On October 10th, 2024, project partener ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy hosted the first ‘Effective Ageing and Nature Conservation’ Seminar in Grez-Doiceau, Belgium. Its primary goal was to involve citizens, especially elderly people and policy-makers, in active and inclusive policy-making to tackle the impacts and risks of climate change. 

The event started with a presentation of ALDA and Grey4Green Project activities, together with the initiatives organised by Grez-Doiceau municipality for nature protection and the elderly. 

The morning session featured a roundtable discussion with four external speakers on the theme of inclusion and the role of the elderly in society, the importance of volunteering and nature conservation. Precisely, the panellists included: Herni Lourdelle, Special Advisor at the European Federation of Retired and Elderly People (Ferpa); Ismael Paez Civico, Executive Director at the European Confederation of Senior Expert Services (CESES); Manon Jacob, Partnership Manager at Give a Day platform; and Julie Goffette, “Forest Friend” Project Manager at the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium (RFSB). 

In line with the project’s topic, during the second part of the event, the participants took part in an environmental volunteering activity. Les Amis du Parc de la Dyle conducted them in a protected natural area in Grez-Doiceau to discover the biodiversity of that particular area of Belgium. Thanks to this open-air activity, the participants gained more insights into the typical  soil, fauna and flora of the surroundings of Grez-Doiceau. 

The seminar facilitated dynamic debates and discussions on local models and good practices for volunteering and social inclusions, demonstrating the importance of sharing knowledge and experience. At the same time, the event contributed to the goals of the projects by engaging elderly people and showing them that they are a crucial part of society and that they have several options – through volunteering – to contribute to it, especially with regard to environmental protection. 

Useful links:

ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy website: https://www.alda-europe.eu/  

European Federation of Retired and Elderly People (Ferpa) website: https://ferpa.org/ 

European Confederation of Senior Expert Services (CESES): https://www.ceses.eu/ 

Give a day (volunteering platform): https://www.giveaday.be/en-be 

Royal Forestry Society of Belgium (RFSB) website: https://srfb.be/en/ 

Les Amis du Parc de  la Dyle website: https://www.lesamisduparcdeladyle.be/