On 25 September, over a hundred partners and stakeholders gathered at Meise Botanic Garden for the theme day “Sowing with Impact”, co-organized by Meise Botanic Garden and the Department of Environment as part of the Interreg project EXPBIO.
Together with international partners, insights were shared on:
- International cases – restoration of species-rich grasslands (An De Schrijver, Hogent), seed production and use in infrastructure and gardens (Liesbet Blindeman & Sandy Adriaenssens, Viaverda), and restoring botanical diversity in landscapes (Hans De Kroon, Radboud University).
- Seed mixes & practice – research on seed mixtures (Dirk Albach), certification and production in Luxembourg (Vanessa Duprez, SICONA), and innovative techniques such as seed harvesting (Daniel Slodowicz, Holosem).
- Education & participation – the importance of education and citizen involvement: from school projects (Yannick Verstraete, Regional Landscape Houtland) and rewilding of school grounds (Helen Ekvall, Botanic Garden Gothenburg & Naturmodet, Karin Krogstrup) to campaigns promoting more flowers in schools (Gorik Vanhelleputte).
A milestone for Flanders
One of the highlights was the demonstration of the eBeetle, the first commercially available seed harvesting machine for wild seeds. This innovation makes seed collection more efficient and paves the way for large-scale restoration efforts.
Conclusion from the plenary debate
Flanders doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Inspiring examples from Germany and Luxembourg show that a certification system for native seeds is both feasible and essential – serving as a lever for nature restoration and a boost for the local market.
Through EXPBIO, Flanders is taking a significant step towards a robust framework for certification, collaboration, and innovation – aligned with the European Nature Restoration Law.
An inspiring day filled with knowledge exchange, practical examples, and forward-looking challenges!
Photo: Meise botanic garden