Does the name Josaphat ring a bell? The Josaphat Brownfield, previously the Schaerbeek Josaphat marshalling yard, sits nestled between Schaerbeek and Evere. Once a bustling railway hub, it has transformed into a haven for biodiversity right here in Brussels.
Let’s journey back to 1926. The station was inaugurated, coinciding with the development of the Terdelt garden city neighborhood. For decades, the Josaphat Brownfield served as a freight station. It operated six tracks until 1994.
Ownership transitioned from SNCB to Infrabel. In 2005, the Regional Administration of Brussels acquired the decommissioned area. Their vision? Urban Development Corporation, or SAU-MSI, would lead various urban projects. The goal was a mixed-use neighborhood. It included housing units, a hotel, office space, local businesses, and an urban industry area.
In 2013, the land underwent backfilling and cleanup. Nature stepped in. Without human interference, the area rewilded itself. The Josaphat Brownfield became a thriving ecosystem. Nature conservation nonprofits recognized its ecological importance.
By December 2020, an impressive 1,175 species were identified here. This wealth of biodiversity is attributed to the absence of human activity. Brussels’ location along bird migration routes also plays a role.
Among the observed species are 114 birds. Also 190 Hymenoptera and 120 wild bees call Josaphat home. You will also find 112 moths, 33 butterflies, and 32 Odonatas. 88 beetles and 14 Orthoptera thrive in this urban oasis.
Remarkably, some species are extremely rare. The Anthidium septemspinosum hadn’t been recorded in Belgium before its discovery here at the Josaphat.
However, the Josaphat Brownfield’s future is not without its challenges. Since 2018, the Brussels-Capital Region has used an urbanistic tool. This allows deviation from previous legislation. This tool called Plan d’Aménagement Directeur, or PAD, facilitates rapid execution. Critics argue it overlooks citizen participation.
The Josaphat Brownfield is one of ten strategic locations eyed for development. Despite being owned by a public entity, plans exist to sell it to a private developer. Concerns are rising. Many citizens fear the loss of green space in a densely populated city.
Critics emphasize the importance of preserving the Josaphat Brownfield. They cite the urban heat island effect and the risk of mass extinction. This area provides crucial ecosystem services to Brussels.
Citizens have mobilized to raise awareness. They highlight the risks of rapid urbanization and biodiversity loss. Petitions and Facebook groups have amplified their cause.
So as you explore the Josaphat Brownfield, remember its past. Once a railway yard, it’s now a symbol of nature’s resilience. It is also a focal point in the debate between development and conservation. The Josaphat Brownfield stands as a testament to Brussels’ ever-evolving urban landscape.