URBforDAN - Management and Utilization of Urban Forests
About this good practice
The City of Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia which puts high pressure on nature and natural heritage areas. By implementing the activities of Project, the City of Zagreb was focusing on urban and peri-urban forests areas within the city, and formulate a model which is transferable to other areas. Urban forests in Zagreb are mostly located in the northern part of the city, on the lowest parts of the Medvednica mountain. Forests are surrounded by settlements and their surfaces are diminishing more and more, which greatly affects their functioning and natural balance. UPF in Zagreb are significantly more important than the artificially made parks because they are natural, climatogenic and have numerous beneficial functions, such as soil protection from water and wind erosion, protection from floods and soil sliding, purification of rainwater and ensuring groundwater quality, reduction of climate extremes.
By implementing the activities of project, Zagreb have ensured proper and sustainable management of the Grmoščica in line with green tourism and stop its degradation. The activities included equipping the forest Grmoščica with urban equipment, educations in the “green classroom”, intensive promotional activities, workshops with owners and users, but also research activities such as research and presentation of the potential of future development and management of the Grmoščica.
Resources needed
City-level political, operational and communication support; Team of city experts, forest managers and other relevant experts; Urban Forest pilot area; Local action group composed of key stakeholders.
Evidence of success
Zagreb adopted i Operational Plan for pilot area Grmošćica. It was equipped with visitor management infrastructure, which improved recreational, educational and relaxational experience for a diverse set of target groups. In 2020 project was nominated for REGIOSTARS Award by the Danube Programme.
Potential for learning or transfer
The aim of the Project was to exchange experiences and practices in urban forest management and to prepare a common approach, methodology or tools for urban forest management through the implementation of activities and analysis, which provide citizens and visitors with a quality experience and enrich the space for recreation. Proper and sustainable management of scrub forest was ensured and its degradation is prevented. Activities included equipping the bush forest with urban equipment, education in the "green classroom", intensive promotional activities, workshops with owners and users of urban and peri-urban forests, but also research activities such as research and presentation of the potential of future development and management of Grmoščica.
Further information
Good practice owner
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