The 5th Local Stakeholder Workshop in Leuven: Engaging Local Tree Experts

On June 10th, the city of Leuven hosted its fifth Local Stakeholder Workshop (LSW) as part of the JUSTNature project. This time, the spotlight was on certified arborists working in and around Leuven. The event took place in the serene setting of the Keizersberg Abbey, a historic Benedictine site surrounded by a public park with panoramic views of the city.

The workshop was closely linked to Leuven’s ongoing development of a Strategic Tree Plan. With this plan, the city aims to promote sustainable tree management and ensure the protection of valuable trees, not only in public spaces but also in private gardens. By inviting local tree care professionals, the city sought to actively involve entrepreneurs in shaping a practical and effective framework for tree protection on private property.

During the evening, the Strategic Tree Plan was presented, followed by an open exchange with the arborists. Their insights and hands-on experience proved invaluable in identifying opportunities and challenges in implementing tree protection measures. The city will integrate these contributions into the further development of the framework for private trees, and looks forward to continued collaboration with the sector.

As a fitting conclusion to the evening, participants joined a guided walk through the park of Keizersberg Abbey. Interestingly, the abbey grounds themselves have recently become a site of renewed attention for tree conservation. The park, known for its peaceful atmosphere and monumental trees, is a living example of how heritage and nature can thrive together in an urban context.