{"id":45931,"date":"2025-11-24T13:50:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T12:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=45931"},"modified":"2025-11-24T13:53:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T12:53:44","slug":"learning-network-on-environmental-management-hosted-by-sweco","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/learning-network-on-environmental-management-hosted-by-sweco\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning Network on Environmental Management hosted by Sweco"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On 18 November 2025, Sweco\u2019s Urban Lab welcomed a successful networking event with the Learning Network on Environmental Management<\/a>. We hosted around twenty environmental experts and communication professionals for an inspiring evening focused on the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal (KBK) project, reflecting on environmental management<\/a> in complex infrastructure projects.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Strengthening the field of environmental management<\/h2>\n

The Learning Network on Environmental Management<\/a> was established in April 2024 at the initiative of Annik Dirkx. The network now counts thirty members, including De Werkvennootschap, Connect and Common Ground, and focuses on knowledge sharing between environmental experts<\/strong> from public authorities and consultancy firms. The goal? To strengthen the discipline by exchanging practical experiences and jointly reflecting on stakeholder management<\/a>, communication and societal impact.<\/p>\n

\"Kanaal<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal: a complex project with broad impact<\/h2>\n

The Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal (KBK) project<\/a> took centre stage: a strategic upgrade of an inland waterway connection between Flanders, Wallonia and Northern France. Sweco is managing this project on behalf of De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, with attention to infrastructure, process management<\/a> and stakeholder participation. The canal will be adapted for class Va vessels (up to 3,000 tonnes), enabling a sustainable modal shift<\/strong>. At the same time, the project creates opportunities for spatial development<\/a>, mobility and ecology in the region. Our approach \u2013 with co-creation, workshops and dialogue \u2013 illustrates how environmental management<\/a> can act as a lever<\/strong> for support and quality. The journey so far has been full of lessons learned, and we wanted to share this fascinating story with the network.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Programme and contributions<\/h2>\n

The session offered a mix of content and interaction:<\/p>\n