Progetti e Caratteristiche "Slow" del Comune di Eijsden-Margraten

Tutela Ambientale ed Energia: L'amministrazione ha sottoscritto la "Dichiarazione di Parigi" con l'obiettivo di rendere l'organizzazione comunale neutrale dal punto di vista climatico entro il 2030. Sul fronte delle energie rinnovabili, il municipio è stato dotato di 150 pannelli solari, che coprono il 10% del fabbisogno energetico dell'edificio, e sono state implementate auto elettriche per gli spostamenti di servizio dei dipendenti. I residenti sono supportati nella transizione ecologica tramite lo sportello "Dubbel Duurzaam" e l'erogazione di sussidi per l'installazione di impianti fotovoltaici privati sulle abitazioni. La gestione dei rifiuti prevede un'app dedicata ("afvalapp"), la raccolta porta a porta e una "tariffa zero" per i rifiuti organici (GFT), incentivando parallelamente l'uso di compostiere domestiche sovvenzionate dal Comune. A tutela della biodiversità, il territorio i"Slow" Projects and Features of the Municipality of Eijsden-Margraten

Environmental Protection and Energy: The administration has signed the "Paris Declaration" with the goal of making the municipal organization climate-neutral by 2030. Regarding renewable energy, the town hall has been equipped with 150 solar panels—covering 10% of the building's energy needs—and electric vehicles have been introduced for employees' work-related travel. Residents are supported in the green transition through the "Dubbel Duurzaam" (Double Sustainable) service desk and the provision of subsidies for installing private photovoltaic systems on homes. Waste management includes a dedicated app ("afvalapp"), a door-to-door collection system, and a "zero tariff" for organic waste (GFT), while simultaneously encouraging the use of municipality-subsidized home composting units. To protect biodiversity, the area encompasses four Natura 2000 sites (Bemelerberg, Schiepersberg, Savelsbos, and Noorbeemden & Hoogbos), where active planting of native species and the control of invasive plants are carried out.

Sustainable Mobility and Infrastructure: The municipality promotes cycling by upgrading the "Mergellandroute" to improve safety and by participating in an international project to build a cycle path along the former Maastricht-Aachen tram route, aiming to connect to the extensive "Vennbahn" trail. A widespread network of charging points for electric bicycles and scooters has been implemented, developed in close collaboration with the local hospitality sector. In primary schools, "Verkeercoördinatoronderwijs" (traffic education coordinators) work to ensure safe home-to-school routes and promote specific road safety education programs.

Urban Quality and Resilience: The preservation of the landscape and the town's rich historical heritage (comprising 395 national monuments) is governed by the "Gemeentelijk Kwaliteitsmenu" (Municipal Quality Menu). This policy mandates compensatory measures and green space enhancements for any new construction in rural areas, all under the supervision of a "Dorpsbouwmeester" (village architect). Regarding interactive services, the Municipality offers the "Mijn Overheid.nl" digital portal, a responsive "Toptaak" website, and the "BuitenBeter" smartphone app, which allows citizens to report service issues. A public Wi-Fi network is also being expanded to cover the route along the Meuse River, industrial areas, and the center of the town of Eijsden.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: The area is distinguished by its thriving fruit-growing sector, promoted through the "Met Fruit Erop Uit" cooperative; with over 100 members, the cooperative creates a strong link between the landscape, local craftsmanship, and gastronomy. The Municipality encourages agroecology by supporting organic herb cultivation at the "Aan de Fremme" estate in Margraten and the development of a short supply chain for low-environmental-impact bread barley. Active support is also provided for the Slow Food Presidium dedicated to the traditional "Limburg Syrup" (*Limburgse Stroop*), with plans currently underway for a digital knowledge center dedicated entirely to this historic craft. Social Cohesion and Participation: The administration firmly promotes the concept of "Burgerkracht" (Citizen Power), fostering civic self-organization, independence, and active community participation in public decision-making. Social and health services are managed at the local level by "Social Teams" (Sociaal Teams), while the integrated support program CJG043 operates for young people. Anti-poverty policies include direct aid for school expenses, a youth sports fund, and specific group health insurance plans at reduced rates for low-income residents. Demonstrating the community's deep cohesion and high level of volunteerism, the municipality supports—and has officially registered—no fewer than 258 local associations.

Hospitality and Slow Tourism: Commonly known as the "Bloesem van het Zuiden" (Blossom of the South), the municipality was named the "Hiking Municipality of the Netherlands 2015" (Wandelgemeente 2015) thanks to its extensive network of trails and themed routes. Tourism is structured around the so-called "lifestyle triangle": 1. leisure, recreation, and landscape; 2. fruit and food; 3. folklore, art, and culture. Local hospitality and identity are further enhanced through the "Storytelling" project, which is used to share local stories and traditions with visitors.

List of Events

Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag): An annual event celebrating historical heritage and traditional crafts, featuring live demonstrations of techniques such as syrup production and the baking of spelt bread in...