Blue-Green Cities in the Spotlight
Our Blue-Green Cities in the Spotlight series sets out to demonstrate the multiple benefits of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) for European cities; reduced flood risk, enhanced biodiversity and improved liveability, to name a few.
Our 10 participating cities are summarising their experiences with BGI pilots through BEGIN's social innovation approach to share their knowledge with other cities that could also reap the benefits.
ENFIELD
"Between now and 2031, Enfield Council is aiming to create more publicly accessible green spaces and woodlands than anywhere else in London, as well as new blue features such as accessible waterways and wetlands."
BERGEN
"Blue-green solutions help us all - people, animals, and the environment alike. Creating small parks (or green lungs) in open spaces where people can roam freely will make Mindemyren more attractive as a residential area."
ABERDEEN
"With the right designs, in the right location and where maintenance and ownership are addressed, BGI can become an essential and cost-effective part of city infrastructure."
GHENT
"The city of Ghent is working on the realisation of 8 green climate axes that connect the outer city with the inner city. This blue-green system includes 8 axes, an inner-city system, a green recreational ring and green nodes at the crossing points of the several elements within the system..."
GOTHENBURG
"Nose in the mud' is both an outdoor classroom and a water playground. Here, people of all ages can explore the wonders of water, how it feels, flows and disappears. It can also be used by schools and preschools for teaching."
BRADFORD
"The BEGIN project presented an opportunity to explore the value of BGI in the delivery of regeneration projects needed for Bradford's communities to thrive socially, economically and sustainably."
ANTWERP
"The Water Plan highlights the spatial potential and qualities that blue and green infrastructure can provide for dense urban fabrics. It also tells the story of Antwerp as a historic water city and provides a narrative glimpse into Antwerp as a future water-sensitive city."
DORDRECHT
"...Dordrecht is taking its ambition a step further by developing a broader integrated blue-green vision, to become a more resilient city with a robust infrastructure. This vision not only tackles flooding but incorporates other vital aspects such as biodiversity, health, recreation, mobility, the spatial quality of the city and even agriculture."
KENT
"Small ‘orphaned’ (underutilised) urban green spaces, such as Pocket Parks and Village Greens, present a unique opportunity to manage floodwater, improve the ecological value and enhance the amenity of the local areas."
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