Instagram video reignites public action to save 108 plane trees in Schaerbeek

A viral video on Instagram has reignited a campaign against the felling of plane trees on Avenue Louis Bertrand as part of a redevelopment project in Schaerbeek.

In the light of the current climate context, the municipality has given assurances that it will re-evaluate the project, reports RTBF Info. 

The redevelopment of the elegant street renowned for its eclectic 20th century architecture has been in the pipeline for several years. Although the planning permit included replacing the existing plane trees, an initial petition failed to have much impact.

But a recent video posted by a Schaerbeek resident has reignited the local neighbourhood’s mobilisation to save the trees.  

“I was walking along Avenue Louis Bertrand when I spotted a sign in a house window raising the signal about the matter. I had no idea about the project. I called the municipality, and they confirmed that it hadn’t been cancelled and could still go ahead. I wanted to do something,” 27-year-old Selin Kivrak explained. 

“They want to replace these hundred or so plane trees with 70 trees. We are losing greenery. Why cut down perfectly healthy trees that are 60 years old?” she added.

Kivrak recorded a video sharing her concern that reached out to influencers. Thomas Brail, a French tree climber and arborist with a strong social media presence, agreed to share her video. Since then, it has garnered over 100,000 views and sparked numerous reactions. 

“I wanted to make as many people as possible aware of the situation. But I didn’t expect it to reach such a scale. After the weeks of heat we experienced this summer, I feel this reaction makes sense,” explained Selin.  

Schaerbeek alderwoman for the development of public space, Gudrun Willems (Groen), expressed some surprise at the sudden surge of mobilisation given that there were no new developments in the file.

She pointed out that the trees were slated for replacement with a species “better suited to climate challenges and the urban setting.”

She gave assurances that, “to date, no public tender has been issued and no redevelopment project is scheduled. There is no imminent work, nor is any felling planned for the short term.”

Nevertheless, the Instagram video has revived the issue. Around 100 Schaerbeek residents, including Selin, plan to confront the municipality after the summer break.

Willems said that the project could still evolve. “The municipality is currently reviewing the file and evaluating the various options,” she noted.

“We fully understand the concerns expressed by citizens. The current climate context quite rightly raises questions about the future of urban trees. That is why we wish to take the necessary time to analyse the entire matter thoroughly and calmly. No decision regarding any potential felling will be made before this re-evaluation.”

Photos: ©Wikimedia Commons/Michel Wal; Schaerbeek municipality