Municipal Regulation for the Care and Reconversion of Public Green Areas
About this good practice
A key reason for the Regulation is to strengthen the fragile relationship between citizens and public institutions by building on, and encouraging, the recent experience of active citizenship that is starting to flourish from the grassroots.
Secondly, in the context of scarce resources, the Regulation creates a positive externality by helping the local administration better manage green spaces maintenance through citizen participation.
The activities range from the requalification of green areas through simple maintenance to more structured reconversion activities. Other activities include the establishment of public and common kitchen gardens.
An agreement to outline the aims and objectives, including subsidiarity, shared responsibilities and constraints is signed by the municipality and by voluntary groups, associations or single citizens that are interested in taking care of a green area that they visit regularly.
Expert opinion
Blue-green infrastructure enhances urban resilience by managing pollution, preventing floods, and mitigating extreme weather. It also brings environmental, social, and economic benefits, like improved mental and physical wellbeing, recreational spaces, higher property values, and better air quality. Citizen involvement plays a crucial role in boosting resilience, protecting biodiversity, and fostering social cohesion and innovation in green space management. This practice is an interesting example of a city level policy measure aiming to improve the maintenance of green public areas and vegetable gardens through participatory approach. The initiative had demonstrated positive outcomes with regards to maintenance and management of green open spaces but also contributed to social integration. Giving the residents a chance to participate in actively taking a role in changing their environment helps to strengthen social ties in the community and improves the dialogue between public bodies and citizens. The principles embedded in this policy measure can be inspiring for other public bodies interested to improve public green areas through citizen participation and engagement.
Resources needed
- fee for citizen insurance: €3,000 per year
- Municipal Office for green spaces purchase of tools and plants etc
Municipal human resources:
- Office for green spaces for technical aspects (2 persons)
- Urban Center for communication and citizens involvement (2 persons)
Evidence of success
3 common kitchen gardens
6 parks groups carrying out reconversion or care activities
200 people involved overall
Another significant result is the new link between previously diverse and isolated communities and the strengthening of relationships between neighbourhood relationships with similar challenges.
Potential for learning or transfer
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Municipality of Ferrara