On Friday 13 December, employees of Maatschappij Linkerscheldeoever (MLSO), together with delegates from ADPO, Tabaknatie, Agrityre, Aertssen Logistics, Altrad and Interwaas, planted the first of 300 native shrubs in the green zone between the E34 and the business park. Volunteers from Natuurpunt Waasland-kern Haven were also on hand to ensure that the operation proceeded smoothly.
Green initiatives in line with the Green Deal
In 2018, MLSO joined the Flemish Government's Green Deal "Companies and Biodiversity," along with more than 100 other companies. Planting a natural green environment is definitely in keeping with that ambition. The goal? To create a forward-looking and biodiverse zone that is not only attractive to passers-by and employees, but to fauna and flora as well.
Natuurpunt Waasland-kern Haven collaborated with MLSO to put together a green plan for no less than 29 hectares around the Waasland Logistics Park - Western Phase. With the preliminary work in the southern zone just about complete, and with the planting season in full swing, the time had come last Friday to give that zone its new green appearance.
Shade and shelter for sheep
The southern green zone will take the form of an open meadow landscape, which, among other things, will serve as a holding pasture for sheep. These animals have been used in the port area for several years to manage the ecological infrastructure network.
"The shrubs we planted today, such as hazel, blackthorn and wild rosebushes, will not only provide shelter and shade for the sheep, but also help to create a varied landscape. In time, the entire green edge around the Waasland Logistics Park - Phase West will have the appearance of a 'wastine': a traditional landscape with grass, (thorn) bushes and forest as found in East and West Flanders."
Boudewijn Vlegels, Chairperson of MLSO.
Adaptation to climate change
Due to the mixture of native species selected, the fauna and flora will have every opportunity at the site. A new drainage ditch will also be constructed in the southern zone. This ditch will drain rainwater from surrounding agricultural areas south of the E34 and protect the area from drought and flooding more effectively.
"By carrying out these interventions, we are not only strengthening biodiversity, but also making the zone more resilient to the impacts of climate change."
Johan Baetens, project coordinator Antwerp Haven Natuurlijker at Natuurpunt Waasland-kern Haven.
Active recreation in a green environment
Alongside the ditch, a maintenance road will be constructed, which will also be set up as a path for walking and running. The green edge will therefore offer space for relaxation, both for local residents and employees of the companies in the Waasland Logistics Park.
Once the southern zone has been completed, the western zone, right next to the N451, is scheduled for 2025.
