Workshop Innovative Nature-based Solutions for resilient Water-Soil System Restoration
Organisers
Margaux Lognoul (SPGE) & Cécile Nouet (ULiège)
Description
This interactive course will explore how Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can support sustainable water and soil management. Through case studies and group workshops, participants will learn from real-world examples and exchange ideas on applying NBS in practice.
Water Management with Nature-Based Solutions
We will present two case studies showing how NBS are used to manage water:
- Forest Municipality (Brussels) : In this urban project, public spaces were redesigned to collect and treat rainwater before releasing it into the Senne river. The approach reduces flood risks, supports biodiversity, and improves resilience to heatwaves, while monitoring ensures environmental safety.
- Sorinnes (Wallonia) : In this rural town, a compact constructed wetland (Filtran technology) treats domestic wastewater using vertical and horizontal flow. Monitoring tools help optimize the system, which efficiently removes key pollutants.
Soil Management with Nature-Based Solutions
Two projects demonstrate the use of NBS for soil remediation through co-creation and innovation:
- CiDéSol (Brussels) : This citizen-led project combined phytoremediation and mycoremediation to clean polluted soils in urban areas. Supported by universities and public institutions, it aimed to empower residents with knowledge and tools to take action locally.
- Plant4Wasteland (Wallonia) : This project develops five demonstration sites to restore contaminated soils using plants, while raising awareness and involving local communities. One key site is the former industrial area “Chantier 44” in Charleroi, part of a larger urban renewal plan.
Workshop Discussions
Participants will join small group discussions to explore key topics such as:
- Business models for NBS
- Comparisons with traditional remediation methods
- New ideas and future directions for NBS
This session is open to all interested in practical, innovative approaches to environmental management using nature as a key ally.
Speakers
This course is organized by IIS H2O, IIS Waste2Bio, University of Liège (ULiège), and CEBEDEAU.
CEBEDEAU : Fanny Gritten & Jean-François Gérard
University of Liège / IIS Waste2Bio : Marc Hanikenne & Cécile Nouet
IIS H2O : Margaux Lognoul
NICOLE Academy PFAS workshop
Organisers
NICOLE Academy
Description
This case-based learning event will focus on a real-life case contamination with PFAS. After some very short theory and an introduction to the case, you work in small teams under the gentle supervision of senior experts, progressively building on information and data, to think about conceptual site models, investigation techniques, risks & solutions.
This training is meant for Early Carrier Professionals (ECP) with 2-5 years experience in the fields of soil and groundwater quality and there is a limited amount of places. When registering, please provide your age, background, and level of experience
Speakers
The training will be given by experts from the NICOLE community with ample experience in case-based learning.
When & where
Monday, 1 PM - 5PM. University of Liège Downtown Campus- Outremeuse zone, L5 – Language training centre, Rue de Pitteurs, 18
Training session on implementing the human health risk assessment with S-Risk®, opportunities for regulators and new developments
Organisers
SPAQuE
Description
This session will explore how SPAQuE, the manager of S-Risk®, applies the tool, detailing its assumptions, limitations, and adaptability to country-specific needs. Widely used in Belgium and Luxembourg by soil experts, S-Risk® offers a user-friendly interface and opportunities for broader application. The presentation will also introduce new scientific advancements planned for 2025.
Speakers
Marie Jailler (SPAQuE)
When & where
Monday, 1 PM - 4PM. University of Liège Downtown Campus- Outremeuse zone, L5 – Language training centre, Rue de Pitteurs, 18