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The activity is to upload at least 3 characteristic photos of rich plant habitats of my wider area of residence (Belgium) together with a descriptive caption for each photo.

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•Only two plants have a favorable conservation status, in the continental region of Belgium:

•a forest moss, the ”glaucous leucobryum”, also represented in the Atlantic region where she is not so well off (status U1-)

•a fern rocks, the “trichomanes radicant”, present only in the continental region.

•All other species are in unfavorable status, either inadequate, or bad. Four species (or groups of species) are in a really worrying situation: the brilliant hypne, the thick brome, the fluteau swimming and the lycopods. These are species linked to highly endangered environments such as alkaline bogs, parts of trace-mineral waters and dry or wet heaths, or practices traditional crops (thick brome).

•Our region has an important responsibility in the case of the latter species, since it is almost endemic to Wallonia.
Let us look first at some of our habitats (Part 1).

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Basic facts about Belgium - Biodiversity Information system for Europe

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The Biodiversity Information System for Europe (BISE) is a single entry point for data and information on biodiversity supporting the implementation of the EU strategy and the Aichi targets in Europe.

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Habitat 5110: Xero-thermophilic buxaies 

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Habitat 5110: Xero-thermophilic buxaies 

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Description of the habitat
•The xero-thermophilic buxaies are formations shrubs made from boxwood that develop on large dry (xerophilic) and warm (thermophilic) rocky escarpments of the Meuse basin.

•Stationary conditions do not allow tree species to dominate, either because of the shallow soil either due to drought extreme.

•The xero-thermophilic buxaies develop generally mosaic with other habitats of community interest such as calcicolous grasslands or calcareous-siliceous and rocky vegetation.

•The boxwood being a relatively plastic species, it can also colonize the undergrowth of oak forests or thermophilic beech forests, or even ravine forests. These boxwood forests may constitute particular facies of forest habitats of community interest.

•Distribution and status: The thermophilic buxaies are limited to the large rocky escarpments of the Mosan basin, especially in the valleys of Viroin, Hermeton, Molignée, Sambre and Meuse.

Typical plant species
•In addition to boxwood, which is locally dense and shady stands that are poor in species, also find thermophilic shrubs such as viburnum, purgative buckthorn, various eglantiers, barberry, male dogwood, St. Lucia wood, common privet.

•Herbaceous vegetation is the one thermophilous edges and clear forests: hellebore fetid, blood geranium, humble sedge, oregano, seal of odoriferous Solomon, Offical primrose, venom-tamer, violet bristling.

•It is eventually accompanied by species of lawns and rocks. In the dense thickets, the herbaceous layer is lacking and the undergrowth is made up of bryophytes.

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Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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Habitat 7220* (priority habitat) - Petrifying springs

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Habitat 7220* (priority habitat) - Petrifying springs

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Description of the habitat
•Petrifying sources refer to sources or small streams where the calcium bicarbonate dissolved in the water precipitates to form a friable rock: tuff or travertine. The phenomenon at the base of the formation of tuffs and travertines is globally the same as whoever is responsible for the training stalagmites and stalagites in the caves.

•The Slightly acidic rainwater is charged with calcium bicarbonate in contact with limestone rocks. This bicarbonate, soluble, precipitates in the form of carbonate when the temperature of the water increases (phenomenon which explains the incrustation of the limestone in appliances) or when water evaporates. The carbon dioxide also released by precipitation is taken by aquatic plants for the photosynthesis.

•Distribution and status: In Wallonia, crons and travertines meet in areas with a calcareous substratum, mainly in Condroz, Calestienne and Lorraine, very rarely elsewhere.

Typical plant species
•The vegetation of the encrusting springs consists mainly of bryophytes (Cratoneuron filicinum, Palustriella commutata) and microscopic algae. The Companion species are species of stream, sources or alkaline low-marsh.

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Description of the habitat
•The beech forest in Luzula is the forest typical of the acidic soils of limonocaillous and sandy-loam soils the Continental Region. In Ardennes, it constitutes the natural vegetation trays and slopes, on the favorable drainage soils. We have it also found in Condroz and on the decalcified sands of Lorraine, much more rarely in Fagne-Famenne. The beech dominates the stand and the vegetation is acidophilic, with species like fern-eagle (Pteridium aquilinum), germander (Teucrium scorodonia), blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) or White Alfalfa (Luzula luzuloides), a species typically continental.

In addition, the beech forest occupies a large area, since it is the potential natural vegetation of the majority of continental forest stations. This is the most represented habitat in Wallonia.

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Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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If you wish to discover more rich habitats in my country, Belgium, please consult this summary I built for you...

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If you wish to discover more rich habitats in my country, Belgium, please consult this summary I built for you...

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 1 Plant Diversity (Part 1 Activity on Habitat)

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Activity Part 2: Present two of my favourite medicinal plants of Belgium.

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Activity Part 2: Present two of my favourite medicinal plants of Belgium.

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What we are asked to deliver:
1.Create an identification card that includes the scientific name, scientific classification as well as a description of the morphology.

2.Add pictures that provide clear illustrations of the leaves, flowers, etc.

3.Does the scientific name refer to the way they look, smell or taste?

4.Have they been given common (vernacular) names?

5.Which medicinal traits have been attributed to these species?

6.Have these medicinal traits been researched?

7.Add references to papers/articles that discuss them.

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•The Belgian Ardennes (South region) are a true herb garden. A variety of medicinal herbs, culinary herbs grow here as well.

•Common medicinal plants of the nettle, dandelion, lady's mantle, mallow, gentian, club moss, deadly nightshade and plantain.

•Herbs that can be found are Marjolijn, wild mint, wild thyme, lemon grass and juniper.

>>>  I selected to present the following two medicinal plants:

1.Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)

2.Urtica dioica L (the stinging nettle).

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Plant 1: Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) 

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Plant 1: Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) 

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Medicinal Plant 1 - Taraxacum officinale

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Plant 2: Urtica dioica L. (the stinging nettle)

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Plant 2: Urtica dioica L. (the stinging nettle)

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Video on Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)

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Video on Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dWQG3eGqLA

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Part 1: Biogeographical region of Belgium.

The activity consists in:
(a) using the map of the biogeographical regions of Europe - or of the World, and locate our own PlantArea,
(b) search online for some key characteristics of this particular biogeographical region and describe.

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Part 1: Biogeographical region of Belgium.

The activity consists in:
(a) using the map of the biogeographical regions of Europe - or of the World, and locate our own PlantArea,
(b) search online for some key characteristics of this particular biogeographical region and describe.

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Belgium has two different biogeographical zones that are characterized by their climate, bedrock, and topography. These factors influence the composition of the local flora and fauna. In each zone, different successional stages can be found. We can link these stages and determine the factors that are responsible for the transitions between stages. The role of human activities in determining the composition of flora and fauna, and the successional stage is an important element to take into consideration.

The two biogeographical regions are: 
1. the Atlantic one in its north-west part (The Atlantic region stretches from the top of the United Kingdom and Ireland down to the northern shores of Spain and Portugal, encompassing all of the Netherlands and parts of Germany, Denmark, Belgium and France along the way). It corresponds roughly to our Flanders region.

2. the Continental one in its south-east part (Altogether 11 EU countries have all or part of their territory in the Continental region. It covers major areas of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic as well as significant parts of Denmark, Belgium, Austria and Slovenia. Only Luxembourg is entirely within the Continental region. Sweden, on the other hand, has just 3% of its country in this region). It corresponds roughly to our Wallonia region.

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Belgium has two different biogeographical zones that are characterized by their climate, bedrock, and topography. These factors influence the composition of the local flora and fauna. In each zone, different successional stages can be found. We can link these stages and determine the factors that are responsible for the transitions between stages. The role of human activities in determining the composition of flora and fauna, and the successional stage is an important element to take into consideration.

The two biogeographical regions are: 
1. the Atlantic one in its north-west part (The Atlantic region stretches from the top of the United Kingdom and Ireland down to the northern shores of Spain and Portugal, encompassing all of the Netherlands and parts of Germany, Denmark, Belgium and France along the way). It corresponds roughly to our Flanders region.

2. the Continental one in its south-east part (Altogether 11 EU countries have all or part of their territory in the Continental region. It covers major areas of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic as well as significant parts of Denmark, Belgium, Austria and Slovenia. Only Luxembourg is entirely within the Continental region. Sweden, on the other hand, has just 3% of its country in this region). It corresponds roughly to our Wallonia region.

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https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/biogeographical-regions-in-europe-2

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Details about my research and findings can be found here ....

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Details about my research and findings can be found here ....

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 2  (Part 1 - Activity on Biogeographical Region description)

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Part 2: Activity on Environmental Stress Factors.

This activity consists in searching online for key environmental stress factors, (such as droughts, floods, etc.) that influence plant growth in my biogeographical region, or if possible in my PlantArea specifically.
 

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Part 2: Activity on Environmental Stress Factors.

This activity consists in searching online for key environmental stress factors, (such as droughts, floods, etc.) that influence plant growth in my biogeographical region, or if possible in my PlantArea specifically.
 

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Before I start answering, I'd like to share this statistics: "With a month and a half to go before the end of the year, 2018 has had only 118 rainy days, which is within reach of the previous annual record of 143 rainless days, dating back to 2003".
... and one video on recent floods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=horzMUjQn2c
and storms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGc6q-AS0yk

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To find details about my research and findings, please look at this presentation here...

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To find details about my research and findings, please look at this presentation here...

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 2  (Part 2 - Activity on Environmental Stress Factors)

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Part 3: Activity on Alexander von Humboldt’s work

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Part 3: Activity on Alexander von Humboldt’s work

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Alexander von Humboldt is often referred to as the 'father of phytogeography'. We have been asked to learn more about him and his multi-volume treatise 'Cosmos'.

We are asked to write a comment (50-70 words) about this important work (its concept, the motivation offered to the scientific community, etc.).

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(PDF) and a summary in 84 words (sorry!): "“Humboldt applied the ancient Greek view of the orderliness of the cosmos to the Earth, suggesting that universal laws applied as well to the apparent chaos of the terrestrial world. He wrote a multi-volume treatise “Cosmos”, in which he sought to unify diverse branches of scientific knowledge and culture. This important work also motivated a holistic perception of the universe as one interacting entity. Based on his travels observations he was the first person to describe the phenomenon of ”human-induced climate change”.

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 2  (Part 3 - Activity on A Von Humboldt)

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I love this video because it talks about "inspiration" to the world...

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I love this video because it talks about "inspiration" to the world...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgvX0QdYI6M

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STEP 1. ACTIVATE YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE - assess the problem

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STEP 1. ACTIVATE YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE - assess the problem

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In the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world, located in south America, tree species are ‘on the run’, trying to move to ground of higher altitude. They are shifting roughly 2.5 to 3.5 vertical meters a year on average, but in fact they need to migrate more than 20 vertical feet a year!
My explanation is option 2: "Tropical Andean trees migrate to higher altitudes where the air is cool enough to support their existence. Due to the fast climatic change they have to move faster in order to remain in equilibrium with their preferred temperatures".

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November 14, 2018 , University of Miami

Lead author Belén Fadrique, a Ph.D. candidate who designed and carried out the study with her advisor, Kenneth J. Feeley, the University of Miami's Smathers Chair of Tropical Tree Biology. Credit: University of Miami

An international study led by University of Miami tropical biologists reveals that tropical trees are migrating upslope to escape climate change, but not fast enough.

In the most comprehensive study of its kind, an international team of scientists led by University of Miami biologists has found that tropical and subtropical forests across South America's Andes Mountains are responding to warming temperatures by migrating to higher, cooler elevations, but probably not quickly enough to avoid the loss of their biodiversity, functional collapse, or even extinction.

Published November 14 in the journal Nature, the study confirmed for the first time that, like many other plant and animal species around the world, trees from across the Andean and Amazon forests of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Argentina have been moving upward. But unlike species from the world's temperate or boreal forests, which are far more accustomed to dramatic seasonal shifts in temperature, tropical trees are running into environmental roadblocks at higher, cooler elevations that are thwarting their migration and threatening their survival.

"In the Andes, the ecosystems can change very fast and very dramatically, for example, from sunny and dry premontane forests to sopping-wet cloud forests. These changes, called ecotones, appear to be blocking species migrations," said lead author Belén Fadrique, a Ph.D. candidate who designed and carried out the study with her advisor, Kenneth J. Feeley, UM's Smathers Chair of Tropical Tree Biology. "These ecotone barriers make it hard for plants to relocate their populations-and if they can't relocate, they will go extinct."

For the Nature study, Fadrique and Feeley set out to answer a scientific call to include more tropical plants in studies that investigate and predict the effects of climate change -the very call that Feeley and his fellow tropical biologists have been issuing for years because, as he notes, "the tropics include most of the world's species and we know next to nothing about what those species are doing or how they are responding to climate change."

Aiming to fill that void, the UM researchers joined forces with 18 other researchers from around the world to create a new database that tracks the livelihoods of thousands of highland trees in 186 plots of land situated throughout what is known as the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot.

Sitting at elevations from 300 to over 3,000 meters above sea level, most of the plots are about the size of an American football field and have been inventoried multiple times over the past couple decades. Collectively, these forest plots contain an astonishing diversity-a total of 120 different plant families, 528 genera, and more than 2,000 tree species. As Feeley notes, that's more species of trees than are found in all of the United States and Canada combined.

Using newly developed modeling techniques that combined the data from all the plots into a single comprehensive analysis, the researchers confirmed that, as temperatures in the high Andes rise due to global warming, heat-loving tropical trees are seeking more optimal conditions by migrating to higher and cooler altitudes. Consequently, the abundance of these heat-loving, or thermophilic, species in the study plots is increasing over time while, in contrast, the abundance of cold-loving species is declining.

The researchers were also surprised to learn that, while this phenomenon of thermophilization is widespread across the Andes, the rates of the change in forest composition are not uniform across elevations. They suggest "ecotonal roadblocks" may be, in part, responsible. In other words, as Andean species get pushed upslope by rising temperatures, they may quickly find themselves out of their comfort zones as other aspects of their habitat, such as rainfall and cloud cover, become intolerable.

"Thermophilization is a mouthful of a word but it means that forests are becoming more heat-loving over time because, as the world warms up, the species that prefer the cold are being kicked out or are dying off and the heat-loving species are moving up and taking their place," Feeley said. "Everything is moving up the mountain so the species near the tops of the mountains are running out of places to go and may soon face the risk of mountain-top extinction."

Feeley and his colleagues have published other studies examining the effects of climate change on tropical forests in different areas, but none with such a broad continental scope. Which gives Feeley both confidence-and pause-over the study's conclusion: "Andean forests must be added to the growing list of ecosystems and species that lack the ability to quickly and cohesively respond to climate change and thus face high risk of extinction, biodiversity loss, and functional collapse."

Feeley and his co-authors hope to conduct follow-up studies that will analyze how climatic factors are impacting specific Andean species, many of which have not even been identified or named yet, and what the consequences will be if they are lost.

"Tropical forests are one of the most important players in the world's global carbon cycle," Feeley said. "They slow down climate change by taking a lot of carbon out of the atmosphere and putting it into their growth. So the faster climate change happens, the faster we will lose our tropical forests, which in turn means that climate change will happen even faster."

More information: Widespread but heterogeneous responses of Andean forests to climate change , Nature (2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0715-9 , https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0715-9

Provided by: University of Miami

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Tropical trees in the Andes are moving up-toward extinction

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November 14, 2018 , University of Miami An international study led by University of Miami tropical biologists reveals that tropical trees are migrating upslope to escape climate change, but not fast enough.

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Our given mission this time is to:

1.Visit the nearest Meteorological Authority, Center of Biodiversity or Museum of Natural History where data for climatic change are recorded. Alternatively, I can search online for recent records showing sign of climatic change, such as lower precipitation rates, longer droughts, uneven storms, etc.

>>>>>  Upload my findings to my Belgium Plant Area. If possible, add interviews with relevant scientists. Elaborate on my Plant Area by adding characteristic photos, articles, comments, or anything you think that could be interesting for your co-learners.

2.Suggest new activities.

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Climate changes consequences on Belgian species (read more in my PPT at the end).

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Climate changes consequences on Belgian species (read more in my PPT at the end).

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The structure of the ecosystems, that is, the distribution and relative abundance of the different species, as well as their relationships with each other, could therefore be profoundly altered. After a few decades, climate change will have a significant impact, which will be combined with these other factors. Climate change indeed adds on to the destruction of habitats, air, water and soil pollution as well as an environmental management, which is far too economical and technocratic. Certainly, these last factors constitute the most serious threats, currently, to biodiversity and the rare natural or semi-natural ecosystems of interest which still exist in Belgium. However, it is possible, in the long term, that climate change will outweigh these factors in terms of importance.

The Hautes Fagnes natural reserve provides an example of the combined impacts of climate change and other factors. The peat bogs have been deteriorating for a long while for many reasons: drying out, pollution and tourism. If this deterioration continues and climate change increases, the most probable scenario is that the remainders of the peat bogs which are still virtually intact will disappear within the next 20 to 50 years. But climate change alone would cause the peat bogs to disappear in time, as they would lead to the latter drying out considerably.

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1. RMI (Royal Meteorological Institute) data and analysis

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1. RMI (Royal Meteorological Institute) data and analysis

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Based on the analysis of all the scientific sources I could find for my area, Belgium, the climate projections provide for ...
•A warmer climate: all projections show an increase in average annual temperature (+1.3 ° C to +2.8 ° C by 2050) and seasonal temperatures (1.5 ° C to +4 , 4 ° C in winter and +2.4 ° C to +7.2 ° C in summer by 2100).

• An increase in the seasonality of precipitation: a decrease to -25% in 2100 in summer and an increase to + 22% in 2100 in winter

•Intense winter rainfall and severe summer storms more frequent and intense, increasing the risk of floods

•More frequent heat waves in the summer

•Lower river flows in summer (more than 50% decrease by the end of the 21st century) due to lower summer precipitation, combined with greater evaporation, leading to water scarcity

•An increase (by 2100 of 60 to 90 cm) from the sea level to the Belgian coast, or even 200 cm in the most pessimistic scenario.

More details on my PPT at the end of Theme 3.

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2. New activities suggestions: Brussels’ initiative

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2. New activities suggestions: Brussels’ initiative

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Brussels plans to plant a tree for every child born within the city...
https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/06/brussels-plans-to-plant-a-tree-for-every-child-born-within-the-city
More activities can be found in my detailed PPT on theme 3 posted below.

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Theme 2 Step 3 activity complete deliverable on Plants and Climate Change for Belgiu 

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Theme 2 Step 3 activity complete deliverable on Plants and Climate Change for Belgiu 

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 3  (Part 1 - Climate change data)

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My Book 6 on "Why plants are important" (written by me for children).

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My Book 6 on "Why plants are important" (written by me for children).

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Please contact me if your are interested to read it.

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Comparison with other areas:

In 2015, Belgium was not among the top six EU emitters of greenhouse gases. Belgium is a mix of Atlantic, Continental, Coastal and seas climates. We, therefore, share similar changes with countries such as the UK, France, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and the western part of Germany.
The big differences are with the Mediterranean region showing: Less Rain/river flows; Higher drought risk level; a higher level of diversity loss; Less marine dead zones and acidity; more competition for water; and lower crop yields. They are a biodiversity hotspot and us not.

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STEP 1: ACTIVATE YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE - assess the problem...

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STEP 1: ACTIVATE YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE - assess the problem...

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The threat of climate change and the knowledge that it is related to CO2 emissions from fossil fuels has led scientists to look for alternatives for our energy needs, that is in the cultivation of biofuel crops.

•Using our everyday knowledge, which of the following sentences do I think is true?

- Option 1.We have practically solved the CO2 emissions problem and in the next decades
fossil fuels will be replaced by green energy including biofuel crops. Partially true.

- Option 2.We are still strongly depended on fossil fuels and only the developed countries of the world have the technology and therefore the luxury of using green energy. NO

- Option 3.Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels is highly controversial since it solves one problem but creates new ones.  YES.

Why do I choose Option 3?
Because of the following facts:
1. Soil erosion and deforestation: The large-scale deforestation of mature trees (which help remove CO2 through photosynthesis — much better than sugar cane or most other biofuel feedstock crops do) contributes to soil erosion, un-sustainable global warming atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, loss of habitat, and a reduction of valuable biodiversity (both on land as in oceans). Demand for biofuel has led to clearing land for palm oil plantations. In Indonesia alone, over 9,400,000 acres (38,000 km2) of forest have been converted to plantations since 1996.
2. Effect on water resources: One example is that increased use of biofuels puts increasing pressure on water resources in at least two ways: water use for the irrigation of crops used as feedstocks for biodiesel production; and water use in the production of biofuels in refineries, mostly for boiling and cooling. In many parts of the world supplemental or full irrigation is needed to grow feedstocks. For example, if in the production of corn (maize) half the water needs of crops are met through irrigation and the other half through rainfall, about 860 liters of water are needed to produce one liter of ethanol. However, in the United States only 5-15% of the water required for corn comes from irrigation while the other 85-95% comes from natural rainfall.
3. Pollution: For example, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other aldehydes are produced when alcohols are oxidized. When only a 10% mixture of ethanol is added to gasoline (as is common in American E10 gasohol and elsewhere), aldehyde emissions increase 40%. Some study results are conflicting on this fact however, and lowering the sulfur content of biofuel mixes lowers the acetaldehyde levels. Burning biodiesel also emits aldehydes and other potentially hazardous aromatic compounds which are not regulated in emissions laws.

•Many aldehydes are toxic to living cells. Formaldehyde irreversibly cross-links protein amino acids, which produces the hard flesh of embalmed bodies. At high concentrations in an enclosed space, formaldehyde can be a significant respiratory irritant causing nose bleeds, respiratory distress, lung disease, and persistent headaches.  Acetaldehyde, which is produced in the body by alcohol drinkers and found in the mouths of smokers and those with poor oral hygiene, is carcinogenic and mutagenic.

Here are a few readings I used to make my decision:
•https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/biofuels

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Issues_relating_to_biofuels

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There are various social, economic, environmental and technical issues with biofuel production and use, which have been discussed in the popular media and scientific journals.

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Step 3 – Create: Flowers resources in Belgium

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Step 3 – Create: Flowers resources in Belgium

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Our activity consists in:
1.Using the reading material of THEME 4, record the following floral resources found within your Plant Area.
Upload pictures relevant to your findings:

•two alcoholic drinks consumed in your Plant Area together with their plant source material;

•the main tree species decorated during Christmas;

•two groups of food plants;

•two common spices together with their origin.

2.Theophrastus has been hailed as the 'father of Botany' by many, thereby often referring to these two large botanical treaties: 'Enquiry into Plants' , and 'On the Causes of Plants'.
Action: Write down your comment (50-70 words)  on the content of these works.

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1.Alcoholic drink 1: BEER

2.Alcoholic drink 2: GENEVER

3.CHRISTMAS TREE

4.GROUP OF FOOD PLANTS 1: VEGETABLE WITH EDIBLE FLOWERS

5.GROUP OF FOOD PLANTS 1: SPECIAL HERBS

6.COMMON SPICES: Cinnamon & Nutmeg

7.THEOPHRASTUS

8. MY GARDEN IN BRUSSELS

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Activity 1: Please look at all details in the below PPT.

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Activity 1: Please look at all details in the below PPT.

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 4  (Step 3 - Create)

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My comment in less than 70 words.

Theophrastus was an outstanding scientist. His works were textbooks from his lectures and seem as they were under “continuous updating”. Moreover, his critical attitude is evident throughout his botanical writings (many of his discourses end with the word ‘σκεπτέον’, meaning that the matter needs further investigation), and considered as typical scientific attitude nowadays.

P.S. It is this ever-questioning/doubting approach that the Austrian painter, Karl Rahl, captured in the expression of Theophrastus’ face on the mural of the University of Athens.

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Example from timber FRAME TO THATCHED ROOF

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Example from timber FRAME TO THATCHED ROOF

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Until the seventeenth century, wood was the most important building material in both cities and rural areas. The inhabitants of the Kempen region also mainly used wood, daub and straw to build their homes. In timber framing, timber forms the framework and the walls are filled with twigs, reed and clay.

During the coming years, restoration of buildings at the Open-Air Museum will use existing techniques, including the timber framing method.

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Bokrijk - From timber frame to thatched roof

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At Bokrijk today, we use reed. It insulates less well than straw thatch but it is more durable. The barn from Lommel-Kattenbos was newly thatched in 2014. A straw thatch roof weathers relatively quickly and can only hold its appearance for up to 15 years. In ideal circumstances, it can last 30 years.

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Comments from co-learners on my Theme 4 deliverables.

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Comments from co-learners on my Theme 4 deliverables.

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Please write here ....

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Step 2 – Create: 
"Design your own (Conservation) business plan".

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Step 2 – Create: 
"Design your own (Conservation) business plan".

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The activity is described as follows:
1.Look for endangered plant species in Belgium, by using the list of Earth's Endangered Creatures (http://www.earthsendangered.com/plant_list.asp).

2.Record possible reasons threatening the above species.

3.Design a business plan of a local volunteer organization that aims to protect them.

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I have used the recommended list and have rapidly discovered its limitations. I have then searched other databases and found different results. Neitherless, you can see here below a picture of Orthotrichum scanicum found through the recommended database. By seraching further I discovered this....
“O. scanicum is no longer considered a rare moss in the mountains of the Mediterranean and the Caucasian regions, as it can be locally abundant in some forests, such as those of the Rif mountains in Morocco (Draper et al. 2003), or frequent in large areas, such as the Pyrenees (Garilleti et al. 1999), northern Greece (Lara et al. 2003) or northern Turkey (Erdag et al. 2004). However, in northern Europe it is still very rare and has not yet recovered from past decline. It grows in forests on trunks and branches of conifers as well as broad-leaf deciduous trees; is very rarely found on rocks (Garilleti et al. 1999)”.
My feeling is that the recommended database might not be up-to-date and that local regional databases are maybe more accurate.

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1. Endangered species in Belgium, though another source.

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1. Endangered species in Belgium, though another source.

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Searching outside the list proposed in this course, I found another plant is on our red list and that I want to present you here: Sempervivum funckii var. aqualiense

•French: Joubarbe d'Aywaille ou Heid des Gattes

•Classification

•Class: Spermatopsida

•Order: Saxifragales

•Family: Crassulaceae (Succulents family)

•Sex: Sempervivum (Home look)

•Sort: Sempervivum funckii var. aqualiense

•Where in Belgium? Only in Wallonia although also very rare there.

•Red list. Seriously threatened. Protected.
file:///C:/Users/Lucas/Downloads/VanRossum_2017_Joubarde_Plecevo.pdf

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Again on this topic I found more accurate information in other databases and reports than in the recommended one.
For example, for the Orthotrichum scanicum, it was only mentioned this: "Although there were past threats to this species in the northern European part of its range (logging and pollution), in the southern and eastern parts of its range there are no significant threats".

Please refer to my detailed PPT at the end of this section to find a complete evaluation of the situation.
Here is a threats comparizon netween the 2 regions characterizing Belgium (Continental and Atlantic).

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Example of threats and Conservation of the Sempervivum funckii var. aqualiense in the Belgian Ardennes at the Heid des Gattes .

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Example of threats and Conservation of the Sempervivum funckii var. aqualiense in the Belgian Ardennes at the Heid des Gattes .

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•The Heid des Gattes is a prestigious site, well known to naturalists. And yet, this impressive cliff almost disappeared under the pick of the quarrymen. The fameneous rocks that constitute it, of various lithological nature (sandstone, psammites, shales, macignos), are very sunny and dry, although some moisture may persist in deep fissures. They carry an extraordinary flora.

•The Aywaille houseleek (Sempervivum funckii var aqualiense) is an endemic taxon whose population of Heid des Gattes is the only known in the world! It lines some outcrops of rosettes tightly tight against each other. Its purplish bloom erupts in the summer when the viscous lychnis (Lychnis viscaria) blossoms on the rock wall and scree.

•The sagebrush (Artemisia campestris) is another extremely rare plant, of steppe origin, of which Heid des Gattes is practically the only native Belgian locality. It is as abundant on the steepest natural rocks as on the exploitation plateaux of the old quarries that enclose the reserve.

•Many other remarkable plants populate the site, such as bellflower (Campanula patula), northern doradilla (northern Asplenium), ceterach (Ceterach offïcinarum), etc.

•Currently, there are serious threats to Heid des Gattes. Indeed, rockslides occur from time to time, because of the unstable nature of some portions of the cliff. These represent a danger for users of the communal road below the site, which is closed to traffic today. This situation has led local authorities to propose the felling of risk areas, which would inevitably destroy most of the reserve. Alternative solutions have been proposed, including the construction of a road on the left bank of the Amblève, but none has yet been retained. Will we disappear one of the natural jewels of Wallonia, the one that was thought best protected, after half a century of hard work on the part of naturalists and inhabitants of the region to safeguard it?

http://biodiversite.wallonie.be/fr/6602-heid-des-gattes.html?IDD=335545445&IDC=2831
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ5BpSc2Heg&feature=youtu.be

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I'd like to share with you this overall committed plan.
EEB.org Report

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Part 3: Business plan of a local volunteer organization

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Part 3: Business plan of a local volunteer organization

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As an introduction, I would like to clarify that I work as a volunteer at the Meise Botanic Garden at the outskirts of Brussels, but located in the Flemish plotical region. I have worked there as a consultant for the last 4 years.
My idea is to propose the following business plan for a project that would build upon BCGI and EU policies.
Here is the project background I propose... The detail of the rest can be found in my PPT at the end of this section.

Project Background: Action Plan for Botanic Gardens in the European Union/OBJECTIVE D6: Encourage public debate about issues relating to plants.

Up to now, the Meise Botanic Garden uses a wide array of activities to get its message across to the public. All activities stress the importance of plants and the environmental problems they face. The main activity is guided tours. Trained volunteer guides are on hand to accompany the public through the garden and specialized tours are available on particular themes, such as, plant myths, orchids, and local history. Permanent interpretation is another way in which the garden educates the public. Aimed at individuals, signs carry information on the economic, horticultural or scientific value of certain plants, while temporary exhibitions highlight the work of the Garden and various aspects of its collection. To reach a wider audience, the Garden collaborates with the local and national media on programs of scientific and general interest.

Today, the news on issues involving plant life and the natural world is increasingly reported in the media, but often with very little factual, background information. Of course, the Meise Botanic Garden has to play a role in providing factual, unbiased information on some of these issues, but even more important is to stimulate informed debate and discussion around the key issues and threats impacting our Belgian biodiversit y.

To achieve Objective D6, EU botanic gardens should:

1. provide opportunities for local people and /or visitors to discuss and debate issues concerning plants and sustainability

2. make available for the public unbiased information on current and typical issues climate change has on plants and the environment.

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More information on the Meise Botanic Garden 

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More information on the Meise Botanic Garden 

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•As Belgian focal point for the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, the Meise Botanic Garden ensures that its scientific activities fall within the objectives of this strategy. Research activities in this area are mainly intended to optimise the quality of the collections stored in the seed bank. They primarily concentrate on the study of seed germination and seed storage behavior, but also on the genetic diversity of samples and species vulnerability to current and future environmental changes.

•These studies focus on endangered species of the Belgian flora but also other territories in which our botanic garden is specialized (Europe and Central Africa). Such research enhances the development strategy of the seed bank and develops the link between ex situ and in situ conservation (Sandrine Godefroid).

•Meise Botanic Garden has a seed bank of wild plants specific for the phytogeographical districts of Belgium. The seed samples of representative rare or endangered species of the different phytogeographical regions of Belgium are stored at -20° C. This ex-situ conservation is considered to contribute to the global strategy of nature conservation.
https://www.plantentuinmeise.be/en/home/

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Detailed presentation on step 2: Create your own business plan

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Detailed presentation on step 2: Create your own business plan

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Medicinal Plant Course - Theme 5  (Step 3 - Create)

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1.Compare your conservation business plan with the business plan of other learners. Encourage your co--learners to post comments and distribute and collect likes.

2.Present the result of your comparisons in a clear text (50-70 words).

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If you wish you can consolidate here ...
This a jewelry designed by my grandfather who was a great lover of nature.

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Example of flora used in ceremony in the Carnaval of Binche.

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Example of flora used in ceremony in the Carnaval of Binche.

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Like every Mardi Gras, the Gilles are out in the streets of Binche today and today only.

Awake at dawn, the Gilles have prepared each in their own corner, mostly with family, at home. Each Gille dresses with care for his tailor made suit (blouse, clogs, collar, bell, ...) which is of course stuffed with straw to form two beautiful bumps. All enjoy the traditional oyster and champagne breakfast.
In the streets, the sound of the fife and the drums announces the beginning of the morning dawn and the gathering of the various companies of the city.

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Réveillés à l'aube, les Gilles se sont préparés chacun dans leur coin, la plupart du temps en famille, à la maison. Chaque Gille se pare avec soin de son costume fait sur mesure (blouse, sabots, collerette, grelot,...) qui est bien sûr bourré de paille pour former deux belles bosses. Tous profitent du petit déjeuner traditionnel aux huîtres et au champagne.

Dans les rues, le son du fifre et des tambours annonce le début de l'aubade matinale et le rassemblement des différentes sociétés de la ville.

masque de cire, symbole de la mixité sociale, et du ramon, les gilles se dirigent actuellement vers l'Hôtel de Ville où ils s'apprêtent à recevoir une médaille des mains de Justine Henin.

Cette dernière est présente à Binche pour partager les joies du carnaval avec les enfants de son association. En plus de l'ex-star du tennis, Jean-Marie Leblanc, l'ex-patron du Tour de France, est également présent. Cet été, Binche sera l'une des villes-étape de la Grande Boucle.

Les chapeaux de plumes, eux, ne seront de sortie que cet après-midi si la pluie ne joue pas les trouble-fête. Si elle est bien tombée sur Binche tôt ce matin, elle devrait faire la place à de belles éclaircies plus tard dans la journée.

Découvrez ci-dessous les premières images des préparatifs et de la sortie des gilles.

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Carnaval de Binche: sortie des Gilles au petit matin

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Réveillés à l'aube, les Gilles se sont préparés chacun dans leur coin, la plupart du temps en famille, à la maison. Chaque Gille se pare avec soin de son costume fait sur mesure (blouse, sabots, collerette, grelot,...) qui est bien sûr bourré de paille pour former deux belles bosses.

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Compare my conservation business plan with the business plan of other learners

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Compare my conservation business plan with the business plan of other learners

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Rather than giving a comparizon, I find more useful to share my resulting thoughts at this point...

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Link to our team padlet, click here.