Introduction
Temperatureincreasing in Budapest along with recently worsening air pollution and the heatisland effect of urban areas, have already had serious impacts on thepopulation. Floods and extreme weather are also taking a toll. At present, thecity only has 5m² of green area per capita, significantly less than the EU’saverage.To solve these chnallenges,the city starts the implemention of green infrastructure like pocket parks, renewingcity parks and preserving forests on the city's outskirts.
Budapest - NBS for climate resilience and pollution control
Reason to Be Selected
Thesepocket parks are a reaction to the impacts of rapid urbanization. These spaces,typically covering an area of 1400 square meters only, are multi-functional andprovide a space for small-scale food production, recreation, community sharing,and can be a fundamental element of neighborhood rehabilitation. Moreover, itprovides positive environmental effects such as water retention and theimprovement of the area's micro-climate.
Highlights:
Pocketparks and urban gardens increase urban biodiversity, and promote awareness offood production and nature. They also provide space for communities and socialinteraction, and improve public health as well as help to reduce socialtensions and provide opportunities for recreational activities.
Renewing city parks can contribute to reduce the heat island effect, increasebiodiversity, improve risk management,provide better habitat connectivity and airquality. More accessible green spaces and leisure activities may also enablecitizens to have a more active lifestyle and engage in more outdoor activities.
Preserving forests on the city's outskirts and the city's existing green areas can improveclimate conditions, mitigate extreme events such as heavy rainfall, improve airquality, and promote biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
Details
Apartment buildings in the centre of Budapest typically haveinternal common gardens, which are often covered with concrete. Removing theconcrete covering to establish small 'pocket parks' can improve water retentionand the area's micro-climate. In addition, it can provide opportunities forgardening, or even for small-scale food production. Pocket-parks are criticalin increasing the amount of green areas in neighbourhoods that have limitedspace for such development.
Community gardens have a similar effect in increasing greenspace in the city. Community gardens such as Grundkert, Kerhtatár, and Lecsóhave prompted the development of new gardens across Budapest. The number ofcommunity gardens has now grown from 3 to 17 in the past five years.
Budapest also invests in transitional and riverside zones in order to rejuvenate city parks. It has done this in the Nehru park in the IX district, and by establishing outdoor leisure areas in the XX district.Finally, there has been a strong focus on preserving the suburban zone, forests on the city's outskirts, and existing green areas.
Conclusions
Pocketparks and urban gardening contribute to richer urban biodiversity, better airquality. They also improve the climate, water, and soil cycles. These gardensand small parks have clear social impacts by bringing together communities,enhancing public awareness of nature, and providing health and recreationalbenefits.They also provide social benefits in the improved quality ofrecreation areas.
