In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were signed, a set of 17 goals which makes every country in the world responsible for achieving those goals by 2030. Local authorities are essential to achieve this Agenda 2030. Not only does every goal affect local competences and policy making, municipalities also have to set a good example. Flemish municipalities in Belgium already contribute to this global framework, but additional efforts are needed. Municipalities are able to contribute on three levels: internally within their own administration, locally for their population and globally through international co-operation. Over the coming years, VVSG (the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) will translate these international goals to the local level in close collaboration with the municipalities. In the VVSG- monthly magazine LOKAAL we are zooming in on each SDG pointing at examples of good practice that already exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere.

Inwoners van Dilsen-Stokkem huren in het project Maasmoosem percelen waar ze hun eigen biologische groenten kweken.

De bewoners van Molenkouter malen zelf de bonen voor een geurige kop koffie.

In het Food Smart Cities-netwerk deelt Brugge alle ervaringen over stadstuinieren, voedseloverschotten en educatie over duurzame voeding. Come and Eat 2.0. inclusive, durable and honest

The second sustainable development goal aims at food security and the eradication of hunger and malnutrition worldwide. At the same time, it aims at promoting sustainable agriculture that focuses on nature and the climate. Hanne Albers & Karlien Gorissen, advisors VVSG-International

Ecological and inclusive gardening Wichelen combats malnutrition Bruges is in Stokkem among the elderly ‘food smart’ The Public Centre for Social Welfare Malnutrition of the elderly is a real prob- In December 2014, Bruges together with (OCMW) of Dilsen-Stokkem works with lem in our society. Molenkouter which Gent joined the two-year European pro- other partners and volunteers on the reali- is the assisted living center of the Public ject Food Smart Cities. The aim was to zation of allotments. For this purpose, it Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) in the develop new, local food strategies that are has the support of the Flemish Land Com- municipality of Wichelen therefore de- sustainable, fair, inclusive and efficient via pany (VLM) which is a public agency of votes special attention to the nutrition of a European network tailor-made for the the Flemish government. The sustaina- its residents. In 2014, Molenkouter started city. Bruges focused on sensitization and ble agriculture project was called ‘Maas- a project about taste and memory. The ap- participation. For example, the food fes- moosem’. Residents from Dilsen-Stokkem petite was taken into account when setting tival under the name (H)eerlijk Brugge rent plots or use an elevated bin to grow up 36 new rooms for residents with de- (honest and wonderful Bruges) organ- their own organic vegetables. In order to mentia. The dining room is equipped with ized competitions and a fair trade expo give the participants a boost, the service adapted lighting, furniture and colors. to get citizens excited about sustainable, center organized training on ecological The residential assisted living center also fair food. A Bruges’ Food Lab has also gardening, followed by practical guid- offers growth bins with forgotten vegeta- been established, a participatory platform ance in their own allotment. In addition bles used in the meals of the center. The that brings together stakeholders and lo- to responsible agriculture, ‘Maasmoosem’ residents can also prepare the vegetables. cal policy makers around urban agricul- devotes much attention to the social as- Residents and relatives can provide reci- ture, short chain, fair trade and food loss. pect. One wants to involve people from pes of ‘old’ dishes for the kitchen. Molen- The city also attaches great importance the neighborhood and promote social co- kouter received a prize of 1000 Euros from to networking. Good practices have been hesion while at the same time promoting the King Baudouin Foundation in 2014 shared through the Food Smart Cities healthy nutrition and movement. The peo- for this project. Since then, the assisted network, and joint guidelines have been ple’s garden is in the immediate vicinity of living center has undertaken additional made in connection with food surpluses, assistant homes and of the Public Centre actions. This allows residents to enjoy a city gardens and education on sustain- for Social Welfare (OCMW)’s residential delicious cup of beans that are ground on able nutrition. Other local governments care center. There is collaboration with location with an old coffee mill. Through can use these guidelines to work out or many partners such as Velt, Limburg.net, a suggestion box, residents can also have refine a sustainable food strategy. Bruges the city, the PXL College and the volun- their favorite menu on their birthday. Mo- gained success with the Food Smart Cit- teers, but the non-profit organization, Ter- lenkouter is now also looking at how to ies project. It received the climate award of ra Therapeutica, is also an important part- get started with finger food in the assisted the Flemish Government in 2016 and was ner. This organization connects people and living center. nominated for the Food Waste Awards. In nature to positively influence the well-be- addition, the city can build on its Euro- ing of vulnerable persons. For example, the pean network and international contacts. Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) not only focuses on sustainable gardening, but also on garden therapy. An ecological and inclusive approach, it is possible. In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were signed, a set of 17 goals which makes every country in the world responsible for achieving those goals by 2030. Local authorities are essential to achieve this Agenda 2030. Not only does every goal affect local competences and policy making, municipalities also have to set a good example. Flemish municipalities in Belgium already contribute to this global framework, but additional efforts are needed. Municipalities are able to contribute on three levels: internally within their own administration, locally for their population and globally through international co-operation. Over the coming years, VVSG (the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) will translate these international goals to the local level in close collaboration with the municipalities. In the VVSG- monthly magazine LOKAAL we are zooming in on each SDG pointing at examples of good practice that already exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere.

De jaarlijkse sport- en cultuurdag van het gemeentepersoneel zet de Herentalse personeelsleden aan tot beweging. herentals

WELK TYPE BEN JIJ ALS HET OVER

GAAT?

Verpleegkundigen in opleiding trekken voor Elke indiener pitcht het projectvoorstel hun stage van Genk in een korte presentatie voor de camera.

NOG TIJD ZAT.be, een initiatief van Don-Bosco Groot-Bijgaarden, Regina Caelilyceum Dilbeek, Gemeente Dilbeek, Politie Dilbeek, Logo Zenneland en CGG Ahasverus VU: Gemeente Dilbeek, Gemeenteplein 1, 1700 Dilbeek naar Francistown. lesely maes en stefania maes en d'angelo lesely dilbeek Good health and well-being: a right for everyone

With ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’ the UN targets less illnesses by 2030, with special attention for both physical and mental well-being. In addition, alcohol and drug abuse need to be combatted and the number of traffic deaths has to drop sharply. Hanne Albers & Karlien Gorissen, advisors VVSG-International

Healthy employees, healthy council Dilbeek aims for less Nursing students from in Herentals alcohol consumption Genk and Francistown learn from one another As a participant of the Gezonde Gemeen- Following the amendment to an Act in te campaign (healthy municipality cam- 2010 which further restricts the alcohol In its city-to-city twinning with Francis- paign) the municipality and the Public consumption of young people, the town town in Botswana, Genk focuses on heal- Centre of Social Welfare of Herentals are of Dilbeek invested in raising the popula- thcare, in which the support of nursing taking care of their employees’ health. tion’s awareness. The youth department, courses is key. Since 2008 the Nurse Trai- When civil servants start working they the health department, the police, a num- ning College at Regina Mundi in Genk and receive a health pass to go swimming or ber of schools and local organisations in the Institute of Health Sciences in Francis- to use the sports centre. At regular times, Dilbeek joined forces. In 2011, the ‘Nog town have worked together. They exchange they can also participate in health walks, Tijd Zat’ (Plenty of Time) campaign was curriculums, but the main activity is wit- Nordic walking, badminton and petan- launched, which dissuades youngsters to hout a doubt the internships that are or- que. Each employee is also given a pedo- drink alcohol at an early age. In the con- ganised every year. A number of students meter and is encouraged to register his or text of this campaign, the town of Dil- from Genk work in the district hospitals her steps on the online step registration beek supports associations to take mea- and the Nyangabwe Referral Hospital in tool of www.10000stappen.be. By rewar- sures whereby youngsters under the age Francistown for four weeks. Due to the ding the best ‘walkers’ and the most ac- of 16 are unable to obtain alcohol and lack of doctors in Botswana a nurse’s job tive department every year, the person- youngsters under the age of 18 are una- is very varied which means the students nel is given extra motivation to pursue ble to obtain spirits. Organisers of events, can learn a lot. And in turn the students an active lifestyle. The annual sports and such as youth clubs, are receiving awa- from Francistown follow an internship at culture day for municipal employees also reness raising material for free from the the Wit-Gele Kruis and the Ziekenhuis encourages them to move. During this ex- youth department. Beer mats, posters, Oost-Limburg. The years of co-operation cursion, no motorised transport is allowed wristbands and stickers which primarily between the school in Genk and Francis- and all locations need to be reached by want to draw youngsters’ attention to al- town have resulted in a positive experience bike or on foot. And finally, at the annual cohol consumption and its negative ef- exchange on the level of the students and personnel meeting a healthy and safe work fects, are provided. Since 2015, the cam- the school leading to a network of teachers. posture and equipment are fixed items on paign has also focused on the immediate In addition, students from Genk and Fran- the agenda: experienced speakers explain surroundings of young people. It is proven cistown share their experiences during and discuss topics such as lifting heavy that when parents or friends use a pro- information sessions. The success of the loads, workstation ergonomics, but also duct, chances are greater young people co-operation has meant that in the future how to avoid stress. will follow this example. From 2017, the nursing students of the University Colle- parents of youngsters will also be able to ges Leuven Limburg (UCLL) will also go to attend awareness information evenings. Francistown for a three-month internship. ‘waterproof’. gebouwen zijn Ledegemse in en Peer Zonhoven. Water for Walk exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere. elsewhere. and in Flanders both authorities, local other for inspiration of asource be can examples These in Flanders. today exist already that practice good of examples at pointing SDG in each on zooming are we LOKAAL magazine monthly VVSG- In the municipalities. the with collaboration in close level local the to goals international these translate will Municipalities) and Flemish of Cities (the Association VVSG coming the years, Over co-operation. international and through globally population their for locally administration, own their within internally levels: three on contribute to able are Municipalities needed. are efforts additional but framework, global this to contribute already in Belgium municipalities Flemish example. good a set to have also municipalities making, policy and competences local affect goal every does only Not 2030. Agenda this achieve to essential are authorities Local 2030. by goals those achieving for responsible world in the country every makes which goals 17 of aset signed, were (SDGs) Goals Development Sustainable Nations United the 2015, In September

isabelle pateer water in Ecuador.water drinkbaar tot toegang aan werkt Berlare Every drop counts! Access to clean water and sanitation for all

Sustainable Development Goal 6 addresses the issues relating to access to drinking water and sanitation for all. But it also addresses the quality and sustainability of water resources worldwide. This is possible by reducing pollution, stopping the dumping of chemicals and a good treatment of waste water. Hanne Albers & Karlien Gorissen, advisors VVSG-International

Buildings in Ledegem Walk for Water Berlare is working on access are ‘waterproof’ in Peer and Zonhoven to drinking water in Ecuador

In the context of a pilot project with the Many towns and cities organise events for In many countries, clean drinking water Province of West-Vlaanderen, the Flem- World Water Day in Flanders, Belgium. is not self-evident. This is why the munici- ish Water Knowledge Centre (Vlakwa) Peer and Zonhoven supported the Walk pality of Berlare in the Flemish region of studied the water consumption of five for Water in March 2015. Worldwide, mil- Belgium engaged in a ‘waterschap’ (town municipalities in Flanders, Belgium. Us- lions of people, often young girls, have to twinning ‘light’) with the municipality ing relatively simple procedures, it was walk more than 6 kilometres every day to of Rio Verde in Ecuador. In collaboration possible to reduce the water consumption obtain drinking water. To show their sup- with the Province of Oost-Vlaanderen, the in municipal buildings up to 30%. Mu- port, about 800 students from Peer and Belgian non- governmental organisation nicipalities were able to save hundreds to Zonhoven put on their walking shoes. PROTOS and CEFODI, an organisation thousands of euros on their drinking wa- Each student also carried a litre of water. in Ecuador itself, Berlare offers financial ter bill. Ledegem has pursued a sustain- In Peer the city reused this water to wa- support to different projects, such as the able energy policy since 2008 and took ter the plants in the city. In Zonhoven the construction and maintenance of water part in the pilot project. Following a tour aldermen of environment and develop- installations and water pumps. In addi- of the municipal buildings with a check- ment co-operation publicly signed a char- tion, Berlare places great importance on list, Ledegem was given an inventory of ter which commits the municipality to re- raising the awareness of its population all the water consumption points in their ducing its water consumption with 20% by about the ‘waterschap’ and the access to buildings. Every problem and all the leaks 2020. The students were shocked by some drinking water. With a water walk, the were brought to light. Ledegem replaced of the ordeals many people their age have water situation in Berlare and Ecuador the conventional taps with push-buttons to undergo worldwide. Walking with wa- are explained. Berlare also organises so- in the sports hall and installed more eco- ter for miles and miles is quite something. called water days for the children in the nomical shower heads. This measure alone Following the World Water Day, Peer also fourth grade of primary school. They go already reduced the water consumption worked out a tourist water walk through on a water walk adapted to children and by more than 20%. In co-operation with the city. This walk takes you along differ- follow a workshop about Ecuador. There VVSG, Vlakwa will roll out this project to ent water spots in Peer and creates aware- are also photograph exhibitions and lec- all 308 Flemish municipalities. ness about the water problem. tures and the municipalities of Berlare and Rio Verde exchange letters and films. In the future, Berlare will continue to fo- cus on this ‘waterschap’ aiming to tackle the most pressing needs. In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were signed, a set of 17 goals which makes every country in the world responsible for achieving those goals by 2030. Local authorities are essential to achieve this Agenda 2030. Not only does every goal affect local competences and policy making, municipalities also have to set a good example. Flemish municipalities in Belgium already contribute to this global framework, but additional efforts are needed. Municipalities are able to contribute on three levels: internally within their own administration, locally for their population and globally through international co-operation. Over the coming years, VVSG (the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) will translate these international goals to the local level in close collaboration with the municipalities. In the VVSG- monthly magazine LOKAAL we are zooming in on each SDG pointing at examples of good practice that already exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere.

In Tocountouna is zonne-energie het antwoord op het energieprobleem.

Eeklo zet in op duurzaam energiebeleid.

Elke indiener pitcht het projectvoorstel in een korte presentatie voor de camera. De Dampoort knapt op. Switching to affordable and sustainable energy for all

Sustainable Development Goal 7 ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. We need to combat energy poverty and produce and use our energy more efficiently. In addition, renewable sources of energy are becoming increasingly important. Hanne Albers & Karlien Gorissen, advisors VVSG-International

Eeklo on land and in the air Dampoort renovates! Merelbeke shines its light

The city of Eeklo already decided on a sus- Owners of qualitatively inferior housing on Toucountouna tainable energy policy around the turn of do not always have the financial leeway For us it is quite normal to cook, charge the century. It opted for wind energy as and knowledge to carry out renovation our mobiles and switch on the light at any the engine for its renewable energy pro- works. Bad insulation and loss of energy time of day. In a low-income country such jects. A visit of the inhabitants of Eeklo have a negative effect on the monthly en- as Benin access to energy is not quite so to the wind turbine of Middelkerke in ergy invoice, which in the long term can self-evident. In Toucountouna, the town the Netherlands and clear communica- cause energy poverty. To find a structur- twinning partner of Merelbeke since 2014, tion about the project helped to convince al solution for these problems vulnerable only the centre is connected to the elec- the population to opt for renewable ener- households are facing, the Public Centre tricity grid. In the countryside, the light gy. The citizens could also make a direct of Social Welfare of Ghent launched the of an oil lamp is often the only light source financial investment. This option raised ‘Dampoort knapt op’ project. It start- to study, cook and even give birth. An ex- the involvement of the participants who ed with a pilot phase: ten houses in the pansion of the existing network would be consider the wind turbines their property, Dampoort area each received EUR 30,000 too time-consuming and too expensive. and it prompted them to reconsider their for renovation works such as the repair or This is why last year Merelbeke, in joint use of energy. the replacement of leaking or non-insulat- consultation with the Toucountouna town Over the years, Eeklo has broadened its ed roofs, external woodwork and unsafe council, joined forces with the non-gov- view of sustainable energy continuously. electricity. The owners received intensive ernmental organisation Solar Without The city targeted solar power, the produc- social and technical support to manage Boundaries to install a solar kiosk. Solar tion of rapeseed oil and the use of wood the renovations. The emphasis is on en- power is an ideal solution for the ener- residues. Making the buildings more sus- ergy savings, as a result of which average gy problems in sunny Benin. The kiosk is tainable was also very important. Eeklo power consumption of the houses was al- managed by a local self-employed person installed solar panels on the municipal ready halved to 243.6 kWh/m²/year. When who has been trained by Solar Without buildings, invested in renewable energy the owners sell their renovated house, they Boundaries. The population can go there and energy saving techniques in the mu- repay the renovation grant, in most cases to rent and recharge rechargeable lamps. nicipal offices, and is currently working with a little extra to the Public Centre of Other batteries, e.g. of mobiles, can be on a heat grid using residual heat, e.g. of Social Welfare. This approach allows the charged on payment of a small fee. The an incinerator, to heat buildings. Energy Public Centre of Social Welfare to help solar kiosk is a massive success, in just one which is otherwise lost is thus reused sus- other families to undertake renovations. week all the lamps were rented. Merelbeke tainably. Also for this project the city is is looking at the possibilities to expand offering the possibility for direct financial this initiative in the future. participation of their citizens. In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were signed, a set of 17 goals which makes every country in the world responsible for achieving those goals by 2030. Local authorities are essential to achieve this Agenda 2030. Not only does every goal affect local competences and policy making, municipalities also have to set a good example. Flemish municipalities in Belgium already contribute to this global framework, but additional efforts are needed. Municipalities are able to contribute on three levels: internally within their own administration, locally for their population and globally through international co-operation. Over the coming years, VVSG (the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) will translate these international goals to the local level in close collaboration with the municipalities. In the VVSG- monthly magazine LOKAAL we are zooming in on each SDG pointing at examples of good practice that already exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere.

De app van Sint-Truiden brengt iedereen met elkaar in contact.

Dogbo in Benin haalt zes keer zoveel belastingen binnen sinds de invoering van een digitaal eenloketsysteem.

Elke indienerHet pitcht bedrijventerrein het projectvoorstel Itterbeek kiest in een korte presentatie voor de camera. op alle vlakken voor duurzaamheid. Innovation and industrialization can also be sustainable

The ninth Sustainable-Development Goal focuses on reliable and sustainable infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialization and promotion of innovation. This is the foundation for a strong economy with social welfare. Access to ICT and the Internet for all is also essential. Hanne Albers & Karlien Gorissen, advisors VVSG-International

Sint-Truiden apps Duffel sustains business parks Benin municipal income

The city of Sint-Truiden strongly believes On behalf of the municipality of Duffel, transparent in the digital future. It therefore devel- the intermunicipal cooperation for re- A few years ago, Dogbo, the Benin city oped an innovative city app which was gional development, IMEGO, has under- which is the partner of Roeselare, intro- launched on February 1, 2017. Through taken many initiatives to ensure a sustain- duced a system that increases transparen- this app, the city council, residents, trad- able business park for SMEs (small and cy in municipal revenue. Like most local ers and associations are now much more medium sized enterprises) in Itterbeek. governments in Benin, the various mu- closely connected. For example, you can Enterprises that want to gain a certificate nicipal services in Dogbo arranged their easily book a table at a restaurant or stay must demonstrate that sustainability is es- income separately. There was no central informed of what happens in your youth sential to them, including mobility, build- overview of the income market stall-hold- club. Communication with the city coun- ings, waste management and energy use. ers received, the proceeds from issuing cil is now much more fluid. Citizens can Enterprises can take small sustainability deeds (e.g. driving licenses) and other report and apply for documents such as a measures, such as good insulation, re-use tax revenues for the city. Dogbo there- certificate of cohabitation or a birth cer- of rainwater and the use of energy sav- fore installed a digital single-slot system. tificate to city services. The app also sim- ing lamps and fair trade products. SMEs Thus, all municipal revenue from taxa- plifies the work of city officials. They can can also go one step further. They can in- tion comes through the municipal organi- immediately follow up and respond to re- stall solar panels or install a green roof. zation through one digital office and is ports or respond quickly when a problem IGEMO also provides its own contribu- managed with one software program. The occurs. For example, electricity recently tion through the construction of a sepa- mayor of Dogbo can therefore review the broke down in a number of Sint-Truiden rate sewage system and a small-scale water municipal income at any time and follow neighborhoods. Via the app, the commu- treatment plant. In addition, it has provid- the planned expenses. This increases the nications service was able to inform peo- ed the business park with energy-efficient transparency of resources, reduces cor- ple immediately about this situation and public lighting and underground water ruption and leads to better management to inform them about the state of affairs. reservoirs for fire-fighting purposes. -An of municipal resources. According to the In the future, the city wants to expand the other distinctive feature of Itterbeek is the mayor, municipal income has even in- app to areas such as mobility and tourism. emphasis on green spaces. creased to six times since Dogbo intro- In other domains, Sint-Truiden is also Despite the stringent sustainability stand- duced the system. Dogbo is the pioneer accelerating digitalization. For example, ards, the reactions of the entrepreneurs for the system in Benin, but also the Be- there is wifi available everywhere in the are very positive. IGEMO continues to nin partner cities of Zoersel, Merelbeke marketplace and the business areas are follow its course in relation to sustain- and Hoogstraten have plans to develop fitted with fiber optic to maximize inter- ability in the future. In Berlaar and Pu- this digital one-stop system in the com- net access. urs, two municipalities that belong to the ing years. intermunicipal cooperation, IMEGO is constructing two new sustainable SME business parks in consultation with the municipalities concerned. In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were signed, a set of 17 goals which makes every country in the world responsible for achieving those goals by 2030. Local authorities are essential to achieve this Agenda 2030. Not only does every goal affect local competences and policy making, municipalities also have to set a good example. Flemish municipalities in Belgium already contribute to this global framework, but additional efforts are needed. Municipalities are able to contribute on three levels: internally within their own administration, locally for their population and globally through international co-operation. Over the coming years, VVSG (the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) will translate these international goals to the local level in close collaboration with the municipalities. In the VVSG- monthly magazine LOKAAL we are zooming in on each SDG pointing at examples of good practice that already exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere.

In de Edegemse partnergemeente San Om overstromingen te Jeronimo zorgt het verwerken voorkomen wordt het Hertog van lege plastic flessen nu ook Hendrik I-plein in Baarle-Hertog voor inkomens. bij felle regens een vijver

In Oostende is het lege postgebouw een bruisend cultuurcentrum geworden.

Westerlo helpt cacaoboeren in De politiezone van Sint-Pieters-Leeuw Colombia bij het behalen van een (nu Zennevallei) stelde als eerste een fairtradelabel. duurzaamheidsrapport op.

Met een onlinetool peilde Elke indienerZedelgem pitcht bij het de projectvoorstelinwoners naar hun in een korte presentatiemobiliteitsbehoeften. voor de camera. Sustainable development relies on peaceful, inclusive societies

Peace, security and legal certainty are essential for promoting sustainable development. In addition, we think of combating crime, corruption and violence, also against children, but also of a strong constitutional state in which fundamental freedoms are protected. Furthermore, effective and transparent institutions with attention to citizenship participation and inclusive decision making are indispensable. Hanne Albers & Karlien Gorissen, advisors VVSG-International; Tom De Schepper, advisor VVSG-security

Police zones accountable Everyone mobile Westerlo’s alliance for peace for social responsibility in Zedelgem Colombia has been involved in an armed More and more police zones in Belgium Increase the mobility of people with a dis- conflict for decades, which the recent publish a social report with their annu- ability by promoting sustainable mobil- fragile peace agreement is trying to end. al accounts or include this in the service ity for all, which is the goal of the ‘Every- Westerlo was not blind to this issue and report of the past year. They account for one Mobile’ project in Zedelgem, starting in December 2006 joined an alliance for the extent to which the organization takes in 2017. The project builds on a project peace with the Colombian peace commu- into account its impact on sustainability by two organizations, Oranje and Vzw nity of San José de Apartado. The munici- (buildings), ecology (vehicles), residen- Curando, “Together for talent”, but can pality did this together with the federation tial traffic or purchases of copy paper count on the support of the social housing of Herselt, Hulshout and Westerlo par- and consumables. In the Belgian federal and the municipal council. Sustainability ishes. The Municipal Council of Westerlo parliament on April 26, 2017 an amend- is interpreted and approached broadly. It offers practical support to the peace com- ment to the rules on the operation and is about transport options and solutions munity. It promotes education, provides organization of the police councils was that are safe, easy, social, environmen- financial support to improve the homes approved. The Association of Flemish Cit- tally friendly and energy efficient. What and committed itself to acquiring a fair- ies and Municipalities (VVSG) proposed characterizes the project further is civic trade label for cocoa and bananas. In ad- that more police zones be allowed to pub- co-creation. With the help of Createlli, dition, Westerlo also acts as an advocate lish a social report. It may be sufficient the residents of Zedelgem were asked via to protect the interests of the peace com- to include a brief overview of sustainable an online tool about their mobility needs. munity. Together with its partners it de- initiatives in the annual report. The po- Based on the results, project ideas were de- nounced the conflict and human rights lice zone Sint-Pieters-Leeuw (today po- veloped in May, including cycling streets, violations to the Colombian authorities lice zone Zennevallei) was a pioneer in mobility for vulnerable groups, car and and the United Nations. In addition to the preparation of a sustainability report a bicycle parts, and a digital platform that direct support to the peace community, few years ago. With this it won the Award brings together supply and demand. A the municipality of Westerlo also regu- for Best Belgian Sustainability Report in number of municipal officials have taken larly organizes information for its own 2013. Since 2006, the Brussels municipali- an active part and now put their shoulders inhabitants. Following the ten-year exist- ties are obliged to draw up a report on the under the elaboration of these ideas. To ence of the Alliance, two representatives extent to which they consider social, ethi- check which projects are feasible, they will of San José de Apartado were received at cal and environmental aspects in their fi- be tested with citizens this summer. The the town hall. This direct contact between nancial policies. created citizens’ initiatives will be spread the peace community and the Westerlo through local neighborhood events and policy makers keeps the topic very much social media. Thus, “Everyone Mobile” in the news within the municipality. remains committed to civic co-creation. In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were signed, a set of 17 goals which makes every country in the world responsible for achieving those goals by 2030. Local authorities are essential to achieve this Agenda 2030. Not only does every goal affect local competences and policy making, municipalities also have to set a good example. Flemish municipalities in Belgium already contribute to this global framework, but additional efforts are needed. Municipalities are able to contribute on three levels: internally within their own administration, locally for their population and globally through international co-operation. Over the coming years, VVSG (the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) will translate these international goals to the local level in close collaboration with the municipalities. In the VVSG- monthly magazine LOKAAL we are zooming in on each SDG pointing at examples of good practice that already exist today in Flanders. These examples can be a source of inspiration for other local authorities, both in Flanders and elsewhere.

In Torhout werken stad en OCMW sinds 1 september samen in een nieuwe gemeenschappelijke organisatiecultuur.

In Lommel krijgen bedrijven begeleiding bij de aanleg van tuinen met streekeigen planten en diervriendelijke flora.

Fietsgemeente Wevelgem zamelt oude fietsen in om ze te laten herstellen in opleidingscentra. Daarna worden ze goedkoop verkocht aan scholieren of gezondheidswerkers in Oeganda.