.

Ghent by bike

Coinciding with the visit, the renowned Copenhagenize Index ranked Ghent third among the world’s most bike-friendly cities. During a 14-kilometer cycling tour through greened and paved streets, parks and new developments, the transfer cities experienced this firsthand.

At various stops, experts shared insights on topics such as collaboration with developers and water management by residents and landowners in a co-housing project. Ghent Environmental Front demonstrated how small-scale initiatives can make a big impact: “Greening and desealing doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all it takes is a few cargo bikes and simple tools.”

Which learnings do we take home?

How do we engage private landowners? How do we involve people who aren’t interested in this topic? Which financial instruments can we use? After two days of immersion, the transfer cities began reflecting on which themes they want to pursue locally. These choices will become more concrete in the coming months.

As an EU transfer expert for Rewild, I found these two days incredibly valuable and enjoyable - a perfect way to get to know each other and build trust. Ghent put together a highly useful and varied program and made time for informal exchanges. It was wonderful to see all participants consistently ready to inspire and support each other with great dedication and professionalism!