'Save the motocross' CO2 forest in Oosterzele
Several dozen volunteers sacrificed their day off last Sunday to create the second CO2 forest in Scheldewindeke (Oosterzele). Together with Joël Smets, Stefan Everts, Jens Getteman and world sidecar champion Ben Adriaenssen, hundreds of trees were planted and a new forest was born. The 'Red Knights forest', named after the Belgian team of the motocross of nations, is the latest symbolic action that Red motocross is putting forward to highlight the practice track problem.
This was also the ideal opportunity to explain the current situation to those present. Joël Smets, who replaced Eric Geboers who was not present due to circumstances, took the floor and explained the current situation.
Joël Smets: 'We have all heard of the plans to provide temporary solutions in the port areas. This is a positive evolution and it is now important that we continue to push so that we can arrive at concrete solutions. What we have learned in the meantime is that harsh language and accusations don't get you anywhere. A few weeks ago I came across a wonderful example, which is also in line with our approach. At the Den Dungen circuit in the Netherlands, a rare salamander species was discovered after an investigation in the pond in the middle of the circuit, namely the great crested newt. It goes without saying that the environmental organizations immediately jumped in and asked for the track to be closed to protect these animals. For a while this seemed to be happening, but ultimately both parties constructively sought a solution. A special study was conducted by an environmental organization and the results showed that this great crested newt could live perfectly in this environment with some adjustments to its circulation. This was brought up to all parties and money was ultimately made available to carry out the adjustments. At the end of the story, both the riders and the environmental people are satisfied. This is an example of how it should be. We are not those big bogeymen who come to destroy everything and we like to be flexible in finding the best solutions. Hence this construction of the CO2 forest, where we work together with the 'greens.'
Mayor of Kester Michel Doomst was also present and stated that he was also working on a similar project in Kester to get closer to nature point. ' If they are still so keen to protect our Kesterheide so hard, it must be that despite decades of motocross, a lot of nature has still been left. We have now submitted a plan and are looking for a good solution together. In the near future we will hopefully have more clarity regarding the future of motocross in Kester.”
Not only the mayor of Kester but also the mayor of Oosterzele and neighboring municipalities Johan van Durme was present. He was also full of praise for this initiative: 'Oosterzele is a rural municipality and we want to keep it that way. But with all the things that go with a rural character! First of all, I am honored that a forest is being planted here in this place in the presence of these champions. It is a great initiative, it would be a shame if this is not heard. I am firmly convinced that motocross does not ruin the environment. We are also busy organizing a cyclocross competition. We have the ideal landscape for it here and, just like motocross, it fits into the picture. But no one makes a fuss about cyclocross, although a lot remains behind after a race. In the past, cross-country skiing was held just away from here in the quarry. That circuit has disappeared, but there is still an annual cross right over the road. But if I may give you a tip, the quarry is now in the hands of new owners and I would suggest that you talk to these people. In addition to the solution of a circulation, this is also a great opportunity for them to promote the history-rich rock. It will not be possible to have a permanent permanent circulation, but I see a good opportunity for temporary solutions. I would also like to support the idea and help find a solution.'
Febiac 2-wheel advisor Stijn van Cuyck explained the political side again: 'As it has already become apparent several times that it will be very difficult to open several fixed permanent circuits, we are now pushing to adjust the VLAREM legislation. This would give us the opportunity to build a practice circuit in various places for a very limited period. The fact is that we cannot demand that we can drive day in, day out, but provided limited hours this can be a good solution. Together with any possibilities in the port areas, we are currently doing everything we can to make progress. This is also very important for Febiac, which is mainly known as an organization for road motorcycles. The history in this sport is very rich and the two are closer together than most people would think!”
Finally, the word went to BOS+: 'When Red de motocross approached us for this project, many of our employees raised their eyebrows. We as 'greens' who would help together with the rough motocross men who are destroying our area... However, when looking more closely at the problem, it turned out that our problems are very close to those of Save the motocross. We also find it very difficult to create new forests, with the many obstacles you can imagine. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to join forces and commit to this project together. As Joël already said, it is perfectly possible to bring motocross and forest together in the same environment. If both parties look for a good solution together, we will always take a step forward together. We are already happy with this new forest in the making!
After this explanation, the boots were put on and everyone went into the field to plant the trees. There were many shovels available, but unfortunately there were also many that had not been used. So here's another warm call for the future! If we want to save our sport, we must all support such initiatives and send a message to the world en masse!
Click here for a photo series of the construction of the CO2 forest in Oosterzele.
Photos 'CDS'
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