Flanders today july 3, 2013
news
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business
#287
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f r e e n e w s w e e k ly
After years of work, Flanders approves its programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15%
science & education
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tourism
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arts
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agenda
New to the Mysterious Flanders The Flanders neighbourhood
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Antwerp’s ambitious Nieuw Zuid will create an entirely new residential community in unused space 5
you never knew in this five-part series on secrets of the past 11 © Angela Chambers
Erkenningsnummer P708816
Climate accord
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w w w. f l a n d e r s t o d ay. e u
Digging deep
Part of the haul uncovered at Antwerp’s Melkmarkt
Flemish archaeologists hope decree will help them continue to shed light on region’s past Angela Chambers
Flemish archaeologists say they need more support to properly conduct their work, which helps preserve the region’s earliest history. The Heritage Decree, currently under consideration by the government of Flanders, could relieve some of their concerns.
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n a dimly lit basement, an Antwerp archaeologist and two field technicians dig through rubbish dating from the 14th century. What was once discarded is now shedding light on a hidden past. Above ground, much of the architecture from this and
previous periods was demolished in the name of progress. The Steen, a medieval fortress, is the only remaining structure from the early city centre since the expansion of the Scheldt river triggered the end of its surroundings. This story extends from Antwerp to most Flemish municipalities. The creation of modern historic monuments has helped preserve several important local sites, but the area’s oldest knowledge is often buried. Without archaeologists, the region may forever forget or misinterpret the lessons our forebearers still have to share. “Our future challenges on a global scale – climate change, migration, nutrition, health, religious issues, technology –
are not new but have been encountered by societies in the past,” says Tim Bellens, Antwerp archaeologist. “Archaeology can help us understand how our ancestors encountered these changes and challenges.” Bellens worked to uncover finds in a building on the Melkmarkt in Antwerp last month, which Belgian national footballer Moussa Dembélé, from Wilrijk, plans to turn into a hotel. While archaeological excavations are now required when new developments occur on historic sites, archaeologists from across Flanders say they aren’t given enough time or financial support to study their findings in depth. They may register a ``continued on page 3