A green lung thrives near the city center. This is the CRIE de Mouscron. For over ten years, it has championed environmental education.
The CRIE de Mouscron operates from the Vellerie site. This green space spans five hectares. It sits close to the train station. The CRIE also manages a natural garden. This garden covers 65 ares. It provides a valuable educational tool.
Established in April 2000, the CRIE de Mouscron contributes to environmental education. It also promotes nature protection in Wallonie Picarde. The Walloon Minister for the Environment recognizes the association since 2000. It is an approved CRIE. That means Centre Régional d’Initiation à l’Environnement. It is one of eleven similar structures in Wallonia. They form the Réseau des CRIE wallons.
The CRIE de Mouscron team is multidisciplinary. It consists of six people. They work in many municipalities of Western Hainaut. This area stretches from Comines to Ath.
The CRIE de Mouscron offers guided family walks. It also runs school projects and professional training. Holiday courses and citizen initiatives get support too. The CRIE explores many avenues. It aims to sharpen citizens’ critical thinking. They consider environmental issues.
The CRIE de Mouscron uses diverse approaches. This helps them reach a wide audience. They address a vast range of topics. These topics all fall under the term “environment”. The CRIE has developed expertise. They focus on the “natural garden”. They are skilled in “outdoor education”. They organize “immersion-nature” camps for kids and teens. The CRIE trains people on internet tools. These tools promote cooperation. They also empower citizens.
The CRIE de Mouscron is near France. This proximity enriches its work. It encourages cross-border exchanges. The CRIE is a center for knowledge. It animates projects on urban ecology. It focuses on natural gardens. Art in the environment is another key area.
The CRIE de Mouscron develops a wide range of actions. These actions cover various themes. They employ diverse approaches. Parents can find discovery activities for their children. Teachers can find nature activities. They can do these in class or on-site. Citizens can explore nature and sustainability. Associations can enjoy nature walks. They can attend conferences or workshops. Adults can access training. They can join guided walks. Public or private sectors can find project partners. People can find pedagogical material. They can find designers to produce it.
The Maison Nature vellerie – CRIE coordinates the CRIE de Mouscron. It pursues several objectives. A multidisciplinary team of five supports it. The CRIE manages a natural garden. It is located on the Vellerie site in Mouscron.
The CRIE de Mouscron believes in co-constructing. They prefer to be partners rather than service providers. The CRIE aims to create common goods. It makes its productions available under Creative Commons licenses.
The CRIE de Mouscron uses ICT as tools. These enhance environmental education. They promote cooperation. Being on the ground is essential. This helps them stay connected. The CRIE supports local initiatives. It shares its values and objectives.
The CRIE de Mouscron is part of a network. There are 11 CRIE in Wallonia. Each has its specific characteristics. All aim to educate the public about the environment. The CRIE de Mouscron is easily accessible. It is a 15-minute walk from the train station.