August 21, 2025

Genk Restores Heathlands with €6.2M Funding, Jo Brouns Praised

August 21, 2025
39843

Genk (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Genk’s heathlands, including Opglabbekerzavel, Schemmersberg, and Boxbergheide, are being restored with €6.2M support; Environment Minister Jo Brouns praised the project for boosting biodiversity and long-term ecological management.

As VRT News reported, the heathlands in Genk are improving after years of careful management. The city has worked to restore the area by clearing invasive plants, reintroducing native vegetation, and using controlled grazing. The Flemish government supported the project with €6.2 million. Officials say the work has helped wildlife return, including birds, insects, and local plants. 

What is Genk doing to expand heathland restoration with €66.2M?

On Thursday, Aug 21, 2025, Environment Minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) visited Opglabbekerzavel to see the results. He was joined by Mayor Wim Dries, Alderman Karel Kriekemans, and party colleagues. During the visit, they saw healthier plants and signs of wildlife coming back. Minister Brouns praised Genk’s work and highlighted the value of long-term investment in nature. 

In Genk, the city’s heathland management plan is being expanded to include the Schemmersberg and Boxbergheide areas alongside the Opglabbekerzavel. The plan has been in working for 2 years and aims to protect and improve the natural quality of these spaces. 

A large part of the €66.2 million funding will go to developing the Zwarte Berg ecovalley. This ecovalley is a vital link between the Mechelse Heide and the Houthalen-Helchteren Military Shooting Range. 

The plan for the 3 heathland areas includes a one-time, large-scale removal of invasive tree species. Trees such as the American Bird Cherry and the Black Acacia will be cleared to restore the native landscape. After the deforestation, the city will carry out regular maintenance for 24 years. The Flemish government is supporting this long-term effort with annual funding of €66,000. 

A similar heathland restoration project took place in Genk at the Opglabbekerzavel between 2018 and 2020, funded in part by the Flemish government. The project involved a large-scale removal of invasive tree species, including the Black Acacia and American Bird Cherry, to restore the native heathland environment.

Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.

Comments

11 responses to “Genk Restores Heathlands with €6.2M Funding, Jo Brouns Praised”

  1. mr. alien Avatar
    mr. alien

    So, Genk’s throwing €6.2M at some heathland like it’s a new espresso machine for the office, and Jo Brouns is the barista of biodiversity, huh? 😏 Hope the wildlife appreciates their fancy new digs as much as we appreciate a good pint! 🍻

    Reply
  2. Prof. Smirk Avatar
    Prof. Smirk

    Looks like Genk’s got 6.2 million reasons to give Mother Nature a facelift. Wonder if they’ll throw in a makeover for the politicians too? 😂🌱

    Reply
  3. Desert Haze Avatar
    Desert Haze

    Restoring heathlands with €6.2M? Oh, brilliant move! Just what we needed—more grass for the birds to sit on while we tackle the important issues! 😏🌿

    Reply
  4. BoomerBox Avatar
    BoomerBox

    €6.2M for a bit of grass and some chirping birds? Must be nice to be in the green business! 🌿💸 Who knew Mother Nature had such expensive taste? 😂

    Reply
  5. Neophyte Believer Avatar
    Neophyte Believer

    €6.2M for some grass and bugs, eh? Must be nice to have a budget for “nature” while the rest of us scrape by—if only we could get a grant for our back gardens, we’d all be blooming! 🌱💸

    Reply
  6. Undergrad Avatar
    Undergrad

    Looks like Genk’s found the secret to eco-friendliness: throw €6.2M at the problem and voilà, instant biodiversity! 🌱 If only fixing the economy was as easy as clearing out a few pesky trees, eh? 😏

    Reply
  7. Trouble Mittens Avatar
    Trouble Mittens

    Genk tossing around €6.2M like it’s pocket change, all to play gardener for a bunch of plants—who knew Mother Nature had such expensive tastes? 🌱😏

    Reply
  8. Toy Dogwatch Avatar
    Toy Dogwatch

    €6.2M for some trees and bushes? Guess the birds are getting a fancier Airbnb than most of us! 🐦💸

    Reply
  9. gold dahlia Avatar
    gold dahlia

    Turns out, tossing €6.2M at some plants and calling it “biodiversity” is the new wave in environmentalism—who knew playing gardener was such a profitable gig? 🌱💸

    Reply
  10. Delicious Wing Avatar
    Delicious Wing

    So, a cool €6.2M to play gardener in Genk? Must be nice to have cash for some tree surgery while the rest of us are just trying to keep our rhubarb alive. 🌳💸

    Reply
  11. bang shift Avatar
    bang shift

    €6.2M to restore some bushes? Sounds like the ultimate European budgetary masterpiece! Just imagine the intense political debates over whether to save a few more weeds or fund another fancy meeting. 😂🌿

    Reply
  12. Whip Chu Avatar
    Whip Chu

    Restoring heathlands with €6.2M? Just what we needed in a world full of real problems, eh? 🌳💸 But hey, at least the birds are getting their five-star accommodations back! 😂

    Reply

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