Meise Botanic Garden coordinates the FOURCAST-project to study, in collaboration with partner institutes, the impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Belgium. Scientists study fauna and flora in cities, that act as urban heat islands, and in forests, that buffer climate.

The project FOURCAST (FOrest cold and URban heat island effects on climate adaptation of biodiversity) started in the beginning of this year and continues until early 2027. It is an initiative funded by Belspo, which is responsible for the federal science policy. Filip Vandelook, research director at Meise Botanic Garden, coordinates the project.