29 November 2007, Brussels, Belgium

A large and diverse audience learned about the LIFESCAPE – YOUR LANDSCAPE project at the LIFESCAPE Final Event, which took place in Brussels. 

Guided tours in various languages through the LIFESCAPE exhibition facilitated learning from the concrete project results. Furthermore, the outcomes of LIFESCAPE for the participating regions were highlighted in speeches using the four LIFESCAPE thematic areas of transnational cooperation:

• enjoyment and learning in landscapes;
• exploring business opportunities;
• involving local people and communities;
• financing rural areas.

Mr Mark Thomasin-Foster, President of the European Landowners’ Organisation, welcomed the LIFESCAPE project outcomes, as they indicate the potential for landowners to conserve our European landscapes and generate sufficient income at the same time. 

After tasting regional products that are directly and indirectly supported by the LIFESCAPE project, the LIFESCAPE book was launched by Noord-Brabant’s Regional Minister for Ecology, Mr Onno Hoes. This book presents messages, stories and outcomes derived from the LIFESCAPE project for combining landscape enhancement and regional development. An interactive DVD is included with the book, presenting all the LIFESCAPE project results in the four thematic areas of transnational cooperation. The book and the contents of this DVD will shortly be uploaded to the LIFESCAPE website.

All in all, the LIFESCAPE Final Event was an excellent opportunity to learn from the LIFESCAPE project outcomes and to discuss future activities to sustain European landscapes. 

To learn more about LIFESCAPE, visit www.lifescapeyourlandscape.org

For more information, contact Yuca Waarts, Project Manager Business and Biodiversity; waarts@ecnc.org

(Photo: Rob Maessen)