You are cordially invited to the second Trans-Specific Assembly of Les BruXelles Libérées. Already confirmed: A marsh; A singing reedbed; Chlorophyll and protozoa; Sparrows and fairies, winged and otherwise. The Wiels Marsh is a place where new alliances are forged between humans and many other species. In this sense, it holds the promise of a new way of thinking about our relationship with the city and with living things. In this workshop, the Urban Species* research-action collective invites you to open thespecXcraft** projectbriefcase, and collectively imagine and build bits of Brussels of the future. Starting with the Wiels Marsh, the species that inhabit it, the practices of those who care for it, and the material generated during the festival, participants will be invited to give shape to the second Trans-Specific Assembly of Liberated BruXelles.
During this activity, participants will be invited to explore the urban fauna of Brussels, based on examples of familiar animals observed in the city’s streets, houses, parks, gardens and lakes. This exploration will introduce them to the concepts of classification and phylogenetic relationships.
The activity will begin with the recognition of animals that participants have probably already come across in Brussels, such as birds, mammals, amphibians and arthropods. Participants will be asked to compare these animals, highlighting their similarities and differences. This comparison will make it possible to classify them into coherent groups, thus revealing their family relationships.
What is phylogeny?
Phylogeny is the study of the evolution of species and their relationships. In this workshop, it is used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Participants will build one by illustrating the relationships between the different species observed. The aim of this activity is to raise participants’ awareness of the biological diversity present in the urban environment and to introduce them to the basic principles of the scientific classification of living things.
Workshop lasts 30 min (max 10people) and takes place from 10:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
Mission Marais de Wiels: Investigating the health of our aquatic ecosystem
Discover the magnificent Wiels Marsh with us! During this exciting activity, we’ll explore this unique natural area and discover the fascinating world of aquatic animals. We’ll delve into the secrets of the marsh by taking our own measurements and examining the state of health of the area. Using hydrological and biological data, we’ll learn more about the ecosystem and biodiversity of this exceptional corner of nature. An ideal opportunity to experience nature up close while learning something new!
Workshop lasts 1h30 (max 15 people) and starts as follows:
Mission Marais de Wiels: A Dive into an Urban Ecosystem
In a hidden corner of Brussels, nestled between streets and buildings, lies a biodiversity treasure: the Marais de Wiels. This unique urban site plays a crucial role in the city’s ecological balance. But how healthy is this fragile ecosystem? To answer this question, scientists, citizens, and nature enthusiasts embarked on a large-scale investigation during the Mission Marais de Wiels.
Investigating Water Quality
Water is the foundation of life in the marsh. To assess its quality, participants learned to measure various physicochemical parameters: pH, dissolved oxygen levels, temperature, and pollutant presence. These data provide an initial diagnosis of water health and its impact on the species living there.
Bioindicator Species for Better Understanding
The living organisms in the marsh tell us a lot about its ecological health. Some aquatic organisms, such as dragonfly larvae or amphipods, are particularly sensitive to pollution. Their presence (or absence) is a valuable indicator of water quality. Participants observed and identified these small inhabitants, shedding light on the complex interaction between fauna and its environment.
An Ecosystem to Protect
As observations unfolded, a clear conclusion emerged: the Marais de Wiels is a vibrant but vulnerable space. Urbanization, pollution, and climate change threaten its delicate balance. Yet, these wetlands play a fundamental role in filtering runoff water, regulating the local climate, and providing a refuge for exceptional biodiversity.
How to Take Action?
The goal of Mission Marais de Wiels goes beyond observation—it also aims to raise awareness and inspire action. Here are some simple steps to help preserve urban wetlands:
Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers that can end up in the water.
Participate in clean-up and conservation activities for natural spaces.
Support local initiatives focused on restoring and promoting these environments.
An Immersive and Enriching Experience
Mission Marais de Wiels is much more than just a scientific study. It is an immersive experience that allows everyone to discover, understand, and engage with urban nature. Through exploration, scientific instruments, and interactions with experts, this initiative reminds us that science can be participatory and accessible to all.
Brussels is full of hidden natural treasures. The Marais de Wiels is a perfect example, and every action matters in ensuring its protection. By participating in such initiatives, everyone becomes an agent of change and an ambassador for urban biodiversity.
Repair Together asbl
Mobile Repair Café
The Mobile Repair Café is a traveling and collaborative object repair workshop. It is the mobile version of the Repair Cafés that moves around to bring the co-repair experience to life. It includes:
– A reception area to ask your questions, learn about Repair Cafés, discover our missions and actions, discuss new modes of consumption;
– A repair space equipped with all the necessary tools and a large workbench to perform repairs together, learn, discover, share;
– A “café” area to meet people, wait for a repair, connect with Repair Café volunteers, and exchange ideas with neighbors…
The Mobile Repair Café is a traveling tool to discover the values and operation of Repair Cafés, to participate and share knowledge about repair, to raise awareness about waste reduction and the circular economy, and to strive for a more sustainable world.
Depending on the skills of the volunteer repairers present on the day, you can come and repair small appliances, electronic devices, computer equipment, bicycles, clothes, and/or sharpen your kitchen knives and scissors!
People will be served in the order of arrival.
Inforsciences - ULB
Geometric puzzle
A polygon is a closed geometric shape made up of line segments. Can any polygon be cut into a limited number of pieces and then rearranged into a square?
We invite you to explore this fascinating question through the game of puzzles. What about three- or five-dimensional spaces? Would things be different if we had the ability to divide our shapes into an infinite number of pieces? We encourage you to join us in the fascinating world of geometric dissection. Join us for an adventure into the world of geometric transformations through puzzles and intellectual challenges.
Discover ‘They’re going to invade us’, a captivating interactive educational experience! Aimed at young minds, this activity plunges them into the heart of migration issues and the realities of refugees. It’s animated in a participatory way, awakening curiosity and encouraging analysis of the distribution of refugees across the globe in parallel with the prosperity of countries.
Deepen your understanding of economic and geographical disparities and embrace the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. This reflective journey culminates in an illuminating discussion of the obstacles encountered along the way, training young people in the critical thinking skills needed to navigate these complex issues. Join us for an unforgettable experience of sharing and learning!
Discover sustainable innovation with BC Materials at the immersive workshop on raw earth construction.
Every year, Belgium extracts around 37 million tonnes of earth from construction sites, 70% of which is thrown away as waste. BC Materials transforms clean earth into eco-friendly building materials such as plasters, clay bricks and clay for walls and floors. These circular, CO2-neutral products contribute to a healthy indoor climate and minimise the use of grey energy.
Join the workshop to discover the circular earth process, from extraction to the manufacture of recycled bricks. Make your own clay bricks from Brussels earth, build a small wall, and take it apart to recycle the materials. A workshop that combines practice, environmental awareness and innovation, illustrating how construction can be carbon-neutral.
Cassamajor O. Ánima (BackToSoilsBasics)
Eco-futuristic water tower
This activity is only available in NL-FR
Explore the essence of urban innovation with Back2SoilBasics’ eco-futuristic water tower installation. This art installation, orchestrated by the next generation – Albert School students and KET&CO – is a centre for collaboration, education and the experience of nature.
This castle is not only a symbol of urban water resilience, but also a living laboratory. Here you have the opportunity to engage with radical architecture and direct politics. It invites you to explore what it means to visit a park and observe nature. While absorbing the surrounding nature, you are invited to experience water in all its forms and learn more about the importance of sustainability in our cities.
Back2SoilBasics is a collective that focuses on the restoration of the earth, centred on putting a decolonised ecology into practice.
