Network meeting: Nature-inclusive entrepreneurship at Kempengoud

On Tuesday 31 March 2026, the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide and IVN Natuureducatie organised a network meeting for the hosts, hostesses and nature guides of the Grenspark. The central theme of the day was Nature Inclusive Entrepreneurship.

The meeting took place at organic farm Kempengoud in Essen. An inspiring example of how agriculture, nature and entrepreneurship can reinforce each other.

The programme started with an update on current developments within the Grenspark. Project leader Mattias van den Bergh shared recent visitor data and explained the progress of the sustainable mobility project MONA.

Alies Westerveen then took the participants into the world of nature-inclusive entrepreneurship. She gave a preview of a new training course that IVN is developing together with sustainability label Green Key. For entrepreneurs in and around the Grenspark , nature is an important Unique Selling Point: visitors come for peace, space and landscape. The session discussed how entrepreneurs can weave nature more strongly into their business operations and what opportunities this offers for themselves, their guests and the environment.

The programme ended with a tour of the farm by Gijs van den Bleeken. He showed how nature and entrepreneurship go hand in hand at Kempengoud. Flower borders, wood edges, shrubs and rich soil provide valuable habitats for numerous species. Kempengoud is an authentic project where connection is key. Visitors are invited to taste, experience and discover, making the story and power of nature-inclusive working tangible.

After a successful meeting, a drink and a snack were enjoyed together, provided by Kempengoud. The Grenspark thanks all those present for their enthusiasm and commitment, and Gijs from Kempengoud for his warm hospitality.