Catalonia plans "independence from rainwater" by 2040
It will be achieved through seawater desalination plants
According to the Alderman of Equal Opportunities in the city, this is due to a diligent and sustained green policy, aimed at helping the citizens
Yesterday, local authorities in Ghent, Belgium, announced that the city currently has 572 hectares of greenery, a 4% increase since the year 1999. Furthermore, the more valuable forested areas have grown by an impressive 21% in the same period.
The new data came from the city’s new Biological Valuation Map. This is a dynamic digital resource, mapping out the city’s green areas. The Valuation Map was created with the use of high-resolution aerial photographs and is absolutely essential for research and policy in the city.
Ghent now has more than 1,000 hectares of forest and a lot of it is classified as either valuable or very valuable. Usually, forests with older trees are classified as very valuable, because they offer a lot more in terms of carbon capture and air filtration, as well as biodiversity habitats.
At the same time, according to the valuation map, not all areas have retained the vegetation they had back in 1999, most notably, the area around the port. However, there are a lot more new green developments in the city, that compensate for the overall situation.
Local authorities now want to adopt a new guiding principle when it comes to urban nature. They want to focus on preservation, as a lot of the species already present are biologically valuable. At the same time, they want to stimulate the spread of rarer local species. They plan to do this by mowing certain lawn areas twice a year, leaving room for wild seeds to take root.
Another important note is that the valuation map is freely available to everyone and people can use it when buying property. For example, they can discover whether a plot lies in the ‘very valuable nature’ area, which will ultimately prevent them from disrupting the ecosystem in it.
Astrid De Bruycker, Ghent Alderman for Equal Opportunities and Public Greenery was quoted in a press release, explaining: “Nature in Ghent is improving thanks to a long-term and sustained green policy: from a biological point of view, nature is more valuable, the total surface area is increasing, and we have a fifth or 187 hectares more forest than in 1999. We are achieving good results for the inhabitants of Ghent because more and quality nature means healthier air and nicer relaxation areas.”
The same goes for 5G coverage but that complete rate will be achieved already in 2025
Tusk’s administration failed to change the law, but it now promises to “change reality”
The country’s government cites security concerns behind the move
The same goes for 5G coverage but that complete rate will be achieved already in 2025
The tool builds upon the already available web version of the map
It marks the street spots that have recorded the highest number of incidents
Plus, you might have to book a spot in advance to view the famous attraction
This involves the creation of a special traffic control zone on streets leading to the UNESCO-protected Old Town
The German capital reps will head to COP16, in Cali (Colombia), with the aim of inviting other cities to join the cause
Plus, you might have to book a spot in advance to view the famous attraction
For many years, Molenbeek’s reputation was linked to terrorism, but now it wants to show the world that it has turned a new page
Passengers will be shuttled directly to and from the Port of Piraeus, skipping the lines at the airport
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital