Top 20 Lakes around Molenbeek-Saint-Jean - Sint-Jans-Molenbeek

As a walking park and gateway to the Sonian Forest, the Red Monastery forms a whole of architecture, forest and nature reserve with a very great wealth. The centuries-long presence of one of the largest Augustinian priories in Brabant naturally left its mark on the landscape. But also the nature of the soil and the abundance of humid zones still make it a place with a magical aura today. Location Rood Klooster Rokloosterstraat, 7 1160 Oudergem Website More information on: http://www.rouge-cloitre.be

Forests are central to the fight against the triple global crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. They cover nearly a third of the Earth’s land surface and are home to the vast majority of terrestrial biodiversity. Despite efforts to halt deforestation and restore degraded areas, forest cover continues to shrink. Since the end of the last great ice age, about 10,000 years ago, 57% of the Earth’s habitable land was covered by forests. Over the past 10,000 years, a third of the world’s forests have been lost, an area twice the size of the United States. Half of that loss has occurred in the past century. Forests are essential to combating climate change. They contain 662 billion tons of carbon, more than half of the world’s total carbon stock in soils and vegetation. Societies derive significant benefits from forests and are heavily dependent on them. It is estimated that more than half of global gross domestic product is heavily dependent on what ecosystems provide. The forestry sector contributes more than USD 1.52 trillion to global gross domestic product and employs 33 million people. Yet many people living close to forests do not benefit sufficiently from them. Although 75 percent of rural residents live within 1 km of a forest, they have little right to those forests. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of all forests are state-owned, while 80 percent of people live in extreme poverty in rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on forest value chains and trade in early 2020. Most sectors have recovered quickly, but the risk of future pandemics remains. Forest management is well-positioned to play a key role in a green recovery.

The Red Cloister, or Rouge Cloître, is a former monastery complex on the outskirts of Brussels, surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve. This historic monastery from the 14th century is surrounded by forests, ponds and hiking trails, making it a popular spot for nature lovers, hikers and cyclists.

Super nice and very cultural place

The Boitsfort ponds are located in Watermaal-Bosvoorde, between the Sonian Forest and the Tournay-Solvay park, on the edge of the International School park. This valley in Boitsfort consists of three consecutive ponds, connected by the Karregat, a tributary of the Woluwe. The variety of environments is great, with alternating moist forests, open vistas and a reed field. It is an extremely suitable place for amphibians and a favorite hunting ground for dragonflies.

Beautiful stopping place / pick-nick place with drinking and eating options.

The Enfants Noyés is a nature reserve consisting of three large ponds located in a valley of the Sonian Forest in Brussels. The nature reserve consists of three different ponds: the Étang du Fer à Cheval, the Étang des Canards Sauvages and the Étang du Clos des Chênes.

It is simply accessible for free. No children have drowned there! more info at: https://www.brusselblogt.be/2006/07/12/de-verdronken-kinderen.html