international
polar
foundation

subline

Announcements

Leuven elected most sustainable Belgian municipality in 2013

Leuven elected most sustainable Belgian municipality in 2013

The awards ceremony for the most sustainable Belgian municipality in 2013 took place Tuesday afternoon at the City Hall in Brussels. The jury, headed by International Polar Foundation president Alain Hubert, voted Leuven the most sustainable municipality for its project 'Leuven Climate Neutral 2030'.

Chaudfontaine received a special mention of the Jury for the development of its municipal soft mobility network. The vote for the most sustainable Belgian municipality, an initiative of Cofely Services, aims to encourage municipalities to share their experience in terms of sustainable development and highlight projects of particular interest.

A total of 48 dossiers were submitted this year. The Jury, lead by Alain Hubert, was composed of experts in sustainable development selected last October one laureate project by province. All the nominees for the price were eager to hear which municipality would be awarded the title of most sustainable municipality this year.

Following presentations on sustainable development by Nadine Gouzée (Task Force on Sustainable Development, Federal Planning Bureau), and Dirk Holemans (Oikos) and a presentation of the nominees, the decision of the Jury was announced.

The Jury attributed the price to Leuven for its innovative and ambitious 'Leuven Climate Neutral 2030' project. The project is based on a large collaboration between the municipality, the population and different partners of the city to develop an action plan to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The Jury also awarded a special mention to Chaudfontaine for its project to develop a municipal soft mobility network, a network of pathways allowing and encouraging inhabitants to move around the municipality by foot and bicycle, thereby reducing road traffic.

Have a look at the video presentations of the two projects!

Currently in at Princess Elisabeth Antarctica polar research station, Alain Hubert addressed the awards ceremony via a recorded video message, stating that "once again, the International Polar Foundation is impressed by the quality of the projects that have been submitted".

Congratulations from the International Polar Foundation to both of the winning municipalities!

The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica a few days after opening for 2024-2025 BELARE campaign.

The 2024-2025 BELgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) has officially begun with opening team hard at work!

The first 14 members of the BELgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) are off to a strong start opening and preparing the station for the arrival of scientists in the coming days. 

link

Part of the contemporary portion of the MAS exhbition 'To the Antarctic'.

"To the Antarctic" Exhibition at MAS Closes but Leaves Behind Great Memories and Many Successes

The MAS exhibition 'To the Antarctic' welcomed more than 45,00 visitors over the 4.5 months that it was open to the public. 

link

Aymar de Lichtervelde presenting about the water treatment system at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica zero-emission polar research station

Another Successful Trip to the Arctic Circle Assembly

The International Polar Foundation was again present and active at the annual Arctic Circle Assembly and accompanying Arctic Circle Business Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland from October 17th-19th.

link

A view of Bodø, Norway from above.

Arctic Futures Symposium 2024 Fast Approaching!

The latest edition of the annual Arctic Futures Symposium organised by the International Polar Foundation and its many Arctic stakeholder partners will take place in early December. Register to secure your spot!

link

Alain Hubert receiving the 2024 Belgica Prize from Prof. Roland Souchez

Remembering Roland Souchez

IPF is sad to learn of the passing of glaciologist Professor Roland Souchez, who made important contributions to the fields of glaciology and climate science during his decades-long career.

link

Lego enthusiast Daniel Vermeir poses with his scale replica of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica

LEGO Enthusiast Daniel Vermeir on his Scale Model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station

To celebrate the opening of the exhibit “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers”, Antwerp resident and LEGO enthusiast Daniel Vermeir built an amazing scale model of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, the world’s first and to date only zero-emission polar research station.

link

“To the Antarctic” Exhibition Opens June 21st at MAS Museum in Antwerp

“To the Antarctic” Exhibition Opens June 21st at MAS Museum in Antwerp

The International Polar Foundation has been part of creating a fascinating new exhibition on Belgium's contributions to Antarctic exploration and research, opening at the MAS Museum in Antwerp starting from Friday, June 21st.

link

MAS Expo Opening Evening

Much-Awaited Exhibit at MAS Museum in Antwerp Opens to Large Crowds

After much anticipation, on Thursday, June 20th, the exhibition “To the Antarctic: Belgica’s Polar Pioneers” at Antwerp’s MAS Museum officially opened its doors.

link

European Sustainable Energy Week Invites Alain Hubert to “Debate with Ambassadors” Panel

European Sustainable Energy Week Invites Alain Hubert to “Debate with Ambassadors” Panel

On Tuesday, June 11th, IPF Founder and President Alain Hubert was invited to participate in the “Debate with Ambassadors” panel at European Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (EUSEW24).

link

Alain Hubert Awarded Prestigious Belgica Prize at Ceremony in Brussels

Alain Hubert Awarded Prestigious Belgica Prize at Ceremony in Brussels

At a ceremony held the afternoon of Monday, June 10th at The Royal Academy of Sciences of Belgium, Alain Hubert, Founder and President of the International Polar Foundation, received the prestigious Belgica Prize alongside French glaciologist Professor Jérôme Chappellaz.

link