The National Park City initiative was launched in the UK in 2019 and aims to promote urban living focused on environmental justice, access to green spaces and biodiversity. To achieve this status, a city does not have to meet the requirements for traditional national parks, but must demonstrate a systemic approach to sustainable development, write Euronews.
Breda impressed experts not only with the scale of its greening, but also with the active participation of its residents in the process. Over the past ten years, the city has carried out a large-scale restoration of its natural environment: restoring wetlands, replacing concrete with lawns, flower beds and trees, and transforming waterfronts into urban gardens. Today, 60% of the city is green space: from historic forests such as the Mastbos to parks and ponds.
A key role in the transformation was played by the Breda Stad in een Park (Breda City in a Park) community initiative, which not only inspired residents to plant trees, create rooftop gardens and green schoolyards, but also participated in strategic planning.
Photo: Robin Trochsler/Unsplash
"This title is a recognition of the efforts of many residents, entrepreneurs and organizations that have contributed to the greening of Breda," says Joost Barendrecht, head of the movement. "It is also an inspiration for others: you don't have to do something grand. Even a small garden is an important contribution."
Other EU cities are increasingly following Breda's path: from car-free zones in Paris to flood protection systems in Copenhagen. Urban greening has become an effective tool to combat climate change and protect the health of citizens.
Access to nature reduces heat-related risks, improves air quality, and strengthens social bonds.
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