"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Vaals

Environmental Protection and Energy: The administration supports environmental sustainability by purchasing green electricity and gas and by offering highly successful subsidy schemes for the thermal insulation of private homes and the installation of renewable energy systems. Waste collection utilizes the "Diftar" system—based on the "polluter pays" principle—featuring underground containers for apartment complexes and reduced rates for organic waste disposal. The town actively combats light pollution by replacing old streetlights with energy-efficient models (24/36 Watts) and by participating annually in the national "Night of the Night" event (which involves switching off public lighting). Furthermore, a large section of the Vijlenerbos forest is designated as a strict noise-control zone (with a maximum limit of 40 dB).

Infrastructure, Mobility, and Urban Quality: Preserving historical heritage is a priority: the town center's Masterplan protects over 150 monuments—characterized by the distinctive Aachen-Liège Baroque style—and the municipal administration itself is housed in a fully restored national monument (Von Clermonthuis). "Slow mobility" is facilitated by a network of safe cycle paths, dedicated cyclist tunnels, and "cycle roads" near schools (such as the Brede School). Regarding the landscape, green infrastructure is governed by the "Limburg Quality Menu," which mandates that any new construction outside the built-up area be offset by the addition of natural open spaces, following the "Green for Red" principle. * **Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions:** The area champions its distinctive local products, ranging from Val Dieu cheeses and traditional Holset syrup to the renowned, award-winning organic wines from the St. Martinus vineyard in Vijlen. Local authorities promote the rediscovery of traditional crafts and local folklore, supporting the historic glass-blowing industry, the "Wool Trail," and historical-tourist excursions along old smuggling routes (documented in the tiny "de Klæng Wach" customs museum). A rigorous botanical preservation program is also in place, protecting over 1,400 trees of special value and 400 monumental trees.

Social Cohesion and Participation: An extensive participatory planning process—the "Vaals 2020 Strategic Vision," launched in 2008—has enabled institutions, businesses, and citizens to co-design the town's sustainable future. Local social services rely on the Child and Family Centre, six neighborhood platforms, and a robust local volunteer network; the latter also operates a free food distribution center (supplied by local shopkeepers) for those in need.

Hospitality and Slow Tourism: Handling approximately 600,000 overnight stays annually in partnership with VVV Zuid-Limburg, the town facilitates access to information via digital kiosks and interactive "Walk & Find" routes. These use GPS to guide tourists and residents as they explore the natural and cultural landscape of the "Three-Country Point" region. **List of Events**

Regional Products Market: A bi-weekly event held from May to October at Prins Willem Alexanderplein, dedicated to the direct sale and tasting of the region's finest agricultural and artisanal products.

Route of Arts: A traditional art market organized in July by the De Kopermolen Foundation, where artists not only exhibit their work but also provide practical demonstrations of their techniques.

Ællemarkt and Carnival: Historic festivals and traditional Carnival parades that serve as key occasions for civic gathering within the Limburg community.

Open Monuments Day and Annual Procession: Recurring events involving brass bands, historical societies (such as shooting guilds), and rural preservation groups, aimed at passing on and celebrating the area's rich architectural and cultural heritage.