Highlighting urban soil health initiatives during European Mission Soil Week 

Additionally, ACR+ joined a field trip to the Spaanse Kroon neighbourhood in Leuven, Belgium, to explore innovative approaches to urban soil management through spatial planning. Hosted by the City of Leuven, the field trip showcased transformative work under the LIFEPACT project, which is part of the EU Mission “100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities.” This initiative, funded by the LIFE programme, has focused on depaving three neighbourhoods to enhance soil health, adapt to climate change, and foster biodiversity. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about the city’s Climate City Contract and see first-hand the benefits of desealing urban spaces, including reducing urban heat island effects and creating recreational areas. 

The Spaanse Kroon neighbourhood demonstrated the impact of participatory approaches, with 4,120m² of sealed surfaces converted into green spaces and 2,050m² made water permeable. Residents were actively involved in the transformation process through neighbourhood meetings, workshops, and local campaigns. The city further supported private greening efforts by coordinating discounted tree purchases, assisting with garden unpaving, and offering financial incentives. This field trip exemplified how urban soil restoration contributes to the EU’s climate neutrality goals while strengthening community engagement and environmental resilience.