Temporary Urban Gardens in Las Palmas
About this good practice
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the urban gardens initiative addresses the issue of vacant lots awaiting future development. These temporary agricultural plots are allocated to residents, transforming neglected areas into productive community gardens. The initiative aims to prevent littering, foster community interaction, provide fresh vegetables, instill environmental values, and combat social isolation.
The Urban Gardens Environmental Education Program, managed by the Technical Unit for the Environment, targets adults and groups within the urban environment, aligned with the Municipal Environmental Education Strategy approved on June 25, 2004. Plot allocation is handled through an open public call and a legal competitive process to ensure fairness. Regulations define the rights and responsibilities of garden users, along with rules and penalties.
Key stakeholders include the Technical Unit for the Environment, responsible for the program, and local residents who engage in gardening. Beneficiaries also extend to social groups, entities, schools, associations, and individuals receiving fresh produce, fostering community .
Resources needed
The city council purchases the initial materials and provides training courses. Additionally, the city hired a private company to conduct the training courses and maintain the common areas in the gardens.
Evidence of success
Residents’ satisfaction surveys, indicating a positive impact on quality of life, demonstrate the project's success.
The initiative fosters community interaction, prevents social isolation and promotes environmental awareness.
The observed benefits, such as increased physical activity for the elderly and resident interactions, highlight its success. Ongoing efforts should improve evaluation methods to capture the project’s effectiveness better.
Potential for learning or transfer
The legal framework and structured implementation provide a model that can be adapted to different urban contexts, addressing common challenges of vacant urban spaces, social isolation, and environmental degradation. Other cities can learn from this approach to community engagement, sustainability practices, and the positive impact on quality of life, adapting the initiative to local needs and regulations.