Quels sont les freins et les leviers au soutien de la biodiversité et à la production de nourriture au sein des jardins et espaces verts des logis sociaux ? Les cas de deux entités liégeoises sont étudiés dans les villes de Herstal et de Seraing

Abstract

In Belgium, urbanization is responsible for a large part of loss of natural and semi-natural areas, as well as nourishing agricultural land. Even biodiversity, consisting of more common species and habitats, is showing signs of degradation. A deep cultural and systemic shift through a transition to society and economic system, which improves the values of nature, is urgent. The areas affected by gardens and green spaces, in social housing, are not negligible; thus, in addition to supporting a certain biodiversity, they can claim to produce healthy food for their residents. The internal rules regulations of the SWL and the two housing estates selected for our study encourage the systematic "complete clearing" of the gardens of social housing in Wallonia during rental vacancies and their green spaces. This management of gardens results in a drastic depletion of elements of nature, which is gradually evolving towards a less number, less diverse, and more domesticated biodiversity, in plants and animals. Our study demonstrates through field research that the management of gardens differs according to the needs of the stakeholders. The levers can be activated in favor of supporting biodiversity, food production in gardens and shared food, are numerous. Most of the levers are transposable to other SPLPs in Wallonia or other housing estates located in equivalent socio-economic zones.