How do we make the ecological transition socially just? After the city of Nantes doubled its green space in only 20 years, the question arises of who the city is being made attractive for. Register now for the Rewild Talk on this subject, featuring 2 experts from Nantes.
After deindustrialization, Nantes bet big on urban renewal, with an ambitious, long-term vision of government-led development, a strong commitment to social housing and public transport, and substantial investment in greenery. The push to become a more attractive, livable city has been widely applauded and earned Nantes the European Green Capital Award. Now, rising unaffordability, national budget cuts and the question of who the city is being made attractive for are putting the Nantes model under pressure.
In this Rewild Talk, we dig into the story behind the Green Capital:
• How did Nantes achieve its greening success, and what comes next?
• How is the city navigating these challenges, and how has its policy shifted recently?
• How do projects like Paysages Nourriciers (nourishing landscapes) aim to make the ecological transition socially just?
Hear from:
• Jacques Soignon, botanist and former Director of Nantes' Parks and Green Spaces Department, with 30+ years in urban ecology and landscape
• Natalène Poisson, Ecological Transition Officer for European Networks, Nantes Métropole
Joke Charles (City of Ghent) then brings a local perspective from the Justgreen Interreg project, followed by a joint Q&A.
Whether you work on urban greening, climate adaptation or social equity in cities, in Belgium or beyond, this one is for you.
Practical information:
• Wednesday, 2 December 2026
• From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Online
• Register in advance
Register here on this Rewild Talk on fair greening.
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