To fight these problems, Zagreb started a project called “Green Zagreb”, which focuses on adding more plants and trees and getting citizens involved in protecting the environment.
Why is urban greenery so important?
- It helps clean the air by taking in CO₂ and other harmful gases and giving us back oxygen.
- It cools the city down, which means we don’t have to use as much air conditioning.
- It creates homes for birds, insects, and other creatures, supporting biodiversity.
- It makes us feel better — having nature nearby helps our mental health.
- It makes the city prettier and more attractive for locals and visitors, which is good for the economy.
What does the Green Zagreb project do?
1️⃣ Revitalizing and fixing up existing green spaces
Parks, schoolyards, and public gardens are being cleaned and improved. In places like Maksimir Park and Bundek, they have planted new trees and fixed up paths so more people can enjoy them.
2️⃣ Planting new trees and plants
The city is planting trees all over — in squares, along streets, and in small parks. In 2023 alone, they plan to plant over 5,000 new trees, choosing species that fit the local climate, like oak, maple, and ash.
3️⃣ Creating urban gardens and green roofs
By encouraging people to start gardens and install green roofs on buildings, the city is adding more green space, improving building insulation, and helping manage rainwater better.
4️⃣ Educating and involving citizens
There are workshops and awareness campaigns about why greenery is important and how to garden in a sustainable way. Citizens can also join in by volunteering to plant trees and help with cleanups.
The project works together with local NGOs, schools, and research institutions. For example, the NGO Zeleni Prsteni (Green Rings) helps organize workshops and volunteer events. The city also works with plant experts to choose the best types of trees and plants to grow.
Challenges the project faces:
- It takes extra effort and money to care for all the new trees in the city.
- More education is needed so people understand why they should look after green areas.
- In crowded city areas, it’s hard to find space for new trees and plants.
In the future, Zagreb wants to use smart technology to track plant health and make green spaces a bigger part of city planning.
The Green Zagreb project shows how a city can become greener and healthier when everyone works together from local government to schools to everyday citizens. Thanks to these efforts, Zagreb is becoming a great example of how city life and nature can go hand in hand, making life better for everyone.
Sources:
- www.zagreb.hr
- www.zeleniprsteni.hr
- Zagrebački Holding – Public utility maintenance reports
- https://www.greenpeace.org/croatia/apel-greenpeacea-za-zeleniji-zagreb/Academic
- https://zir.nsk.hr/islandora/object/pmf%3A4795/datastream/PDF/view)
