On December 21, 2024, the finalists of Miss Belgium took part in an inspiring environmental initiative by planting 2,000 trees to establish the Miss Belgium Forest. This collaborative project, executed alongside Natuurpunt Zwevegem, aims to raise awareness about the importance of nature and its preservation.
According to the Miss Belgium Committee, “This Miss Belgium Forest symbolizes the growth and development they – just like these young trees – undergo during their path.” It marks not only the commitment of these young women to social causes but also their involvement in actively contributing to the environment, representing the hope for future generations to be climate-conscious.
The location for this new forest is particularly significant. Situated near Zwevegem, it lies at the point where the South-West Flemish hill ridge is intersected by the Bossuit-Kortrijk canal. “We are here on a unique site: the place where the South-West Flemish hill ridge is cut through by the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal,” explained Nina Decock from Natuurpunt Zwevegem. “With the establishment of this forest, we are creating another stepping stone within this unique ecosystem.”
The project also intends to serve educational purposes. With this initiative, the Rhizo College Zwevegem is collaborating with Natuurpunt to create what will be known as the Rhizo Smalspoorbos. This educational forest will provide students with meaningful interaction with their environment, aiming to instill values of ecological responsibility.
Decock continues, “The expansion and connection of forest cores is important for creating more resilient nature.” Indeed, the planting of these indigenous broadleaf trees and shrubs, which are suited to the local climate and ecosystem, not only aims to beautify the area but also fortifies biodiversity and mitigates climate change effects.
The site where these trees are being planted spans 1.8 hectares and includes the exposure of previously covered waterways, allowing for enhanced ecosystem dynamics. Plans are also underway to include walking paths, making the forest accessible for educational field trips and community recreational use.
This initiative is supported by various partners, including Purasana, and received assistance from organizations like the Climate Fund Leiedal and the Regional Landscape Leie Schelde. It reflects how communal efforts can lead to significant environmental projects, fostering unity and action among different sectors.
Through this project, both the Miss Belgium finalists and the broader community hope not only to make the site greener but also to create lasting impacts on environmental education and awareness. Indeed, as they plant each tree, they plant the seeds of knowledge and responsibility.
With the pressing challenges of climate change, initiatives like these serve as reminders of the power of collaboration. When communities come together—whether it’s beauty queens, environmental organizations, or local citizens—the results can create tangible change. The Miss Belgium Forest stands as both a physical and metaphorical representation of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.
