Panorama

PROJECTS
GREENING URBAN AREAS
IN CENTRAL EUROPE
TOTAL INVESTMENT
EUR 2 391 300
EU CONTRIBUTION
EUR 2 005 050
The Urban Green Belts project has generated
new ways for residents and local authorities to
co-manage green spaces in cities in seven central
European countries. Local environments and
quality of life have blossomed thanks to the
ERDF-funded initiative.
Parks, woodlands, and public gardens are the ‘green
lungs’ of towns and cities. They provide space for
inhabitants to relax in fresh air and improve the biodiversity,
air quality, noise levels and appeal of their
neighbourhoods.
In seven central European countries, a group of ten government
authorities and research organisations were looking for
new ways to achieve these desirable goals. The result was
the Urban Green Belts project and a Smart Governance
Manual, now available on the project website.
Smart strategy
Over three years, partners explored three governance strategies
based on smart technology and on cooperation between
stakeholders and public authorities.
Finally, the third element – cooperation-based governance
– examined different ways in which stakeholders and local
government departments might communicate and
work together on green spaces. This section included
a local government training manual.
Lasting impact
Project partners tested their strategies in eight local pilot
actions designed with local authorities. Resulting insights
have influenced regional green-action plans and many
initiatives have continued beyond UGS.
For example, one programme in which residents cared for
26 green spaces in Budapest, Hungary is being extended to
more sites in the city. In another, in Maribor, Slovenia, a stakeholder
design for renovating an urban green area is being
incorporated into a local revitalisation plan.
Regions involved in the project have also exchanged ideas
and tools. The Polish city of Krakow is looking into developing
its own residents’ stewardship programme. Meanwhile,
a data-collection app from Padua, Italy has been adopted
by the Croatian city of Zadar to expand its land records.
The first looked at the potential of geo-informatics. Researchers
built a smart planning tool that uses satellite data to help
regional planners to decide how to use green areas, maintain
them and if they are sustainable or profitable.
The second strategy focused on engaging communities.
Urban Green Belts produced an overview of techniques
that encourage local people to generate ideas, management
plans and awareness to support the green resources
around them.
FIND OUT MORE
https://www.interreg-central.eu/Content.Node/UGB.html
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