The Greenkeys projects

The problem of abandoned and devalued urban areas is common among many European cities. The environmental, economic and social decline, which these areas often entail, requires rapid reconsideration and improvements as the lowering of the quality of life may not only spill over to adjacent neighbourhoods, but also the area itself does not need to be relinquished.

The cities are facing difficulties in finding an adequate solution to the main problem of how to apply methods of sustainable rehabilitation to redevelop and enhance the areas in the long term.

The European Commission has started the EU Community Initiative INTERREG III B CADSES (2005-2008), which focuses on increasing the sustainability of cities by initialising the endowment of green spaces. By means of that, local residents and medium-sized enterprises would benefit immediately, but the scientific and practical experiences gained during the projects are equally important as they will promote transnational cooperation in Europe and bring about further projects.

The key question posed by the GreenKeys project is: What are the tools and methods necessary for increasing the sustainability of urban areas by adding green spaces, given the fact that ecological, social and economical conditions are often mutually dependent?
Greenkeys focuses on the improvement of urban green spaces as a step towards more sustainable cities. The three main objectives are

  1. to provide incentives for structural changes in cities by offering opportunities for the enhancement of green spaces. Its 12 partner cities will, together with local stakeholders, develop a strategic approach for the pilot projects to create new or upgrade existing green areas to achieve more accessibility, social and recreational values and ecological efficiency. By the involvement of local activists, the political attention to the benefits of green spaces to urban environments will be increased. GreenKeys will support the implementation/evaluation of pilot projects in order
  2. to develop a “Pool of Green Strategies” (instruments, methods, concepts and good examples) based on the experiences being made to meet the demands of future needs and
  3. to use the synergies to promote the transfer of knowledge by a transnational network and, thus, foster the exchange of the particular national experiences.

In pursuing these goals, GreenKeys brings together 12 cities in 7 countries, 8 scientific supporters, external experts, design studios and NGOs, which participate through their own networks.

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e-library

Town Planning: Green cities,blue cities,N 18, WH

Various aspects of planning and management are discussed. A long-term approach to planning, an equitable spread, proper development and regular maintenance will help local authorities. Action plans are suggested that will allow open spaces to become genuine public spaces.
BACKGROUND.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SPACES (PS)
FOR A HEALTHY POPULATION:..
Green spaces, allergies and asthma;
Leaves on trees acting as dust collectors.
SOCIAL INTERACTION.
AESTHETIC STANDARDS OF OUR SURROUNDINGS.
ACTIONS FOR MENTAL AN EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING.
HOW PS DETERIORATE.
PLANNING AND FITTING AUT PS:
Aims;
Recycling defused urban PS.
ENCOURAGING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:
Access;
Urban furniture, children & safety;
The surprising richness of urban flora and fauna...;
Regular maintenance;
Spreading the financial burden;
Getting the people involved...
SOME INUSUAL PS:
...Growing conditions for trees and shrubs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:1.Encouraging multi-use of PS and co-existence of citizens; 2.Monitor the quality of PS regularly;3.Create high-quality public PS in each district of the city and establish a network of green spaces.
http://www.emro.who.int/ceha/Publication_Details.asp?ID=58
Category: Ecological Functionality
Keywordslist Accessibility, Ecological Efficiency, Governance, Green Urban Development, Planning, Public Participation, Sustainable Urban Development
Audience: Practioners
Type: Brochure

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Town Planning:Green cities,blue cities,N 18,WHO
Brochure of WHO/EURO office
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What is the e-library?

The e-library has been designed to provide members of GreenKeys with information, access to resources and inspiration on the topics of green spaces development and urban sustainability. GreenKeys' e-library users have the ability to post both printed and online information and resources, search them and, thus, contribute to a transnational exchange of experiences and ideas on these issues.

The e-Library contributions are, as the good practice examples, presented under the following aspects:

  • Ecological Functionality
  • Social Aspects
  • Economic Benefit
  • Public Participation
  • Innovative Funding Strategies

To submit such data please complete the form. Click HERE.