Centre d'écologie urbaine (CEU)

The Centre d'écologie urbaine (CEU) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Brussels residents by fostering social innovation within the city. Serving as a bridge among various stakeholders, CEU activates transformative and empowering projects in Brussels. The organization's expertise encompasses the valorization of organic matter, soil management, urban trees, adaptation of territories to climate change, and addressing environmental inequalities. More broadly, CEU focuses on the transition of complex systems. CEU develops three main types of activities: urban ecology projects, studies and research, and popular education. In the realm of urban ecology projects, CEU initiates or coordinates local initiatives aimed at transforming public or private spaces into areas of local resilience and conviviality, managed as common goods. Examples include community gardens, neighborhood composting sites, and urban orchards. Notable projects include "Villas ZÉRO biodéchets" (2024-2026), focusing on the recirculation of food and green waste in Ganshoren, and "Verger moderne" (2023), a participatory development of an existing orchard-garden in Berchem. (urban-ecology.be ) In studies and research, CEU collaborates with academic institutions and other partners to conduct research on topics such as environmental inequalities and urban adaptation to climate change. An example is the "Inégalités environnementales bruxelloises" study, which characterizes and objectifies environmental inequalities in Brussels. (urban-ecology.be ) Through popular education, CEU mobilizes its expertise to empower Brussels residents to better understand ecological issues related to their lifestyles. Activities include urban botanical walks, conferences, debates, and training sessions. For instance, CEU, in partnership with the Openlab of the Université libre de Bruxelles, organized a training on co-production of knowledge from May 18 to 22, 2026, in France. (urban-ecology.be ) The CEU team comprises dedicated professionals: Simon De Muynck : Coordinator of CEU, holding a Master's degree in Environmental Science and Management (ULB-IGEAT). He has experience as a visiting professor at several universities and colleges, assistant and researcher at ULB, and member of the Brussels Environmental Council. His work focuses on soil remediation, urban agriculture, water and biowaste management, and circular urban metabolism. In recent years, he has concentrated on Brussels' adaptation to climate change and environmental inequalities through participatory action research. He is also a scientific collaborator at ULB-LoUIsE. Nina Vankerckhove : Biologist specializing in ecology and environmental management (Master's degree, ULB-IGEAT) and nature educator (Jeunes & Nature asbl). She is passionate about botany, plant-soil interactions, and population genetics. At CEU, she engages in projects on soil protection and improvement in Brussels, integrated stormwater management, environmental education, fruit trees, and citizen participation. Francisco Davila, PhD : External collaborator and doctor in biology. He focuses on territorial ecology, urban metabolism, and transition processes applied to the Brussels-Capital Region, through the lenses of soil, urban agriculture, and action research. He also works on various topics related to urban agriculture, soil remediation, and participates in the co-construction of the Good Food strategy and the integration of urban agriculture into urban development. Adélaïde Ragot : Architect and urban planner (ENSAP Bordeaux and ULB La Cambre Horta Faculty of Architecture) specializing in urban systems in transition and passionate about urban metabolism issues. At CEU, she collaborates on various action research projects in urban ecology and circular economy, with a specialization in biowaste, and develops innovative graphic tools for analysis and communication. CEU's administrative office is located at Chaussée de Charleroi 216, 1060 Saint-Gilles. The organization welcomes motivated interns for a minimum of five months, offering flexible hours and requiring autonomy. Interns are encouraged to propose clear and realistic research questions aligned with CEU's activities and vision. (urban-ecology.be ) To maintain political and financial independence, CEU relies on support from the community. Contributions help cover operational costs and enable the organization to offer workshops and events accessible to all, including the most disadvantaged. Supporters are invited to provide feedback on activities, propose initiatives, and participate in various events. Annual financial reports are provided to ensure transparency. (urban-ecology.be ) For more information or to get involved, contact Simon De Muynck at [email protected] .