Lodz as European Green Capital by 2020

XIV Summer Academy
Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland 2011
Lodz as European Green Capital by 2020
The Sendzimir Foundation
Baltina, O.; Burszta-Adamiak, E.; Cai, H.; Dedova, M.; Dziankowska, J.; Gust, A.; Huskowska, A.;
Imre, B.; Istrate, A.; Janiak, K.; Jarzyna, M.; Klak, J.; Kobyłecka, M.; Kovaleva, M.; Lakatos, A.;
Matkowska, A.; Nowicki, M.; Pakowska, A.; Pietras, J.; Pustelak, J.; Putkowska, R.; Qalebashvili,
M.; Stepanova, N.; Strzałkowski, A.; Szatniewski, P.; Sztobryn, A.; Ueyonahara, J.; Walków, M.
Under the supervision of: Bergier, T; Kronenberg, J.; Maliszewska, K.
Lodz, 3–23 July 2011

Summer Academy Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland is a part of the
International educational project Ecosystem services for sustainable development of cities. The
project has a pilot character, its goal is to develop and promote the model practices of using
ecosystem services for sustainable development of cities. The project is being implemented with
financial support granted by the foundation Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) and is co-
financed by National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
The project is carried out by the SENDZIMIR FOUNDATION in partnership with:
University of Leipzig, Germany
University of Lodz
European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices of UNESCO, Lodz
The Fraunhofer Center for Central and Eastern Europe (MOEZ), Leipzig, Germany
Baltic University Programme, Uppsala, Sweden
AGH – University of Science and Technology, Krakow
The Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot
The project is held under the patronage of:
Chief Nature Conservator, Deputy Minister of Environment Janusz Zaleski
ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
The Union of Polish Metropolises
President of Lodz
Marshal of Lodz Region

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Authors
Challenges of Sustainable Development in
Lodz
Project Description
Chapter 3 Barriers to the Preservation of Trees in Cities
and Ways to Overcome These Barriers
Chapter 4 Good Practices of Ecosystem Services
Management
Chapter 5 Valuation of Ecosystem Services – Example
of Street Trees in the Center of Lodz
Olena Baltina, Ukraine
Ania Gust, Poland
Marta Kobyłecka, Poland
Aleksandra Sztobryn, Poland
Michał Jarzyna, Poland
Joanna Klak, Poland
Marina Kovaleva, Kyrgyzstan
Marcin Walków, Poland
Hao Cai, Denmark
Anna Huskowska, Poland
Kamila Janiak, Poland
Anna Matkowska, Poland
Natalia Stepanova, Russian Federation
Justyna Dziankowska, Poland
Renata Putkowska, Poland
Mariam Qalebashvili, Georgia
Adrian Strzałkowski, Poland
Jorge Ueyonahara, Sweden
Chapter 6 Stakeholders Analysis Beata Imre, Hungary
Chapter 7 Indicators and Trends of Sustainable
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Development in Lodz
Systems Thinking Approach and Causal Loop
Diagrams
Innovations
Aura Istrate, Romania
Anna Pakowska, Poland
Justyna Pietras, Poland
Maciej Nowicki, Poland
Ewa Burszta-Adamiak, Poland
Mariya Dedova, Sweden
Attila Lakatos, Hungary
Joanna Pustelak, Poland
Piotr Szatniewski, Poland
Collective Work

Table of Contents
List of tables and figures ......................................................................................................................6
Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................................................7
Abstract.................................................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 1 Challenges of Sustainable Development in Lodz ........................................................10
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................10
1.2 Challenges of Environmental Protection ................................................................................10
1.3 Challenges of Social Development ........................................................................................12
1.4 Good Practices Review...........................................................................................................12
1.5 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 2 Project Description .......................................................................................................19
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................19
2.2 Vision of Lodz as European Green Capital ............................................................................20
CHAPTER 3 Barriers to the Preservation of Trees in Cities and Ways to Overcome These Barriers
............................................................................................................................................................22
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................22
3.2 Method....................................................................................................................................22
3.3 Results ....................................................................................................................................23
3.4 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 4 Good Practices of Ecosystem Services Management ..................................................29
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................29
4.2 Phase I ......................................................................................................................................30
4.2.1 Educational Programs......................................................................................................30
4.2.2 Tree Planting....................................................................................................................30
4.2.3 Competitions....................................................................................................................31
4.3 Phase II .....................................................................................................................................31
4.3.1 Cultural Space .................................................................................................................32

4.3.2 Transportation ..................................................................................................................32
4.4 Phase III ..................................................................................................................................32
4.4.1 Revitalization of Urban Areas .........................................................................................33
4.4.2 Stormwater Management.................................................................................................33
4.4.3 Geothermal energy ..........................................................................................................33
4.5 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................34
CHAPTER 5 Valuation of Ecosystem Services - Example of Street Trees in the Center of Lodz ....35
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................35
5.2 Definition of Valuation of Ecosystem Services ......................................................................35
5.2.1 Ecosystem and Ecosystem Services ................................................................................35
5.2.2 Importance of the Valuation of Ecosystem Services .......................................................36
5.2.3 Methods of valuation .......................................................................................................36
5.3 Methodology of the Study ......................................................................................................37
5.4 Results of the Study ................................................................................................................38
5.5 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................40
CHAPTER 6 Stakeholders Analysis .................................................................................................41
6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................41
6.2 Stakeholder Identification ......................................................................................................41
6.3 Stakeholders Analysis Based on the Amoeba Tool ................................................................43
6.3.1 Stakeholders in Lodz and Description of Their Roles.....................................................44
6.3.2 Stakeholders and Their Areas of Interests .......................................................................49
6.4 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................50
CHAPTER 7 Indicators and Trends of Sustainable Development in Lodz........................................51
7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................51
7.2 Indicators for Nature...............................................................................................................52
7.2.1 Green Areas in the City Center........................................................................................52
7.2.2 Local Spatial Management Plan ......................................................................................52

7.2.3 Illegal Sewage / Water Quality ........................................................................................53
7.2.4 Social Awareness .............................................................................................................53
7.2.5 Water in Landscape (Water Retention) ............................................................................53
7.3 Indicators for Economy ..........................................................................................................54
7.3.1 Existence of Local Spatial Management Plans ...............................................................54
7.3.2 Financing of Urban Green Areas (by the government) ...................................................54
7.3.3 Public-private Partnerships in Green Areas Management ...............................................55
7.3.4 Traffic Volume .................................................................................................................55
7.3.5 Use of Geothermal Energy ..............................................................................................55
7.4 Indicators for Society .............................................................................................................56
7.4.1 Ecological Education .......................................................................................................56
7.4.2 Neighborhood Relationships (private and public areas) .................................................56
7.4.3 Multifunctional Green Areas ...........................................................................................57
7.4.4 Awareness of Inhabitants .................................................................................................57
7.5 Indicators for Well-being ........................................................................................................58
7.5.1 Access to Green Areas .....................................................................................................58
7.5.2 Accessibility to Different Areas in the City for People with Mobility Limitations.........59
7.5.3 Safety of Green Recreational Areas ................................................................................59
7.5.4 Proportion of the Length of Trips Made by Pedestrians and Cyclists to the Length of
Trips Made Using Other Means of Transportation.....................................................................59
7.6 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................60
CHAPTER 8 Systems Thinking Approach and Causal Loops Diagram............................................61
8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................61
8.2 Nature Section ........................................................................................................................61
8.3 Economy Section ....................................................................................................................64
8.4 Society Section .......................................................................................................................66
8.5 Well-being Section .................................................................................................................69

CHAPTER 9 Innovations ...................................................................................................................71
9.1 Nature Section ........................................................................................................................71
9.1.1 Participatory Management of Greenery ..........................................................................71
9.1.2 Competitive Greenery Policy ..........................................................................................73
9.2 Economy Section ....................................................................................................................74
9.2.1 Put Me on the Map Campaign .........................................................................................74
9.2.2 Comprehensive Vision and Identity of Lodz ...................................................................75
9.3 Society Section .......................................................................................................................76
9.3.1 Green It Well Project........................................................................................................76
9.3.2 Green Tram Project .........................................................................................................77
9.4 Well-being Section..................................................................................................................78
9.4.1 The Green Bus Initiative ..................................................................................................78
9.4.2 The Green Bike Corridors ...............................................................................................78
9.5 Feedback from the Seminar Participants ................................................................................79
9.6 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................80
CHAPTER 10 Final Conclusions ......................................................................................................81
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................83
APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................................85
Appendix 1 List of stakeholders participating in the workshop “What to do for Lodz to
receive the title of European Green Capital by 2020”? (July 7 th , 2011).........................................85
Appendix 2 Main Challenges of Lodz Identified by Stakeholders ................................................86
Appendix 3 Stakeholders’ Contact Information .............................................................................89
Appendix 4 ISIS Methodology.......................................................................................................92
Appendix 5 Indicators Used for European Green Capital Award 2014 .........................................94
Appendix 6 List of Best Practices and Corresponding European Green Capital Criteria ..............96
Appendix 7 List of Selected Best Practices....................................................................................98

List of tables and figures
Table 1.1 Urban Green Areas in Lodz (as of December 31, 2011) .................................................... 11
Table 1.2 Street Green Belts in Lodz (as of December 31, 2011) .................................................... 11
Figure 2.1 Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Development of Cities – Map of the Project...........20
Table 3.1 Number of Trees in the Centers of Big Cities in Poland ....................................................24
Table 3.2 Living Conditions of Trees in the Centers of big Cities in Poland within the Last 10 years
............................................................................................................................................................24
Table 3.3 Most Important Administrative Barriers to the Preservation of Urban Trees in Poland ...25
Table 3.4 Most Important Social Barriers to the Preservation of Urban Trees in Poland ..................26
Table 3.5 Most Important Opportunities to Overcome the Above Barriers, Ensuring Better
Protection for Urban Trees and Sustainable Use of Their Services in Poland ...................................27
Figure 4.1 Time scale of the 9-year Ecosystems Management Plan in Lodz .....................................30
Figure 5.1 Socio-economic Characteristics of Respondents (n=133) ................................................39
Figure 6.1 Amoeba Tool – example from Lodz..................................................................................44
Figure 6.2 Stakeholders and Their Areas of Interests.........................................................................49
Figure 7.1 Diagram of Indicators for Nature ......................................................................................54
Figure 7.2 Diagram of Indicators for Economy .................................................................................56
Figure 7.3 Diagram of Indicators for Society.....................................................................................58
Figure 7.4 Diagram of Indicators for Well-being ...............................................................................60
Figure 8.1 Causal Loop Diagram – Condition of the Greenery in the City Center............................63
Figure 8.2 Causal Loop Diagram – Lack of Local Spatial Management Plans in Lodz ....................65
Figure 8.3 Causal Loop Diagram – Insufficient Number of Multifunctional Green Areas ...............68
Figure 8.4 Causal Loop Diagram – Accessibility of Green Areas .....................................................70
Figure 9.1 Cornerstones of Sustainable Development - Competition + Cooperation ........................73

Acknowledgements
The participants of the Summer Academy wish to thank their instructors as well as the numerous
guest lecturers for their valuable presentations and classes (in order of appearance): Dr. Jan
Sendzimir, Professor Macej Zalewski, Dr. Magdalena Urbaniak, Dr. Marek Giergiczny, Dr. Tomasz
Jelenski, Dr. Piotr Magnuszewski; NGOs: Fenomen Foundation, Zrodla, Lodz Sustainable
Transport Initiative, Miej Miejsce, Ekologie Miejskie, Obywatel, Cohabitat.
We also would like to thank Anna Kronenberg and Piotr Zgorzelski for interesting and interactive
workshops that they organized for us.
We would like to express our special gratitude and thanks to all organizers, local helpers and guides
in the city of Lodz: Marta Roskowinska, Basia Kus-Saxton, Ilona Gagala.
We would like to thank all the local stakeholders whom we had an opportunity to interact with on
July 7 th , 2011 during the meetings in the City of Lodz Spatial Planning Office (Miejska Pracownia
Urbanistyczna); Lodz City Office Study and Monitoring Division (UMŁ, Oddział Studiów
i Monitoringu); Lodz City Office Downtown Branch (UMŁ, Delegatura Łódź Śródmieście); Lodz
City Office Department of Entrepreneurship and Investor Assistance (UMŁ, Biuro Rozwoju
Przedsiębiorczości i Obsługi Inwestora), Lodz City Office Division of City Development Strategy;
Center of Promotion and Development of Civil Initiatives “OPUS”; and with the representatives of
the inhabitants of the apartment building at 235/241 Piotrkowska street, protesting against cutting
down trees in the green area in front of their building.
We would like to express our gratitude towards the stakeholders participating in the workshop
organized on July 11 th , 2011 at the Lodz City Office, Department of Environment and Agriculture.
The international seminar Synthesizing different perspectives on the value of urban ecosystem
services on 15-16 July 2011 was held at the University of Lodz, Faculty of Economics and
Sociology.
Accommodation, boarding and infrastructure for the Summer Academy were provided by the
Training and Conference Center of the University of Lodz in Lagiewniki Forest. The cover photo
was taken in the Center’s garden.

Abstract
This report was completed in July 2011 by the participants of the XIV Summer Academy
Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland and it outlines their work on a local project.
The Summer Academy was organized by the Sendzimir Foundation. This three-week training is one
of the most important educational events connected to sustainability in Poland. More than 350
people took part in it since 1998. The main objectives of the Academy are to promote sustainable
development, to teach through practice (learning by doing) and to facilitate the use of innovations
both in governance and research.
The Summer Academy is a part of an international project Ecosystem services for sustainable
development of cities that aim at promoting good practice in urban ecosystem management in Polish
cities. This report presents the final analysis of the theoretical and practical tasks that were
undertaken in its first phase.
The local project focuses on the green areas in the center of Lodz. Chapter 1 presents background
information about Lodz, and Chapter 2 provides description of the local project. Chapter 3 contains
a description and results of a research project entitled Barriers to the preservation of trees in cities
and ways to overcome these barriers. Examples of best practices in ecosystem services
management, that can be an inspiration for similar initiatives in Lodz, are presented in Chapter 4.
The participants of the Summer Academy also conducted a survey among local citizens. The goal of
the survey was to assess the value of street trees in the center of Lodz. Chapter 5 explains the
definition of the valuation of ecosystem services, methodology and results of the survey.
Chapter 6 presents a brief description of local stakeholders and the roles they can play in the
implementation of the strategy that will help Lodz become the European Green Capital by 2020.
Finally, Chapters 7–9 mimic the structure of the ISIS Method. The ISIS Method, that is a coherent
process of planning for sustainability in diverse group of stakeholders, was used to build
a foundation for the strategy that could help Lodz obtain a title of the European Green Capital by
2020. The four-step ISIS approach is presented in the table below.
The last Chapter is a summary of the report.
8

Indicators The most important aspects in the context of sustainable development of Lodz
were identified by the local stakeholders during a participatory meeting
organized in the Lodz City Council. Selected indicators can be used to track the
progress towards meeting the criteria of the European Green Capital Award.
(Chapter 7)
Systems Based on the information obtained from the local stakeholders, the participants
of the Summer Academy performed system analysis of the current situation.
(Chapter 8)
Innovations The next step was a development of innovative projects which, if implemented,
could increase Lodz’s chances of becoming the European Green Capital by
2020. (Chapter 9)
Strategy The strategy development should be the next step to be taken in order to support
Lodz in its greening process. The strategy should define necessary actions
which implementation would make Lodz a greener city.
9

CHAPTER 1
Challenges of Sustainable Development in Lodz
The chapter gives a brief description of Lodz, highlights the sustainability
challenges of the city and focuses on the existing projects in the city,
emphasizing the importance of public participation and preservation of
environmental resources.
1.1 Introduction
Lodz, a city located in the central part of Poland, is the capital of Lodz Voivodship. With the area of
293.3 km 2 , and a population of 742.387, it is a third-largest city in the country. 1 Established in the
14 th century as a trade town between Warsaw and Silesia region, Lodz became a famous industrial
city with a massive textile production. 2 Before 1991, it played a crucial role in Poland textile export.
Till today, most of the major textile companies in Lodz closed down due to the complex political
and economical reasons, however a number of private companies keep working in this field. Lodz is
a major research and education center with highly developed infrastructure. 3 Lodz is a place of
a distinctive cultural and architectural heritage. 4 Lodz offers a variety of tourist and recreational
opportunities, with its state-of-the-art sport arena and hotels, beautiful scenery, architectural
monuments and centers of folk culture.
1.2 Challenges of Environmental Protection
Real treasures of Lodz are the city parks. Nowadays, there are 34 parks located in the city that cover
the area of 503.8 hectares. In addition, forests cover 2,378 hectares of the urban area. In Lodz, there
is also the biggest urban forest within the city in Europe – Las Lagiewnicki which is fundamental in
order to transform industrial city to environmental friendly “Green metropolis” being attractive for
citizens and tourists. Although there are no regular tree complexes along the streets within the city
center, the former industrialists' gardens (27 on the list) form green enclaves with rare types of trees
and shrubs, even if they are neglected. The larger green areas surrounding the central part of the city
form an irregular, symbolic Green Circle of Tradition and Culture. 5
1
Demographic Yearbook of Poland 2010. Central Statistical Office, Warsaw, p. 40, http://www.stat.gov.pl/cps/
rde/xbcr/gus/ PUBL_rs_rocznik_demograficzny_2010.pdf (retrieved: July 13, 2011).
2
History. The City Office of Lodz website: http://en.uml.lodz.pl/city/history/ (retrieved: July 11, 2011).
3
Lodz: Business Report. Lodz – City of Innovation website: http://www.miastoinnowacji.lodz.pl/Wydawnictwa/
(retrieved: July 13, 2011).
4
Young C., Kaczmarek S. Changing the perception of the post-socialist city: place promotion and imagery in Lodz,
Poland. CBS Interactive Business Network website: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go2454/is_2_165/ai_n28
737617/ (retrieved: July 13, 2011).
5
Jakobczyk-Gryszkiewicz J., Dyba W., Marcinczak Sz., Tanas S., (2008). Zagospodarowanie terenow rekreacyjnych
Lodzi. Plan, perspektywy, Lodzkie Towarzystwo Naukowe, Lodz, p.50.
10

Over the years, the green areas in Lodz have not changed significantly (Table 1.1). The only
positive change that can be observed is the increase of the parks and estate green belts areas.
Together the green land accounts for 30% of the city. 6
Table 1.1 Urban Green Areas in Lodz (as of December 31, 2011)
Areas in (ha) 2005 2008 2009
Parks 609,5 702,5 626,5
Lawns 276,4 276,4 276,4
Estate green belts 925,5 972,1 1018,1
Zoological gardens 17,0 17,0 17,0
Botanical gardens 64,1 67,3 67,3
Nature reserves 79,7 79,6 79,6
Landscape parks 1605,9 1605,9 1605,9
Source: Statistic for Lodz 2010, Statistical Office in Lodz 2010.
The length of street green belts remain unchanged but total amount of planted trees is lower that
total number of trees that have been removed. Decreasing trend is probably caused by living
conditions (hardening and salinity of soils, pollution, etc.), arising conflict of interest of different
groups, lack of local spatial management plans, lack of funds and lack of awareness of the
importance of trees. The opposite trend can be observed in relation between number of shrubs
planted and removed. The quantity of units of new shrub is now almost three times higher than in
the last two years (Table 1.2).
Table 1.2 Street Green Belts in Lodz (as of December 31, 2011)
Specification 2005 2008 2009
Street green belts in ha 78 78 78
Number of trees planted 160 364 992
Number of trees removed 332 333 1021
Number of shrubs planted 2534 6409 4654
Number of shrubs removed 42 2207 1274
Source: Statistic for Lodz 2010, Statistical Office in Lodz 2010.
Although there are 18 streams within the territory of Lodz, the city area can be characterized as
an area with challenging water conditions because Lodz is situated on the main watershed and
equipped with the mixed drainage system.
The amount of municipal sewage in Lodz is gradually decreasing, and since 2004 the urban
drainage system, as well as the Combined Sewage Treatment Plant have been developed and
modernized (the length of the system in 2000 – 816 km, in 2007 – 914 km). A project involving the
thermal treatment of sewage sediments is being carried out. 7 Now Lodz has one of the most modern
sewage treatment plants in Poland.
6 Parki Miasta Lodzi. The Lodz City Council, Department of Environment and Agriculture website:
www.przyroda.uml.lodz.pl/?s=26 (retrieved: July 12, 2011).
7 Liszewski, S. (2009). Lodz a Monograph of the City, Lodz Scientific Society, p.367-368.
11

Lodz, as many other cities, struggles with a problem of traffic congestion. Lodz is one of three cities
in Poland (after Cracow and Gdansk) that decided to incorporate and take into consideration the
importance of cycling in the urban policy and signed the Charter of Brussels. This document is
meant to strengthen the cooperation between bicycle users associations, public institutions, experts
from the field and other parties that will work together to support the development of bicycle
culture and infrastructure. Lodz plans to increase to 15% utility cycling in urban traffic by 2020. As
of 2011 there were 75,939 m of bicycle paths in the city. 8 According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers
(PwC) report in 2011, the bicycle network in Lodz is underdeveloped, while the number of cars in
the city is rapidly increasing (from 291cars/1000 inhabitants in 2006 to 450 cars/1000 inhabitants in
2011) and the density of road networks is significantly above the average. 9
In 2010 Lodz took part in the European Green Capital Award Contest, unfortunately without
success. The European Green Capital Award was launched by the European Commission on May
22 nd , 2008 and is a highly prestigious award.
1.3 Challenges of Social Development
Previous industrial focus of Lodz and recent changes into a more culturally and environmentally
focused city are associated with social challenges faced by the government and inhabitants. As part
of the famous textile industry has been liquidated, problem of unemployment and social exclusion
arose. Another issue is that many Lodz inhabitants commute to the neighboring Warsaw where
the work places are located and many young people choose to move there. This phenomenon results
in the decrease of Lodz population, which is a real problem for a city that aims to develop.
Social problems are also partially managed by revitalization processes, including changing postindustrial
areas into hotels or shopping and cultural centers however the newly established work
places do not provide jobs for as many people as in previous industrial times. Thus social dialogue
becomes of a great importance. Several civil society projects have been initiated by nongovernmental
organizations in order to improve well-being of population.
1.4 Good Practices Review
Inhabitants of Lodz are highly motivated and want to implement changes in their city. Below
described initiatives represents examples of good practices in the sustainable development that are
currently implemented in Lodz. Selected good practices are connected with environmental
protection and public participation.
8
Dlugosc drog rowerowych w Lodzi. Rowerowa Lodz website: http://www.rowerowalodz.pl/aktualnosci/296-dugodrog-rowerowych-w-odzi
(retrieved: July 11, 2011).
9
Reports on Major Polish Cities Lodz. (2011) PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited website:
http://www.pwc.com/pl/en/wielkie -miasta-polski/raport_Lodz_eng.pdf (retrieved: July 11, 2011).
12

Table 1.3 Good Practices in Lodz
Type Name Organizer Action Area
GREEN PRACTICES
Blue-Green
Network
The Green Circle
of Tradition and
Culture
- International
Institute of Polish
Academy of
Sciences -
European Regional
Centre for
Ecohydrology
- Department of
Applied Ecology
of the University
of Lodz
- The City Office
of Lodz
- The City Office
of Lodz
- environment,
- urban area,
- ecohydrology
- environment,
- urban area
- tourism,
- entertainment
13
Short Description
Source of information
The concept is created on
the basis of theory of
ecohydrology
complementary to the
traditional city planning
concept of a green belt
around the city of Lodz.
Main goal of the project is
to create network of the
city parks (places of
entertainment, where
inhabitants can relax).
Crucial elements of Blue-
Green Network are rivers
and theirs valleys, which
needed to be cleaned and
revitalized.
www.bluegreen.org.pl
The Green Circle of
Tradition and Culture are
special areas around the
center of Lodz which
cover 16 parks, gardens
and also areas with big
cultural and historical
meaning public places
like graveyards, old
factories building.
Main Goals
quality of life and health
improvement:
- better access to green areas,
- attractive walks paths,
- bike routes,
- lower risk of many diseases
impact on the environment:
- improved microclimate, air and
water quality,
- larger biodiversity
Blue-Green Network
increases city attractiveness
- increase the tourist
attractiveness of the city,
- protection of the green areas
with historical, cultural and
environmental value,
- linkage of different green areas
in Lodz thus citizens can
comfortably move from one
place to another

The Centrum of
Promotion and
Development
Civil Initiatives -
Clean City
Nongovernmenta
l initiative Glos
Lodzian sie liczy
- The City Office
of Lodz,
- Department of
Public Utilities
- Centrum
Promocji i
Rozwoju Inicjatyw
Obywatelskich
OPUS
- social
participation,
- environment,
- urban area,
- waste sorting
- participation,
- public
discussion,
- environment,
- urban area
14
Guidebook “W zielonym
kręgu tradycji i kultury”
by Piotr Prusinowski
The general goal of this
campaign is to implement
activities that will make
Lodz a cleaner and more
nature-friendly city. By
participation in many
programs the local
community is being
involved in decision
making processes. The
program strives to make
inhabitants of Lodz region
more active in local life,
build a conscious society,
promote activities such as
recycling and waste
sorting.
The program also offers
consultations, trainings
and implements projects
concerning the cleaning
of the city and waste
management.
www.czystemiasto.uml.lo
dz.pl
Main goal of this project
was to create a model of
social consultation on the
local level and also to
encourage people to
- cleaner surroundings (for
example by liquidation of illegal
dumps, removal of leaves and
composting them for organic
fertilization),
-involvement of the youth in the
cleaning up of public places,
- recycling and waste sorting
- increase inhabitants'
engagement and awareness,
- effective local participation,
- inhabitants feel responsible for
their close surroundings

PARTICIPATION
Mud Festival - Informal group
“Miej Miejsce”
- participation,
- urban area,
- education
15
participate in local
decision making process.
www.gloslodzian.pl
The main goal of the
initiative is to bring
decisions makers’
attention to the urban
areas. Several
spontaneous actions are
organized to encourage
inhabitants to take care of
their city. Mud Festival
was organized to bring up
the problem of
undeveloped area near the
Poznanski Palace. Local
media found the Festival
to be very interesting and
promoted the event and
the problem of neglected
area in the center of Lodz.
Thanks to the local media
the information reached
local decision makers.
Finally, local authorities
took care of the problem
and decided to create a
lawn near the Poznanski
Palace.
http://www.plasterlodzki.
pl/miasto/aktualnoci/1653
-festiwal-bota-w-odzifotowideo
- increase inhabitants'
awareness,
- encourage people to participate
in urban planning,
- development of new plans for
undeveloped areas,
- inhabitants integration with
decision makers which is
supposed to increase the
effectives of local actions

Let’s Help
Chestnuts in
Lodz
- The City Office
of Lodz -
Department of
Environmental
Protection and
Agriculture
- Lodz League of
Nature
Conservation
Fenomen - Fenomen
Foundation
- participation,
- environment,
- ecological
education
- public
participation,
discussion,
- environment,
- urban area
16
The main goal of this
action is to protect the
chestnuts from the
chestnut pests. One of the
methods of protection is
collection of fallen leaves
where chrysalises of pests
overwinter. The youth
from local schools is
involved in this action.
http://www.przyroda.uml.l
odz.pl/?s=31
The goal of this project is
to popularize cycling in
the city and improve
conditions for cycling.
Examples of the projects:
development of new
cycling routes; lobbying
in the City Council to
defend budget in favour
of sustainable transport
development; working on
bicycle rack audit;
promotion of urban biking
(LodzCycleChic);
engaging people (Critical
Mass); education of
cyclists; promotion of
cycling events; portal
RowerowaLodz.pl and
AutoStac.pl
www.fundacjafenomen.pl
- youth participation in
environmental protection,
- trees protection,
- improving conditions of green
areas in the city,
- improving the quality of life
- reduction of carbon emissions
which results in better air
quality,
- reduction of noise pollution,
- reduction of congestion on
roads,
- more green spaces in the city,
-prevention of sedentary
lifestyle,
-improving citizens mobility

Eco-Piotrkowska
– The Longest
Green Street in
Europe
- Creative Cities
Project,
- Lodz City
Council,
- Lodz Integrated
Restoration
Institute
- public
participation,
- environment,
- urban area,
- tourism,
- entertainment
area
17
The first event of the
project - Future City
Game - brought together
representatives of the city
authorities, academia,
local community, business
and various creative
industries to identify the
best solutions for the
sustainable improvement
of Piotrkowska Street.
The project was a part of
Lodz efforts to obtain the
European Green Capital
Award in 2010.
http://creativecities.british
council.org/urban_codesign_tools/element/119/
the_future_of_piotrkowsk
a_street
- development of new
sustainable vision of
Piotrkowska street through
active public participation,
- noise reduction,
- contribution to the reduction of
harmful gasses,
- creation of green roofs,
- transformation of concrete
courtyards into green oases, with
green walls and green roofs

1.5 Conclusions
The chapter presented background information about Lodz. Moreover, the environmental and social
challenges were emphasized in order to highlight the status quo. Currently the biggest challenges
for Lodz are the reconstruction and revitalization of the valuable city center and implementation of
initiatives that would make Lodz more sustainable. In addition, the chapter provided a brief
description of a number of good practices already implemented in the city. The examples of
activities carried out by local community prove that inhabitants are interested in the improvement of
surrounding areas and living conditions in the city.
Sustainable development takes time, preparation, commitment and patience. One can already
observe many positive innovative trends in the city which should be taken into account, supported
and further developed.
18

CHAPTER 2
Project Description
Local authorities and communities are facing many urban challenges.
The most important issues are the following: protection of the urban
environment, improvement of the quality of life and development
of spatial plans.
Sustainable way of development and proper identification and utilization
of services provided by urban ecosystems are very important.
2.1 Introduction
The main idea of the project Lodz European Green Capital by 2020 is to encourage implementation
of the sustainability principles in spatial planning and management in Lodz.
One of the objectives of the project is to demonstrate the importance of ecosystem services and their
valuation in decision making process, as well as to emphasize the importance of public participation
in the management of green areas in the city. Moreover, the project promotes the implementation of
innovations in local governance.
An important part of the project is an assessment of the value of services “offered” by street trees in
the center of Lodz and identification of the reasons that caused a decrease in the number of trees. In
words of Dwayer: “Past planning and management efforts have not been as effective as they might
have been because planners and managers have underestimated the potential benefits that urban
trees and forests can provide, and have not understood the planning and management efforts needed
to provide those benefits”. 10
Interviews with local authorities and experts provided valuable information that was used to prepare
this report. A survey conducted among inhabitants revealed their opinions on how valuable the
ecosystem services provided by trees are for them.
An indirect result of the project may be an increase in people and authorities’ awareness about the
importance of proper planning and management of green areas in the city center. Moreover, the
project sparks public interest and discussion about green spaces in the city.
Information obtained from various stakeholders was used to design innovations that, if
implemented, would lead to sustainable development of the city.
All activities carried out within this project (Figure 2.1) resulted in a report for the City Office of
Lodz and a guide Nature in the City – Why Is It Important and How to Ensure Its Preservation?
10 Dwyer, J. F., Assessing the benefits and costs of the urban forest, Journal of Arboriculture 18(5): September 1992.
19

Figure 2.1 Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Development of Cities – Map of the Project
2.2 Vision of Lodz as European Green Capital
The European Green Capital Award (EGCA) is about sharing experiences, best practices, and
a vision of sustainable future. Cities differ enormously but also have a lot in common, and sharing
real best-practice examples of what a sustainable city can look like is essential, if further progress is
to be made. Europe is an urban society, with many environmental challenges to face.
The EGCA has been conceived as an initiative to promote and reward local efforts to improve the
environment, the economy and the quality of life of urban populations. In other words, the cities
become role models for each other. “The finalists and winners of the European Green Capital
Award provide us with valuable real-life examples of how respect for the environment, excellent
quality of life and economic growth can all be successfully combined”. 11 Starting in 2010, one
European city will be selected each year as the EGC of the year.
11
European Green Capital - About the Award. The European Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/
europeangreencapital/about-the-award/index.html (retrieved: July 13, 2011).
20

The main objectives of the European Green Capital Award are to:
- reward cities that have a consistent record of achieving high environmental standards;
- encourage cities to commit to ongoing and ambitious goals for further environmental
improvement and sustainable development;
- provide a role model to inspire other cities and promote best practices and experience in all
other European cities.
Stockholm was selected as the 2010 European Green Capital, while Hamburg took over the title in
2011, Vitoria-Gasteiz will become the EGCin 2012 and Nantes in 2013.
Detailed information about the European Green Capital Award indicator areas for 2014 can be
found in Appendix 5.
Right now many sustainable initiatives are being implemented in the city of Lodz which could
support the effort of Lodz to become the European Green Capital in future.
21

CHAPTER 3
Barriers to the Preservation of Trees in Cities and Ways to
Overcome These Barriers
The number of trees in centers of big cities in Poland is decreasing.
Moreover, the living conditions of trees in Poland within the last 10 years
became worse.
The administrative and social barriers have negative influence on situation
of trees in Polish cities.
To overcome those barriers several solutions were identified.
3.1 Introduction
The quantity of trees in central areas of large cities in Poland is decreasing, and most probably the
same happens in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Loosing trees, society is also losing
a source of important ecosystem services. As a result, an increase in social and economic costs of
environmental degradation and public health related to higher traffic and industry is observed. The
quality of life in central urban areas is deteriorating, often leading to the social degradation of those
areas. Apart from the phenomena traditionally discussed with reference to the problems of urban
trees, such as salinity and hardening of soils or air pollution (related to increased pressures from
transportation and the development of infrastructure), we should also consider institutional failures
that lead to the former more often discussed problems. The institutional failures include government
(or administrative) failures and social failures.
The research project entitled Barriers to the preservation of trees in cities and ways to overcome
these barriers, which is a part of a larger project Ecosystem services for sustainable development of
cities, conducted by the Sendzimir Foundation, refers to these kinds of failures. Better knowledge
about and understanding of the administrative and social barriers would allow improving the
situation of trees in cities, and hence increase the use of their services in a sustainable manner.
3.2 Method
The objectives of this research project fell into the following categories:
1. Identification of the institutional barriers to the preservation of trees in central areas of cities
in Poland (with some comparison to the situation of other countries in Central and Eastern
Europe).
2. Identification of opportunities to overcome those barriers.
22

The goal of this research project was to test the following two hypotheses:
1. Quantity of trees in central areas of cities in Poland decreases because of institutional
failures.
2. Institutional failures can be prevented so that the trees were used with better awareness of
their importance and in line with the concept of sustainable development.
A non-experimental design was used to survey the experts. The questionnaire composed of 53
questions: 3 multiple choice with one possible answer, 3 multiple choice with three possible
answers, 38 based on the level of measurement with five-point Likert scale, 3 open-ended based on
the level of measurement with five-point Likert scale and 6 open-ended.
The questionnaire was distributed (by phone, e-mail or in person) to numerous experts in Poland
and abroad (Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia,
Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Peru, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden,
Ukraine). The experts, people actively involved in issues related to urban trees, represented:
municipal servants (Poland: 6; foreign: 12), researchers (34 and 25), private sector employees
(4 and 3), others (1 and 6).
The experts in Poland were selected from participants of the annual conference on Urban Greenery
– Natural Wealth of the City (purposive sampling). The conference is one of the most important
events in this field being hold in Poland since 2005. The foreign experts were identified based on
their recognition as the specialists in this field in their home countries.
The research was conducted between 7 th and 29 th May, 2011. In total, 45 surveys from Poland and
46 from abroad were classified as complete.
3.3 Results
According to the majority of experts, the number of trees in the centers of big cities in Poland is
decreasing (Table 3.1). Moreover, the living conditions of trees in Poland within the last 10 years
became worse (Table 3.2). In contrast, majority of foreign experts stated that number of trees in
their respective cities increased or stayed the same. The foreign experts also said that the living
conditions of trees in their cities in the same time improved or did not change at all.
23

Table 3.1 Number of Trees in the Centers of Big Cities in Poland
In your opinion, in the centres of big cities in
Poland, the number of trees is
decreasing;
34
increasing; 3
Table 3.2 Living Conditions of Trees in the Centers of big Cities in Poland within the Last 10
years
24
constant; 8
How do you assess changes in the living
conditions of trees in the centres of big cities in
Poland within the last 10 years?
They are
becoming
worse; 37
They are
improving; 3
They are the
same; 5

A list of potential barriers to the preservation of urban trees was presented to the respondents, with
additional space provided for their own suggestions. The respondents were also asked to indicate
the three most important barriers from the list. The insufficient funds for the maintenance of green
areas were identified as the main obstacles, both in Poland and abroad. The Polish experts also
pointed out that the lack of local spatial management plans as well as the ignorance of the basic
rules of the cultivation of trees among the administrators of urban green areas is a serious problem
(Table 3.3).
The foreign experts also stressed out that the poor execution of rules concerning the preservation of
urban trees and the low awareness of the importance of trees among decision-makers constitute one
of the most important barriers.
Table 3.3 Most Important Administrative Barriers to the Preservation of Urban Trees
in Poland
Lack of local spatial management plans,
leading to discretionary decisions regarding
building and infrastructure
Laws and other rules neglecting the
significance of trees and urban green areas or
limiting the possibilities of protecting trees
and other greenery against other interests
Lack of control and of execution of laws by the
administrators and officials – vaguely
formulated rules, lack of the effective
possibility of punishment
Ignorance of the basic rules of the cultivation
of trees among the administrators of urban
green areas
Insufficient funds for the maintenance and the
cultivating of green areas
Both Polish and foreign experts claimed that the society does not perceive the issues related to
urban trees as important and urgent ones, thus is not actively involved in their preservation. Very
important is the fact that the society is not aware of the importance of trees. In addition, Polish
25
11
12
0 5 10 15 20 25
13
16
21

experts stated that the trees are often perceived by city inhabitants as a problem causing shadow,
allergies etc. (Table 3.4). Foreign experts highlighted lack of knowledge on how to protect trees in
the city against different forms of pressure.
Table 3.4 Most Important Social Barriers to the Preservation of Urban Trees in Poland
Lack of knowledge on how to protect trees
in the city against different forms of
pressure
Bad habits of individuals (e.g. destroying
and hurting trees)
Trees are perceived as a problem (e.g.
causing shadow, allergies, loosing leaves
that need to be removed)
Other issues are perceived by citizens as
more important (e.g. parking lots,
buildings)
Low awareness of the importance of trees
among citizens
According to the respondents, the ways to overcome above mentioned barriers are connected with
effective execution of laws and rules, information and education, putting legal regulations referring
to urban trees in order (Table 3.5). In addition, the foreign experts pointed out creating new
standards indicating the required percentage of green areas in all new road and building projects.
Both Polish and foreign experts suggested many possible solutions to overcome administrative and
social barriers.
The educational programs raising awareness of the benefits of trees among citizens, investors and
decision makers were recognized by the experts as an important tool. These educational programs
should focus on the importance of trees in the cities from the environmental, social and economic
perspectives. This can be achieved through informational and awareness raising campaigns
presented in mass media. Moreover, there is a need to increase the citizens’ understanding of legal
regulations that pertains to green areas and encourage them to act when the law is not executed.
The experts stressed out the need for raising awareness of the rules of the rational trees
management, including planting right trees in the right places. It is also crucial to consider trees
related issues during the development of city spatial plans. Some experts suggested that there
26
13
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
17
23
28
29

should be some legal regulations that would protect not only new trees but also the old ones because
of their greater value.
There is also a need for making existing legal regulations more precise, and to ensure that the
decision making processes related to the urban greenery are more transparent. To support these
efforts, the experts suggested an implementation of radical rules against corruption in the
management of funds for green public spaces. They also pointed out a need for creation of
integrated system of urban greenery management. Exchange of opinions, experience, and
cooperation between all local stakeholders is necessary to implement the mentioned above
solutions.
According to the experts, the funding for implementation of discussed actions could come from
municipal budgets, special environmental protection funds, fees and penalties for cutting trees,
taxes, the European Union funds or public donations.
It is essential that all of actions and funds connected to urban greenery management should be
carefully planned, consequently implemented, monitored and evaluated. To achieve success
the process of urban greenery development has to be perceived in a long-term frame thus
continuous participation and engagement of all stakeholders is crucial.
Table 3.5 Most Important Opportunities to Overcome the Above Barriers, Ensuring Better
Protection for Urban Trees and Sustainable Use of Their Services in Poland
Introduction to the Property Management
National Act the "public green areas" as a
public priority.
Higher financial means for the
preservation of trees in cities
Creating new standards indicating the
required percentage of green areas in all
new road building projects
Information/education
Effective execution of laws and rules
Putting legal regulations referring to
urban trees in order
27
10
0 5 10 15 20 25
12
13
14
14
20

3.4 Conclusions
The barriers to the preservation of trees in cities can be divided into two categories: administrative
and social. The following administrative barriers were identified as the most important: the
insufficient funds for the maintenance of green areas, lack of local spatial management plans,
ignorance of the basic rules of the cultivation of trees, poor execution of rules concerning the
preservation of urban trees and the low awareness of the importance of trees among decision
makers. The most significant social barriers are connected to the citizens’ limited awareness of the
importance of trees and lack of knowledge on how to protect trees in the city against different forms
of pressure.
To overcome those barriers increasing awareness of importance of urban trees among citizens and
decision makers, better execution of existing law and improvement in management of urban
greenery and development of spatial plans are needed.
It is crucial, that all above mentioned solutions should be carefully planned, implemented,
monitored and evaluated permanently with engagement of all stakeholders.
28

CHAPTER 4
Good Practices of Ecosystem Services Management
The chapter presents recommendations for Lodz in the area of developing
an effective ecosystem services management strategy.
The proposed management plan is divided into three phases – starting with
a phase where relatively simple and cheap projects can be implemented
and ending with initiatives that are more complex and implementation
requires more time and funding.
4.1 Introduction
Sustainable development requires preservation of the environment and improvement of social and
economic situation on a global and local level. Ecosystem services management is one of the ways
to improve sustainability and rational use of nature services. Thus a key challenge is to identify
integrated management policies to maximize the utility of multiple ecosystem services.
The chapter presents information regarding the most important good practices which were already
implemented and brought positive results in different parts of the world.
The selected good practices can work as an inspiration for developing an efficient and adaptive
management framework in Lodz, and thus help to receive the title of the European Green Capital by
2020. Moreover, the chosen practices could help to solve current problems in Lodz that were
described in previous chapters. In addition, they correspond to the European Green Capital Award’s
criteria therefore implementation of recommended practices could ease the selection process.
A full list of selected good practices can be found in Appendix 7.
The good practices have been divided into three groups representing three phases of implementation
(Figure 4.1). In the first phase, the projects which are less complex and produce the quickest results
could be implemented. Phases II and III include more complex projects that might need more time
for their implementation and for the results to be visible.
29

4.2 Phase I
Figure 4.1 Time scale of the 9-year Ecosystems Management Plan in Lodz
The Phase I covers the least expensive practices which could generate the results in a short period
of time. These practices include educational programs, public-private participation in trees planting
activities and contests. These good practices aim to increase the number of green urban areas and to
enrich the urban biodiversity.
4.2.1 Educational Programs
Educational programs include events, door-to-door outreach, community meetings or volunteer
service projects that will raise public awareness about the urban ecosystems. By organizing such
meetings for the neighborhoods and enhancing knowledge it is possible to increase the amount of
green spaces, and to improve the appearance and cleanliness of existing green areas. Such actions
could be implemented in Lodz following good example from Boston, Peterborough and Seattle.
The goal of the EarthWorks' Urban Wilds Program (Boston, MA; USA) was to connect urban
residents to the wilds (Appendix 7, Best Practice 47). The Forest for Peterborough Project in the
United Kingdom involved young people so that they could learn about the importance of
biodiversity, its development and protection (Appendix 7, Best Practice 33). Another educational
program was implemented in Seattle (Washington, USA) (Appendix 7, Best Practice 22).
The Master Composter Program was operated by Seattle Tilth as a part of the Natural Soil Building
Program. The Master Composter Program trained individuals to become experts in composting.
This program trained individuals who could later educate the general public on how to reduce their
waste and improve soil quality at the same time.
4.2.2 Tree Planting
Another way to increase green zones in urban areas is to encourage individuals, families, schools,
etc. to make a donation or to plant a tree personally. Tree planting actions have already shown
30

positive outcomes in such cities as Singapore, Chicago, Gdansk, New York, Peterborough, Poznan,
Santiago and Austin (for further information please see Appendix 7).
Plant-A-Tree Program in Singapore encouraged local people to protect ecosystem services and to
create a green, healthy, livable and salubrious environment (Appendix 7, Best Practice 40). Plant-A-
Tree Program contributed to the improvement of the environment by individual’s actions. Chicago
Trees Initiative involved Municipality of Chicago and local community (Appendix 7, Best Practice
43). The citizens were encouraged to plant a tree in private gardens or to volunteer in the city tree
planting actions.
4.2.3 Competitions
A contest or a competition among gardens or parks could play a positive role in the improving of
urban biodiversity. Such practices could be organized by nonprofit organizations or local
government as a part of the broader actions with the aim to raise people’s awareness about the
environment and to make streets cleaner and greener.
Since 1995, the Croatian National Tourist Board organizes a contest with a task to arrange a garden
around family houses in towns which participate in the contest (Appendix 7, Best Practice 23). The
concept of the contest is simple: households have to arrange their gardens and area around the
house, people in the strict city center have to arrange their balconies. The main objective is to create
a little green zone around the house. At the end of the application period, the representatives from
the Tourist Board/City government evaluate the gardens and give awards.
Similar initiative was organized in Krakow (Appendix 7, Best Practice 7). The initiators were trying
to encourage Cracow inhabitants to joint responsibility for greenery in the city. The competition
encourages citizens to invite nature into places from which it was removed for instance because of
urbanization.
By expanding knowledge of local people and through their work and cooperation it is possible to
implement effective solutions for small areas (housing estates or districts) that will increase green
areas and biodiversity in a short term.
4.3 Phase II
Phase II focuses on good practices that require more time for implementation. These practices
include projects improving existing recreational open spaces as well as projects creating new urban
green spaces such as parks, blue-green corridors etc. Emphasis is placed on availability and
accessibility of green areas and improvement of environmentally-friendly transport to improve the
quality of life.
31

4.3.1 Cultural Space
Green spaces contribute to the air quality, noise prevention and reduction of the heat island effect,
improve local climate conditions and contribute to the reduction of the climate change. While
planning the green areas sustainable land use, restoration of natural vegetation types and water
retention in urban environment should be taken into account.
An inspiration for Lodz could be a restoration of brownfields in North Rhine Westphalia (Germany)
(Appendix 7, Best Practice 18). Apart from restoring post industrial abandoned area, the goal of the
project was to improve existing urban spaces and create regional park system with green corridors
and water canals.
Green spaces provide cultural and recreational services, improve aesthetics and are very important
for the development of social relationships. The example of Slepotka River (Katowice, Poland)
shows how a former source of problems can be transformed into a source of various benefits
(Appendix 7, Best Practice 27). The water in the river had been contaminated and surrounding
riverside was abandoned. The partnership between representatives from different countries
(REURIS Project) has led to the restoration of the urbanized part of the river valley which now
provides recreational open space for local communities as well as habitats for vegetation and
animals.
4.3.2 Transportation
Development of environmentally-friendly transportation (public transport, bicycle paths) and
reduction of traffic in the city can be other areas of intervention and preparation for the European
Green Capital Award contest.
Preparation process to become European Green Capital should also focus on environmentally
friendly transportation (public transport, bicycle paths) and reducing traffic in the city in order to
reduce air pollution.
Systematic planning in Münster (Germany) has changed the city from heavy traffic area into the
eco-mobile city (Appendix 7, Best Practice 48). The City of Münster decided to invest in bicycle
paths and public transportation. The city also implemented a program that promotes eco-transport.
In addition, a service centre for clever transport choices (Mobilé) was established in collaboration
with communal transportation company, where citizens and tourists are provided with the
information on the best travel options and alternatives. The bicycle paths connect central districts
with city suburbs and allow users to easily access green areas.
4.4 Phase III
The third phase includes projects that need more time for implementation and for the results to be
visible. These projects are usually more capital intensive that the ones described in Phases I and II,
and focus on revitalization and infrastructure development for water and energy management.
32

4.4.1 Revitalization of Urban Areas
One of the requirements to become the European Green Capital is sustainable use of land. Lodz has
a possibility to use the abandoned factories, stations, historic buildings and other areas which are
located in the city center. A good example of such a practice is High line – Innovative Park in New
York (Appendix 7, Best Practice 19). As a result of this project the old railway station with long
railroad tracks was transformed into a popular place with bike and run paths, as well as an area for
planting vegetables. Additionally, cultural events like concerts and exhibitions are hosted in the
park. The main function of this park is recreation, but it also helps to clean urban air.
A similar project was run in China where the old unused steel factory and shipyard were
transformed into Shanghai Houtan Park with restorative design strategy for treating polluted river
water and recovery of the degraded waterfront (Appendix 7, Best Practice 30). The project included
construction of wetlands, planting traditional plants as well as development of a network of
educational paths. Nowadays, Houtan Park is an example of an ecosystem where ecological
infrastructure provides multiple services for society and nature.
4.4.2 Stormwater Management
One of Lodz’s problems is stormwater runoff by canalized rivers and other underground
installations. This way stormwater is mixed with wastewater and treated as if it was polluted to the
same extend, however there are many examples in the world where stormwater is naturally purified
and reused.
The Sustainable Stormwater Management in Portland (Oregon, USA) can serve as a good example.
(Appendix 7, Best Practice 34). The project endorses onsite collection and transportation of
stormwater from roofs, parking lots, streets, and other surfaces to infiltrate into the ground or collect
for reuse, often reducing the need for costly underground structures. The method relies on the
natural retention and infiltration capabilities of plants and soil. There are different types of
infiltration facilities e.g. swales, curb extensions, rain barrels, cisterns, planters and infiltration
basin. Initially the program was implemented only on the public property. However, later the City
started to offer incentives (discounts, credits, grants) to homeowners to reduce stormwater runoff
coming from private properties. The City also conducts information and education activities to raise
awareness and promote stormwater management.
4.4.3 Geothermal energy
The energy performance also has to be taken into account while applying for the European Green
Capital Award. Lodz has a potential to use the best practice of Reykjavik where about 66% of
primary energy is obtained from geothermal sources (Appendix 7, Best Practice 49).
In 1930 in Reykjavik, the geothermal sources were used to heat two schools, 60 homes, and the
main hospital. Today the entire city uses geothermal energy sources. The use of this natural
33

esource has significantly reduced the City's dependence on fossil fuels – making it one of the
cleanest cities in the world delivering annual savings of CO2 emissions up to 4 million tons.
A geothermal research project has already started in Lodz. It is led by the Technical University in
Lodz.
4.5 Conclusions
The chapter presented selected good practices which were already implemented and brought
positive results in different parts of the world (a full list of selected good practices can be found in
Appendix 7). Described projects are feasible to be implemented in Lodz and should help in meeting
the goal of Lodz becoming the European Green Capital by 2020.
34

CHAPTER 5
Valuation of Ecosystem Services - Example of Street Trees in
the Center of Lodz
The valuation of ecosystem services helps to estimate an economic value of
services and goods provide by nature. Estimation of value of such goods or
services is not easy but is needed for decision making.
This chapter explains the process of valuation of street trees in Lodz.
The preliminary results show that the inhabitants of Lodz prefer planting
trees where currently there are no trees.
5.1 Introduction
The chapter explains the definition, methodology and results of the valuation of street trees in the
center of Lodz. The first part of the chapter explains what the valuation of ecosystem services is and
why it is important. The second part focuses on the method used to estimate the value of street trees
in Lodz, and the third part presents the preliminary results of the study conducted in Lodz.
5.2 Definition of Valuation of Ecosystem Services
In order to provide a better understanding of the term “valuation of ecosystem services” it is
necessary to briefly describe the basic concepts and terms used.
5.2.1 Ecosystem and Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem is a dynamic, complex and functional unit that group animals, micro-organism
communities and plants. Humans are part of the ecosystem. 12
Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems, such as water, food,
cultural and recreational services. 13 Trees provide many services especially in the urban areas
(e.g. air purification, trees reduction of noise pollution, local climate regulation, recreational and
aesthetic experiences).
For the purpose of this report, the street trees in Lodz are referred to as an ecosystem. Trees provide
many services for inhabitants of Lodz and valuation of these services was the main goal of this
research project.
12 Hassan, R., Scholes, R., Ash, N. (2005). Ecosystems and human well-being: current state and trends, Volume I,
Washington, D.C., Island Press.
13 Ibidem.
35

5.2.2 Importance of the Valuation of Ecosystem Services
The services and goods that ecosystems provide are critical to the functioning of the life support
system if the Earth. These services contribute to the human welfare, directly and indirectly, and thus
represent a significant part of the total economic value of the planet. As they are not quantified in
terms of comparable economic value or not represented in markets, they are rarely included in the
policy decisions. 14
The economic value (price) of a good is basically driven by the willingness to pay for it. However,
when there is no market for a good that we want to value (environmental or public good) the issue
becomes more complicated. It is worth to point out that the absence of market price does not mean
that these goods have no value. 15
Authorities in charge of management and protection of the natural resources often have to make
difficult decisions in allocation of resources. Those decisions are basically economic decisions
which reflect our society’s values. Thus economic valuation is frequently used to provide means to
justify priorities for programs, actions or policies that protect ecosystems and their services. Thus
valuation of ecosystem services is an important and necessary tool that helps to integrate economic
considerations and ecological understanding to address ecosystem services in action and policy
decisions. 16
5.2.3 Methods of valuation
The value of ecosystem services can be difficult to calculate but economists have developed some
methods to examine consumers’ preferences regarding non-market goods. The following are the
most commonly used valuation methods:
a) The Hedonic Price Method allows seeing how the presence or quality of environmental
good influences prices of other goods. This method is widely used in the real estate market
for the estimation of the value of houses that are located near a park, forest or lake. 17
b) The Travel Cost Method estimates how much people are willing to pay for visiting a given
place. Even though entrance to some natural areas is free of charge, one has to travel to visit
them thus pay for fuel, train or bus tickets and spend time for travelling. This method is
typically used for estimating the value of ecotourism facilities and national parks. 18
c) The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) uses surveys that create hypothetical scenario
of changes to the good or service, along with the costs related to those changes. This allows
14 Costanza,R., d'Arge, R., de-Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., Naeem, S., O'Neill, R.V.,
Paruelo, J., Raskin, R.G., Sutton, P,van den Belt M., The Value of the World's Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital,
Nature Vol. 387: May 15, 1997, p. 253-260.
15 Czajkowski, M. (2010). Non-market valuation methods, in Kronenberg J., Bergier T. (eds.), Challenges of Sustainable
Development in Poland, The Sendzimir Foundation, Krakow, p. 14-16.
16 Chee, Y.E. (2004). An ecological perspective on the valuation of ecosystem services, Biological Conservation 120.
17 Czajkowski, M. (2010). Non-market valuation methods, in Kronenberg J., Bergier T. (eds.), Challenges of Sustainable
Development in Poland, The Sendzimir Foundation, Krakow, p. 14-16.
18 Ibidem.
36

espondents to express their willingness to pay. 19
d) The Choice Experiment Method (CE) is a variation of the Contingent Valuation Method
(CVM), the respondent is asked to choose from a set of alternatives. These alternatives are
composed of attributes that describe an environmental good. The respondent’s answer
reveals not only his/her preferences for entire scenario but also rates at which he/she is
willing to trade-off one attribute for another. 20
Of the four methods presented above, the Choice Experiment Method (CE) is the most suitable for
the valuation of the trees in Lodz. The main disadvantage of the Hedonic Price Method and the
Travel Cost Method is that they present the respondent with only one possible answer when in
reality people face a set of alternatives. The advantage of the CE over the CVM is that in the CE the
participants are not faced with the radical answer of “all” or “nothing” options, they might choose
between several possible scenarios or the “no-action” option. The CE uses a several set of scenarios
which allows obtaining more consistent answers. Moreover, this method is good for ranking
alternatives. 3
5.3 Methodology of the Study
The main goal of the research study was to valuate the ecosystem services of street trees in the
center of Lodz. The research study was performed in the form of a survey and took place between
10am and 4pm on Thursday, July 7 th , 2011. A selected group of volunteers was divided into two-
person teams which were sent to different parts of the city (e.g. Dabrowski Square, Piotrowska
Street and Manufaktura Shopping Mall.
Each interviewer was approaching one person at a time and asking if she/he is willing to participate
in the survey. Filling out the survey took approximately 20-30 minutes. The respondents were
informed that the survey is anonymous and conducted for scientific purposes.
The survey had four elements:
1. Three general questions about a respondent’s subjective opinion in regards to the amount
of trees in the center of Lodz and in the neighbouring area of his/her home.
2. Part describing the present situation and prospect for changes. The respondent was
informed that the survey refers only to street trees in the center of the city. After that, a brief
description of the degree of tree coverage on the streets in the selected area was provided.
According to this description the three types of streets could be distinguished: with a high
number of trees, with an average number of trees and with no trees or with single-growing
trees.
Furthermore, the respondent was presented with a hypothetical program of planting trees in
19 Heal, G. (2000). Valuing Ecosystem Services, Ecosystems 3 (1), p. 24-30.
20 Czajkowski, M. (2010). Non-market valuation methods, in Kronenberg J., Bergier T. (eds.), Challenges of Sustainable
Development in Poland, The Sendzimir Foundation, Krakow, p. 14-16.
37

the center of the city on the streets with an average number of trees or with no trees at all.
The trees can be planted in the spots left after cut/withered trees, in lanes parcelled from the
sidewalk if it was wide enough, and if this was not possible – on special “islands” which
would replace chosen parking lots by the street.
3. Part where the respondent chooses a preferred program from a given scenario. The
hypothetical programs of planting trees were connected with costs bared by the inhabitants
of Lodz, thus the respondent was asked how much he/she would be willing to pay (in a form
of a monthly tax) for a given program. The preferences regarding this matter were examined
by considering 12 hypothetical scenarios, each of them containing four possible choices –
status quo (where no trees are planted and the inhabitants of the city do not have to bare any
additional costs), and programs 1, 2 and 3 presenting different possibilities of planting new
trees and costs attributed to them. Within one scenario the respondent had to choose
a program which was in his/her opinion the best, the worst and better of the remaining two.
Thus, each person had to choose 36 variants from 12 scenarios. The respondent was asked to
provide answers according to ones preferences and actual financial capabilities.
4. Demographic questions. At the end of the survey the respondent was asked some statistical
questions concerning his/her year of birth, sex, education, income, number of people in the
household and whether or not he/she had a car.
In general, the respondents were enthusiastically responding to the questions. Most of them were
carefully analyzing each program of trees planting and its cost. Some of them expressed some
additional comments and personal reflections about trees in the city. The emotional tone of the
declarations and a widely expressed interest in the survey prove that the subject of urban trees is
important and very up-to-date for the inhabitants of Lodz.
5.4 Results of the Study
Preliminary results of a study on valuation of street trees in the center of Lodz are based on
questionnaires completed by 133 respondents whose social and demographic characteristics are
shown in Figure 5.1.
38

Figure 5.1 Socio-economic Characteristics of Respondents (n=133)
The results confirmed that for the respondents the most important is to plant trees on the
streets where there are currently no trees at all. This was identified by comparing the declared
willingness of inhabitants to bear a monthly fee for transformation of the street from a lower to
a higher category in terms of the street trees coverage.
The inhabitants of Lodz are willing to pay monthly 2.10 PLN / km for changing the streets from the
category with no trees to the category with the average number of trees. For planting trees on
special “islands” the respondents were willing to pay a monthly fee of 1.60 PLN / km. These results
are statistically significant and consistent with generally accepted economic logic (the most
important factor preferred by the respondents was the cost of various options of the program).
Furthermore, the respondents’ willingness to pay any fee for increasing the number of street trees in
the center demonstrate that people are not satisfy with the status quo.
The results presented above are the average for the whole respondents and will be further analyzed
for individual preferences. In addition, they should be treated as incomplete, since interviews will
continue to survey a statistically representative sample. These results should be perceived as
a preliminary identification of the problem – the residents believe that there are not enough street
trees in the center of Lodz.
39

5.5 Conclusions
The results of the research study indicate that according to the respondents the most important is to
plant trees on the streets where there are currently no trees at all. The respondents would like to see
more trees in the city center planted either on the street or on special “islands”. Although these are
only preliminary results, they are statistically significant.
40

CHAPTER 6
Stakeholders Analysis
A brief definition of a term “stakeholder” and a description of the main
interest groups that should be taken into consideration when formulating
a strategy for Lodz to become the European Green Capital by 2020 were
presented in the first part of this chapter.
In the second part, based on the Amoeba Tool, the specific roles that each
stakeholder may play in the implementation of the strategy are described.
The last section explains how each of the interest groups could be
encouraged to get involved in the idea of E uropean Green Capital.
6.1 Introduction
Stakeholders are persons or groups who are directly or indirectly affected by the project, or who
may have interests in the project and/or the ability to influence its outcomes, either positively or
negatively. The stakeholders may include local communities or individuals and their formal and
informal representatives, national or local government authorities, politicians, religious leaders,
civil society organizations and groups with special interests, the academic community, or
businesses. 21
Identification of key stakeholders and their interests related to the project is very important while
developing a strategy that will help Lodz obtain the title of the European Green Capital by 2020.
A stakeholder analysis allows identification of the role of each stakeholder and helps to understand
the relationships and the dynamics between different actors. Moreover, it can be helpful in
predicting the attitudes of stakeholders towards planned actions.
6.2 Stakeholder Identification
6.2.1 Local Authorities
The City Office of Lodz is a key decision maker in regards to the implementation of innovations on
a local level.
The City Office might become the honorary patron of a variety of events associated with the
project. This kind of support could help to attract more sponsors and supporters as well as local
media. Involvement of the City Office would increase the prestige of a given project and could help
21 International Finance Corporation (2007). Stakeholder Engagement: A Good Practice Handbook for Compa nies
Doing Business in Emerging Markets, World Bank Group.
41

to gain local inhabitants’ trust. Local authorities could also encourage numerous experts to become
involved in certain issues and share their knowledge and experience in such areas as spatial
planning, environmental protection etc.
In addition, in Lodz there are 36 Councils of Settlement Residents that also could be involved in the
project.
Examples of stakeholders from this group can be found in Appendix 3 – 1. Local Authorities.
6.2.2 Regional Authorities
The regional authorities operate on a bigger area than the city (usually in voivodship) and also could
influence the implementation of innovations.
The Marshal Office that operates in the voivodship is responsible for the regional policy,
distribution of the European Union funds as well as development of the regional strategy and for its
implementation. An important role can also play the provincial Fund of Environment Protection and
Water Management that can finance some projects related to environmental protection.
Examples of stakeholders from this group can be found in Appendix 3 – 2. Regional Authorities.
6.2.3 Scientific Institutions
Universities, especially those focusing on environmental studies, spatial management, economics or
public health, are great sources of independent experts, researchers and can provide very useful
databases of analysis, scientific papers, international contacts and experience.
There are several scientific institutions in Lodz including University of Lodz, the Technical
University of Lodz, the Polish Academy of Science and the European Regional Centre for
Ecohydrology. These institutions as well as individual scientists could support the project. In many
cases, they can be innovators or important partners.
Examples of stakeholders from this group can be found in Appendix 3 – 3. Scientific Institutions.
6.2.4 Non-governmental Organizations
The non-governmental organizations’ (NGO) engagement and support is a critical success factor in
local initiatives, especially in the field of environmental protection and spatial planning. The local
NGOs very often have established good connections with experts, decision-makers and business
organizations that could be involved in the project and provide support for it.
Some of the NGOs are like independent ‘think tanks’ that could bring to the discussion another
point of view. Another advantage of local NGOs is that they are aware of local problems and know
the local context. They have good knowledge about the limitations and capabilities of local
communities. Moreover, very often they represent more practical approach to solving problems.
They are a very good source of information because of the reports, analysis, impact assessments,
legislative projects, etc. that they work on.
42

Examples of stakeholders from this group can be found in Appendix 3 – 4. Non-governmental
Organizations.
6.2.5 Business Stakeholders
Business entities provide employment for local citizens and contribute to the local budget thus are
very important for local community. The activities that they conduct significantly influence the
city’s image. In the past, Lodz was famous for its textile industry, and now there is an opportunity
to decide on new pathway of development. Currently, in Lodz there operate some international
corporations (e.g. Indesit, Dell), logistics centers and business process outsourcing companies
(e.g. Infosys), as well as some local service providers (e.g. banks, restaurants, cafes).
Many of these entities may gain some benefits if Lodz becomes the European Green Capital. Some
of the local business entities may be interested in sponsorship or broadening their portfolio with
green investments. Moreover, the cities with high quality of life are perceived by business entities
as attractive ones and worth their attention and investment.
Examples of stakeholders from this group can be found in Appendix 3 – 5. Business Stakeholders.
6.2.6 Inhabitants
While developing and implementing any innovations it is very important to take into account the
opinion of local communities, people that will be directly or indirectly impacted by the changes.
Any strategic decisions made without public participation may not be welcomed, and may create
disapproval and a conflict may emerge.
The inhabitants are very often the best experts as they are familiar with local conditions and very
often have ideas how to solve local problems. However, one has to keep in mind that it is very
difficult to predict the attitude of a society as a whole towards a given innovation, because each
citizen can have different point of view and diverse interests.
6.3 Stakeholders Analysis Based on the Amoeba Tool
This subchapter provides a better understanding of the potential roles the stakeholders can play in
the preparation for the European Green Capital Award contest.
The main purpose of the Amoeba 22 is to support successful diffusion of innovations and to suggest
strategies for the successful cooperation between the different groups of interest.
22 A description of the Amaeba can be found in Appendix 4.
43

Figure 6.1 Amoeba Tool – example from Lodz
Source: Interpretation of The Amoeba of Cultural Change – Alan AtKisson, Believing Cassandra (1999)
and The ISIS Agreement (2008)
6.3.1 Stakeholders in Lodz and Description of Their Roles
1. Innovators – those who formulates, discovers and champions new ideas. Innovators should
cooperate with the Changes Agents that will help them spread new ideas and, if needed,
adopt the innovation to the real situation.
In order to fully understand the role of the innovators it is crucial to underline that innovations not
necessarily have to be associated with science. Innovation is any new application of a solution that
was adapted to a local context.
Below there is a list of stakeholders-innovators, important for Lodz as it attempts to become the
European Green Capital.
- NGOs – sometimes NGOs are innovators and change agents at same time. A good example
of such a situation can be the Lodz Sustainable Transport Initiative. (This NGO has prepared
a plan of making tram transport more efficient by creating Central Tram Station that makes
switching the means of public transportation much easier and faster);
- Local universities have created several institutions (e.g.: the Centre for Innovations and
Technology Transfer and Lodz Regional Science and Technology Park). Their main task
is to formulate new ideas, spread information about new discoveries and technologies
invented by themselves and their partners, and take care of practical implementation of
innovations. They are well connected to many international institutions and thanks to this
connections they can provide new ideas from all over the world;
44

- science clusters in Lodz – they increase development potential of Lodz through innovations
and collaboration between local governments, universities and entrepreneurs. This group of
stakeholders may play a huge role in creating green workplaces in a knowledge-based
economy. Moreover, an important result of the business-science cooperation is the synergy
effect which provides the society with many fresh and creative solutions to solve its
sustainability problems;
- the European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology deals with a variety of water
management problems and coordinates the work of other institutions responsible for
hydrology. The Centre is focusing mainly on the implementation of eco-hydrological
measures for restoring freshwater resources in the framework of the UNESCO International
Hydrological Program.
The innovators should be directly involved in the development of the strategy that will help Lodz
become the European Green Capital by 2020. It is crucial to listen to their suggestions and support
them with available data and analysis that can provide them the background information necessary
to formulate the innovations.
2. Change Agents – these are the stakeholders with abilities and skills to promote new ideas to
the broaden audience and to the decision makers. They take the idea from innovators and
translate “the pure idea” into practical projects. Sometimes they modify the original concept
in order to adapt it to the real needs and capacities of local community. In a long term they
should concentrate on cooperation with other change agents, and they should not waste their
time and energy on trying to convince the reactionaries. The change agents should put more
attention to transformers and provide them with necessary information.
Below there is a list of the most important change agents in Lodz:
- President Proxy for Bicycle Policy (so called Cycling Officer) – is a person who links the
office of President of Lodz with the cyclists’ environment. The Cycling Officer closely
cooperates with individual cyclists and with their representatives to estimates their needs
and opinions. He collects information about potential innovations that can be implemented.
The Cycling Officer can influence the decision making process of the City Office of Lodz
thus he can assure that objectives and activities included in the strategic documents are
compatible with Lodz attempts to become the European Green Capital by 2020.
As a president proxy he can influence the decision makers (transformers) – he can provide
them with the information about sustainable transport and mobility. Moreover, the Cycling
Officer is responsible for implementation of the Brussels Charter that includes objectives
very close to the idea of the European Green Capital (e.g.: increase to 15% the share of
cycling in transport or 50 % reduction of cycling accident risk by 2020). He can be a very
important stakeholder and supporter of the idea of Lodz becoming the European Green
Capital;
- NGOs (active in the fields of transportation, environment, and society) – it is a very
important group that delivers good practices and examples of innovations to decision
makers. Very often they have developed good relations with diverse group of experts. NGOs
45

are important lobbyists of different interests and needs. They are close to people they serve
thus they can be important partners responsible for disseminating the idea of the European
Green Capital among Lodz inhabitants. They can also be responsible for organizing
grassroots groups of supporters of the European Green Capital idea. It is very important to
involve them in the strategy development from the very beginning;
- Departments of the City Office of Lodz (e.g. Environmental Protection and Agriculture,
Urban Planning and Architecture, Public Procurements) – they have the tools to translate
an innovation into tangible project that can be implemented in a real life. They can also
assure that key documents, strategies, local spatial management plans etc. include records
that support and promote the idea of Lodz as the European Green Capital. Different
departments can promote the project to other groups e.g. business entities. The Department
of Public Procurement by “greening” the regulations can influence and encourage
contractors (e.g. investors, developers, service/goods providers) to develop and implement
new green technologies. Through “green public procurements” (e.g. purchase of
environmentally friendly buses) the city can improve the quality of local environment and
the quality of life.
The change agents can be involved in promotion of the European Green Capital idea to the
particular target groups. They can also be engaged in formulation of operational plans and projects
that will adopt the general concept of a given innovation to the specific local situation in Lodz.
3. Transformers – so called early adopters, people who approve a new idea and have the
power or authority to support its implementation. They are organizational or cultural
gatekeepers who are interested in new ideas. They carefully select the innovations they
support and sometimes they also optimise them in order to adapt them to a local context.
If the change agents and transformers have an opportunity to work together and have
a general trust towards each other it is very likely that the project implementation will be
successful.
Public institutions and leading companies are important actors in the sustainability principles
implementation. Their status and the power they posses substantially help in implementation of
projects. Their general respect among citizens makes them very powerful leaders whom others want
to follow. When they approve a given idea and support a project it is very likely that also
mainstreamers will support it.
The stakeholders who are identified as transformers can be divided into two groups:
- the first group is represented by public institutions (e.g. the Marshal Office, the City
Office) that have a general interest in citizens’ well-being. The local authorities have
an access to local experts, human resources, managerial skills, and have the power to initiate
and carry on projects related to the European Green Capital Award contest. The local
authorities can use a great range of incentive (institutional, financial or legal) to support the
implementation of a variety of projects;
- the other group consists of the business related stakeholders such as local and
46

international companies and investors who are interested in projects and initiatives that
will be beneficial for them. Local leaders can also be included in this group.
In order to capture the interest of transformers it is worth to underline the benefits Lodz will derive
from obtaining the title of the European Green Capital:
- environmental (improvement of the microclimate, improvement of the purity of waters and
air, creation of new recreation areas, etc.);
- political (increase of trust towards local authorities and politicians, etc.);
- economical (creation of new “green” workplaces, increase of number of tourists visiting the
city, etc.);
- social (increase of the quality of life, improvement of the inhabitants’ health).
To explain the potential benefits it would be also useful to present the transformers with good
practices of other cities that are or were the European Green Capitals. A good way of approaching
transformers is also to show them that the idea has already gained a broad support from different
interests groups.
A successful cooperation of Fenomen Foundation (a local NGO identified as change agent and
innovator) with the local government provides a good example of collaboration of different
stakeholders. The NGO collects new ideas and knowledge in order to adapt innovations to a local
context. The local governments as the transformers support the implementation of new solutions.
This mechanism of cooperation can be very productive if the transformers keep their openness for
new external ideas.
4. Mainstreamers – are represented mainly by diverse group of inhabitants. They tend to
accept a change only when other people around them are supporting that change.
Mainstreamers are generally busy people and not overly interested in new ideas. It is
important that the change agents approach them and provide them with data in favour of the
innovation. In most cases the best way to make them involved in the change process is by
educating them.
The stakeholders who are identified as mainstreamers can be divided into three groups:
- inhabitants – among inhabitants, different interest groups can be found, such as:
o the elderly and people with disabilities – they are interested in green areas, parks,
forests and street greenery. Sometimes, because of their health, they are too weak to
go to more distant parks thus even “single” trees on the yard or street are becoming
important places where they can rest and relax;
o families with children – interested in access to green and safe areas with
playgrounds;
o the youth – a group interested in spending time on green areas (practicing different
47

sports, socializing with peers, organizing events). They are looking for safe and clean
places where they can spend their leisure time;
- some companies (especially big international ones like Accenture, Infosys, and Indesit) –
they could include some “green policies” in their CSR strategies and in this way improve
their image as a responsible and caring for local community company;
- early adopters – are those who are more likely to be in favour of innovations. For example
joggers, cyclists, Nordic walkers are interested in increasing the amount of green areas;
they are looking for places where they can practice sport in friendly and safe environment.
They support development of new “green paths” and networks of green spaces.
5. Reactionaries – these are the people who, because of their own interests, are against the
change. They would like to stop implementation of a change because they can lose
something important for them (e.g. power, money). Their critical remarks could be valuable
for the improvement of the project thus their opinions should be taken into account. Their
point of view can bring to light new perspective of the whole situation.
Below there is a list of the most important reactionaries in Lodz:
- illegal sewage droppers, waste droppers – these are the people who for financial reasons
(poverty or just meanness) or because of the low ecological awareness, illegally get rid of
sewage and wastes. Usually it is difficult to prove that a particular person is conducting this
illegal procedure. In other to gain their support they should be educated that their actions
have negative impact on the natural environment, image of neighbourhood, and the wellbeing
of inhabitants. Moreover, there should be also some incentives for them to change
their behaviour (e.g. non-refundable financial assistance for poor families for conjoining to
the sewer system or monthly discounts on bills for new conjoined households, etc.);
- car drivers – it is a very diverse group. Some of them are just mainstreamers interested in
greenery using cars to ensure mobility for their whole family (including children, elderly or
disable members of the family). However, there is also a group of car drivers that is
interested in keeping traffic in strict center, increasing an area of parking lots, removing
obstacles (also street trees, trams) that they believe slow down the traffic, etc. The important
thing is that in the past some of the car drivers could be the public transportation users but
because of bad condition of public transportation they switched to the cars. In order to
change their attitude campaigns encouraging car drivers to change their commuting habits
should be implemented. There is also a need to provide them with real attractive alternative
(efficient and cheap public transport, safe cycling paths). They should be also approached
with some information, education campaigns that would explain them the advantages of
more sustainable transport;
- some developers buy empty green areas only to transform them into new construction zones
and destroy current greenery (e.g. investor on Piotrkowska street cut a group of old trees
important for local inhabitants). On the other hand, some developers appreciate green areas
– greenery increases the value of estate. It is important to show the developers the benefits
48

they can derive from greenery. Moreover, the local authorities should consequently punish
those who do not obey the law protecting the greenery.
6.3.2 Stakeholders and Their Areas of Interests
The figure below presents the analysis of the stakeholders and their relationship with the main
indicator areas of the European Green Capital.
Based on information provided by the local stakeholders during the meeting in the City Office when
they identified main problems Lodz is currently facing five key action areas were selected: urban
green areas, mobility and local transport, energy, eco-innovations and “green” workplaces, and
water managements. (A full description of identified challenges can be found in Appendix)
Figure 6.2 Stakeholders and Their Areas of Interests
49

6.4 Conclusions
Based on the above analysis one can conclude that there are certain areas of stakeholders’
interactions that could be improved in the near future.
At the very beginning, it is important to focus on the areas where some cooperation already exist
(e.g. the cooperation between Fenomen Foundation and the City Office; the cooperation between
the City Office and OPUS; SWITCH project – a result of the cooperation of the Centre for
Ecohydrology and the City Office) in order to improve and further develop it.
The next step should be the identification of the roles each stakeholder can play (this can be done
using the Amoeba Tool) in each domain and approach them according to their abilities and
influence they have on a given area.
During the interviews, the local innovators and change agents admitted that their initiatives are
often rejected because the transformers – those who approve a new idea and have power or
authority to support the implementation of the innovation – feel that their knowledge has been
questioned. Therefore, it is important to take this into consideration when developing new projects.
There is a need to emphasis the fact that the new projects are neither in contradiction with
transformers’ suggestions nor questioning their knowledge. They are complementing the existing
ideas, bringing additional information on a given issue.
50

CHAPTER 7
Indicators and Trends of Sustainable Development in Lodz
This chapter refers to indicators and trends of sustainable development
in Lodz that were identified using the Compass Tool. All the indicators
have been discussed by representatives of the stakeholders. They make it
possible to understand current situation and estimate future developments.
Trends and indicators help us to observe a problem and react before it
escalates. These indicators are based both on public participation and long
term observations, which make them to be understandable by non -experts.
7.1 Introduction
This chapter presents indicators and trends of sustainable development in Lodz that were identified
using the Compass Tool. This tool allows formulate measurable and comparable quantified
indicators for various areas. Indicated values are normalized to the range 0 – 100, where 0 is the
worst state and 100 the ideal state; 50 is the average everything above it is better than average, and
everything below it is worse than average.
By stating the current level, observed past levels and possible (estimated) future levels of a given
variable a diagram was developed for each indicator. For scaling the diagrams no scientific method
or data was used, and it is completely based on subjective estimation.
Identification of the indicators is the first step in the so called ISIS Methodology (more information
about this method can be found in Chapter 8).
On July 11 th , 2011, a participatory workshop “What to do for Lodz to receive the title of European
Green Capital by 2020?” was organized at the Lodz City Council – Department of Environment and
Agriculture. The representatives of regional and local governmental organizations responsible for
environmental protection, urban forestry, urban architecture, land melioration, development of
infrastructure, public health, public utilities and local non-governmental organizations participated
in the workshop. (A complete list of participants can be found in Appendix 1).
The participating stakeholders identified and discussed a number of indicators suitable for
describing the current situation and estimating future changes in Lodz. These are grouped in
following four areas (that reflect the four compass directions):
- Nature: green areas in the city center, local spatial management plan, illegal sewage/water
quality, social awareness, water in landscape (water retention);
- Economy: existence of local spatial management plans, financing of urban green areas (by
the government), public-private partnerships in green areas management, traffic volume, use
51

of geothermal energy;
- Society: ecological education, neighbourhood relationships (private and public spaces),
multifunctional green areas, awareness of inhabitants;
- Well-being: access to green areas, accessibility of different areas in the city for people with
mobility limitations, safety of green recreational areas, proportion of the length of trips
made by pedestrians and cyclists to the length of trips made using other means of
transportation.
The next section of the report presents these areas in more detail, describing each indicator
separately. The presented trends were identified by the stakeholders taking part in the participatory
workshop.
A number of indicators which were identified by the stakeholders are related to the indicators used
for evaluation of the city to be awarded the title of the European Green Capital. For example,
ecological education is linked with promotion of public knowledge and understanding of nature and
biodiversity among young people; public-private partnerships in green areas management
correspond to social innovation indicator; use of geothermal energy complies with the development
of renewable energy use (for the full list of indicators for European Green Capital Award please see
Appendix 5).
7.2 Indicators for Nature
The participants of the Nature workgroup mentioned many interconnected problems that Lodz is
facing. The five most important (according to the stakeholders) issues are described below.
7.2.1 Green Areas in the City Center
The discussion about green areas was divided into two parts: green areas in the city center and the
green areas located outside the city center. According to the workshop participants, the quantity of
the parks and forest in the outer parts of the city is satisfactory. The situation is worse in the city
center thus the discussion focused on this area.
Currently, the quantity of green areas in the city center is on a very low level. Moreover, the
tendency is decreasing. If no changes are implemented it is predicted that there will be no green
areas in the city center at all.
7.2.2 Local Spatial Management Plan
The lack of local spatial management plan was a problem indicated by all workgroups. Currently,
approximately 5 - 10 % of Lodz surface is covered by spatial management plan (these are mainly
outer areas like the Green Ring of Culture and Tradition). According to the stakeholders, the current
situation is worse than it was 10 years ago – most of the spatial management plans expired or is
52

eing modified. Future trends could not be estimated because the stakeholders have no idea what
are the plans of local authorities.
7.2.3 Illegal Sewage / Water Quality
The amount of illegal sewage in Lodz is gradually decreasing thanks to the urban drainage system
as well as to one of the most modern Combined Wastewater Treatment Plant in Poland. In
consequence, the quality of the tap water from water mains and wells is increasing.
However, the number of connections to the public sewage system within the city is still lower than
expected. Due to illegal sewage discharge into natural flows, the level of water contamination
exceeds corresponding standard threshold values. Nevertheless restoration and filtration initiatives
(like the Blue-Green Network) are gradually improving the situation.
7.2.4 Social Awareness
Social awareness regarding environmental issues is still not on a satisfactory level. Although, there
are many initiatives already carried on in the elementary schools (like collecting rubbish or planting
trees), and a number of NGOs working in this field is increasing, however there is still room for
improvement. The ignorance of officials is a huge problem and a serious obstacle for further
development. The stakeholders expressed hope that the situation change in the near future.
7.2.5 Water in Landscape (Water Retention)
The area of sealed surfaces is increasing in Lodz. Many permeable areas are transformed into
construction zones for roads and housing. This significantly decreases the amount of rainwater that
can infiltrate into the ground. When it rains or snow melts, storm water runs off to sewage system
and is not being managed in a sustainable way. Moreover, this water does not return to natural
water cycle, and this causes a decrease in ground water level.
In stakeholders’ opinion, the city should attract more investments that would increase the permeable
surfaces that would support water infiltration into the ground. Without taking such actions, current
situation can rapidly cause undesirable effects.
53

Green areas in the city center
Spatial management plan
Illegal sewage / Water quality
Awareness
Water in landscape
(water retention)
Timeline
7.3 Indicators for Economy
Figure 7.1 Diagram of Indicators for Nature
2000 NOW (2011)
0
2020
During the workshop the stakeholders emphasized five the most important indicators in the
Economy section: existence of local spatial management plans, financing of urban green areas by
the city government, traffic volume in the city, public-private partnership in green areas
management, use of geothermal energy.
7.3.1 Existence of Local Spatial Management Plans
Development of urban areas requires planning that takes into account potential future changes in the
city both in short and long term perspective. The main goal of development of the spatial
management plan is to provide a strategic vision of a given territory development to guarantee the
most efficient way of using it.
Currently, spatial planning in Lodz is not well developed; there are only a limited number of areas
in the city center, for which spatial management plans have been detailed. However, the
stakeholders believe that the situation will change for better.
7.3.2 Financing of Urban Green Areas (by the government)
This indicator shows the readiness and ability of the city authorities to develop and maintain urban
green spaces. The amount of money dedicated to develop and maintain urban green areas was
54
Level
100
50

decreasing over the past 10 years. The stakeholders expect that this situation will change and more
money will be spent on this purpose in the future.
7.3.3 Public-private Partnerships in Green Areas Management
The idea of a public-private partnership is to take advantage of the strongest assets of the two
sectors and use it to create added value for society. Motivated by their own interests, public and
private actors develop long-term cooperation to gain common benefits in a sustainable manner.
So far public-private partnerships have not been extensively used for green areas management in
Lodz. This innovative solution has a potential to significantly increase the quality of already
existing and new green areas in the city. The stakeholders are convinced that public and private
sectors are ready for this kind of cooperation.
7.3.4 Traffic Volume
High volume of car traffic in Lodz hinders the development of bike lanes and paths in the city, and
negatively impacts the overall ecological situation. Over the last decade the number of cars in the
city has been increasing. According to the stakeholders, the current situation is not acceptable. They
believe that implementation of new initiatives promoting alternative modes of transportation will
improve the situation in the city.
7.3.5 Use of Geothermal Energy
Use of alternative energy sources (such as geothermal energy) helps to solve urgent environmental
problems (such as reduction of CO2 emissions).
The potential of using geothermal energy in Lodz is very high – the estimated stocks are valued on
10 873 tpu, which amounts to 33% of the total geothermal energy in Poland. The stakeholders are
aware of this potential and believe that this renewable energy source will be used in Lodz.
55

Level
100
7.4 Indicators for Society
Figure 7.2 Diagram of Indicators for Economy
50
Existence of spatial
development plans
Financing of urban green areas
(by the government)
Public-private partnerships in
green areas management
Traffic volume
Timeline 0
Use of geothermal energy
2000 NOW (2011) 2020
The Society workgroup focused on the indicators that should be taken into account if Lodz wants to
become the European Green Capital by 2020. From all suggested indicators, stakeholders choose
four that according to them are the most important.
7.4.1 Ecological Education
Ecological education should be perceived as a long-term process if tangible results are expected.
All citizens should have an opportunity to gain knowledge in the area of ecology. Currently in
Lodz, the level of ecological education is increasing. A curriculum for kindergarten and primary
schools covers basic ecological issues and young people learn how to respect and protect nature.
The ecological education of adults is based on media and social campaigns organized by NGOs and
in some cases by the local authorities.
The stakeholders expect further improvement of the situation.
7.4.2 Neighborhood Relationships (private and public areas)
Improvement of neighborhood relationships can have a positive impact on reduction of the problem
of social ignorance. The lack of cooperation between neighbors results in a creation of disrespectful
attitudes towards neighborhood and other public areas (e.g. citizens do not care for green areas).
56

The stakeholders had difficulties to define a single trend for this indicator thus they decided to
divide the indicator into two parts: private properties and public areas. The private green spaces
within closed housing estates isolate the tenants from other inhabitants. According to the
stakeholders, this is not a desirable situation because it has negative impact on the integration of
neighbors and development of interpersonal relationships. Based on this, the stakeholders think that
within the next decade the quality and intensity of neighborhood relationships will get even worse.
On the other hand, the green areas surrounding public estates are neglected – nobody feels
responsible to care for their maintenance. Unfortunately, according to the stakeholders in the next
ten years the situation will not improve.
7.4.3 Multifunctional Green Areas
The urban green areas are expected to play a “multifunctional” role in the city infrastructure.
It means that the green areas should provide opportunities to use them for many activities and
purposes, such as recreational, sport and entertainment.
A good example of a positive change in this regard is a new resolution passed in June 2011 by the
local government, which allows citizens to grill in the urban parks. One can notice that the number
of green areas managed in a way that meets inhabitants’ expectation is increasing.
7.4.4 Awareness of Inhabitants
The local government is responsible for taking care of green areas such as parks, green squares or
trees. The residents of Lodz very often alert the authorities about the situations that require attention
and actions.
This indicator is based on the number of inhabitants’ initiatives undertook to notify the responsible
agencies about the current situation of the greenery (e.g. phone calls and letters to the Department
of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of the City Office and the League of Nature
Protection).
The majority of people contacting the government is concerned about the greenery and wants it to
be protected. On the other hand, some of them complain that the greenery is mismanaged and they
insist on its removal. The trend of this indicator is increasing due to raising awareness of the
citizens.
57

Timeline
Level
100
50
7.5 Indicators for Well-being
Figure 7.3 Diagram of Indicators for Society
0
2000 NOW (2011) 2020
The Well-being workgroup focused its attention on the most important environmental aspects that
influence the life of inhabitants. The predictions were based on stakeholders’ knowledge about
existing projects and actions undertaken in Lodz.
7.5.1 Access to Green Areas
A possibility to use nearby parks and green areas is essential for the most of inhabitants. The goal of
the Blue-Green Network project that is implemented in Lodz is to provide the opportunity for every
citizen to reach green areas within a ten minutes walking distance from home. This network is
design in a way that allows inhabitants to move across the city in the so called “green tunnels” and
to access the green areas located outside the city.
Currently, the city’s green infrastructure is not well-developed. Some of the stakeholders were
rather pessimistic about feasibility of proclaimed aims. Thus the indicator was defined by the
possibility of a citizen to see some greenery from a window at home. Within the next ten years the
stakeholders expect slight improvement of the situation.
58
Ecological education
Neighborhood relationships
(private areas)
Neighborhood relationships
(public areas)
Multifunctional green areas
Awareness of inhabitants

7.5.2 Accessibility to Different Areas in the City for People with Mobility
Limitations
The elderly and disabled as well as parents with baby carriages travelling through the city come
across many obstacles such as underpasses without lifts and wheelchair ramps, too high curbs, cars
parked on a pavement, etc.
It is expected that in the future most of these barriers will be eliminated, and new projects will be
implemented that will meet the needs of people with mobility limitations. According to the
European Union regulations, it is required to adjust public transportation and infrastructure to be
friendly for all users. The stakeholders had a positive view on the development of this indicator’s
trend.
7.5.3 Safety of Green Recreational Areas
This indicator was based on a number of incidents occurred on green areas reported to the Police
Department or the Municipal Police. The green areas are not perceived as safe ones especially
during the night time. According to the stakeholders an installation of street lamps would change
this situation. Moreover, there is a need to increase the law enforcement by police. It is believed that
raising the attractiveness of green areas could encourage more people to spend their leisure time
over there and that would also decrease the number of criminal acts.
The current situation is better than it used to be, but it is still not satisfactory – further improvement
is expected by the stakeholders.
7.5.4 Proportion of the Length of Trips Made by Pedestrians and Cyclists
to the Length of Trips Made Using Other Means of Transportation
The available data show that in the past, there were more pedestrians and cyclists. Currently, the
number of cyclists in Lodz is decreasing, and in general citizens prefer to use their cars as a main
mode of transport. This is caused mainly heavy traffic on the main roads and lack of safe bicycle
routes in the city center.
By signing the Charter of Brussels in January 2011, the city authorities committed themselves to
promote the use of bicycles and develop the appropriate infrastructure. Therefore, it is believed that
the current situation will improve.
59

Access to green areas
Accessibility to different areas
in the city center for people with
mobility limitations
Safety of green recreational
areas
Proportion of trips made by
pedestrians and bicyclists to
trips made by other means of
transportation
Timeline
7.6 Conclusions
Figure 7.4 Diagram of Indicators for Well-being
2000 NOW (2011)
0
2020
This chapter presented indicators and trends of sustainable development in Lodz that were
identified using the Compass Tool.
Some of the indicators have negative trends, and that means that if no action is taken the problem
will escalate. The indicators which are likely to develop in negative direction are mostly connected
with water in landscape, green areas in the city center, neighbor relationships.
The positive trend of other indicators is the result of actions which have already been taken or are
planned in the near future. This group of indicators includes: ecological education, social
awareness, safety and implementation of public-private partnership projects. The trends turn out to
be the most positive in the Well-being and Economy sections.
60
Level
100
50

CHAPTER 8
Systems Thinking Approach and Causal Loops Diagram
Complex problems require exploration and consideration of a whole
system, rather than separated elements of it.
This chapter illustrates how the systems thinking approach can be used for
addressing existing problems in Lodz.
8.1 Introduction
Complex problems, like those related to sustainable development, usually have more than just one
cause and a number of effects. In order to find appropriate solutions to these problems it is
important to identify all causes and analyze the relations between them.
In this chapter the systems thinking approach is applied for finding best solutions for some of the
problems Lodz is straggling with. A tool named Compass 23 was used to analyze current problems
that were divided into four areas: nature, economy, society, and well-being (more information about
identified problems can be found in Chapter 7).
For each problem a system map was created, where causes and their interconnections as well as
suggested solutions are visually presented (more information about the proposed solutions can be
found in Chapter 9). These maps are the result of a group work, in which people with different
background shared their knowledge and experience to get more comprehensive view and
understanding of a given issue.
8.2 Nature Section
Within the last 10 years the amount of green areas in the city center decreased and the condition of
the greenery in the city centers became worse. 24 This is why the condition of the greenery in the city
center was identified as the biggest problem in the Nature section. Three main causes of this state
were identified: the level of public participation, the quality of the maintenance of existing greenery
and the condition of the environmental factors.
Level of Public Participation
The level of public participation is directly related to the social awareness. More socially aware
residents are more willing to change their habits to those that are more sustainable. Moreover, they
are more willing to be involved in decision making process, comply with the existing law and
protect the environment. The level of social awareness increases when there is more opportunities
to gain knowledge about the environmental issues.
23 A description of the Compass can be found in Appendix 4.
24 Statistic for Lodz 2010, Statistical Office in Lodz 2010.
61

The second, most important factor that influences the level of public participation is the level of
trust towards local authorities. When inhabitants observe and experience daily consequences of the
ineffective city management and decisions, their willingness to participate decreases.
The Quality of the Maintenance of Existing Greenery
As mentioned above, the level of ineffective management is a serious factor that influences the
quality of the maintenance of existing greenery. The ineffective management is caused by the lack
of vision and political instability (relatively frequent rotation of city authorities). All of this leads to
permanent lack of funds, lack of new spatial management plan and to ineffective public
transportation system (e.g. lack of cycling infrastructure).
The Condition of the Environmental Factors
The condition of environmental factors (air, water, soil, etc.) influences the condition of green areas
in the city center. Poor water retention in the urban area, itself a consequence of unsustainable
investment preferences (covering most of the urban space with concrete), causes poor water quality.
The illegal sewage disposal to the river channels further lowers the water quality.
To solve the problem of the poor condition of the greenery in city center it is recommended to
implement the system of Participatory Management of Greenery. This system would increase the
level of public participation – the inhabitants would be involved in decision-making process in the
field of greening the city. However, this solution has also some negative side effects such as:
increase of transaction costs, additional expanses and bureaucracy.
The other recommended solution to improve the condition of the greenery in city center is the
Competitive Greenery Policy which would lead to more effective management of green areas. It is
believed that this solution will increase the level of inhabitants’ motivation to care for green areas
and will encourage them to implement new initiatives. The downside of this solution is that it could
increase the inequalities in greenery level between districts. It could also generate corruption.
More information about recommended solutions can be found in Chapter 9.
62

Figure 8.1 Causal Loop Diagram – Condition of the Greenery in the City Center
CONDITION OF THE
GREENERY IN THE
CITY CENTER
Learning by doing
+
SOLUTION 1:
Participatory Management
of Greenery
+
+
+
Bureaucracy +
+
+
The Condition of the
Environmental Factors
+
Use of salt during
the winter
Water - quality
-
Poor water retention in
+ the urban area
Increase of
transaction costs
The Quality of the
Level of Public
Maintenance of Existing
+ Participation
Greenery
+
-
+
-
-
Law enforcement
Lack of spatial
+
Preference of
Social awareness
management plans
unsustainable
+
investments
+ + Level of trust towards
+
local authorities -
+
Lack of funds
Eco-friendly habits Level of environmental
Ineffective
+
education
Lack of vision
+ management
+
+
-
+ +
Research on current
environemntal situation Political instability Ineffective public
-
transportation system
63
Illegal sewage
disposal
+
Poverty
Inequalities in greenery
level between districts
+
Corruption
+
SOLUTION 2
Competitive Greenery
Policy
+
+
Unsustainable
transport preferences
+
+
Poor quality of cycling
infrastructure
More innovations

8.3 Economy Section
The lack of local spatial management plans was identified as one of the most important problems
within the Economy area. In order to address other problems that Lodz is facing it is crucial to solve
the issues related to the urban planning.
Four main causes of this problem were identified: lack of comprehensive vision of the city
development, lack of funding, low level of cooperation between different departments, and existing
legal regulations.
Existence of Comprehensive Vision of the City Development
Currently in Lodz, main attention is paid to the most urgent problems and immediate solutions are
desired. Lack of long-term approach is partly caused by the low pressure from the society that is not
aware of the influence they might have on the development of their city. The inhabitants are not
involved in city affairs and tend to focus more on their own interest without considering the interest
of the entire community. In order to develop a comprehensive vision of the city involvement of
competent experts is necessary.
Available Funds
Insufficient funds are a common problem often caused by inconsistent distribution of available
money, itself a consequence of lack of defined priorities.
Level of Cooperation between Different Departments
The spatial management plans are comprehensive documents that preparation requires cooperation
between different departments. In order to ensure an interdisciplinary approach it is essential to
cooperate with various groups of specialists.
Legal Regulations
Unclear legal regulations are serious barriers for the creation of spatial management plans.
Moreover, uncertain juridical status and difficulties with properties’ ownership identification very
often block initiatives that aim at improvement of urban space.
64

Figure 8.2 Causal Loop Diagram – Lack of Local Spatial Management Plans in Lodz
+
LOCAL SPATIAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
+
+
Competent experts in
urban planning
+
Interdisciplinary
approach (systems
thinking)
Level of +
Cooperation
between Different
Departments
+
Available + Funds
+
Existence of
Comprehensive Vision of
the City Development
-
+ -
+
Pessure from the
society
+
Legal regulations
Ownership
identification
Distribution of
money
+
Focus on urgent
problems
SOLUTION 2: Put Me
on the Map Campaign
65
Defined priorities
SOLUTION 1:
Comprehensive Vision and
Identity of Lodz
Public awareness
Stronger connection
with the city
Community
involvment
Promotion of the
city
Self-interest stronger than
interest of community
Cooperation
Raising public
awareness
Less money for
urgent problems
Increased attractiveness
of the city
First step to the
development of spatial
management plan

A lack of comprehensive vision of the city development was recognized as a key obstacle for the
development of the local spatial management plans in Lodz. The efforts to address this challenge
were made and two possible innovations were identified. One of them is the participatory approach
to the inventory of urban green areas. A web-based map of a given district would be made available
to inhabitants that would be asked to update the information about green areas in their
neighborhood. It is believed that the proposed initiative will raise citizens’ awareness and will
increase community involvement. It can also result in stronger identification with the local
community and the city as a whole. Once the map is ready, it could be also helpful as a source for
experts developing spatial management plans.
The second recommended solution is to develop a comprehensive vision of city development based
on SWOT analysis. The vision should be developed in a participatory process where all the key
stakeholders (i.e. city council, various administrative departments, business representatives, experts
and inhabitants of the city) have an opportunity to state their opinion.
The implementation of proposed solutions will require time and financial resources.
More information about recommended solutions can be found in Chapter 9.
8.4 Society Section
Insufficient number of multifunctional green areas was identified as the main problem in the
Society section. The stakeholders believe that this is an area that is most likely to be improved
before 2020. In Lodz, there are several green areas but there is potential to create more
multifunctional green spaces.
Three main causes of this problem were identified: low level of public awareness, low level of local
government efficiency, low level of investment in green areas.
Level of Public Awareness
The level of public awareness is low thus there is no pressure on the local government to create new
green areas. Moreover, the local government does not encourage private investors to invest in
greenery. In addition, the inhabitants are not aware of the benefits they can derive from
multifunctional green areas and their capabilities to change the existing special development plans.
Local Government Efficiency
The second cause, the efficiency of local government, can be characterized by several symptoms
such as gaps in spatial planning (this leads to unsustainable use of land) or not practical local legal
regulations (e.g. law that makes access to the green areas difficult).
Level of Investment in Green Areas
The low level of private and public investments in green areas was identified as a third cause of
insufficient number of multifunctional areas. The investors are not interested in investing in
66

greenery because they do not perceive this kind of investment as a profitable. Moreover, the gaps in
spatial planning make it easier for the investors to enforce their ideas. In addition, the local
authorities do not promote greenery as an interesting asset for inhabitants or investors.
These three causes are interrelated therefore an improvement in any of them could have a positive
impact on the others.
In order to increase the number of multifunctional green areas two potential solutions were
recommended. One of the possible initiatives is Green Tram that will promote greenery in the city.
The goal of this action is to increase inhabitants’ awareness about greenery. It is also recommended
to implement a project called Green It Well which directly affects the public awareness, local
government efficiency and the level of investment in the green areas.
More information about recommended solutions can be found in Chapter 9.
67

Figure 8.3 Causal Loop Diagram – Insufficient Number of Multifunctional Green Areas
+
NUMBER OF
MULTIFUNCTIONAL
GREEN AREAS
+
Quality of green areas
Available funds
infrastructure +
+
Level of Investment
Local Government
in Green Areas
Efficiency
+
+
-
- + Awareness of the
benefitts of green areas
services
Not practical local Gaps in spatial SOLUTION 2:
+
legal regulations planning
"Green It Well"
Level of interest in
investing in services in
green areas
+
Level of Public
Awareness
+
+
Pressure from the
society
68
Knowledge
SOLUTION 1:
"Green Tram"
Biodiversity
Expenses Social relations

8.5 Well-being Section
The problem of accessibility of green areas was identified as the most important in the Well-being
section. Finding a solution to this challenge will increase Lodz’ chances of becoming the European
Green Capital by 2020.
Three main causes of this problem were identified: lack of spatial management plans, uneven
distribution of green areas in the city and difficult access to the green areas by public transportation.
Lack of Spatial Management Plans
The protection and maintenance of green areas as well as creation of new ones is challenging
because there is lack of spatial management plans. Moreover, the local authorities are characterized
by low level of ecological awareness. The selection of priorities and funds location prove that the
local government is not aware of the importance of the services provided by the ecosystems.
Uneven Distribution of the Green Areas in the City
The uneven distribution of the green areas in the city is caused by their small number. These areas
are usually poorly managed thus very often they are neglected and not attractive for the visitors.
Moreover, not many new green spaces are created. In addition, there is a need for more experts that
would serve as professional advisors to the local authorities on how to care for the greenery in the
city.
Access to the Green Areas by Public Transportation
Very often the green areas are located outside the city center thus are difficult to reach by public
transportation or bicycle. The existing public transportation network is inefficient with low
frequency of buses and trams. In addition, the network of bicycle paths is badly organized.
In order to address the problem of accessibility of green areas two innovations were proposed:
Green Bus Initiative and Green Bike Corridors. Implementation of these two solutions would have
following effects:
- more people using bicycles;
- more people visiting green areas;
- improvement of the quality of inhabitants' life;
- better health and physical condition of inhabitants;
- reduction of pollutants;
- reduction of car traffic.
More information about recommended solutions can be found in Chapter 9.
69

ACCESSIBILITY
OF GREEN AREAS
Figure 8.4 Causal Loop Diagram – Accessibility of Green Areas
+ +
+
Distribution of the
Green Areas in the
City
+ +
Spatial
Management Plans
+
+
Access to the Green
Areas by Public
Transportation
+
+
Quantity and quality
of green areas
+
Quality of
management of green
areas
+
Professional advisors to the
local authorities on how to care
for the greenery
Public transportation Funds distribution
infrastructure
priorities Land use priorities
+
+
+
+
Public transportatin
Frequency of buses
network
Awareness of
and trams ecosystem services
Bicycle
infrastructure
Number of streets wide
enough to build bicycle
lines
70
SOLUTION 1:
Green Bus Initiative
+
Plan of public
transportation
Network of
bicycle paths
+
More people visiting
green areas
Quality of
inhabitants' life
+
Funs for development
of bicyckle paths
SOLUTION 2: Green
Bike Corridors Use of bicycles
Air quality
Reduction of car
Better health and physical
traffic
condition of inhabitants

CHAPTER 9
Innovations
The system maps described in the previous chapter helped to identify
leverage points – places in the system where intervention can be
implemented in order to modify the system.
This chapter provides a more detailed description of proposed innovations
that will help to address the challenges Lodz is facing.
9.1 Nature Section
9.1.1 Participatory Management of Greenery
The goal if this innovation is to address the problem of poor condition of the greenery in Lodz
caused by: low level of public participation, poor maintenance of existing greenery and bad
condition of the environmental factors. This innovation provides an alternative approach to
greenery management based on direct involvement of citizens.
It embraces two elements: (1) a financial mechanism of obtaining extra money for greenery
investment (Local Green Fund), and (2) a participatory decision making process in which
inhabitants directly decide where and how new greenery will be developed or maintained in Lodz.
The Local Green Fund is a name for a new independent entity (foundation) that will be established
by public-private-social partnership. The local authorities, businesses and NGOs would be the
founders of the Fund and the representatives of these three sectors will create the Board of the Fund.
The budget of the Local Green Fund will consist of:
- endowment provided by the local government;
- financial input from private entities and individuals;
- fines and penalties for illegal sewage dropping, cutting trees, etc.;
- income from local green tax – it will be an additional tax imposed on people who will
exceed the predetermined limit of usage of some key natural resources (e.g. water, energy)
or emission of pollution. The tax can be paid in money or in a form of voluntary work that
benefits the greenery;
- Green City Card – the owners of this card will receive special discount (e.g. 10%) from local
companies (e.g. shops, restaurants etc.). The cards will be emitted by the Local Green Fund
and all profit form sales will be donated to the Fund endowment;
71

- as a foundation the Fund could obtain a status of Public Benefit Organization and collect
money in a form of so-called “1% mechanism”;
- grants from the European Union, private foundations, World Bank etc.
A significant portion of funds will be dedicated to the Local Green Fund’s endowment. The interest
revenue from the endowment will provide an ongoing source of funding to support the core
activities of the Fund.
Local Green Fund will:
- educate inhabitants about value of ecosystem services – the objective is to explain
inhabitants that by changing their habits they can use local ecosystems in a sustainable way
and reduce their expanses (pay less for energy, fuel, water, etc.); it will also promote ecofriendly
solutions in everyday life and in business activities;
- provide grants for local grassroots supporting green area development and/or maintenance –
only projects initiated by the neighbourhood groups can apply for supports;
the neighbourhood group must contribute its voluntary work; all submitted projects will be
presented on the Fund’s webpage and the citizens of Lodz will be asked to vote on
the projects that should receive financial support;
- provide experts support (e.g. landscape architects, gardeners, social innovators, etc.) for
projects that received grant;
- award the best green initiatives implemented by a company and neighbourhood groups;
- partial refund of investment costs for individuals building permeable pavements, green roofs
and other stormwater reuse systems on their private properties, installing alternative sources
of energy (e.g. solar panels) or connecting to public sewage system.
The advantages of this innovation:
- more green areas in the city;
- reduction of CO2 and other pollutants;
- improvement of air quality and water retention;
- improvement of the living conditions of the inhabitants;
- integration of the local community;
- opportunities for residents to influence the local environmental policies;
- chance to improve management system and obtain additional money for environmental
policy.
72

9.1.2 Competitive Greenery Policy
In order to support environmental protection in Lodz it is important to formulate Competitive
Greenery Policy which should include two leading actors: local authorities and districts. The key
point of this policy is to:
- Push and enhance environmental competition between local authorities and districts;
- Support interconnections between local authorities and districts.
The figure below is a graphical presentation of the connection between competition, cooperation
and sustainable development. The competition and cooperation are crucial to reach a sustainable
state. In this case, competition is defined as a race towards sustainability within the authorities on
one hand, and within the districts on the other hand. After the intra-actions within one sector have
started, the second phase – interactions between the sectors – will start.
Figure 9.1 Cornerstones of Sustainable Development - Competition + Cooperation
Intra-actions (authorities)
The local authorities and agencies should compete with each other in the context of sustainable
development. It is important to establish a mixed committee under the framework of green
competitive policy. This committee (including representatives from the department of transport,
energy, infrastructure, environmental protection etc.) will be responsible for coherent decisions and
joint actions that are supposed to lead to effective urban spatial development and environmental
management. The goal of this competition is to attract and implement more innovations. The
cooperation will make governmental programs and policies more productive. Such cooperation will
provide a good example for people on how to take care for the environment.
Intra-actions (districts)
Districts should be divided into smaller units like neighborhoods. Competition and cooperation is
also important at this level. The goal is to take care of the surroundings and help the authorities
implement some policies, e.g. urban greenery, recycling, composting and so on. Some new projects
could be planned e.g. “My Green House”, “Green Yard”, “My Urban Kitchen Garden”, etc.
However, it is important to encourage society and provide some incentives for inhabitants to stay
involved therefore inter-actions are necessary.
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Inter-action (authorities + districts)
The goal of inter-actions between districts and authorities is to share and take mutual
responsibilities. This will help to solve problems like lack of public awareness and mistrust. The
local authorities should encourage the society to participate in decision-making and implementation
processes. The city or district authorities should support the individuals that act in a sustainable way
(e.g. they could receive discount cards for city transport, coupons for communal payments etc.).
9.2 Economy Section
9.2.1 Put Me on the Map Campaign
One of the social barriers in the preservation of trees identified by the experts was citizens’ low
awareness of the importance of trees (see Chapter 3). On the other hand, trees related issues are not
perceived as a priority by the local authorities to a point where there is no data on the number of
trees in the city. The campaign entitled Put me on the map would address both problems.
The goal of the campaign Put me on the map is to involve inhabitants in the process of greenery
inventory. This participatory process would provide the foundation for establishing short and longterm
maintenance and management goals.
A web-based map of a given district would be made available to inhabitants that would be asked to
update the information about green areas in their neighborhood. The local communities would have
an opportunity to actively participate in a project that in a long-term would help to improve the
quality of their own life and enhance the beauty of green areas.
The main outcome of the campaign is to create an inventory of Lodz’s street trees and green areas
in order to determine their quantity, the diversity and composition of species present, the condition
of the greenery, and their exact locations. The collected data would be crucial for the routine
maintenance and management of urban greenery, and would also help to identify possible spaces of
new green areas and assess which areas have the highest need for trees planting.
Once the map is ready, it could be used by the experts developing spatial management plans – the
map would provide specific information about green areas in the city and their biodiversity value.
The objectives of this campaign include also empowerment and community building. Inclusion of
community members in the urban greenery inventory would provide an opportunity to increase
residents’ stewardship capacity and awareness of the urban greenery at a local level. Moreover,
informed citizens can play an active role in the stewardship of the urban green spaces by informing
and involving their neighbors in the process.
In addition, citizens can take the lead to increase plantings and tree care in their neighborhood’s
yards and other private spaces. And then, a management agency may be more willing to provide
new plantings in areas where they know residents will assist a tree’s survival by watering and
monitoring the health of public trees.
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9.2.2 Comprehensive Vision and Identity of Lodz
Successful cities have a clear strategy and vision that is recognized countrywide and even abroad.
They develop clear strategies that set the development directions which help them become places
where business want to invest and people want to live. The Polish examples of Wroclaw famous of
being “the meeting place”, and Krakow famous as a cultural city prove that clear development
directions set upon the strengths of the city as well as clear communication of these directions are
important for cities to succeed.
Development of a strategy with clearly defined vision, strategic success factors, objectives and
indicators to measure the progress is very important. Without it the city management will be based
on solving urgent problems which cannot guarantee a long term success. On the other hand, clear
vision is an important first step in solving a problem that is already becoming urgent for Lodz,
i.e. the lack of spatial management plans. It seems that local authorities recognize the need for
vision development. There are some documents like the Lodz Cluster Development Strategy or
Lodz Brand’s Management Strategy already prepared however there is no comprehensive vision of
the city as a whole.
With clearly defined goals that specify how the city will look like in 2020, what type of investments
it would like to attract and which areas it would like to focus the development on, it will be easier
for the local government to define the functional areas of the city so that the later developed special
plan will already include long term plans and objectives. The strategy should also include indicators
that are crucial to succeed as the European Green Capital.
Lodz also needs a well defined identity that would be recognizable in the country and even abroad.
This identity should be developed in a participatory process where all the key stakeholders (i.e. city
council, various administrative departments, business representatives, experts and inhabitants of the
city) have an opportunity to state their opinion.
The tools used to encourage the participation could include meetings with stakeholders, surveys,
public discussions, consultations through internet discussion forums or interactive tools (for
example see Put me on the map section).
It should be ensured that the entire process is clear, transparent and that all the key stakeholders are
informed about it. In order to ensure that the participation process is organized in a proper way it
should be led by an external entity (a leader of the project). This could be a consulting company or
an NGO chosen and approved by the city council. The leader of the project should be independent
so that the objectivity and equal treating of various stakeholders groups is ensured.
It is expected that engaging various groups of stakeholders in identity development process will
have the following positive effects:
- It will ensure that all the issues important for key stakeholders groups will be taken into
account;
- It will make stakeholders support the communication of the vision and identity.
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Two practical tools that could be used by the local authorities to facilitate the identity creation
process were identified:
- Advisory committee – technical advisory body composed of representatives of local
businesses, experts, interest groups and NGOs. Its mission will be to coordinate the work on
identity identification and guarantee high quality of the final outcome;
- Images of the Future – different visualizations of the city’s future are presented to the
inhabitants. The local people have a chance to see how the actions they are taking now (or
not taking) will influence the city’s image in the future. The inhabitants can comment on
possible development scenarios and present their own visions. As many people do not think
about long-term consequences of their actions, this approach can force people to think how
their actions will influence the future.
Strategy development and identity identification process is considered as the first step that is needed
to set the framework for the spatial management plan and an important part of preparations to
become the European Green Capital.
9.3 Society Section
9.3.1 Green It Well Project
Green it well project was designed to address the problem of insufficient number of multifunctional
green areas in Lodz itself a consequence of low level of public awareness, low level of local
government efficiency, low level of investment in green areas.
According to this project, the local authorities will provide an area in the city that could be
transformed into a multifunctional park. Next, the inhabitants as well as business entities will be
asked to participate in a contest and they will share their ideas about the best way to use the land.
The initiative should be promoted in local media and on billboards, bus stops, in schools etc. in
order to spark interest and involve as many people as possible in the planning process. The most
rational and sustainable idea will be selected by a special committee. The winner will have
an opportunity to manage and implement his/her idea.
The main idea of this innovation is to fill the space with greenery, facilities and equipment
(benches, table tennis tables, chess tables etc.), food courts, playgrounds, ponds etc. and create
a multifunctional park.
Moreover, each of the facilities mentioned above could be sponsored by a family, individual,
company or institution. Those contributing to the project will receive engraved brick pavers bearing
their name (e.g. John Smith’s Tree, Anna Nowak’s Garden or Klak Ltd. Pond).
This kind of participation and ownership could increase communities’ sense of responsibility and
tighten interpersonal relationships. In addition, from the environmental point of view, such
an investment can enrich biodiversity and create new ecosystems which can provide local
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communities with its services. Moreover, the nice surroundings can encourage amateur theatres,
wedding planners, fitness instructions etc. to provide their service in this multifunctional park.
To attract investors to invest in new facilities in the provided area, the local government could for
example offer tax incentives. In the long run, the investments will bring additional profit to the local
budget.
Green it well project could help Lodz become the European Green Capital by bringing
improvements in the following areas:
- reduction of CO2 emission;
- green areas and sustainable land management;
- nature and biodiversity;
- air quality;
- Eco-innovation and 'green' jobs.
9.3.2 Green Tram Project
The Green Tram Project is designed to solve the problem of poor awareness about the importance
of green areas and their functions among inhabitants of Lodz. During the meeting in the City Office,
the stakeholders emphasized that there is a need for such an initiative.
The project takes into consideration educational, cultural and social aspects. It facilitates the
inhabitants’ mobility between Lodz’s biggest parks and green areas by creating special tram trips.
Every weekend several trams will take inhabitants and tourists free of charge for a trip to the nearest
green area or park. Painted in green with a slogan “Follow the green tram”, the trams will be
accessible for handicapped people and families with baby carriages. In addition, the low-emission
electric trams will also promote the alternative way of public transportation.
During the journey, the passengers will experience an unforgettable trip by passing through the city
center, watching educational movies, discussing environmental issues, getting familiar with the idea
of Lodz as European Green Capital or just having a rest on a special green lawn made of
biodegradable material imitating natural grass. When getting off the tram passengers will receive
a flyer containing information about the usage of green areas in a rational and multifunctional way.
After a pleasant journey on the Green Tram, the passengers will be encouraged to spend some time
in the multifunctional green areas and to use one of the facilities e.g. mobile-library, spots for
aerobic or other sport activities, grill appliances or simply deck chairs.
Another important issue is to encourage local high-school students, representatives from
environmental NGOs or just people interested in the ecological issues to get involved in the Green
Tram project as volunteers. The volunteers will be responsible for providing information for the
passengers.
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The passengers of the Green Tram will:
- learn more about the nature and the use of green areas;
- observe nature;
- get aesthetic experience;
- take break from the city.
The schedule of the green trams will be adjusted to the regular schedule that already exists in Lodz.
The green tram will leave every hour. If the demand be higher more trams will be available.
It is believed that the Green Tram Project will increase the environmental awareness of all residents
and visitors of Lodz. Moreover, it will increase the attractiveness of Lodz among investors and
increase the frequency of social interrelations. The environmental benefits together with the issues
mentioned above will contribute to Lodz efforts towards receiving the title of the European Green
Capital by 2020.
9.4 Well-being Section
9.4.1 The Green Bus Initiative
The Green Bus Initiative focuses on providing the inhabitants, especially those from the city center,
easy access to green areas in Lodz. The stakeholders from local NGOs pointed out that most of
green areas are located outside the city therefore the inhabitants experience difficulties in reaching
them. The Green Bus Initiative will not only address this issue, but will also provide a good
opportunity to raise ecological awareness among inhabitants.
The green buses will operate on afternoons, weekends and holidays based on schedule adjusted to
the potential users’ needs. These buses will travel around the city and carry people who are willing
to spend time in green areas.
The Green Bus ticket will be cheaper than the one for the regular bus. In addition, the Green Buses
will use eco-friendly fuel. Moreover, while on the bus the passengers will receive brief information
on ecosystem services (posters, videos, brochures, etc. that will be displayed in the bus). The goal is
to increase people's awareness, reduce their ignorance and provide an opportunity to visit green
areas. In the bus, the passengers will also find maps with information about all green areas in the
city and that will help them to plan their future trips.
9.4.2 The Green Bike Corridors
Another innovation concerning accessibility to green areas in Lodz is called The Green Bike
Corridors. This project combines development of infrastructure for mobility, increases the total
number of bicycle lanes and makes it easier and more pleasant to move between different green
spaces in the city.
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According to the project, the existing and new bike lanes will connect city parks and other green
areas. The new bicycle paths will be created by narrowing the streets. The new infrastructure will
include parking lots for bicycles and bicycle rentals. The parking lots will be provided mainly near
green areas so that people could leave their bicycles in safe place and enjoy the nature.
It is believed that more bicycle lanes will encourage more people to give up their cars and switch to
environmentally friendly mode of transport.
9.5 Feedback from the Seminar Participants
The local project in Lodz was presented as a case study during the international seminar
Synthesizing different perspectives on the value of urban ecosystem services that was held on 15-16
July 2011 at the University of Lodz, Faculty of Economics and Sociology. The presentation
included the explanation of the goal of the local project, and milestones on the way to coming up
with innovations that could be an inspiration for Lodz. Afterwards, the participants of the seminar
were asked for a feedback and comments regarding proposed innovations. Their comments and
suggestions are described below.
Increasing motivation among the inhabitants to participate more actively in the projects focusing on
greening the city can be achieved in many ways, for example by involving children and students
from schools and universities. The youth have a big influence on their families, especially parents,
and they may persuade them to join the green initiatives.
Another way to involve inhabitants is to organize participatory workshop – for example a workshop
where inhabitants will be asked to draw their vision of the city in order to visualize their ideas and
therefore make it more realistic and feasible.
One of the most important aspects influencing people’s motivation is their knowledge about the
ecosystem services and benefits they provide. Therefore, there is a need to educate inhabitants. It is
recommended to keep in mind that education in the nature through practical experience (e.g. field
trips) gives better results than theoretical lectures in the classroom. Also people should have an
opportunity to see the ecosystems' performance in practice and this can be done by creating green
roofs and walls in their apartment buildings. Also the inhabitants can be asked to plant trees.
However, it must be taken into account that most of them are not ready to maintain the trees.
Another powerful tool is to organize different types of ‘green’ competitions among districts and/or
neighborhoods, for example competition for the greenest garden or backyard, contests among
children and their parents to create indigenous garden (gardens only with traditional type of plants
for that area).
Other suggestions include:
- Creating gardens that can be used for improving biodiversity, food provision (fruits and
vegetables) and educational purposes;
- Creating "open room" for community – to open information centers with qualified people
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who will provide information on ecosystem services to local community;
- Well-developed Local agenda 21 and its implementation;
- Greater involvement of business entities that could profit from the ecosystem services;
- Engagement of people 55+ in environmental projects to prevent their social isolation;
- Creating urban biosphere reserves;
- Not to overload the green campaigns with scientific terms – use simple language to explain
complex processes and phenomenon;
In addition, in order to motivate inhabitants to join the European Green Capital campaign and
familiarize them with the contest requirements it would be more efficient to organize the activities
on the districts level.
9.6 Conclusions
The innovations that were described in this chapter address the most important problems Lodz is
facing, namely: lack of spatial management plans, poor condition of green areas in the city and
difficulties to access them and lack of multifunctional green areas. For each problem two innovative
solutions were suggested. The implementation of these innovations would not only help to solve the
particular problem, but would also positively affect their causes for example by creation of
comprehensive vision for the city development and increasing citizens’ awareness and engagement
into green spaces management.
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CHAPTER 10
Final Conclusions
This report presents the results of the local project “Lodz as European
Green Capital by 2020”. The goal of the project was: to estimate the value
of ecosystem services in Lodz, to support the efforts of the city to become
the European Green Capital by 2020, to promote implementation
of innovations and facilitate the use of innovations by local government,
to assist in further development of research in sustainable development.
In order to achieve these objectives a survey among inhabitants and
interviews with local authorities were conducted, and meetings with experts
and local stakeholders were organized.
Each chapter of this report addresses particular aspects of the local project.
Chapter 1 Challenges of Sustainable Development in Lodz highlighted the sustainability challenges
Lodz is facing, and presented existing and implemented in the city initiatives organized by local
government and NGOs. Currently, the biggest challenges for Lodz are the reconstruction and
revitalization of the valuable city center and implementation of initiatives that would make Lodz
more sustainable. The sustainable development takes time, preparation, commitment and patience.
One can already observe many positive innovative trends in the city which should be taken into
account, supported and further developed.
A detailed description of the local project was provided in Chapter 2 Project Description. One of
the indirect outcomes of the project is to support Lodz’s efforts to become the European Green
Capital by 2020.
Chapter 3 contains a description and results of a research project entitled Barriers to the
preservation of trees in cities and ways to overcome these barriers. The results prove that there are
many administrative and social barriers to the preservation of trees. To overcome those barriers it is
necessary to raise public awareness about the importance of ecosystem services.
In Chapter 4 Good Practices in Ecosystem Services Management, the examples of projects from all
over the world were presented. These examples can be inspiration for Lodz on its way to the
European Green Capital Award.
In order to estimate the value of ecosystem services provided by the street trees in the city center
a survey among inhabitants was conducted. The research study and its results were described in
Chapter 5 Valuation of Ecosystem Services – Example of Street Trees in the Center of Lodz.
According to the respondents the most important is to plant trees on the streets where there are
currently no trees at all.
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An important part of the project was identification of key stakeholders and their interests.
A description of the main interest groups that should be taken into consideration when formulating
a strategy for Lodz to become the European Green Capital by 2020 was presented in Chapter 6.
Chapter 7 presented indicators and trends of sustainable development in Lodz that were identified
by the stakeholders. Some of the indicators have negative trends, and that means that if no action is
taken the problem will escalate. The indicators which are likely to develop in negative direction are
mostly connected with water in landscape, green areas in the city center, and neighbor relationships.
In Chapter 8, the systems thinking approach was applied for finding best solutions for some of the
problems Lodz is straggling with. For each problem a system map was created, where causes and
their interconnections as well as suggested solutions were visually presented.
The system maps described in Chapter 8 helped to identify leverage points – places in the system
where intervention can be implemented in order to modify the system. In Chapter 9 Innovations,
a detailed description of innovations was provided. It is believed that these innovations will help to
address the sustainability challenges Lodz is facing and will help Lodz become the European Green
Capital by 2020.
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1
List of stakeholders participating in the workshop “What to do for
Lodz to receive the title of European Green Capital by 2020”? (July
7 th , 2011)
Name Institution
Magda Affeltowicz The City Office of Lodz – Department of Public Health
Hieronim Andrzejewski Lodz Hills Landscape Park
Jarosław Białek Urban Forestry in Lodz
Dariusz Chmiel The City Office of Lodz – City Architecture Team
Bartłomiej Dana Newspaper „Gazeta Wyborcza”
Andrzej Derulski Land Melioration and Water Units Board
Henryka Gapińska Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Lodz
Barbara Gortat The City Office of Lodz – Department of Public Utilities
Ewa Kamińska Centre of Ecological Activities "Zrodla"
Mirosław Konwerski League of Nature Protection
Marek Kubacki Polish Society of Trees Surgeons – NOT
Agata Kupisz Lodz Voivodship Office – Department of Infrastructure
Bartłomiej Łuszczak Radio Lodz / Lodz radio
Beata Makota Land Melioration and Water Units Board
Wojciech Makowski Foundation „Phenomenon” / The Civil Affairs Institute (INSPRO)
Anna Olaczek-Wołowska Municipal Urban Office in Lodz – Department of Studies and
Monitoring
Elżbieta Pamulska The City Office of Lodz – Department of Public Utilities
Halina Skonieczna League of Nature Protection
Grzegorz Socha Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Lodz
Monika Socha Sewage Treatment Plant
Anita Waack-Zając The City Office of Lodz – Department of Public Utilities
Dariusz Wrzos The City Office of Lodz – Department of Environmental Protection
Marek Wasiak The City Office of Lodz – The Office of City Architect
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Appendix 2
Main Challenges of Lodz Identified by Stakeholders
The appendix presents an alternative approach to the stakeholders’ analysis. The five main
problems Lodz struggles with are described below with a brief description of identified
stakeholders.
1. Urban Green Areas
The green areas in Lodz can be divided into two main groups:
- greenery in the downtown (single trees or alleys of trees and bushes) – unfortunately,
a significant portion of these areas is gradually disappearing (mainly because of new parking
lots, acts of vandalism, dogs’ wastes, salt used during the winter for removing ice from
streets);
- larger green areas (e.g. parks, gardens, forests) – there are 34 city parks in Lodz.
1.1. Business Sector (Companies and Developers)
- sports shops, bike services, etc. – probably they will be interested in developing green
areas. More green areas may encourage more people to start practice sport thus the shops
will gain new clients that need some sport equipment and services;
- restaurants, pubs, etc. – interested mainly in street greenery: during the spring-fall period,
green surrounding makes people more eager to stop by and have a drink/eat in so called
“gardens” i.e. small areas on the street where restaurants/pubs provide services;
- developers, housing cooperatives – on the one hand they appreciate green areas, because
greenery increases the value of estate; on the other hand they often buy green areas only in
order to transform them into construction zone for new investments (e.g. investor on
Piotrkowska street that cut out a group of old trees important for local inhabitants);
- IT and financial sector, international companies (e.g. Infosys, Indesit, Accentrure) – they
may be interested in including some “green policy” in their CSR strategy and by doing so
improve their image and present themselves as responsible and caring company.
1.2. Environmental NGO’s – are involved in projects concerning greenery/environmental
protection and rising ecological awareness (workshops, awareness campaigns, etc.).
1.3. Local authorities (the City Office of Lodz)
- Department of Environmental Protection and Agriculture – issues permits for the
removal of trees and shrubs, imposes administrative fines for the destruction or removal of
trees and shrubs without permission, establishes legal protection of natural monuments,
monitors the management and use of green areas, manages urban green areas owned by the
city, supervises the Urban Forestry Agency in Lodz;
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- Department of Urban Planning and Architecture and District Branches of Municipality
– issue permissions for construction and demolition of buildings and roads, are involved is
the development of the local spatial management plans etc. They can determinate which area
of the city will be dedicated for investments and which could be kept as a green area;
- Urban Forestry – Lodz is responsible for: forest management in forests owned by the City,
supervision of non-state forests, environmental and forest education, taking care of wild
animals;
- Voivodship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Lodz – its
mission is to financially support projects that protect the natural environment and respect
values of environment in accordance with the principle of sustainable development. The
Fund provides loans, grants, interest rate subsidies to preferential loans and gives award for
activities for environment protection and water management.
2. Mobility and Local Transport
An efficient transport can address many problems contemporary cities are facing. The mobility is
one of the factors that directly influence the cultural landscape, sustainability and the dispersion or
sprawl of the city. The public transportation system in Lodz is based on a network of buses and
trams however, the system is not efficient. The waiting time on bus/tram stops is too long, as well
as the time spent for reaching a certain destination. The number of cars in the city is rapidly
increasing and the cycling network is underdeveloped.
- developers, entrepreneurs and some shop owners are interested in having more roads and
parking lots;
- pedestrians, disabled people and families with children are interested in having larger
and safer sidewalks; they would like to reduce the number of cars (especially those illegally
parked on sidewalks) and remove the architectural barriers that limit their mobility;
- passengers are interested in improving the comfort and efficiency of public transportation;
- cyclists would like to have more bicycle lanes and make the existing safer;
- public institutions (e.g. the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investor Assistance, the
Department of Infrastructure, the Downtown Branch of the City Office of Lodz) – mobility
is an important factor of the economic growth and employment thus they may have interest
in promoting public transport;
- housing cooperatives and associations would like to eliminate psychological barriers
caused by city infrastructure (e.g. a wide road which seems to be unsafe to cross); are
interested in a good accessibility of parking lots;
- architects, urban designers, planners, engineers, other experts and researchers are
responsible for coming up with innovations that will address challenges Lodz is facing;
- The Department of Spatial Planning plays a key role in issues related to infrastructure and
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3. Energy
mobility; represents the interests of local communities and is responsible for balancing the
needs and finding the best solutions for spatial planning that will be reflected in strategic
documents.
The Polish Energy Group is the biggest energy provider company in Lodz. The company provides
combined energy and heating services for inhabitants and business entities. .
The number of companies providing “green energy” is increasing however the position of
traditional energy providers is not threatened. The situation may change when the “Ekoenergia”
cluster develops. The “Ekoenergia” cluster is a joined initiative of Lodz University and some
companies operating in Lodz Voivodship.
There are several different stakeholders who could be interested in energy issues however the most
important actors are the main energy provider companies and the City Office of Lodz.
4. Eco-Innovations and Green Workplaces
An eco-innovation is the commercial application of knowledge to elicit direct or indirect ecological
improvements. In Lodz, there are many stakeholders that could be interested in implementation of
eco-innovations and creation of green workplaces. The most important of them are the Department
of environmental Protection and Agriculture and the department of Entrepreneurship and
Development in the City Office of Lodz. They are responsible for green areas management,
forestry, nature preservation, surveillance over private green areas, and introduction of innovations
in the city’s economy by supporting local entrepreneurs and encouraging foreign capital to invest in
Lodz.
The Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer, Lodz Regional Science and Technology
Park and local universities discover and formulate new ideas. An important group of stakeholders
are local housing cooperatives and associations, but also construction companies – very often
they are the decision makers and it is up to them if eco-friendly technologies and solutions will be
implemented.
5. Water Management
The European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology in Lodz in cooperation with the City Office of
Lodz initiated a pilot program called SWITCH. The water management was identified as a field in
which Lodz is able to achieve improvement in a short run. The illegal sewage was identified as
a primary issue in water management. The City Office implements initiatives that increase
inhabitants’ awareness in regards to the water management. The City Office seems to be opened for
applying sustainable principles in storm water management.
88

Appendix 3
Stakeholders’ Contact Information
Name
of
Organi
zation
City Council
Marshal Office
Additional Information
Department of Public
Utility
Department of
Environmental Protection
and Agriculture
Department of Urban
Planning and Architecture
89
Contact Information
Address Phone, fax e-mail, website
1. Local Authorities
90-926 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 104
90-447 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 175
90-365 Lodz
ul. Tymienieckiego 5
90-926 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 104
Office of City Architect 90-926 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 104
Office of Information and
Social Communication
Office of Promotion,
Tourism and International
Cooperation
Office of Enterprise
Development and Service
of Investors
Administration of Roads
and Transportation
Municipal Urban Planning
Office
90-926 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 104
90-423 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 87
90-430 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 113
90-447 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 175
94-016 Lodz
ul. Wilenska 53/55
Urban Forestry - Lodz 91-509 Lodz
ul. Lagiewnicka 305
Department of Agriculture
and Environmental
Protection
Department of
Infrastructure
Regional Spatial Planning
Office of Lodz Voivodship
2. Regional Authorities
90-051 Lodz
al. Pilsudskiego 8
90-051 Lodz
al. Pilsudskiego 8
90-051 Lodz
al. Pilsudskiego12
90-113 Lodz
ul. Sienkiewicza 3
tel.: (42) 638-40-00
fax.: 48 (42) 638-40-04
uml@uml.lodz.pl
www.lodz.pl
tel.: (42) 638-49-12 komunalny@uml.lodz.pl,
gkom@uml.lodz.pl
tel.: (42) 638-47-11
fax.: (42) 638-47-47
tel.: (42) 638-54-40
fax.: (42) 638-43-91
tel.: (42) 638-43-84
fax.: (42) 638-54-41
tel.: (42) 638-58-80
fax.: (42) 638-40-90
tel.: (42) 638-47-00
fax.: (42) 638-44-85
tel.: (42) 638-49-11,
tel.: (42) 638-49-59
tel.: (42) 680 82 60
fax.: (42) 680 82 52
srodowisko@uml.lodz.pl,
osr@uml.lodz.pl
wuia@uml.lodz.pl
bam@uml.lodz.pl
promocja@uml.lodz.pl,
bpt@uml.lodz.pl
biuro.rozwoju@uml.lodz.pl
zdit@uml.lodz.pl
www.zdit.uml.lodz.pl
mpu@uml.lodz.pl
http://www.mpu.lodz.pl/pag
e/index.php
tel.: (42) 659-02-49 lml@infocentrum.com
www.las.lodz.pl/bip/
tel.: +48 (42) 663-33-80 info@lodzkie.pl
http://www.lodzkie.pl/wps/
wcm/connect/lodzkie/lodzki
e/
tel.: (42) 663-35-30
fax.: (42) 663-35-32
tel.: (42) 663-31-50
fax.: (42) 663-31-52
sekretariat.ro@lodzkie.pl
tel.: (42) 630-57-69 sekretariat@bppwl.lodzkie.
pl
http://bip.bppwl.lodzkie.pl/k
at/id/1

Voivodship Fund for
Environmental Protection and
Water Management in Lodz
90-562 Lodz
ul. Lakowa 11
90
tel.: (42) 663-41-00
fax.: (42) 639-51-21
Provincial Nature Conservator 48 (42) 665-03 70/71
Directorate of Landscape Park
“Lodz Hills”
The Regional Directorate of
Environmental Protection
91-829 Lodz
ul. Zawiszy
Czarnego 10
90-113 Lodz
ul. Traugutta 25
University of Lodz 90-131 Lodz
ul. Narutowicza 65
3. Scientific Institutions
Technical University of Lodz 90-924 Lodz
ul. Zeromskiego 116
Polish Academy of Science –
division in Lodz
European Regional Centre for
Ecohydrology
Foundation "Academy of Social
Initiatives"
The League of Nature
Conservation, Directorate in Lodz
The Centre for Environmental
Activities "Zrodla"
90-434 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska
137/139
30-364 Lodz
ul. Tylna 3
tel./fax.: (42) 640-65-61
tel.: (42) 665-03-70
fax.: (42) 665-03-71
tel.: (42) 635-40-00
fax.: (42) 665-57-71
tel.: (42) 636-55-22
fax: (42) 636-56-15
tel.: (42) 636-80-18
fax.: (42) 636-24-15
tel.: (42) 681-70-07
fax.: (42) 681-30-69
4. Non-governmental Organizations
94-049 Lodz
ul. Hippiczna 41/9
91-213 Lodz
ul. Wici 20/8
90-430 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska 113
90-602 Lodz
ul. Zielona 27
Lodz Ecological Civic Forum 93-548 Lodz
ul. Pabianicka 74/76
Ecological Education and
Sustainable
Development Foundation of Green
Party of Republic of Poland
m. 72
90-601 Lodz
ul. Zielona15
fundusz@wfosigw.lodz.pl
http://new.wfosigw.lodz.pl/s
trona/aktualnosci.php?idt=1
sekretariat.lodz@rdos.gov.pl
dyrekcja@pkwl.pl
http://www.pkwl.pl/
sekretariat.lodz@rdos.gov.pl
http://www.uni.lodz.pl/index
.php
http://www.p.lodz.pl/index.h
tm
oddzial@pan.lodz.pl
http://www.pan.lodz.pl/
erce@erce.unesco.lodz.pl
http://www.erce.unesco.lodz
.pl
tel.: (50) 128-87-19 biuro@inicjatywyspoleczne.
org.pl
www.inicjatywyspoleczne.o
rg.pl
tel./fax.: (42) 633-30-45 http://www.loplodz.toya.net.
pl/
tel.: (42) 632-81-18
fax.: (42) 291-14-50
tel./fax.: (42) 632-31-39
office@zrodla.org
www.zrodla.org
leszek_precikowski@o2.pl
www.ekologiczneforum.zafr
iko.pl
ecretariat@zielonirp.org.pl
info@zielonirp.org.pl
Group of Certain People grupa.pewnych.osob.lodz@
gmail.com
Polish Association of Tree 90-447 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska
Citizen’s Ecological Forum in
Lodz
Polish Association of Allotment
Owners in Lodz
Phenomenon - the Normal City
Foundation
Center of Promotion and
Development of Civil Initiatives
“OPUS”
165/169 p. 405
93-548 Lodz
ul. Pabianicka 74/76
m 72
91-202 Lodz
ul. Warecka 3
90-301 Lodz
ul. Wigury 12a
91-415 Lodz
pl. Wolnosci 2
tel./fax.: (42) 637 62 81
tel.: (50) 074 02 82
tel.: (42) 655 94 54
fax.: (42) 655 94 30
tel.: 531-157-000
fax.: (42) 209 32 55
www.gpo.blox.pl
poczta@ptchd.org.pl
www.ptchd.org.pl
lodz@pzd.home.pl
kontakt@fundacjafenomen.
pl
tel.: (42) 231-31-01 opus@opus.org.pl
http://www.opus.org.pl/inde
x.php

COHABITAT Group tel.: 889-907-710 l.nowacki@cohabitat.net
http://cohabitat.net/info.html
Municipal Institution of Public
Utility Services
Municipal Enterprise Responsible
for Garbage
5. Business Representatives
94-102 Lodz
ul. Nowe Sady 19
91-842 Lodz
ul. Tokarzewskiego 2
Lodz Gardening Company 91-202 Lodz
ul. Wareckiej 3
Company „Urban Greenery- the
South”
94-303 Lodz
ul. Konstantynowska
3/5
Tree surgeon 90-369 Lodz
ul. Piotrkowska
204/210 m. 175
Dendro-Geo Service 91-765 Lodz
ul. Gornicza 12/14
Municipal Transportation
Company in Lodz
90-132 Lodz
ul. Tramwajowa 6
91
tel.: (42) 272-34-50 zaklad@lzuk.lodz.pl
www.lzuk.lodz.pl
tel.: (42) 616-04-14 sekretariat@mpolodz.pl
www.mpolodz.pl
tel.: (42) 640-65-58 zielen@zielen-miejska.pl
www.zielenmiejska.pl
tel.: (42) 633-07-40 zielen@binar.pl
www.zielenpoludnie.lodz.pl
tel./fax.: (42) 636-47-
28, (501) 21-85-,
(501) 26-44-23
tel.: (60) 231-06-33
fax.: (42) 616-85-01
tel.: (42) 672-11-11
fax.: (42) 672-12-09
www.chd.pl
dendro@dendrogeoservice.p
l
http://www.dendrogeoservic
e.com.pl/
http://mpk.lodz.pl/start.jsp
Note:
The above list provides only examples of stakeholders. It has to be emphasized that there are many more entities such as
business representatives, local associations, social groups (especially those informal) that could become stakeholders.
Each innovation related to the European Green Capital contest could involve new stakeholders.

Appendix 4
ISIS Methodology
The AtKisson Group’s ISIS Accelerator is a set of tools for working with sustainable development.
ISIS Accelerator is based on nearly twenty years of development and practice, in many different
countries, cultures, and types of organizations, around the world. Each core element in the ISIS
Accelerator – Compass, Pyramid, Amoeba, StrateSphere – is a family of methods and processes,
documents and presentation slides, that can be adapted and applied to a very wide variety of
situations.
The purpose of the ISIS Accelerator is to speed up the process of doing sustainability work, by
providing proven methods for bringing people together, building common understanding and
commitment, and taking effective and innovative action to develop or change systems to be more
sustainable.
Compass
Compass is a tool for managing indicators and assessment, and
the stakeholders who need them. Four compass directional points
North – East – South – West became four key dimensions of
sustainability: Nature, Economy, Society, and Well-Being. This
tool is used for framing, defining, assessing, and measuring
progress towards sustainability, also for risk management and gap
analysis, monitoring and evaluation performance indexing.
Pyramid
"Building the Pyramid" is an exciting and effective workshop tool
for training on every dimension of sustainability, or for planning
strategic initiative, developing plans, teambuilding, building broad
consensus for action. "Pyramid" is named for the three-dimensional
model that is built during the course of the workshop. The Pyramid
model is used to capture and reflect the results of the group process,
and to symbolize the group's conclusions and group’s commitments
to future action.
92

Amoeba
"Amoeba" is the classic and essential tool for sustainability
change agents seeking to bring new ideas into organizations,
communities, or any group culture, train change agents,
strategize for innovation, prepare for cultural change,
accelerate rates of innovation adoption, adaptation, and
replication. Amoeba is named for its central metaphor:
thinking of cultural groups as "amoebae", first sending out
exploratory "pseudopods" towards new ideas, and then
shifting the whole amoeba to a new position. The tool is based on classic innovation diffusion
theory, augmented by fifteen years of consulting experience in sustainable development.
StrateSphere
"StrateSphere" guides you through comprehensive strategic planning,
performance metrics, evaluation and more... with a 360-degree
perspective. Focus on implementation, formal strategic planning,
organizing and prioritizing, evaluating penetration and impact,
highlighting areas for strategic revision. The "sphere" metaphor is
used because the system – which is comprised of several different
specific tools – can give the 360-degree "global picture" for your
initiative to be most effective. StrateSphere is especially useful for
groups that need to develop basic strategic planning competency, as it
comes with basic planning templates for setting goals and establishing performance metrics. But is
also especially useful for larger scale initiatives that need to map a complex set of actors, assess
where the gaps are in the field or sector in which they operate, and determine their most effective
course of action to advance sustainability.
93

Appendix 5
Indicators Used for European Green Capital Award 2014
A
Climate change 25
B
Mobility and
public
transportation
C
Green areas and
sustainable land
management
D
Nature and
biodiversity
E
Air quality
F
Noise level
G
Waste
management
H
Water use
I
Sewage
managemant
Total CO2 equivalent per capita, including emissions resulting from use of
electricity
CO2 per capita resulting from use of natural gas
CO2 per capita resulting from transport
Grams of CO2 per kWh used
Length of designated cycle lanes in relation to total number of inhabitants in the
city
Share of population living within 300 meters of an hourly (or more frequent)
public transport service
Proportion of all journeys under 5 km by private car
Proportion of public transport classified as low emission
The proportion of areas located within the inner city / on city boundaries
The distribution across the city
Size of areas
Fragmentation
Soil sealing (m 2 ) per capita
Managing areas designated for nature protection and biodiversity
Protecting nature in other open spaces
Promotion of public knowledge and understanding of nature and biodiversity,
particularly among young people
Number of days per year on which EU limit values were exceeded for PM10
(daily mean of 50µg/m 3 )
Number of days per year on which EU limit value/long term objective for
ozone was exceeded (8h mean of 120µg/m 3 )
Annual mean concentration of NO2 and PM10 and PM2,5
Share of population exposed to noise values of L (day) above 55 dB(A)
Share of population exposed to noise values of L (night) above 45 dB(A)
Amount of waste per capita; Household, Municipal
Proportion of total/biodegradable waste sent to a landfill
Percentage of recycled municipal waste
Proportion of urban water supply subject to water metering
Water consumption per capita (in l/capita/year for households and business)
Water loss in pipelines
Compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive and related Directives
Make particular reference to waste water services quality, focusing on:
Access to service
Flood occurrences and management
Economic sustainability
Infrastructures sustainability (treatment capacity, treatment level; drainage
systems rehabilitation)
Environmental sustainability (energy efficiency, renewable energy, pollution
25 European Green Capital – European Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreenca
pital/index_en.htm (July 13, 2011).
94

J
Eco-innovations
and „green”
workplaces
K
Environmental
management of
local authority
L
Energy
prevention efficiency; sludge treatment and final disposal, public health
Integration into water management in general closing the cycle (efficient water
use, treated waste water reuse)
Innovations that address material security (substitution, minimization of
material use, closing loops, etc.) and reduce environmental impacts
Awareness raising and training to encourage the development and take-up of
environmentally friendly technologies, particularly through training in
industrial and business settings
Social innovation, including for example community programs, that shows
entrepreneurship and new ways of organization in order to promote sustainable
development and protect the environment locally and globally
Number of jobs created in green sectors such as renewable energy and waste
recycling, in total and as share of total jobs in the city and total jobs created
during a period of one year
Share of energy provided in the city that is sourced from renewable energy
sources. Renewable energy sources to be specified
Share of hybrid or fully electric cars sold in total car sale
Number of municipal departments with certified environmental management
systems (ISO 14001/EMAS)
Percentage of consumed eco-labeled and organic products by municipalities,
measured as a share of the total product consumption within similar category
Energy consumption & performance of municipal buildings per square meter
The development and goals for renewable energy share of all energy (heat and
electricity)
The strategy of renewable vs. non-renewable mix as well as the renewable
energy mix (different renewable sources) dynamics for the coming 2 decades
Integration and performance of renewable energy technology in municipal
buildings and homes
Development of compatible and integrated district systems and the facilitation
of more sophisticated city-wide control.
95

Appendix 6
List of Best Practices and Corresponding European Green Capital
Criteria
No. Best Practice
European Green Capital
Criteria
(see Appendix 5)
1 Peñalolén crece verde (Peñalolén Grows Green) A, E, K
2 Eco-Roof Incentive Program E, K, L
3 The Kfar-Sava Biofilter H, I
4 Hammarby Sjöstad L, H, K
5 Garden for a Living London Campaign A, C, D, H
6 Ørestad Urban Gardens A
7 Neighborhood Gardens and Creepers for Cracow – Competition C, E
8 Green Stormwater Infrastructure Programs – Green City, Clean Waters E, H, J, K
9 The Creation of Lublinek Forest Park in Lodz A, C, D, J
10 Bristol's Parks and Green Space Strategy A , C, K
11 Green Poznan A , D, K
12 Urban Tree Program: Re-Green Atlanta A, C, D, E, F, K
13 Cork South Docklands B, C, H, I, K
14 McGill University Edible Campus A, C, G
15 Philadelphia Green Plan A, C ,E, F, K
16 Warsaw University Library A, C, D, E, H, J
17 The Forest of Belfast A, C, D, E, F
18 Emscher Park Restoration in Ruhr A, C, D ,E, K,F
19 High line – Innovative Park in New York A, C, D, E, F, K
20 Rotterdam Green Roofs C, H, K
21 Introduction of Eco-system Solution to Urban architecture: Yard-Skreper C, J, L
22 Master Composter - Soil Building Program G
23 Most Beautiful Garden Contest C, D, E, K
24 Vertical Farming, Sky Farming C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L
25 Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan C, D, E, F, K
26 NeighborSpace Program: Converting Vacant Lots to Greenery C, D, E, F, K
27 Revitalization of Ślepotka River A, C, D, E, F, I
28 Melbourne Water's 10,000 Rain Gardens Program A, C, D, E, F, I, K
29 Plant-it 2020 A, C, E, F, K
30 Shanghai Houtan Park A, C, D, E, F, I
31 Catskill/Delware Watershed Protection H, K
32 Integrated Resources Management Plan for Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo I, J, K
Lagoon Complex, Sri Lanka
33 Forest for Peterborough Project A, C, D, E
34 Sustainable Stormwater Management in Portland H, I, K
35 The Conservation Zone in Aalborg D, F, H, J, K
36 Chicago’s Green Alley Program A, H, K
37 The Living Roofs for Wildlife C, D, J
38 Invasión Verde A, C, K
39 Melbourne City Rooftop Honey D
40 Plant-A-Tree Program in Singapore A, C, D, F, J
41 "Széktó" Stormwater Catchment Lakes: Leisure Center and Local Nature
Conservation Area
D, F, H, I, J
42 SolarCity Linz-Pinchling – Sustainable Urban Development A, C, D, J, K, L
43 Chicago Trees Initiative A, D, F, K
44 Grants Program for Housing Associations and District Communities in the Field D, E, F, K
of Greenery Management and Trees Planting
45 NeighborWoods Program A, D, F
46 The "Green Belt" of Vitoria-Gasteiz A, D, F, H, J, K
96

No. Best Practice
European Green Capital
Criteria
(see Appendix 5)
47 EarthWorks' Urban Wilds Program A, H, K
48 Münster - the Eco-mobility City A, B, K
49 Geothermal Energy – Natural Warm A, K, L
97

Appendix 7
List of Selected Best Practices
Best Practice 1. Peñalolén crece verde (Peñalolén Grows Green)
Category and
subcategory of
ecosystem services to
- Regulating (air pollution, extreme temperature);
- Cultural (aesthetics)
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees in the street
does it refer to?
City/Town Peñalolén, Santiago, Chile
Year Started in October 2010 but it was postponed to the beginning of May 2011 (Fall) because high
temperatures (December-February) are not good for young trees.
Initiator Peñalolén Municipality
Short summary The project aims to raise local community’s awareness about the environment and also educate
and train them in the correct tree care techniques. The project promotes an active participation
and community and municipality shared responsibility of the greenery of the streets.
Problem that needed The government has found that survival of new or younger trees in the streets after the second
a solution
or third years was around only 40-60%. It was caused by the fact that the community did not
care for the trees, and the lack of capacity of the municipality to monitor the trees condition.
Moreover, trees were pruning by some residents without any technical knowledge (how and
when to trim).
Solution This project is an expert-led initiative, in turn, by the Environmental Unit and the
Responsibility Business and International Relations Management of the Municipality of
Peñalolén as a part of its Environmental Management Plan. The project is a joint partnership
with Dimacofi, Chilean private company, which will provide 1,000 trees (specially selected for
streets), the virtual platform, and publicity materials.
The local people were not involved in the planning process, but they are the key actors in the
planting and monitoring of the development of the tree. Each family has to take a trainin g
course and pass an exam. The task for the family will be to plant a tree and to put it on a virtual
map of the community. The family has the responsibility to monitor the tree and inform the
municipality and the community about the tree’s condition. The goal of the project is to reach
80% of survival of the new trees in the streets.
In May 2011, there were 58 highly motivated persons on training and 46 trees were planted.
Budget $18,500,000 Chilean peso (ca USD 39,000)
Has this best practice No
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Ricardo Cofré Meza, Environmental Coordinator, Peñalolén Municiplaity
E-mail: rcofre@penalolen.cl
Internet links or other http://www.creceverde.cl
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Jorge Ueyonahara
Affiliation (university, Uppsala University
institution...)
Email address ueyonahara@yahoo.com
98

Best Practice 2. Eco-Roof Incentive Program
Category and
subcategory of
ecosystem services to
which the example
refers
What element of nature
does it refer to?
- Supporting (air purification);
- Regulating (climate regulation, reduction of urban heat, stormwater runoff management);
- Provisioning (solar energy);
- Cultural (aesthetic quality of roof gardens)
Trees, biodiversity, climate, air quality
City/Town Toronto, Canada
Year 2009-2012
Initiator The City of Toronto – City Council
Short summary Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program is designed to promote the use of green and cool roofs
on Toronto’s commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.
Problem that needed The project was design to fulfill the City’s Climate Change Action Plan. The goal of the Action
a solution
Plan is to reduce Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
Solution The City of Toronto has had an interest in encouraging green roofs for some time, starting with
its participation in the construction of two demonstration green roofs on the podium of City
Hall and the roof of the Eastview Community Center. In 2004, the City commissioned a team
from the Ryerson University to prepare a study on the potential environmental benefits of
widespread implementation of green roofs to the City of Toronto. The City held a set of
consultation workshops with green roof stakeholders to receive input on its proposed strategies
to encourage green roofs. Following these consultations, the City prepared a discussion paper,
called Making Green Roofs Happen, which proposed options for encouraging implementatio n
of green roofs. On February 1 st 2006, Toronto City Council approved a set of recommendations
to encourage green roofs that for over 3 years effectively comprised Toronto's green roof
strategy. The initiatives in this strategy fell into four main categories: installation of green roofs
on City buildings; a pilot grant program; use of the development approval process to encourage
green roofs; publicity and education.
Toronto is the first city in the North America to have a bylaw to require and govern the
construction of green roofs on new developments.
Budget Eligible green roof projects receive $50 / square meter up to a maximum of $100,000. Eligible
cool roof projects receive $2 - 5 / square meter up to $50,000.
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Green Roofs
Phone: 416-392-0191, 416-392-0191
E-mail: sustainablecity@toronto.ca
Internet links or other http://www.toronto.ca/greenroofs/
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Agata Golec
Affiliation (university, InE
institution...)
Email address agata.golec@hotmail.com
99

Best Practice 3. The Kfar-Sava Biofilter
Category and
subcategory of
ecosystem services to
- Regulating (regeneration – cycling and filtration processes);
- Cultural (quality of life – aesthetic beauty, social)
which the example refers
What element of nature Water
does it refer to?
City/Town Kfar-Sava, Israel
Year The construction 2009-2010, realization –present
Initiator Yaron Zinger, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) – Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Short summary The Kfar-Sava bio-filter is the first engineered 'green' water treatment system in Israel, which
harvests stormwater and treats polluted groundwater.
Problem that needed About 200 million cubic meters (3 million of Kfar-Sava) of polluted runoff water are absorbed
a solution
by the sewage system and channeled to the sea, which is a waste of huge amounts of precious
water that can be reused, and also pollutes natural water reservoirs.
Solution The bio-filter was developed by a research group from the Monash University in Australia,
with the participation of Israeli Yaron Zinger, who became one of the initiators of the Kfar-
Sava project. It was supported, also financially, by JNF, the Kfar-Sava municipality and KKL-
JNF and approved by the Health, Environment Protection and National Infrastructure
Ministries.
The bio-filter system is a method of storing urban runoff water and treating it by means of
a filtering system, plants and bacteria. The purified water is reintroduced into the aquifer for
urban use.
This project is an example of sustainable usage and compilation of different ecosystem
services. It uses purification abilities provided by plants and living organisms. At the same
time it increases efficiency of water usage and reduce necessity in pumping more water. It also
supports cultural ecosystem services since it requires planting of additional trees that will
provide services to local community.
Budget Information is unavailable, but many specialists agree that technology itself is relatively
inexpensive.
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Yaron Zinger
PhD Candidate – Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University
Yaron.Zinger@monash.eduend
Internet links or other About the project: http://www.watersensitivecities.org.au/?page_id=1976
resources where more Project brochure: http://www.watersensitivecities.org.au/wp-content/uploads/israel-biofilterinformation
is available Brochure.pdf
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Marina Kovaleva
Affiliation (university, American University of Central Asia
institution...)
Email address kovaleva_m@mail.auca.kg
100

Best Practice 4. Hammarby Sjöstad
Category and - Provisioning (water, fuel);
subcategory of - Regulating (flood regulation);
ecosystem services to - Cultural (educational, recreational)
which the example refers
What element of nature Water, soil, trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Stockholm, Sweden
Year 1995-2017
Initiator The City of Stockholm Development Office in cooperation with the City Planning Department
Short summary The urban development project is located in the south-east of Stockholm covering 145 ha
including a lake. The project goal is to create a closed-circuit system that allows reduction of
energy and water use within the Hammarby Sjöstad by 50% comparing with other housing
areas in Stockholm.
Problem that needed In the beginning of 1990-s the land in Hammarby Sjöstad belonged to private owners and was
a solution
built up with industrial squatters. Due to lack of regulations the area soon reached a point close
to collapse of the local ecosystem. The city authorities decided to buy out the land and
construct a new city district with a special focus on use of ecosystem services, environment al
protection and sustainable development.
Solution The project was initiated by Stockholm City Council and has involved spatial planners, public
sector stakeholders and inhabitants of the city.
The local eco-cycle has been established in order to support and protect existing ecosystem
services. For instance, solar energy is used for production of electrical energy, combustible
waste is used as biomass for district heating and biogas is extracted from the digestion process
of sewage. The sludge remained after extraction is used for soil fertilizing. Roofs of the
buildings are planted with sedum in order to collect rainwater, delay it and evaporate it.
Furthermore, it helps to create green city milieu.
Budget The City of Stockholm invested about €500 million in the project. About €3 billion of private
investment was generated within the project.
Has this best practice On the basis of the project a model of the sustainable city Symbiocity was developed by the
been replicated Swedish Trade Council (www.symbiocity.org). Hammarby Sjöstad was used as a case study
elsewhere?
for consideration of the Scottish government
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/31110906/15
Contact information E-mail: info@hammarbysjostad.se
Phone: +46 8 522 137 00
Internet links or other http://www.hammarbysjostad.se/
resources where more http://www.stockholm.se/hammarbysjostad
information is available http://www.futurecommunities.net/case-studies/hammarby-sjostad-stockholm-sweden-1995-
2015
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Mariya Dedova
Affiliation (university, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
institution...)
Email address Mariya.dedova@gmail.com
101

Best Pactice 5. Garden for a Living London Campaign
Category and - Supporting (habitat for animal and bird species, terrain providing network for wildlife
subcategory of ecosystem migration);
services to which the - Regulating (absorbing carbon, soaking up flood water, retain water, cooling the city,
example refers balancing the local climate)
What element of nature Plants (trees, grasses, shrubs, flowers), animals, birds, biodiversity, water, climate
does it refer to?
City/Town London, Great Britain
Year From 2009 ongoing
Initiator London WildLife Trust
Short summary The Program aims to transform the London's 3 million gardens into a network of nature
reserves that make a city more resilient to climate change and better for wildlife, engaging
open access, self-initiated participation of local inhabitants.
Problem that needed Climate change is predicted to make summers hotter and drier and winters warmer and wetter.
a solution
As a result, we are likely to experience overheating, droughts and flash-flooding, with an
increased demand on water resources. The impact will be probably greatest in cities, where
hard surfaces prevent water absorption into the ground. An influx of new species attracted by
the warmer climate can cause a shift in the balance of predators, pests and disease. Some
native species will need help to adapt to these changes.
Solution The London Wildlife Trust’s Garden for a Living London campaign aims to highlight the
importance of the capital’s gardens to wildlife and to people. The organization wants London's
private gardeners to pledge to do one of seven things to make their garden more wildlife and
climate friendly. These are: planting drought resistant plants, planting mixed hedgerows,
planting broad leaved trees, making a pond, using mulch, roof greening and wilding up
dockings. The campaign has attracted attention of the Mayor of London and is supported by
Thames Water – private utility company responsible for the public water supply and waste
water treatment.
The idea of the program is to rely on self-initiative of London inhabitants. Everybody who has
a garden can apply. The London Wildlife Trust supports participants with online accessible
information in form of „How to” guides on each of seven above-mentioned topics and
„Wildlife Gardening Pack” guidebook with lots of tips and advices on wildlife and climate
friendly gardening. Gardeners are also welcomed to visit mini "Future Gardens" placed in
London area.
Budget The Wildlife Trust spent £2,303,490 on charitable activities and £233,076 on fundraising and
publicity in 2009-2010 financial year.
Has this best practice Similar campaigns can be find in Holland (Amsterdam), USA ( New York, Chicago),
been replicated Denmark (Copenhagen).
elsewhere?
Contact information London Wildlife Trust
General enquiries: enquiries@wildlondon.org.uk
Internet links or other http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/gardening/Home/tabid/384/language/en-US/Default.aspx
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Mariusz Boćkowski
Affiliation (university, Jagiellonian University, Cracow
institution...)
Email address mariusz.bockowski@uj.edu.pl
102

Best Practice 6. Ørestad Urban Gardens
Category and
subcategory of
ecosystem services to
- Provisioning (food);
- Cultural (green areas)
which the example refers
What element of nature Garden
does it refer to?
City/Town City Copenhagen, Denmark
Year 2005
Initiator The Association Ørestad Urban Gardens
Short summary The project offers gardens of approximately 16 m², in which the members of the Association
can grow organic food. There are about 60 small gardens. In addition to the individual plots,
the Association's members also have the opportunity to help cultivate a large shared garden.
Problem that needed The project was started by the Association Ørestad Urban Gardens, which used empty building
a solution
sites to bring life and establish green areas in a district characterized by construction
machinery and bare fields. The individual gardens consisted of raised beds in Euro-pallet
boxes. The members were entitled to two 'plant boxes' in which they could cultivate flowers,
herbs and vegetables. The gardens had no sheds or permanent installations.
Solution In collaboration with Agendacenter Amager, local residents established the Association
Ørestad Urban Gardens (2005). The land for the gardens is made available by the Area
Development Company that supports the district's local initiatives.
At the beginning, the Association experimented with small, mobile gardens . In 2009, the
common area has tables, benches and a barbecue facility for everyone to use. An old site hut
functions as a tool shed. The Association is responsible for the purchase of tools, tables and
benches, as well as measuring up and allocation of plots. The practical work of laying out the
gardens, etc. is carried out by the members on special work days. From time to time, the
Association holds social and gardening-related events during which the district's residents can
get together to work in their gardens, enjoy each other’s company or to attend theme days
which focus on gardening, ecology and the environment.
Budget Membership costs DKK 200 year (≈37 USD), project budget not given
Has this best practice There are some examples of urban gardens not exactly in building sites but also in cities called
been replicated "urban agriculture", Pomona Valley, California, 2008
elsewhere?
Contact information Ørestad Urbane Haver, Asger Jorns Allé, 2300 København S
E-mail: urbanehaver@live.dk
Phone: 9607-68 84 82 82 428
Internet links or other http://www.urbanehaver.dk/?page_id=67
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Maruta Jankēvica
Affiliation (university, University of Latvia Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
institution...)
Email address maruta.jankevica@gmail.com
103

Best Practice 7. Neighborhood Gardens and Creepers for Cracow – Competition
Category and
- Regulating (natural air filter);
subcategory of ecosystem - Supporting (oxygen production);
services to which the - Cultural (aesthetic and spiritual)
example refers
What element of nature Trees, plants like creepers
does it refer to?
City/Town Cracow, Poland
Year 2005 – 2010
Initiator Ecological Animation Workshop
Short summary Each year (last in 2010) most valuable gardens and creepers rising in the city are selected.
Selection of winners is based on strictly specified conditions .
Problem that needed The initiators are trying to encourage more and more of Cracow inhabitants to joint
a solution
responsibility for greenery in the city. Competition encourages citizens to “invite” nature into
places from which it was removed for instance because of urbanization. According to the
initiators there is a need to popularize gardening knowledge which helps to create plant
landscapes and knowledge about value of green areas in the city.
Solution In 1995, an educational program called Garden City Project was started. One of the program’s
components was a contest. From the beginning, the project was opened to everyone:
community activists, representatives of housing cooperatives, administrators of blocks and
private tenements and residents of Cracow.
Nowadays, also consultations, lectures, inspections, educational meetings and trips are carried
out.
Budget
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Elżbieta Urbańska – Kłapa
Pracownia Animacji Ekologicznej Ośrodka Kultury im. C. K. Norwida
os. Górali 5, 31 – 959 Kraków
Phone: 12 644 27 65 w. 18
E-mail: elzbieta.uk@gmail.com
Internet links or other http://www.okn.edu.pl/ekologia/miasto.htm
resources where more
information is available
104

Best Practice 8. Green Stormwater Infrastructure Programs – Green City, Clean
Waters
Category and
subcategory of
ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature
does it refer to?
- Cultural (recreation and tourism);
- Regulating (water and air quality regulation, habitats, water regulation, erosion regulation,
water cycling);
- Provisioning (fresh and clean water)
Trees, water management, water protection, rain garden
City/Town Philadelphia, PA (USA)
Year Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program is a part of general Water Protection Program and it
was implemented in 1999.
Initiator Philadelphia Water Department
Short summary The program aims to reduce local flooding, reduce combined sewer overflows and improve
Problem that needed
a solution
water quality while also improving the quality of life of residents.
The problem of stormwater management in the cities is very common. If rain is not properly
managed and flows over impervious surfaces (streets, rooftops, pavements) into the nearest
storm drain, it can have a detrimental effect on water quality in river and stream corridors and
provide flooding and on the other hand faster water fall and consequently lead to drought.
The air quality in the cities is also worse because of lack of large green areas. This results in
deterioration of health condition and quality of residents ’ life.
Solution The most important outcomes of the project include:
- design of a Backyard Buffer Program for a property owner situated along the Poques sing
Creek, the Pennypack Creek to enhance the habitat surrounding water sources, stabilize creeks
to protect against erosion and improve the water quality of the creeks;
- study of integrated green stormwater infrastructure;
- selection of tools including stormwater planters, rain gardens and green roofs and gradual
implementation of them;
- waterways restoration (to more natural ecosystems) involves the re-design of streams,
enhancement and creation of wetlands;
- the Energy Coordinating Agency and the Philadelphia Water Department were distributing rain
barrels to people located within the watersheds of Philadelphia.
The residents are also involved in different activities.
Budget No data available
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
10,000 Rain Gardens in Kansas City
(http://www.rainkc.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.home/index.htm)
Contact information E-mail: questions@phillywatersheds.org
Phone: (215) 685-6213, Rita Montague
Internet links or other http://www.phillywatersheds.org/
resources where more http://www.phila.gov/water/
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Katarzyna Szrama
Affiliation (university, Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Ecology and
institution...)
Environmental Protection
Email address katarzyna.szrama@wp.pl
105

Best Practice 9. The Creation of Lublinek Forest Park in Lodz
Category and
- Provisioning (gene bank);
subcategory of ecosystem - Regulating (climate regulation);
services to which the - Supporting (soil formation, oxygen production);
example refers - Cultural (recreation, restoration)
What element of nature Trees, biodiversity, water, air
does it refer to?
City/Town Lodz, Poland
Year 2005 – 2010
Initiator Aeris Futuro Fundation, Urban Forestry Lodz, Dell
Short summary Creation of the park consisted of two phases implemented in 2004-2010. In 2005-2006, native
trees and shrubs were planted. In 2007-2010, green collar insulation around the municipal
waste sorting Lublinek was created.
Problem that needed Recreational and environmental potential of uncultivated lands in the vicinity of Forest
a solution
Lublinek was untapped. Large housing estates in the area, the nearby airport and the municipal
waste sorting posed a serious environmental burden. The main problems were the high
concentration of CO2, low air humidity and pollutants in the air and soil.
Solution During the first phase of the project, works was conducted on the area of about 37 ha. The
work was carried out based on the concept of a park in English style, which sought
revitalization of the natural rural character of these areas (establishing meadows, grasslands
and pastures). The total area arranged in the second phase was 11.87 ha. DELL’s employees as
volunteers participated in planting trees and shrubs.
According to the estimations made by the Aeris Futuro Foundation before the tree reaches
maturity calculated at 100 years, they can accumulate 1,250 tones of CO2.
The project also had its spontaneous stage – in 2008, the Art of Living Foundation encouraged
local residents to visit the park and planted another 200 plants there.
Budget Total investment cost amounted to 362,018 PLN (2005-2007).
Has this best practice Similar initiatives based on cooperation between NGOs, city administrations, business and
been replicated local community were carried out in several places throughout the country.
elsewhere?
Contact information Joanna Mieszkowicz, Executive Director
Internet links or other http://www.aeris.eko.org.pl/projekty/czas-na-las
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Renata Putkowska
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address r.putkowska@gmail.com
106

Best Practice 10. Bristol's Parks and Green Space Strategy (P&GSS)
Category and - Cultural (recreational, aesthetic)
subcategory of ecosystem
services to which the
example refers
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Bristol, United Kingdom
Year 2008
Initiator Bristol City Councils Cabinet
Short summary The Bristol’s parks are considered to be the main destination (seasonal and fixed) for UK
citizens. Twenty-five million of Bristol’s citizens are visiting the parks annually. The strategy
was designed in order to protect and improve ecosystem services in Bristol’s Parks to ensure
citizens with facilities for recreation and leisure.
Problem that needed The Bristol’s parks tend to be the enjoyable spaces for citizens to amend their well-being and
a solution
healthy life-styles. However, parks were threatened to be reduced. A constant decrease in the
investments for parks improvements led to the decision made by the UK government for selling
some of the green land. Thus there was a need to find new investments and to prevent the
reduction. Moreover, it was essential to safeguard the old trees growing in the historical green
areas, as well as to plan more trees, to develop and grade up the quality of parks.
Solution Trees deficit has been overcome by changes in the planning systems for a higher quantity of
green space. The tree planning has been improved in 450 parks in Bristol, where approx. 4,000
trees were planted (2009). Moreover, progress report indicated that in the year 2009
a number of investments came from external funds and contributions, less from the City
Council’s budget, and that helped in the implementation of the Bristol's Parks and Green Space
Strategy.
The biggest outcomes of the project ware the increased citizen’s satisfaction and
a clear growth of time spent in the parks for leisure activities.
In total 34 organizations took part in the strategy development process. Moreover, 5,500 Bristol
inhabitants have signed several petitions calling to improve and save trees in the Bristol’s parks.
Local people were also involved in the following processes: public consultation to express their
ideas concerning the parks preservation; development of the community groups (the Bristol
Parks Forum); learning programs for children and youth; events and open space festivals.
Budget £ 4.35 million per year
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Rob Acton-Campbell
The Bristol Parks Forum: info@bristolparksforum.org.uk
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
Bristol City Council: Parks.Strategy@bristol.gov.uk
http://www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/ParksFunding.pdf
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/parkstrategy
Information on the person who described this bes t practice:
First name and surname Natalia Stepanova
Affiliation (university, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
institution...)
Email address natalia.stepanova@live.ru
107

Best Practice 11. Green Poznan
Category and
- Supportive (production of oxygen);
subcategory of ecosystem - Cultural (aesthetic values)
services to which the
example refers
What element of nature Trees, greenery
does it refer to?
City/Town Poznan, Poland
Year Since 1994
Initiator City Council
Short summary Since 1994, the President of Poznan announces the competition for the most beautiful green
area. The competitors can take part in the contest in one of the following categories: gardens;
terrace, loggias and balconies, allotments at the area of Family Allotment Gardens; green
belts; greenery nearby housing estates, offices, schools.
Problem that needed Poznan is one of the biggest cities in Poland and is important center of trade, industry and
a solution
education. Like every big agglomeration, Poznan suffered from atmosphere pollution,
biodiversity loose and small quantity of green areas. This influenced quality of life in the city.
Moreover, Poznan’s citizens were exposed to urban stress and health problems connected with
air and water pollution and noise. Green areas in the city contribute to the quality of life. They
play crucial role in CO2 reduction and oxygen production, thus city carbon footprint is reduced
and air quality is improved. It also provide habitat for native plants, animals and wildlife.
Solution Each of participants contributes to urban scenery creating picturesque green area that is
beautiful and provides aesthetic values. Moreover, every year the greater number of various
species is planted thus biodiversity in urban area is increasing.
The City Council was initiator of the contest and the idea behind it was to involve as many
citizens as possible. It has engaged many citizens since the beginning – around 40 000
participants has already taken part in the competition.
Budget
Has this best practice This practice has been replicated in many towns and cities: e.g. in Ciechocinek (2010)
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Contest Office:
ul.Libelta 16/20; 61-706 Poznan
Phone: 48 61 878 50 49
E-mail: wos@um.poznan.pl
Internet links or other http://www.poznan.pl/mim/public/wos/news.html?co=print&id=44162&instance=1000&lang=
resources where more pl
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Dominika Dzwonkowska
Affiliation (university, Cardinal Stephan Wyszynski University
institution...)
Institute of Ecology and Bioethics
Email address d.dzwonkowska@uksw.edu.pl
108

Best Practice 12. Urban Tree Program: Re-Green Atlanta
Category and
- Regulating (trees)
subcategory of ecosystem
services to which the
example refers
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Atlanta, GA (USA)
Year 2004-2008
Initiator Trees Atlanta organization in collaboration with the City of Atlanta
Short summary The goal of the project is to restore Atlanta’s urban forest by planting and maintaining
thousands of trees. This should help the City cope with such environmental problems as: urban
heat island, air pollution and flooding while at the same time educate the citizens about the
importance of trees.
Problem that needed The population of Atlanta is continuously growing. Because of that, there is an increased
a solution
demand for land to build houses, commercial centers or industrial sites. During the 30 years
before the implementation of the project, Atlanta lost around 65% of its trees .
Solution Planting trees is very well organized – it involves using GIS mapping to identify the areas in
need of trees. Then, the organization asks for appropriate permissions for planting trees and
arranges the land. Planting trees, itself, takes place during events which are usually organized
every weekend and rely on volunteers. The volunteers receive training at the beginning of each
tree-planting event.
Once, new trees are in the ground, Trees Atlanta staff is responsible for caring for the trees for
the first three years of their life. After that, residents of Atlanta take charge of them. Most of the
trees planted are indigenous, which means that the organization wishes to restore native tree
species.
Planting trees helped to overcome the problems mentioned earlier as well as integrate the
residents of Atlanta in a common effort to take care of the environment they live in. Tree
planting events still take place and the next thing the Trees Atlanta plans to do is create an
enormous park around the city.
Budget The budget for 2007-2008 was $2.3 million.
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information Marcia Bansley
Executive Director
Phone: (404) 522-49057
E-mail: marcia@treesatlanta.org
Internet links or other http://www.sustainablecitiesinstitute.org
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Justyna Dziankowska
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address jdziankowska@gmail.com
109

Best Practice 13. Cork South Docklands
Category and
- Provisioning (water and energy);
subcategory of ecosystem - Regulating (cycling and filtration processes);
services to which the - Stabilization (coastal and river channel stability)
example refers
What element of nature Water (River Lee, Atlantic Coast), Land, Oil
does it refer to?
City/Town Cork, Ireland
Year Strategy - October 2004 to April 2008; Implementation – starting in 2008
Initiator Howards Holdings Ltd.
Short summary The entire project for the docks in Cork is very ambitious, identified as a priority in more
national strategic plans, and is reflecting Ireland’s ambition to take its place as a leading
knowledge economy. The Cork South Docklands project is a first part of the Cork Docklands
Problem that needed
a solution
project that gives sustainability a high importance.
The Cork South Docklands to the east of Cork city was reclaimed from the marsh which was
a floodplain covered by the River Lee at high tide back centuries ago. Due to the nature of
historical manufacture and industrial activity at South Docklands, it was presumed that there
is
a legacy of contaminants in the soil and groundwater (including hydro-carbons, chlorinated
solvents and various metals).
The area is low-lying and prone to flooding, problem that seemed to be exacerbated by
climate change. Quay walls needed to be strengthened and upgraded and the ground levels
within the area needed to be raised.
Solution There was an integrated and multidisciplinary approach with focus on environmental factors
in an urban context. New system solutions provide scope for synergies between sewage,
waste and energy production and enable coordination with efficient land use, landscape
planning and transport systems.
Budget 600 million Euro
Has this best practice been The concept of SymbioCity has been an inspiration for urban development projects around
replicated elsewhere? the world, e.g. Buffallo City in South Africa, Toronto Waterfront in Canada (2005), Pune in
India, and also in Europe – Narbonne in France, London Olympic Village in the UK.
Contact information Cork Harbour – Integrated Management Strategy, May 2008
Internet links or other http://www.cvarg.azores.gov.pt/CVARG/swim21/Topic%203.pdf
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person Urban Planner, Bucharest, Romania
who described this best
practice
First name and surname Aura Istrate
Affiliation (university, University of Architecture and Urban Design „Ion Mincu” Bucharest
institution...)
Email address aura.istrate@yahoo.com
110

Best Practice 14. McGill University Edible Campus
Category and
- Provisioning (food);
subcategory of ecosystem - Cultural (aesthetic and educational)
services to which the
example refers
What element of nature Edible plants
does it refer to?
City/Town Montreal, Canada
Year 2007
Initiator Alternatives, Santropol Roulant, Minimum Cost Housing Group
Short summary The creation of the Edible Campus is the result of a partnership between the McGill
University’s School of Architecture and two local non-governmental organizations:
Alternatives, dedicated to the greening of cities through community participation, and
Santropol Roulant, which focuses its efforts on food security. This innovative urban agriculture
project has been honored with a National Urban Design Award from the Royal Architectural
Institute of Canada and Canadian municipalities.
Problem that needed 1. Food trasportation
a solution
2. Wastes by generating packaging
3. Organic wastes
4. “Heat island”
Solution The Edible Campus project demonstrates that underutilized concrete spaces can become green
and provide food with little effort and low cost. Productive growing in the cities will help to
reduce their global ‘ecological footprint’ made especially by transporting and storing food.
This would help reduce food transportation and in consequence CO2 emission.
Food from the Edible Campus along with other food from registered suppliers is processed in
Santropol Roulant’s kitchen. Forty percent of the kitchen's organic wastes are turned into
natural fertilizer through vermin-composting. The Edible Campus uses two wooden compost
bins to recycle garden’s organic wastes. The garden’s vegetation contributes to microclimatic
cooling by evapo-transpiration and thus reducing the “heat island” effect. The total number of
the volunteers who worked for the garden amounts 266. This includes the McGill University
community, volunteers – children and students, NGO actors and visitors.
Budget
Has this best practice
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-129018-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
resources where more http://www.mcgill.ca/files/mchg/MakingtheEdibleCampus.pdf
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Mariam Qalebashvili
Affiliation (university, Tbilisi State University
institution...)
Email address qaleba@yahoo.com
111

Best Practice 15. Philadelphia GreenPlan
Category and subcategory - Cultural (aesthetic);
of ecosystem services to - Supporting (carbon sequestration);
which the example refers - Regulating (increase of air quality maintenance)
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Philadelphia, PA (USA)
Year Since 2001
Initiator City of Philadelphia (Mayor’s Office of Sustainability)
Short summary Efforts to increase green coverage was proposed and supported by the City Council and the
Mayor. Actions were supported by association “Next Great City”. The main goal of this
project is to transform Philadelphia into green city.
Problem that needed The main problem is lack of trees in some Philadelphia’s districts. From 1976 to 2004
a solution
Philadelphia lost ca. 200,000 trees (about one half). It has a several negative consequences,
e.g. lower air quality maintenance, unattractive appearance of city and so on.
The second problem is still big number of dead, ill or potentially dangerous trees near the
streets. It entails worse level of ecosystem services.
Solution In response to above mentioned problems, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability designed
a project (GreenPlan) to increase tree coverage toward 30% in all neighborhoods by 2025. But
firstly city promised to remove old trees, and this part was done (since 2001 ca. 23,000 dead
or dangerous trees were removed). This part was a necessary, preparatory phase for second
part of the project: planting new trees. The main citywide goal is to plant 300’000 trees by
2015.
The City Council Department, several partnership communities, individuals and businesses
are involved in this project.
Another movement involved in this process is TreeVitalize – a public-private partnership to
restore tree cover in Pennsylvania communities. Since 2004, this organization has already
planted 20,000 trees in Philadelphia Metropolitan Area.
Also local people can make the city greener thanks to Plant!Philadelphia fund (created by
administration); it directly helps to plant new or remove old trees in City Center District.
Achievements: replacing about 8% of old trees City Center District annually. The
contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and everyone can decide where new trees will be
planted.
Budget $1 million for tree planting, with an additional $2,5 million for the Department of Parks and
Recreation
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Katherine Gajewski, Director In Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
Internet links or other http://www.nextgreatcity.com/actions/trees
resources where more http://www.phila.gov/green/greenworks/equity_Trees.html
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Michał Jarzyna
Affiliation (university, Jagiellonian University
institution...)
Email address jarzyna.michal1@gmail.com
112

Best Practice 16. Warsaw University Library
Category and
- Provisioning (fresh air);
subcategory of ecosystem - Regulating (climate regulation, neutralize the heat island effect, elimination of CO2, water re-
services to which the usage);
example refers
- Cultural (aesthetic, recreational, educational)
What element of nature Trees, bushes, biodiversity, water, air,
does it refer to?
City/Town Warsaw, Poland
Year 2002
Initiator University authorities
Short summary Not only this investment is supporting the idea of sustainable usage of ecosystem services and
its natural growth, but also is non-commercial and innovative idea in Warsaw (and also
Poland). It’s connecting cultural, technological and protecting environment functions as well as
modernity and nature.
Problem that needed The problem was to create a cultural-nature area which allows drawing from investment’s
a solution
utility as well as improvement of the local nature balance. The goal was to create a new
quality, eliminate a detrimental influence of the huge “concrete” investment in the center of the
town. The main goal was to larger the green area in the town, neutralize the “heat island effect”
without using too much space.
Solution The investment consists of cultural, ecological and aesthetical elements and 3 parts: upper,
bottom and the entrance and covers the area of 1 hectare, 5111 m 2 of which is covered by the
greenery.
This investment was implemented by the University authorities with a great support from the
town’s authorities. It was an expert-led process.
The library is open to everyone and fulfills recreational, educational and economical functions.
Budget $80 million
Has this best practice The Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw (2002)
been replicated
elsewhere?
Contact information bnp@adm.uw.edu.pl
Internet links or other http://www.buw.uw.edu.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=286&Itemid=91
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Beata Młynarska
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address mlynarska.beata@gmail.com
113

Best Practice 17. The Forest of Belfast
Category and subcategory - Cultural (green areas as space where people meet)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees, green areas in the urban public space
does it refer to?
City/Town Belfast, Northern Ireland
Year Since 1992
Initiator Partnership of more than 20 organizations
Short summary A public-private partnership program that aims on protecting and managing city trees,
especially by promoting them, tree planting, providing research in this area, taking care of
trees, connecting the nature with arts and citizens, with involvement of stakeholders and local
people.
Problem that needed How to strengthen people awareness of how important and valuable urban forests ecosystems
a solution
are?
Solution The Belfast Forest implemented few initiatives:
- Belfast’s trees survey – over 36 000 trees were examined between 1993 and 1995 to
understand species composition, ownership, tree condition and age and provided the basis of
a strategy for the future of the urban forest.
- Encouraging public involvement – every year new projects were implemented to enable
local community to actively take part in creating public areas in urban forests.
- Nearly 90 000 trees were provide in a three year program.
- Environmental arts – one or two timber wood sculptures were created and placed in various
areas of city forests in Belfast every year. They were presented to the citizens and visitors to
show importance of the city forests trees and that the nature is a real kind of art.
- Tree care – there was an educational program that explained how to take care of trees.
- Citizens could participate in seminars that involved representative of central government,
NGO’s etc.
Budget
Has this best practice been Similar program – Forrest of Cardiff (started in 1998)
replicated elsewhere? http://internationaltreefoundation.org/get-involved/plant-a-tree/wales/st-georges-wood-forestof-cardiff/
Contact information Dr Ben Simon
Forrest Officer
Forrest of Belfast 4-10 Linenhall Street Belfast BT2 8BP
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
Phone: (028) 9027 0350
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/artinthepark.pdf
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces/forestofbelfast.asp
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Marcin Walków
Affiliation (university, Wroclaw Medical University, Faculty of Health Sciences
institution...)
Wroclaw University of Economics, Faculty of Management, Informatics and Finance
Email address mwalkow@gmail.com
114

Best Practice 18. Emscher Park Restoration in Ruhr
Category and subcategory - Regulating;
of ecosystem services to - Supporting;
which the example refers - Cultural
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Federal Land of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Year 1989
Initiator Authorities of the federal land
Short summary The Ruhr area has been dominated by coal mining and heavy industry for more than a century.
It was left with ecological problems after the industrial decline of the 1980s. To change this
situation and restore the ecosystems, the region authorities came up with a comprehensive
restoration plan for the Emscher Park.
Problem that needed Over the past 30 years, the heavy industries in Ruhr district have been massively restructured,
a solution
causing the abandonment and dereliction of many steel works and coal mining operations
throughout the region.
Solution The project focuses on:
- using ecology as a central organizing focus for the regeneration of the region’s economy as
well as its environment;
- turning industrial wastelands into a regional network of open space, recreation, and cultural
resources;
- being the largest re-naturalization project in Europe, and one which is rare in the world for
undertaking brown fields restoration on a regional, rather than site- specific, basis.
A central aim of the project was to clean up the river and to integrate and develop existing open
spaces to create a regional park system that would include seven green corridors running
north–south and east–west through the region.
Budget Between 1991 and 2000 (first decade) the government of North Rhine Westphalia and the EU
(Aim 2) has financed over 270 projects with a volume of nearly 200 million
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available http://80.33.141.76/pe_sta_perpetua/attachments/article/75/Emscher.pdf
115

Best Practice 19. High Line – Innovative Park in New York
Category and subcategory - Regulating;
of ecosystem services to - Cultural (recreational)
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees, plants
does it refer to?
City/Town New York, NY (USA)
Year 2009
Initiator Friends of the High Line and New York city Department of Parks and Recreation
Short summary The High Line is a park built on an elevated former freight rail trestle on the West Side of
Manhattan. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, through Chelsea, to 34 th
Street. The main function of this park is recreation for citizens. It also helps to purify the air in
the city center and provides an opportunity to plant some local vegetables.
Problem that needed The main problem in big cities like New York is to keep air in a good condition.
a solution
Solution Friends of the High Line and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation were the
main initiators of the project. The park features an integrated landscape, designed by James
Corner Field Operations.
In the park, there are bike and run paths, as well as an area for planting vegetables.
Additionally, cultural events like concerts, exhibitions are hosted in the park.
The main function of this is the purification of urban air.
Budget
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other http://www.thehighline.org/
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice: Marine biologist
First name and surname Kamila Janiak
Affiliation (university, Gdańsk University
institution...)
Email address janiakamila@gmail.com
116

Best Practice 20. Rotterdam Green Roofs
Category and subcategory - Regulating (regulation of floods);
of ecosystem services to - Provisioning (water);
which the example refers - Cultural (spiritual and nonmaterial benefits, relaxation)
What element of nature Air, water, biodiversity, natural flora and fauna
does it refer to?
City/Town Rotterdam, Netherlands
Year January 2007 – present
Initiator Rotterdam City Council, Port Authority, employers’ organizations and the Environmental
Protection Agency
Short summary Rotterdam participates in the international climate program for metropolis “Clinton Climate
Initiative”. Part of the collective initiative is the creation of green roofs, which aims to achieve
a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions.
Problem that needed Rotterdam had high emissions of CO2. Thus the goal is to improve the climate for the benefit
a solution
of people, the environment and the economy. The project “Green roofs” aims to achieve
a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions and help city being 100% climate proof.
Solution Rotterdam municipality has received so far applications for over 30,000 square meters of green
roofs. Their aim is to have a total of 800,000 square meters of green roofs by the year 2030.
Budget Approximately € 900,000
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Albert Jan Kerssen, Product Manager, Roofgardens & Living/Green Walls ISS Landscaping
Services in the Netherlands
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
www.rotterdamclimateproof.nl (adaptation program)
117

Best Practice 21. Introduction of Eco-system Solution to Urban Architecture: Yard-
Skreper
Category and subcategory - Regeneration (quality of life, production of goods)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees, plants, biodiversity
does it refer to?
City/Town Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Year 2010
Initiator Rogers Marvel Architects
Short summary The Brooklyn Yard-Scraper is a new mixed-use, super-sustainable redevelopment proposal of
new residential and commercial-office building with an integrated concept of reducing the
overall footprint.
Problem that needed Overpopulation, food security, „concrete over green areas”, lack of oxygen and fresh air and
a solution
places for recreation for inhabitants of large cities.
Solution Properly designed high scrapers provide the most efficient mode for utilizing both space and
on-site resources, serving a larger majority of the population than could have otherwise been
served. According to the solution of the Rogers Marvel Architects, a New York based
architectural company with a high expertise of its employees in sustainable and green design,
the Yard-Skreper will provide its users not only economic, but also environmental services.
The lower floors of the new Yard-Scraper will comprise areas for social, commercial and
educational activities, and each of these will have direct access to an open or closed green
space. The upper floors will house what could be considered as Brooklyn’s nouveau
brownstones, in addition to a number of other flats. Not tied to the planar grid of the streets,
each unit will be stacked one upon another and oriented in such a way to maximize airflow
and interior light distribution, reducing the dependency on energy hungry mechanical systems.
Certain areas of the facade will also be clad in solar voltaic panels, and the building will host
a green house center, a vertical farm, numerous garden terraces, the Institute for Urban
Sustainability, the Brooklyn Library of Science and Environment and other similar
organizations.
Budget
Has this best practice been Green design (roofs and balconies), urban agriculture and application of energy conservation
replicated elsewhere? are becoming popular worldwide.
Where? When?
Contact information Rogers Marvel Architects, http://www.rogersmarvel.com/contact.html
Internet links or other http://inhabitat.com/yard-scraper-seeks-to-change-the-face-of-brooklyn-sustainably/
resources where more http://www.rogersmarvel.com
information is available
118

Best Practice 22. Master Composter - Soil Building Program
Category and subcategory - Supporting (nutrient cycle, soil formation supporting other ecosystem services)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Soil, worms, nutrient cycle
does it refer to?
City/Town Seattle, WA (USA)
Year Start date is unknown; the program is well established and operating on an annual basis.
Initiator The Master Composter (MC) program is part of the Natural Soil Building Program which is
run by Seattle Tilth.
Short summary The MC program trains individuals to become experts at composting and then allows them to
request an MC to help implement composting projects around the city to reduce waste and
increase soil quality.
Problem that needed Municipal waste is a major environmental concern in both space for and toxic content of
a solution
landfills. The renewable resources thrown away in landfills become contaminated with
chemicals, so even vegetable matter cannot be extracted for composting after contamination.
The waste stream must be diverted as much as possible in order to limit landfills' impact on
environment. An additional problem is constant harvesting and removal of excess foliage from
lawns, trees, and gardens disrupts the nutrient cycle in urban settings.
Solution This program trains experts who can then educate the public on how to reduce their waste and
improve soil quality at the same time.
In providing this solution, soil is formed through human intervention (creation and continuous
feeding of composting units) using natural life processes (digestion) to breakdown waste and
create nutrient-dense soil-castings. Municipal governments benefit reducing the amount of
waste reaching landfills (estimates are between 25% and 50%). The urban environment
benefits by the replenishing of nutrients lost in the nutrient cycle disruption.
The program was developed by Seattle Tilth that fosters a community of stakeholders who
collectively enact changes for the betterment of the environment. The process that developed
the original program was expert-led, however, now non-expert communities can implement the
program.
Budget No direct information on the program's budget was available, though it is a (probably very
small) portion of the Seattle Tilth budget of US$ 1 million spent on all of its programs.
Has this best practice been This practice has been replicated in a number of cities throughout the United States and
replicated elsewhere? Canada: Alemada County (http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=170),
San Mateao County (http://www.recycleworks.org/compost/mcprgrm.html), Edmonton,
Canada (http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/garbage_recycling/master-composter-recyclerprogram.aspx),
Vancouver, Washington
(http://www.co.clark.wa.us/recycle/yard/MasterComposter.html)
Contact information Graham Golbuff
Phone: +1 (206) 633-0097
E-mail: grahamgolbuff@seattletilth.org
Internet links or other http://seattletilth.org/learn/mcsb
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Gerald Gugerty
Affiliation (university, Central European University
institution...)
Email address gugerty@gmail.com
119

Best Practice 23. Most Beautiful Ggarden Contest
Category and subcategory
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature
does it refer to?
- Cultural (aesthetic)
Plants, flowers, tress, insects
City/Town Croatia
Year 1995 – today
Initiator Croatian National Tourist Board
Short summary Every year, the Croatian National Tourist Board and/or local government (depends on the
town) organize a contest with a task to arrange a garden around family houses in towns which
Problem that needed
a solution
participate in the contest.
Tourism is very strong economic segment in Croatia and with main focus put on coastal area,
where tourism generates the most economic activities, the National Tourist Board tried to
include other parts of the country as well. The idea was to make incentives for as many
household as possible to arrange their gardens around the houses, balconies etc. This contest
was a part of a broader action with the aim to raise the awareness of the people to take care of
the environment, to reduce garbage on the streets and to make streets greener. The main
slogan of the action was „Less garbage – more flowers”.
Solution The action is organized in urban areas – cities around the country. The concept of the contest
is simple: households have to arrange their gardens and area around the house, people in the
strict city center have to arrange their balconies. The main objective is to create a ‘little green
zone’ around the house. At the end of the application period, the representatives from the
Tourist Board/City government evaluate the gardens and give awards. Usually three
(symbolic) awards are given in the amount within range 1500 – 3000 HRK (depending on the
town) for the first prize, 1000 – 1500 for the second and 500 – 1000 for the third.
Budget < 6000 HRK per town
Has this best practice been This contest is now held every year in many towns (large and small) around the country.
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Croatian National Tourist Board
Internet links or other www.croatia.hr
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Marko Matosović
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address marko.matosovic@gmail.com
120

Best Practice 24. Vertical Farming, Sky Farming
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (fresh food supply);
of ecosystem services to - Supporting (reduction of green house gases emission and pollution caused by food
which the example refers transportation)
What element of nature Plants
does it refer to?
City/Town Not implemented yet
Year
Initiator Dr. Dickson Despommier, an American ecologist and Dr. Ken Yeang a prolific Malaysian
architect
Short summary Dickson Despommier's 'The Vertical Farm', promotes the mass cultivation of plant and
animal life for commercial purposes in high-rises. This concept emerged at the Columbia
University in 1999. Using advanced greenhouse technology such as hydroponics and
aeroponics, these Skyscrapers could theoretically produce fish, poultry, fruit and vegetables.
Problem that needed According to the UN’s Population Division, by 2050 around 70% of the world’s population
a solution
will be living in urban areas. Moving farms closer to settlements would reduce human
ecological impact.
Solution Most vertical farm designs depict them as ultra-modern, stylish skyscrapers. Each floor could
potentially feature a variety of crops and small livestock. Tanks would house fish and other
seafood. Using technology to minimize waste and energy use, and to facilitate recycling, is
essential. To that end, they would contain glass walls, large solar panels, high-tech irrigation
systems and incinerators that burn waste for energy. A variety of monitoring systems would
ensure that energy and water go where they need to go and that temperature controls are
carefully maintained.
It is economically rational to allow traditional outdoor farms to revert to a natural state and
reducing the energy costs needed to transport foods to consumers. Vertical farms might
significantly alleviate pollution caused by transportation.
Another important benefit would be the sewage recycling, "black water" could be cleaned by
algae and plants and made potable or it can be treated by filters and made into "gray water,"
which is sterile and useable for irrigation.
Budget Over $100 million, for a 60 hectare vertical farm
Has this best practice been Developers and local governments in the following cities have expressed serious interest in
replicated elsewhere? establishing a vertical farm: Incheon (South Korea), Abu Dhabi, and Dongtan (China), New
York City, Portland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Surrey, Toronto, Paris, Bangalore,
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Incheon, Shanghai, Beijing and others.
Contact information Dr. Dickson Despommier, Environmental Health Science of Columbia University
E-mail: ddd1@columbia.edu
Internet links or other http://www.verticalfarm.com/contacts
resources where more http://nymag.com/news/features/30020/
information is available http://www.economist.com/node/17647627
121

Best Practice 25. Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (wood);
of ecosystem services to - Supporting (fresh air);
which the example refers - Cultural (leisure)
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Seattle, WA (USA)
Year April 2007
Initiator The City of Seattle’s Urban Forest Coalition (now known as the Urban Forest Interdepartmental
Team), a group representing nine City departments with tree management or
regulatory responsibility.
Short summary The City of Seattle set the goal of achieving 30% tree canopy cover by 2037 to increase the
environmental, social, and economic benefits trees bring to Seattle residents. The Seattle
Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) is a comprehensive strategy to achieve the goal.
Problem that needed Seattle’s urban forest has significantly declined over the last few decades as the city has
a solution
grown. Today, about 18% of the city is covered by tree canopy as compared with 40% just 35
years ago. Tree cover loss since 1972 has cost Seattle $1.3 million each year in stormwater
mitigation benefits and $226,000 per year in air cleaning value. The City has planted
thousands of trees during restoration projects and as replacements for trees that were
removed. The City also creates incentives for private tree planting. However, these efforts
have not been enough to preserve Seattle’s urban forest.
Solution The City of Seattle formed an Urban Forest Coalition in 1994. The coalition is represented by
all city departments that have urban forest management responsibilities. They collaborated to
assess current conditions, establish goals, and chart a path to long-term management of
Seattle’s trees. The UFMP is the result of that effort. The plan provides a framework for
many actions that will help to preserve, maintain and enhance the condition of Seattle’s urban
forest. Urban forestry experts from outside the city government helped develop the UFMP.
City staff worked with consultants, academia, private nonprofits as well as urban forest
management experts. The final draft plan was available to the public on the web and received
over 90 written comments. The Seattle Urban Forestry Commission was created in 2009 to
advise the Mayor and City Council concerning the establishment of policy and regulations
governing the protection, management and conservation of trees and city vegetation. Citizen
input and volunteer participation are critical to the success of city programs. 110,000 hours of
outdoor volunteer stewardship are facilitated in the City’s parks by the Urban Forestry
Commission coordinators each year.
Budget No data available
Has this best practice been -
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information E-mail: sandra.pinto_de_bader@seattle.gov
Internet links or other http://www.seattle.gov/trees/management.htm
resources where more http://www.seattle.gov/trees/benefits.htm
information is available http://www.seattle.gov/trees/ufmpoverview.htm
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Olena Baltina
Affiliation (university, Donetsk National Technical University, Donetsk, Ukraine
institution...)
Email address jelena_baltina@mail.ru
122

Best Practice 26. NeighborSpace Program: Converting Vacant Lots to Greenery
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (food);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (regeneration - cycling and filtration processes, stabilization – partial
which the example refers stabilization of climate, regulation of hydrological cycle, protection against UV radiation,
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, stormwater management, improved wildlife habitat,
reduction of the heat island effect);
- Cultural (quality of life – aesthetic beauty, cultural and intellectual inspiration, serenity,
relaxation, noise abatement, increase property values, improved energy conservation).
What element of nature Trees, plants
does it refer to?
City/Town Chicago, IL (USA)
Year Since 1996
Initiator NeighborSpace in partnership with the three governmental agencies: the City of Chicago,
Chicago Park District and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
Short summary The non-profit NeighborSpace works with neighborhood groups to acquire and support the
community based management of small parks, gardens, natural areas, and river edges in
Chicago. Properties acquired from the city (usually for $1), and owned by NeighborSpace are
Problem that needed
a solution
no longer vulnerable to redevelopment.
The city's growth over time has left new and changing neighborhoods without sufficient open
space. Conducted in 1993 study revealed that the city failed to provide recreational
opportunities equally to all residents – 63% of Chicagoans lived in areas where parks were
either too crowded or too far away. While Chicago was ranked 18 th out of 20 cities of
comparable size in the ration of open space acres to population, many vacant parcels were
available for use and transformation to open public green areas.
Solution To address the problem, the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Forest Preserve
District of Cook County worked together to establish NeighborSpace, a non -profit that
partners with residents, businesses, private organizations and public agencies to preserve and
expand community managed open space. A community group concerned about ownership
issues and their site’s future can apply to have their site acquired by NeighborSpace. Once
a property is acquired, the applicant enters into a long-term management agreement with
NeighborSpace. The applicant, represented by min. 3 individuals, become the “NeigborSpace
Garden Leader”, and is paired with a local non-profit or other group familiar with the
community and its needs (school, church, etc.). The entities in partnership provide local
leadership for the continued effective use of the land. A success of this program is based on
local leaders’ initiative and community participation. In addition to three representatives, no
less than 10 individuals must sign on as stakeholders of the site. NeighborSpace also provides
basic liability insurance for those who use the site. It can also help pair local community
group with organizations that may be able to supply gardening materials, funding, and
technical assistance and training for building and maintaining community managed open
spaces. Currently, NeighborSpace owns 57 sites, and holds long-term leases for an additional
four sites. The sites are located in 31 wards across the City of Chicago. Over 20 additional
sites are currently in the review or acquisition process.
Budget Total Assets in 2009: $4,255,316
Has this best practice been NeighborSpace of Baltimore County (since 2002)
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information NeighborSpace, 25 East Washington Street, Suite 1670, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Phone: (+1) 312-431-9406
E-mail: info@neighbor-space.org
Internet links or other NeighborSpace: http://neighbor-space.org/about.htm
resources where more Sustainable Cities: http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/chicago-converting-
information is available vacant-lots-to-greenery
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Joanna Klak
Affiliation (university, Independent Consultant
institution...)
Email address klakjoanna@wp.pl
123

Best Practice 27. Revitalization of Ślepotka River
Category and subcategory - Cultural (aesthetic values, relaxation);
of ecosystem services to - Supporting (soil formation; provisioning: fresh water, food – plant cultivation in allotments
which the example refers nearby; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, stormwater management, improved wildlife
habitat)
- Regulating (water purification, soil purification);
What element of nature Water, biodiversity, flora, amphibians, riparian forest, meadows, trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Katowice, Poland
Year 2008-2010
Initiator Leszek Trząski – Central Mining Institute, Katowice (GIG)
REURIS Project partners
Short summary This is one of the pilot initiatives of the REURIS Project (Revitalization of Urban River
Spaces). The goals of the project are: creation of the strategy how to revitalize river areas,
taking into account the specificity of cities and regions; to point out the barriers of
revitalization and showing the potential solutions of those problems.
Problem that needed The Ślepotka River is an 8 km long brook in Ochojec, Ligota and Panewniki quarters. Over
a solution
30 years ago it was regulated and its banks were concreted. Until recently it had been
intoxicated for many years by industrial and household wastewater. The riparian areas were
degraded and abandoned. The water was contaminated by the domestic waste water and
wastes from industrial plants.
Solution The REURIS Project is the result of cooperation of 8 partners representing the cities in 3
countries: Poland (Katowice, Bydgoszcz), the Czech Republic (Pilzno, Brno), Germany
(Stuttgart, Lipsk). Central Mining Institute (GIG) is the coordinator of the whole Project and
University in Lipsk is responsible for promoting the results of the Project.
The core of the project is to revitalize the Ślepotka river valley corridor in its middle (urban)
part. The corridor is 2.2-km long and is supposed to become an open natural space for
retention of rain and brook water, communication footpath for local society and an area for
“soft” forms of recreation. The revitalization began in fact as a result of a smaller project
concerning abandoned allotments nearby, implemented by experts of GIG, Katowice
municipality and inhabitants of Ligota. Then GIG prepared a set of criteria for analysis of
natural, economic, legal, social and spatial factors of such investments in the Upper Silesia
region. Joining the REURIS project helped to finance: modification of the river bed with
natural material for boosting biodiversity of habitat; renewing the rain water collection;
restoration of natural plant coverage (forestall and meadow) on the valley shores and bottom,
and eradication of invasive plants; construction of recreational spots: educative footpaths,
playgrounds, “green amphitheatre” bridges, scenic venues, educative info boards.
Budget 3,409,303 Euro (REURIS Project)
Has this best practice been Bydgoszcz, Brno, Pilzno, Stuttgard, Lipsk, Zabrze
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other http://www.reuris.gig.eu/pl/o-projekcie/opis-projektu.html,
resources where more http://reuris-f.gig.eu/pilot/4073/index.html
information is available http://www.piotrowice.katowice.pl/reuris-rewitalizacja-rzeki-slepiotki
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Maciej Nowicki
Joanna Pustelak
Affiliation (university, Warsaw School of Economics (SGH)
institution...)
University of Economics
Email address maciej.e.nowicki@gmail.com
joannapustelak@yahoo.pl
124

Best Practice 28. Melbourne Water's 10,000 Rain Gardens Program
Category and subcategory - Provisioning;
of ecosystem services to - Cultural (aesthetic, recreational);
which the example refers - Regulating (air purification)
What element of nature Water
does it refer to?
City/Town Melbourne, Australia
Year Ongoing
Initiator Melbourne Water
Short summary ‘Rain Garden’ is the term commonly used to describe a vegetated area that removes
pollutants from stormwater runoff (also known as bio-retention systems). Project known as
Melbourne Water's 10,000 Raingardens Program aims at creating rain gardens across private
and public areas in order to increase water management effectiveness.
Problem that needed Polluted stormwater was the most significant threat to the condition of Port Phillip Bay.
a solution
Cutting down pollutants, such as nitrogen and heavy metals, flowing into the Port Phillip Bay
as well as to the Yarra River was one of the government's environment strategies.
Solution Melbourne Water has been working with local councils and communities to build rain
gardens in public spaces. The target of this project is to reach 10,000 gardens, whereas more
than 1,500 have been created already.
A residential rain garden can be described as water sensitive garden that is positioned to
receive stormwater from hard surfaces such as driveways, patios and roofs via downpipes.
Layers of sandy soils help to slow the rate of stormwater entering rivers, creeks and bays and
also assist in the removal of pollutants and heavy metals.
Rain gardens in public spaces such as streets, parks and schools also filter out litter, oil,
excess nutrients, chemicals and sediment that normally build up on hard surfaces such as
roads, car parks and roofs.
Researchers at the International Water Center (a partner organization) have been responsible
for developing rain gardens. In terms of implementation, Melbourne Water together with
local councils and the community have created numerous rain gardens, which even in small
urban spaces can be helpful in contributing to better water quality.
The project also plays an important role in educating the community about the water cycle
and how they can contribute to reduction in water pollution.
Budget
Has this best practice been This practice has been replicated in numerous places around the world, amongst others in
replicated elsewhere? Kansas City (Kansas, USA) and Meplewood (Minnesota, USA).
Contact information
Internet links or other http://raingardens.melbournewater.com.au/
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Mia Smietanska
Affiliation (university, Manchester Metropolitan University
institution...)
Email address miasmietanska@wp.pl
125

Best Practice 29. Plant-it 2020
Category and subcategory - Regulating (health)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town USA and many countries abroad
Year Founded in 1992 and initially named Plant-it 2000, its end is predicted for 2020
Initiator John Denver
Short summary Plant-it 2020 is a non-profit, private foundation that has set numerous benchmarks in the
forest industry along with many competitive advantages. It has two main programs: 1) The
“dollar-per-tree” program and 2) The city planting program.
Problem that needed Lack of trees in many urban locations.
a solution
Solution People are encouraged to donate $1 per tree, which is then planted in the USA or one of the
chosen 28 countries around the world (mainly in Americas and Africa) in urban, forest or
riverside areas. The benefits of planting trees include: provision of sound barriers for large
urban areas, flooding reduction by rainfall intercepting, help to cool cities by reduction of
heat sinks, cleaning of the air, and many more.
The idea started in 1992 in the USA. It is based on the cooperation between the founders,
volunteers and representatives of forest industry in many countries. The Foundation provides
trees for volunteers; the donator covers the cost difference, so the price is always $1 per tree.
The program was invented by musician and activist John Denver who was followed by many
of his fans, who contacted the tree industry representatives and helped to broaden the
project's range. At the beginning, it was a spontaneous idea, but with the increasing number
of volunteers and donators, it has become more serious and the experts were invited to take
part in this program.
This idea involves local people and authorities – local people serve as volunteers and local
authorities have to give permission to plant the trees. Initially it was invented as Plant-it
2000, but with increasing number of people involved in the action, it has changed its name on
Plant-it 2020.
Budget Unknown, depends mainly on the amount of donations
Has this best practice been Similar ideas of planting the trees are very popular nowadays.
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Plant-It 2020
PMB 310
9457 S. University Boulevard
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126, USA
Phone: (303) 221-0077
E-mail: plantit@mac.com
Internet links or other www.plantit2020.org
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Tomasz Błaszczak
Affiliation (university, Technical University of Lodz, Board of European Students of Technology
institution...)
Email address tomaszblaszczak@hotmail.com
126

Best Practice 30. Shanghai Houtan Park
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (water);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (flood control);
which the example refers - Cultural (recreation, reflection, aesthetic experience);
- Supporting (production of oxygen)
What element of nature Water, biodiversity
does it refer to?
City/Town Shanghai
Year 2007-2009
Initiator Chinese Government
Short summary Shanghai Houtan Park is built on brown field of a former industrial site. Previously the area
belonged to the steel factory and shipyard, which used it as landfill for industrial materials.
Nowadays the area is transformed into Houtan Park with restorative design strategy
Problem that needed
a solution
implemented to treat polluted river water and recover the degraded waterfront.
The environmental damage caused by industrial investments was the main problem.
Brownfield was littered with industrial and construction debris, which were also buried in the
area. Next problem was water pollution - Huangpu River was highly polluted (the lowest
grade in a national water quality ranking). The third challenge was to improve previously
existing flood control. Floodwall which was designed to protect against a 1,000-year flood
(with a top elevation of 6.7 meters), after industrial investments was ruined. Moreover,
muddy and littered shoreline was inaccessible to the public.
Solution The main goal of the project was to implement design strategies to transform the site into
a living system that offers comprehensive ecological services including: food production,
flood control, water treatment, and habitat creation combined in an educational and aesthetic
form.
The project goal was to create:
1) Constructed Wetland and Regenerative Design (linear constructed wetland, reinvigorated
waterfront as a living machine to treat contaminated water, cascades and terraces, species of
wetland plants);
2) Memory and Prophecy area (areas inspired by Chinese agricultural landscape, terraces –
reminiscent of Shanghai’s agricultural heritage, selected plants, reclaimed steel panels)
3) Path Network (network of paths where visitors are educated about green infrastructure
within a lushly restored recreational area).
Nowadays, Houtan Park is the example of a living system in which ecological infrastructure
provides multiple services for society and nature, and also for new ecological water treatment
and flood control methods. Moreover, landscape evokes memories of past civilization and
future of ecological civilization. Project is an expert-lead process, designed and implemented
by experts. Responsible for inventing and implementing changes was Turenscape
(certificated by the Chinese government as a first-level design institute) supported by experts
form Peking University Graduate School of Landscape Architecture.
Budget
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information TURENSCAPE
E-mail: info@turenscape.com
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
Phone: (86-10) 6296-7408
http://www.turenscape.com/english/projects/project.php?id=443
http://www.asla.org/2010awards/006.html
http://www.asla.org/2010awards/006.html
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Aleksandra Sztobryn
Affiliation (university, University of Wrocław
institution...)
Email address ola.sztobryn@gmail.com
127

Best Practice 31. Catskill/Delware Watershed Protection
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (water)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Water
does it refer to?
City/Town New York City, NY (USA)
Year Project had been developed since early 1990’s, in 1997 a Memorandum of Understanding
was signed
Initiator New York City, Department of Environmental Protection
Short summary New York City reached an agreement with farmers to protect Catskill-Delaware watershed
that is a main source of drinking water for the city. This helped to improve the water quality
by protecting ecosystem services and allowed for savings for the city.
Problem that needed The New York City water supply system is the largest unfiltered water supply in the USA.
a solution
Approximately 1.2 billion gallons of water are delivered each day to nearly 9 million people
in New York City and nearby. Due to increasing pollution, quality of water from
Catskill/Delaware reservoir had been decreasing over years. In 1990s, following the issue of
the new federal water quality standard, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency informed
the City of New York that building a filtration plant would be necessary to ensure drinking
water quality.
Solution The city entered into an agreement with farmers in Cats kill/Delaware that was aimed to
protect the watershed and natural filtering process and to avoid costs of building and
maintaining a filtering facility. The city commitment was to share costs of the project and to
purchase of 355,000 acres of land in the watershed between 1997 and 2007. The city
committed to bare the operating costs of the program and the investment costs of pollution
control investments on each farm. Part of the agreement was also regulations imposed by the
city.
The idea was invented and implemented by the New York City in cooperation with partners
including state and federal agencies and institutions, local communities and farmers,
environmental and agricultural institutions and experts. Although resistant at the beginning,
local farmers were actively involved in defining the frameworks of the program.
The program continues with supplementary documents issued in 2006 and 2008.
Budget The initial budget was approximately $1.5 billion to be spent over 10 years. It is also a huge
cost saving in comparison with building and maintaining a filtration facility (at last $6.0
billion to construct and roughly $1.5 billion to operate it and maintain over 5 years). Further
costs, although difficult to quantify, do not exceed $100 million a year.
Has this best practice been This case is unique among large cities worldwide.
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information David Warne, Chief of Staff, Bureau of Water Supply, Department of Environmental
Protection, New York City
Phone: +191 474 22 099
E-mail: dwarne@dep.nyc.gov
Internet links or other http://ice.ucdavis.edu/node/133
resources where more http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/25599.html
information is available http://www.dcecodev.com/documents/NYCWatershedImpactStudy-FinalReport.pdf
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Anna Huskowska
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address anna.huskowska@gmail.com
128

Best Practice 32. Integrated Resources Management Plan for Muthurajawela Marsh
and Negombo Lagoon Complex, Sri Lanka
Category and subcategory
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
- Provisioning (food – fish and arable crops, fresh water);
- Regulating (water purification, flood regulation);
- Cultural (recreational, aesthetic);
- Supporting (siltation, nutrient cycling)
What element of nature Ecosystem of coastal wetlands (including water, soil, biodiversity, landscape etc.)
does it refer to?
City/Town Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon (MMNL) complex including cities/towns:
Welisara, Kandana, Ja-Ela, Seeduwa, Katunayake, Negombo and numerous villages
(Gampaha District, Western Province, Sri Lanka)
Year 1998 – 2003
Initiator Central Environmental Authority (CEA) – Sri Lanka – under supervision of an interagency
Muthurajawela Management Committee
Short summary Urban wetlands need special attention, because they are under pres sure for economic
development and unsustainable management that can cause degradation of these areas with
adverse effects for inhabitants. An example of such ecosystem is Muthrajawela Marsh and
Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Integrated management plan was carried out in order to
prevent overfishing, increasing pollution and floods.
Problem that needed MMNL (approximately 6000 ha) is an urban system firmly intra-connected with the coastal
a solution
wetland of high ecological significance which provides numerous services for inhabitants.
The marsh and the lagoon undergo increasing degradation due to growing urbanization and
industrialization in the region. Wild species are harvested, land is being modified for
agricultural/residential purposes, siltation processes are being accelerated by human activity
and majority of houses within MMNL are regularly flooded. Population expansion causes
overfishing, increasing water pollution and the quantity of waste discharged from upstream
industries and households into the wetland.
Solution Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP) was developed in order to establish
conservation management plan and sustainable use of natural resources and to strengthen
capability of agencies and local communities to cooperate in resources management. IRMP
project has adopted several activities among which particularly important was enabling
participatory fishery management by creating regulations and community -based fishery
committees to direct consensus-building.
The next step of IRMP was to continue and evaluate the MMNL zoning strategy. Specific
land use purpose including safeguarding was developed for each zone which were: s trict
conservation zone, recreational buffer zone, resettlement zone, mixed urban zone, residential
zone. In this way development opportunities were provided as well improvement of flood
protection, biodiversity conservation, reduction of wastewater discharged and inhibition of
habitats' fragmentation.
A support tool for IRMP was setting up revolving funds administered by the fishery
committees. These funds were designed to work for the poorest families either to compensate
the new fishery restrictions or to help those under resettlement projects due to the zoning
strategy.
Mainly as an argument for continued conservation of MMNL and to show economic profits
of doing so, an assessment was carried out in which goods and services provided by the
wetland were valued. According to the study the wetland generates economic benefits worth
more than Rs 726 million (€ 4.6 million) a year taking into account ecosystem services such
as food and water supply, flood regulation and waste and pollution treatment.
Budget € 2.47 million
Has this best practice been - Nakivubo Swamp, Uganda
replicated elsewhere? - That Luang Marsh, Lao PDR
Contact information IRMP Team Leader: Dr Jayampathy Samarakoon, samarakoon@eureka.lk
Internet links or other - Emerton L., Kekulandala L.D.C.B., 2003. Assessment of the economic value of the
resources where more Muthurajawela Wetland. Occ. Pap. IUCN, Sri Lanka;
information is available - IRMP for MMNL was described in: Samarakoon et al., 2008. Good Practices and Lessons
Learned in Integrating Ecosystem Conservation and Poverty Reduction Objectives in
Wetlands. International Water Management Institute and Wetlands International;
- Central Environmental Authority – Sri Lanka, 2003. Muthurajawela: a single, unitary
129

coastal system, http://www.lankalibrary.com/natural/muthu.htm;
- Emerton L. (ed.), 2005. Counting the Costs of Urban Wetland Reclamation [in:] Values and
Rewards. Counting and Capturing Ecosystem Water Services for Sustainable Development.
IUCN Water, Nature and Economics Technical Paper No. 1, IUCN — The World
Conservation Union, Ecosystems and Livelihoods Group Asia
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Anna Matkowska
Affiliation (university, Jagiellonian University
institution...)
Email address anna.matkowska@uj.edu.pl
130

Best Practice 33. Forest for Peterborough Project
Category and subcategory
- Supporting;
of ecosystem services to
- Regulating services (habitat and regulation of climate)
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees, biodiversity
does it refer to?
City/Town Peterborough, United Kingdom
Year The program started in 2010. It is continued.
Initiator Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT)
Short summary The project assumes planting trees in different areas all over the city. Native varieties being
planted include: oak, lime, guelder rose and blackthorn. The main aim of the project is to
Problem that needed
a solution
increase the range of habitats in the city as well as introduce more grassland and woodland.
Urban development has negative effects on biodiversity, especially in terms of irrecoverable
habitat fragmentation and loss, associated physical changes and local extermination of native
species.
Solution The project is one of many initiatives planned as part of Peterborough's bid to become the
environment capital of the United Kingdom. The Peterborough Environment City Trust
(PECT) in cooperation with a range of different partners creates forests for Peterborough. The
project has been developed in conjunction with the Natural Networks Partnership, a group that
represents many of the leading nature conservation organizations operating locally, including
Peterborough City Council, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, RSPB, Nene Park
Trust, and the Wildlife Trust. Local schools and community groups are also involved so that
the project has also educational impact.
Volunteers help plant the trees. There is also an opportunity to donate money to support the
project. Everyone for just £15 can give the gift of a tree in the Forest for Peterborough. PECT
sends a personalized certificate to the “owner” of a tree and donor’s name is recorded on the
Forest website. The more trees are purchased, the price per unit is lower (the cost of the trees
includes planting and maintenance). Everyone can also support the Program by sending text
message as many times as he/she likes (message cost £3). So far 5,000 trees have been planted
and it is planned to plant a total of 170,000 trees – one for each resident of the city.
Budget The project is financed by local and national organizations as well as individuals who can buy
trees and sent text messages. No data available on the total project cost.
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Sophie Antonelli Forest for Peterborough project officer for PECT
Phone: 01733 568408
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
E-mail: sophie.antonelli@pect.org.uk
www.pect.org.uk/forest
Urban Forest Strategic Plan for the City of Peterborough: http://www.peterborough.ca
http://www.peterborough.gov.uk/news
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Ewa Burszta-Adamiak
Affiliation (university, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Institute of Environmental
institution...)
Engineering
Email address ewa.burszta-adamiak@up.wroc.pl
131

Best Practice 34. Sustainable Stormwater Management in Portland
Category and
- Regulating (water purification);
subcategory of ecosystem - Supporting (water supply)
services to which the
example refers
What element of nature Mainly water but also to green areas (trees, plants) and soil
does it refer to?
City/Town Portland, OR (USA)
Year Since 1991
Initiator Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)
Short summary Most of the big cities, like Portland, deal with problem of storm water and expensive and
insufficient sewer system. The solution for that is to mimic natural system – to implement
sustainable stormwater management that is based on the natural retention and infiltration
capabilities of plants and soil.
Problem that needed Portland receives an average of 37 inches of precipitation annually. That creates about 10
a solution
billion gallons of stormwater runoff per year that washes over streets, parking lots, buildings
and other hard surfaces carrying pollutants to rivers and streams. The volume and speed of the
runoff can cause flooding and erosion, destroy natural habitat and contribute to combined
sewer overflows.
Traditional stormwater management emphasizes putting runoff in a pipe to dispose it. This
approach does not take into account the fact that stormwater can be an asset when
appropriately integrated into building and site design.
Solution Portland’s sustainable stormwater management endorses onsite collection and transportation of
stormwater from roofs, parking lots, streets, and other surfaces to infiltrate into the ground or
collect for reuse, often reducing the need for costly underground structures. The method relies
on the natural retention and infiltration capabilities of plants and soil.
There are different types of infiltration facilities e.g. swales, curb extensions, rain barrels,
cisterns, planters and infiltration basin. The City of Portland implements projects such as:
Green Street, Rain Gardens, Green Roofs that include various combinations of infrastructures
mentioned above.
Green infrastructure benefits include: reduced and delayed stormwater runoff volumes,
stormwater pollutant reductions, enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced sewer overflow
events, increased carbon sequestration, urban heat decrease and reduced energy demand,
improved air quality, additional wildlife habitat and recreational space, improved human
health, increased land value.
Portland’s sustainable stormwater management is based on integrated approach to the problem
and involves different stakeholders dealing with landscape architecture, architecture,
engineering, institutional organizations, the stormwater treatment industry. To ensure
community acceptance, homeowners were also consulted.
First program was implemented on the public property. Then the City started to offer
incentives (discounts, credits, grants) to homeowners to apply it in their properties.
The City conducts also information (water bill inserts, publications, etc.) and education (free
workshops) activities for raising awareness and promotes stormwater management. The
actions focus primarily on the general public but also on specific audiences, such as business
and industry.
Budget $1 billion (the total amount spent during 20 years)
Has this best practice Other cities that are implementing green stormwater management in the USA: Bellevue,
been replicated Burnsville, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Orlando, Philadelphia,
elsewhere?
Portland, Santa Monica, Seattle, Truckee Meadows.
Contact information Emily Hauthat
E-mail: emilyh@bes.ci.portland
Phone: 1 503-823-7378
Internet links or other - The City of Portland: http://www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?c=34598
resources where more - Water Environment Research Foundation - case study report for Portland:
information is available http://www.werf.org/livablecommunities/studies_port_or.htm
- International Stormwater Best Management Practice Database
http://www.bmpdatabase.org
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=298
132

- Greek Values. Stormwater Management Calculator (The difference between the conventional
system and the green stormwater management):
http://greenvalues.cnt.org/calculator/calculator.php
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Anna Pakowska
Affiliation (university, Centre for Promotion and Development of Civil Initiatives OPUS
institution...)
Email address apakowska@opus.org.pl
133

Best Practice 35. The Conservation Zone in Aalborg
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (drinking water);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (air quality)
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees, water
does it refer to?
City/Town Aalborg, Denmark
Year Since 1992
Initiator The Aalborg City Council
Short summary The conservation zone in Aalborg has a positive effect on local air quality and drinking water.
Comparing to the traditional ways of environmental protection, it evolves different NGOs,
university, the local government and so on.
Problem that needed Agriculture-based economy causes environmental problems. One of the problems is polluted
a solution
drinking water, due to the large amount of sewage and inappropriate us e of chemicals for
farming. This has a bad effect on local ecosystem and people.
Solution The Aalborg City Council has cooperated with different NGOs, individuals and the local
university to solve the problem. First, the local government has convinced the farmers and
landowners to sign an agreement and claim that they use the pesticides and fertilizers in the
limited way. Second, the local government has cooperated with the local hospital and NGOs
to inspect the groundwater in order to make the monitoring more reliable and valid. Third, the
local government has either rented or bought the land and plant a large number of trees
around the groundwater as a conservation zone. At last, the students of local university did
a lot of study on the strategy of setting up conservation zone. It is an expert - led example,
but still, the local people were involved.
Budget 402,000 euro from the Aalborg municipality, 805,000 euro from the EU
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Bente Graversen, Director, Health and Sustainable Development of Aalborg Kommue
Internet links or other http://www.aalborgkommune.dk/english-version/Sider/Sustainable_Development.aspx
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Hao Cai
Affiliation (university, Aalborg University
institution...)
Email address Howard007008@hotmail.com
134

Best Practice 36. Chicago’s Green Alley Program
Category and subcategory - Regulating (water flow regulation, water purification, air purification, climate mitigation)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Water, soil, vegetation
does it refer to?
City/Town Chicago, IL (USA)
Year Fall 2006 – present
Initiator City of Chicago Department of Transportation
Short summary The four basic components of Chicago’s Green Alley program are effective storm water
management, minimizing heat absorption, creating designs to reduce light p ollution, and
maximizing the use of recycled materials wherever possible. The project focuses on
restructuring city alleys using permeable materials which let rainwater to infiltrate to the soil,
store and purify in the ground.
Problem that needed Chicago has more than 13,000 alleys that total more than 1,900 miles of area. Those 3,500
a solution
acres of alleys consist of impermeable surfaces, which make a significant contribution to
urban runoff. An overabundance of nonporous surfaces exacerbates local flooding. Rainwater
flowing through road’s surface pollutes local water bodies. Dark surface of traditional alleys
absorbs solar radiation, increasing temperature in the city.
Solution The Department of Transportation is an innovator and director of Green Alley Program. The
Program aims at rebuilding city alleys, where conventional concrete and asphalt are gradually
being replaced by permeable pavers. The new porous paving allows up to 80% of rainwater
to infiltrate the subsoil, filtering out pollutants as water returns to the aquifer and, ultimately,
the Michigan Lake. The new alleys reclaim industrial waste, alleviate water damage and
pollution and reduce urban interference with the natural water cycle.
The Green Alley Program mandates the use of pavements that absorb minimal heat, reducing
heat island effect. Benefits include reducing the need for air-conditioning in surrounding
structures and creating a better environment for vegetation growth. Using recycled
construction materials is crucial for the Green Alley Program and creates cost savings while
reducing raw material consumption and stress on landfills. The Program requires the use of
energy safe street lightening that give street-level illumination for residents without shining
upward into the sky, reducing light pollution.
The Department of Transportation is also working with property owners to encourage their
involvement in the Green Alley Program, by providing maintenance advice and encouraging
projects like rain gardens to complement the new alley designs. The Chicago Green Alley
Handbook was published that presents numerous best practices that citizens as well as other
cities can adopt.
The program has been enormously successful and well received. Since the pilot projects
began in 2006, the city has resurfaced 15-20 alleys per year. The Green Alley Program won
a Chicago Innovation Award.
Budget $900,000 – pilot Project
Has this best practice been - Los Angeles 2008 -
replicated elsewhere? http://www.chcinc.org/downloads/CASLA%20Alleyway%20Report.pdf
- Ventura County Regional Watershed Program 2008
Contact information 30 N. LaSalle Street, 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602, phone: (312) 744-3600
www.cityofchicago.org/transportation,
david.leopold@cityofchicago.org, janet.attarian@cityofchicago.org
Internet links or other http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/10mayjun/05.cfm
resources where more http://www.stormh2o.com/october-2008/chicago-green-alleys-3.aspx
information is available http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/alley/svcs/green_alleys.html
http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-next-lead-the-green-alley-project/
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Justyna Pietras
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address pietrasjustyna@gmail.com
135

Best Practice 37. The Living Roofs for Wildlife
Category and subcategory - Supporting (translocation process, pollination of crops, cycling and filtration process,
of ecosystem services to purification of air and water);
which the example refers - Provisioning (food: honey, herbs);
What element of nature
does it refer to?
- Cultural (quality of life, scientific discovery, aesthetic beauty)
Birds and insects; this project mainly focuses on the threatened species of birds and insects
like: brown-banded carder bee (Bombus humilis) and the black redstart (Phoenicurus
ochruros).
City/Town London, United Kingdom
Year 2009
Initiator Buglife –The Invertebrate Conservation Trust (www.buglife.org.uk) and Green Roof
Organization (www.livingroofs.org)
Short summary The Living Roofs for Wildlife Project resulted in establishing 6 living roofs in the top of
buildings located in London's most densely populated areas with small amount of greenery to
make preserving natural habitats and their wildlife. The project is mainly focusing on
establishing the best possible habitats for birds and insects which are the most threaten by
Problem that needed
a solution
intensive urbanization.
Nowadays in cities, green areas are shrinking to make way for asphalted parking spaces,
dwellings and road networks. Many species of insects and birds are threatened by extinction
due to lack of space to live, foods and pollution. Birds and insect are important links of food
chain due to pollinate plants. Without insects (e.g.: bees) plants reproduction will be
impossible. In a long term this could cause global food crisis.
Solution During the project the roofs of six buildings situated in London's most densely populated
areas with small amount of greenery have been adapted as green roof to create habitat for
birds and insects. The living roofs were covered in wild flower meadows, sandy areas and
shingle to attract for example honey bees. Besides providing necessary habitats for the city's
insects, living roofs also help to reduce energy consumption and prevent the flooding of the
sewage system. The Living Roofs for Wildlife Project is a result of collaboration between the
wildlife charity Buglife and green roof experts LivingRoofs. The project is primarily being
financed by the SITA Trust’s Enriching Nature Program.
Budget No data avaialable.
Has this best practice been No
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other http://www.buglife.org.uk/conservation/currentprojects/Habitats+Action/
resources where more Living+Roofs+for+Bugs/Living+roofs+for+bugs;
information is available http://www.buglife.org.uk/News/newsarchive/newsarchive2009/highrisehomesforwildlifeproj
ectlaunches;
http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/london-insects-up-high;
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Marta Kobyłecka
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address martakob@o2.pl
136

Best Practice 38. Invasión Verde
Category and subcategory - Cultural service (recreation)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Greenery
does it refer to?
City/Town Lima , Peru
Year 2010
Initiator Lima City Hall
Short summary Lack of recreational space available for citizens. The Lima’s City Hall decided to create
recreational place (park) in the city center.
Problem that needed Lima has grown rapidly, and as the demand for housing grew, the city did little to incorporate
a solution
public park and recreational space into their development plans. According to the World
Health Organization, every person living in a city should have 8 sq. meter of recreation
space, and Lima has only 1.98 sq. meters per person, resulting in a shortfall of 4,800 hectares
of recreational spaces. Invasion Verde is an attempt to insert extra park space into a packed
city, in order to improve the quality of life for Lima’s citizens.
Solution The solution to this problem was the creation of the pop up park zone, which has created an
eco-friendly retreat in the middle of the city for recreation and relaxation.
The undulating mini-hills are covered in natural grass; recycled tires are planted with
flowers and grass and mounted on stool legs, serving as fun outdoor chairs. Recycled
plastic is also used as sculptural pieces throughout the park, which is planted entirely with
drought tolerant plants.
Budget $ 6,000
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other http://inhabitat.com/pop-up-green-park-invades-the-city-of-lima-peru/green-invasion-8/
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Alena Halamazava
Affiliation (university, Belorussian Economy State University (Minsk)
institution...)
Email address elena-golomazova@yandex.ru
137

Best Practice 39. Melbourne City Rrooftop Honey
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (honey);
of ecosystem services to - Supporting (trees pollination)
which the example refers
What element of nature Bees and trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Melbourne, Australia
Year November 2010
Initiator Rick and Sharron Hocking, Vanessa Kwiatkowski and Mat Lumalas
Short summary The project is organized by hobby-beekeepers with the aims to support the global effort to
help save the honey bees and bring bees back to the city and suburbs of Melbourne.
Buildings' rooftops are used for keeping and looking after the bees free of charge and using
natural beekeeping methods.
Problem that needed Decline in honey bee population has been reported in a number of regions, largely in Europe
a solution
and Northern America, and is becoming a global problem.
Solution The project has started as a hobby of two beekeepers. However, it has grown into an initiative
to get involved in the worldwide effort to save the honey bees. The main idea was to bring
bees back to the city and suburbs of Melbourne. The long-term goal is to produce honey
specific to each Melbourne suburb.
The project uses the buildings’ rooftops to install hives, maintain and look after the bees free
of charge and using natural beekeeping methods. It improves bees’ life conditions and
increases their life expectancy, especially during Winter season. The honey production of the
urban bees is often higher that of those forms the country-side.
City and suburban restaurants have the opportunity to sign up to participate in the project. It
also enables individuals to host the bees.
Currently there are 20 hives placed around Melbourne and an offer of more than 55
businesses and 55 individuals wanting to get involved or adopt a hive. From November 2010
40-50 kg of honey were extracted from 2 hives.
Budget Self-funded at the beginning. In January 2011, the project was awarded a monthly $1,000
grant by the Melbourne Awesome Foundation
Has this best practice been “The bee: Environment sentinel”, Paris, France, December 2005
replicated elsewhere? “Urban Bees”, London, UK (http://www.urbanbees.co.uk/index.htm)
“NYC Beekeeping”, New York, US (http://www.nycbeekeeping.com/)
“The Toronto Beekeeper’s Co-operative (TBCo-op)”, Toronto, Canada, 2000
“Chicago Honey Co-op”, Chicago, US, 2004 (http://www.chicagohoneycoop.com/)
Contact information Melbourne City Rooftop Honey
E-mail: info@rooftophoney.com.au
Internet links or other http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/on-the-citys-roofs-keepers-get-that-swarm-and-buzzy-
resources where more feeling-20110226-1b9b5.html
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Ksenia Petrichenko
Affiliation (university, Central European University, Environmental Sciences and Policy Department, Budapest,
institution...)
Hungary
Email address
138

Best Practice 40. Plant-A-Tree Program in Singapore
Category and subcategory - Supporting;
of ecosystem services to - Regulating
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Singapore, Singapore
Year April 2010 – June 2010; March 2011 – December 2011
Initiator Garden City Fund Singapore (GCF)
Short summary Plant-A-Tree Program is one of nowadays common projects concerning planting trees in the
urban areas, invited by charity foundation – GCF. Planting process is funded by individuals,
families, corporations which can personally plant donated tree/s.
Problem that needed In response to increasing global concern over climate change, destruction of forests and
a solution
species extinction, the Garden City Fund from Singapore decided to plant more trees in their
urban zone. Trees help beautify environment, they absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, increase biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, provide shade, lower the temperature
of their surroundings. Moreover, 'visual exposure to trees' can also reduce stress in the fastpaced
world.
Solution The program invites individuals, families, corporations, schools, etc. to make a donation and
plant a tree personally (if it is possible). Personal planting is a great solution to encourage
local people to take part in protecting process of mutual ecosystems and be able to play
a part in creating a green, healthy, livable and salubrious environment that can all enjoy and
also ensure its continuity for generations to come.
Plant-A-Tree Program was implemented by Garden City Fund – registered charity Singapore.
It was established in 2002 under the patronage of the then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and
who, as Minister Mentor, is still GCF’s Patron today.
In the first edition between April 2010 and June 2010, 459 trees were planted, generally on
the last Sunday of each month, or on special days like World Environment Day or Earth Day.
In 2011, there is 17 public planting events planned (7 have already took place – but there is
no data available how many trees were planted).
Budget $200 per tree. In 2010, there were 459 trees planted (total amount about $91,800)
Has this best practice been All over the world e.g. New York City, Los Angeles, Peterborough
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Garden City Fund
E-mail: garden_city_fund@nparks.gov.sg
Internet links or other www.gardencityfund.org
resources where more http://www.gardencityfund.org/PAT/index.htm
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Anna Gust
Affiliation (university, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz
institution...)
Email address aniagust@gmail.com
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Best Practice 41. "Széktó" Stormwater Catchment Lakes: Leisure Center and Local
Nature Conservation Area
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (water, wood, fish, biodiversity);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (water purification and regulation, air quality and flow, (micro) climate);
which the example refers - Supporting (soil regeneration);
- Cultural (aesthetic values, recreation and fitness, education)
What element of nature Trees, water, biodiversity, birds, fish, air, climate, soil
does it refer to?
City/Town Kecskemét, Hungary
Year 2006 (local nature conservation area status granted)
Initiator Local Patriots' Association Kecskemét
Short summary This nearly 100 ha fenced area is a continuous urban forest around five open stormwater
aquifers and protected as a local nature reserve. It is divided into two parts: the safe
waterworks zone maintains 10 artesian wells and their surrounding protective forest belt, and
Problem that needed
a solution
the public accessible part serves as leisure center.
After some unsuccessful drainage attempts, comprehensive research revealed high quality
and quantity artesian water. First wells were driven in 1912; the city waterworks was founded
here in 1948. Inland inundation was channeled into a natural streamlet, which could not
handle increased stormwater runoffs anymore due to urban sprawl.
Solution In 2006, the whole area was taken under local nature conservation regulation for following
reasons and purposes:
- environmental: to protect the city against the prevailing winds and regulate air quality and
climate;
- ecological: to preserve the city's largest permanent water surface;
- zoological: to elevate the reconstruction of the habitats biodiversity and population;
- botanical: to maintain native trees and forest ecosystems;
- recreational and educational: to offer access to nature for city dwellers;
- water protection: to ensure water management of the city (freshwater source, stormwater
catchment).
An NGO that initiated the project, coordinated the necessary conciliation between the expert
planning team of Naturglob Service and Trade Ltd.
Budget The annual maintenance budget: 100,000 – 200,000 EUR. Last known expenses cover
160,000 EUR for establishing public grill places in 2010, or 100,000 EUR for habitats and
shoreline reconstruction in 2009.
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Mayor's Office of Kecskemét, http://kecskemet.hu/?l=en
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
Management plan of „Széktó” stormwater catchment lakes: leisure center and local nature
conservation area (in Hungarian)
http://kecskemet.hu/doc/071220-04-030_0.doc
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Attila Lakatos
Affiliation (university,
institution...)
Email address future@kispitye.hu
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Best Practice 42.SsolarCity Linz-Pinchling – Sustainable Urban Development
Category and subcategory - Supporting (nutrient cycling);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (water purification – wetland);
which the example refers - Cultural (aesthetic, recreational – Natura 2000 area, park, lake, riverside);
-Provisioning (biomass, solar, fuel for heating, ventilation – distinct heating, solar panels,
passive buildings)
What element of nature Biomass, biodiversity, wetland, rainwater, green spaces
does it refer to?
City/Town Linz – Pichling
Year 1991
Initiator City of Linz
Short summary The government designed a new urban district, solarCity, to become an exemplary model for
low-energy construction using alternative energy sources in social housing (1300 homes were
built with the usage of regenerative energy). The landscape architecture and the configuration
of local infrastructure followed ecological principles, which increas ed the ecological value of
the overall energy concept implemented in solarCity.
Problem that needed The problem behind the project was the vast need for housing.
a solution
Solution Orientation of the buildings and large windows were designed to utilize solar energy.
Resource-saving solar architecture was strengthened by bio-climatic design to reduce
expensive air conditioning (commercial center, schools, kindergarten). The primary aim was
to reduce energy consumption by thermal, solar panels and photovoltaics, as well as by wind
and biomass. Besides, native landscape was restored, and a continuous web of native habitats
was created by using greenbelts and protected wetland (Traun-Danube Riverside,
Aumühlbach). Recreational facilities are supported by the riverside, park landscape and the
lake (Weikersee). Harvested water is collected by roof greening, retention ponds and
rainwater is cultivated by swale retention system. Grey water is cleaned in planted sand bed
filters. Natural wetland near the riverside is used as pre-flooder. Disposal is composted and
reclaimed water is used as fertilizer.
An interdisciplinary working group led the project. According to systemic principles there
were representatives in the advisory board from the public sector, the business sphere, and the
community. Moreover, 12 non-profit residential construction organizations, eco-architects,
and energy technology planners (READ) participated in the project as experts.
Budget 190,000,000 Euro
Has this best practice been solarCity is a manifestation of the EU-Ecocity project and applies the ecocity principles.
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other
resources where more
information is available
Such comprehensive projects are unknown elsewhere.
http://www.linz.at/english/life/3199.asp
http://www.iale.sk/download/breusteSS/solar_city.pdf
Information on the person who described this best practice
First name and surname Beata Imre
Affiliation (university, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
institution...)
Email address imre.beata.orsolya@gmail.com
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Best Practice 43. Chicago Trees Initiative
Category and subcategory - Regulating;
of ecosystem services to - Cultural;
which the example refers - Supporting
What element of nature Trees, water, climate, birds, biodiversity
does it refer to?
City/Town Chicago, IL (USA)
Year 1989 – now
Initiator Municipality of Chicago
Short summary Chicago Trees Initiative supports Chicago Climate Action Plan and aims at reduction of CO2
emission.
Problem that needed The lack of trees in the city and all the problems caused by it (heat island, water retention,
a solution
low air quality, aesthetic problems)
Solution Till now more than 500 000 trees were planted in public and private areas in Chicago. The
program is created by experts with strong participation of the society, socially responsible
businesses, community organizations and individual partners. The Municipality of Chicago
takes active part as a project leader.
Every person who has its own backyard is invited to plant a tree. For that reason the list of
species and nurseries, as well as basic information about trees and its maintenance was
provided in a document Chicago City Urban Tree Planting Listing. For those who don’t have
own garden there are activities that they can take part in as volunteers. It is organized by
partner organization Chicago Gateway Green, launched in 2008 with a support of the Bank of
America Charitable Foundation. There are also educational programs that provide
information about planting and maintenance of trees.
Budget Data not available.
Has this best practice been Similar practices are run in other US cities for example: New York City or Seattle.
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information E-mail: chicagotrees@cityofchicago.org
Internet links or other http://www.chicagotrees.net/
resources where more
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Beata Dreksler
Affiliation (university, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Department of Landscape Architecture
institution...)
Email address Beata.dreksler@gmail.com
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Best Practice 44. Grants Program for Housing Associations and District
Communities in the Field of Greenery Management and Trees Planting
Category and subcategory - Cultural (aesthetic)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees, greenery
does it refer to?
City/Town Gdansk, Poland
Year 2009
Initiator Gdansk City Council
Short summary The grant financially supported projects of greenery management and trees planting carried
out by housing associations and district communities in the city. The biggest beneficiary was
the Morena District Community which implemented “Plant a tree” project (planting 20,000
trees’ and bushes’ seedlings).
Problem that needed Many of Gdansk districts, especially those build in the 70s and 80s, have very bleak scenery
a solution
consisting of similar concrete blocks of flats. The attractiveness for living in such places is
low.
Solution In June 2009, the President of the City of Gdansk announced the Grants Program supporting
the projects of greenery management and trees planting carried out by housing associations
and district communities in the city. The problem was pointed out by the au thorities as well
as by local communities in many complaints. Twenty-four projects of creating or improving
the backyard greenery were supported by the grant program funded by the Gdansk Municipal
Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (in total 239,000 PLN).
Housing associations could win a grant amounting to 50% of the planned project developing
backyard greenery.
Budget 239,000 PLN
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Gdansk City Council
Nowe Ogrody 8/12, 80-803 Gdańsk
Phone: +48 (058) 323 60 30
E-mail: umg@gdansk.gda.pl
Internet links or other www.gdansk.pl
resources where more http://www.gdansk.pl/nasze-miasto,97,12242.html
information is available http://www.morena.com.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=701&Itemid=1
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Adrian Strzalkowski
Affiliation (university, AGH University of Science and Technology
institution...)
Email address adrian.strzalkowski@gmail.com
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Best Practice 45. NeighborWoods Program
Category and subcategory - Regulating (regulating climate)
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature Trees
does it refer to?
City/Town Austin, TX (USA)
Year From 2004
Initiator Non-profit corporation TreeFolks/Austin City
Short summary Planting trees to shade pavement is one of the ways to combat the urban heat island effect.
NeighborWoods' program wants to create shady areas along residential streets involving local
people by providing approximately 4,000 trees a year to homeowners during the planting
season.
Problem that needed As urban areas develop, changes in the landscape occur that cause urban areas to become
a solution
warmer than their surroundings causing and "island" of higher temperatures. The mean
temperature of a city with one million people or more can be 1.8-5.4 degrees warmer than its
surrounding.
Solution Strategically planting trees to shade pavement is one of the most cost effective ways to
combat the urban heat island effect. Covering 40% of Austin with trees would lower peak
summer temperatures by as much as two degrees and make Austin more livable. They
provide shade and help keep buildings cool, remove pollutants from the air and create oxygen
while reducing CO2, cool the air by as much as four degrees by releasing cooling water
through pores in their leaves. Homeowners that properly place trees in their landscape can
realize savings up to 58% on daytime air conditioning.
NeighborWoods' mission is to create shady areas along residential streets and sidewalks in
the Austin Energy service area by providing approximately 4,000 trees a year to homeowners
during the planting season.
TreeFolks performs site visits in residential areas, identifying suitable locations in the City's
right-of-way. When an opportunity to place a tree is spotted, a flag is placed in the
appropriate area and an order form is left on the property owners' door handle. The home -
owner must send the complete order form back to TreeFolks or sign up through online order
form. There is yellow and blue flag system. Owner can choose some particular tree form the
suggested group of tree species, which varies year to year to maintain higher diversity of
planted trees in the city. Five-gallon trees and planting instructions are offered to
homeowners of these suitable locations, if they agree to water and maintain the trees.
TreeFolks follows up with watering reminder cards for the first year.
Budget Data not available.
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information E-mail: admin@treefolks.org
Internet links or other http://www.treefolks.org/prog_neighborwoods.asp
resources where more http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/urbanheatisland/trees.htm
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Renata Dagiliute
Affiliation (university, Vytautas Magnus University
institution...)
Email address r.dagiliute@gmf.vdu.lt
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Best Practice 46. The "Green Belt" of Vitoria-Gasteiz
Category and subcategory - Supporting;
of ecosystem services to - Provisioning;
which the example refers - Regulating;
- Cultural
What element of nature Trees, biodiversity, water, birds
does it refer to?
City/Town Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Year 1993
Initiator City Hall of Vitoria-Gasteiz
Short summary The “Green Belt” of Vitoria-Gasteiz, a semi-natural green area partially reclaimed from
degraded areas, surrounds the center and brings nature into the city, ensuring that the entire
population lives within 300 m of an open green space. Numerous tangible measures are in
Problem that needed
a solution
place to assist and increase biodiversity and ecosystems services.
The „Green Belt” aimed to provide a solution to the problems of the peripheral areas of
Vitoria-Gasteiz and to their state of degradation. There were areas of high ecological value
situated around the edge of the city, such as the forests of Armentia and Zabalgana (although
affected by erosion, fires, etc., they had managed to survive the urban expansion), but also
gravel pits, landfills and other degraded spaces that threatened the survival of the remaining
natural spaces. This zone offered precarious conditions for walking and had become
a physical and social barrier between the urban environment and the rural milieu.
Solution Vitoria-Gasteiz is divided into three „circles”: the first one is the city center, the second one
was degraded land and the third one encompasses mountains and forests. The „Green Belt”
project initiated by the City Hall refers to the activities within the second circle. The
degraded areas were not only converted into rich, diverse ecosystems, but the city also
monitors the growth and environmental impact of flowers, plants, and animals within the
„Green Belt”. The project promotes the conservation of natural peri-urban spaces and the
ecological restoration of other recoverable spaces, integrates the city’s peri-urban parks into
the urban layout and at the same time connects these with the natural environment, develops
peri-urban spaces for satisfying the demands of the inhabitants for open-air leisure and
encourages environmental awareness and education. The idea of the „Green Belt” was
creation/recovery of several interconnected parks (currently seven) surrounding the city
under the slogan of „bringing nature to the city”. An information office and two bird
observatories help visitors to discover and enjoy the natural wealth of this place.
Budget Data not available
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other
resources where more
http://egc.gecoloco.com/winning-cities/2012-vitoria-gasteiz/
http://www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/anilloWeb/en/html/4/49.shtml
information is available
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Anna Harutyunyan
Affiliation (university, K-Telecom CJSC
institution...)
Email address harutuniananna@yahoo.com
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Best Practice 47. EarthWorks' Urban Wilds Program
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (food and air);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (storing floodwater, air quality maintenance);
which the example refers - Cultural (recreation and aesthetic experiences);
- Supporting (production of oxygen)
What element of nature Trees and other plants, biodiversity, water, wild animals and birds.
does it refer to?
City/Town Boston, MA (USA)
Year 1999 – ongoing
Initiator EarthWorks and Boston Parks and Recreation Department
Short summary EarthWorks is working to restore Boston's city-owned natural areas by cleaning up, restoring
and protecting native ecosystems and natural ecological functions after decades of abuse and
neglect. The program connects urban residents to the natural areas through volunteer service
Problem that needed
a solution
projects, educational events, door-to-door outreach, and community meetings.
Urban areas faced a various problems such as vandalism, illegal dumping, fires, changes to
hydrology, soil erosion and compaction. A second set of factors (less related to urbanization)
such as invasive plant and animal species, insect infestations, excessive nitrogen deposition,
and climate change threatened and diminished the ecological functions and value of urban
natural areas.
Solution In 1999 and 2000, EarthWorks (EW) worked with the Parks Department (PD) to test
methods for removing exotic invasive plants (Norway maples, common buckthorn) from
urban wilds and restoring native trees and shrubs (suited to the soil, drainage, and s unlight
conditions) beneficial to wildlife.
The Urban Wilds Restoration Program was fully launched in 2001 (with a help from
volunteers and financial grants from the federal level). Beside ground work, EW also tried to
raise public awareness about the urban wilds and support restoration work by organizing and
conducting community meetings for neighborhood groups near the restoration sites.
Budget Data not available
Has this best practice been Chicago, USA - by Chicago Wilderness, 1996.
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information
Internet links or other http://earthworksboston.org/urbanwilds
resources where more http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/UrbanWilds/default.asp
information is available http://www.bostonnatural.org/uwsurvey/uwfindings.asp
http://www.interenvironment.org/pa/hutcherson.htm
Information on the person who described this best practice:
First name and surname Octavian Moldovan
Affiliation (university, Central European University, Budapest
institution...)
Email address moldovanoctavian1986@yahoo.com
146

Best Practice 48. Münster - the Eco-mobility City
Category and subcategory - Provisioning (clean air);
of ecosystem services to - Regulating (climate regulation);
which the example refers - Cultural (recreational)
What element of nature Air
does it refer to?
City/Town Münster, Germany
Year Started in early 1980s
Initiator The City of Münster
Short summary For more than 20 years the City of Münster has been developing its bicycle infrastructure and
public transportation aiming at becoming "eco-mobility city". Promotion campaigns were
carried out and a service centre for clever transportation choices was established. Today,
Münster is a well-known environmentally-friendly transportation city.
Problem that needed Münster used to be a city with a very few bicycle lanes thus cycling was dangerous. Another
a solution
problem was traffic congestion and pollution.
Solution The City of Münster decided to systematically plan its traffic with the aim of consolidating
eco-mobility and limiting individual motor transportation. Bicycles became main focus
related to the traffic infrastructure in Münster. In 2007, the total number of bicycle paths was
already 304 km – new paths were built along seven green corridors which connect the
outskirts with the city center. In 1993, the City Council adopted the public transport
promotion program which included bus lanes and traffic lights priorities.
In addition, a service centre for clever transport choices (Mobilé) was established in
collaboration with communal transportation company, where citizens and tourists are
provided with the information on the best travel options and alternatives.
Budget
Has this best practice been
replicated elsewhere?
Contact information Mr. Heinrich Bruns
Green Spaces and Environmental Protection Department
City of Münster, Germany
Internet links or other Münster - the eco-mobility city. Urban sustainability - learning from the best.
resources where more http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/wpcontent/uploads/2011/05/egc_bpcat
information is available alogue_2010-2011.pdf (July 13, 2011)
The Münster Application for the European Green Capital Award
http://www.muenster.de/stadt/greencapital/muenster-application.pdf (July 13, 2011)
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Best Practice 49. Geothermal Energy - Natural Warm
Category and subcategory
of ecosystem services to
which the example refers
What element of nature
does it refer to?
- Provisioning (geothermal energy)
Earth's hot water
City/Town Reykjavik, Iceland
Year 1930 – ongoing
Initiator The Icelandic Government
Short summary Since 1930 Reykjavik has been developing its potential in utilization of geothermal energy.
In late 1960s the Icelandic Government set up an Energy Fund to further increase the use of
geothermal resources in the country and since then it has granted numerous loans to
companies for geothermal exploration and drilling. Today, Reykjavik has the world's largest
geothermal heating system and it powers the entire city, which considerably reduces the city's
dependence on fossil fuels and delivers savings of up to 4 million tons CO2 every year.
Problem that needed Raykjavik used to be completely dependent on fossil fuels (mainly oil) with consequent high
a solution
emissions of CO2 from its combustion.
Solution The special geological condition of Iceland (location along the Mid Atlantic ridge – a deep
sea mountain range with a high concentration of volcanoes) allowed it to take a huge
advantage of geothermal energy. Geothermal heat comes from the Earth's core, where
temperatures may reach 4,000-7,000°C; geothermal power plants can turn such heat into
clean energy.
In 1930, the Icelandic Government decided to turn its policy on developing the country's
geothermal energy potential. Energy Fund was set up and numerous loans have been granted
for companies specialized in geothermal exploration and drilling.
Today, there are five geothermal plants in Iceland – producing 26.5% of the country's
electricity and 87% of the housing and building heating needs (2005). These plants provide
energy for the entire country.
The price of geothermal water is one third of the cost of heating with oil, which can be the
basis for estimating financial savings. The total financial savings from 1944 to 2006 would
amount to about 4,290 million USD.
Total CO2 reductions are between 2.5 and 4 million tons annually, which is estimated on the
basis of other possible alternatives – in the case of Reykjavik this would have been the use of
fossil fuels such as gas, oil or coal.
Budget If the entire system were to be built today: 773 million USD. Connecting private homes to
system: 1,000-2,000 USD.
Has this best practice been Geothermal heat can be used by countries that sit over magma hot spots, including the
replicated elsewhere? following:
- Volcanic regions that border the Pacific Ocean (known as the Ring of Fire) such as the
USA, Mexico, Central America, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and New Zealand;
- Volcanic chains that form along mid-ocean or continental rift zones: Iceland and Kenya;
- Hot spots where magma plumes continuously ascending from deep in the mantle, such as
the Hawaiian Islands and Yellowstone
Contact information Reykjavik Energy (Orkuveita Reykjavikur)
Einar Gunnlaugsson
Manager of Geothermal Research
E-mail: einarg@or.is
Internet links or other Reykjavik, Iceland. C40 CITIES website:
resources where more http://www.c40cities.org/bestpractices/renewables/reykjavik_geothermal.jsp (July 13, 2011)
information is available Reykjavik: the ground heats the city. SUSTAINABLE CITIES website:
http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/reykjavik-the-ground-heats-the-city (July 13,
2011)
148

Participants of the XIV Summer Academy Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland 2011
149