On Josaphat's Ground
The Friche Josaphat is Brussels' last great ruggedness. Located in the North of the city, between Schaarbeek and Evere, this old marshalling yard of 24 hectares awaits its planned urban development. Meanwhile nature has reclaimed its place. Josaphat is a field of astonishment for nature lovers as well as a place to come together to explore and practice alternative ways of living in the city.
Over the past few years, citizens, associations and civil society have joined forces to raise awareness about the risks to the area due to rapid urbanization and the consequent loss of biodiversity. Following the campaign #PlanBJosaphat – which calls for the suspension of the urban development for the area – several civic associations, architects, and naturalists have proposed alternative plans to preserve the natural heritage of the area summarized in a manifesto. An online petition that reached over 15,000 signatures was also promoted, as well as numerous outreach initiatives that fueled debate about the future of the area.
Over the past few years, citizens, associations and civil society have joined forces to raise awareness about the risks to the area due to rapid urbanization and the consequent loss of biodiversity. Following the campaign #PlanBJosaphat – which calls for the suspension of the urban development for the area – several civic associations, architects, and naturalists have proposed alternative plans to preserve the natural heritage of the area summarized in a manifesto. An online petition that reached over 15,000 signatures was also promoted, as well as numerous outreach initiatives that fueled debate about the future of the area.
