Oz Aims For Bigger Green Space by 2020

Oz Aims For Bigger Green Space by 2020:

Several cities around Australia have opened their arms to the concept of Green City. The 202020 vision, an initiative of the Nursery & Garden Industry of Australia (NGIA), is the country’s campaign to see 20 percent more green space in urban areas by the year 2020.

The cause aims to entice other organisations to share their green space projects. It can be anything from a small park tree planting project to a high rise green wall initiative in the city.

Green space can range from anything – community parks, rooftop gardens, vertical gardens and more. As we previously discussed, the benefits of urban forests are numerous. It doesn’t just reduce temperatures especially in the harsh Australian sun, they are also beneficial to reducing pollution and enhancing residents’ health.

Dr Anthony Kachenko, research and market development manager at NGIA, is a passionate advocate of the cause.

“I am determined to grow the awareness of plants in our lives through the very exciting 202020 Vision that will see 20 per cent more green space in our communities by 2020. I urge all of industry to back this exciting campaign and spread the word about the benefits of plants in our lives,” Kachenko said in an article from Your Levy @ Work.

Several projects have already entered their own green efforts through the site. From hospital ecotherapy gardens, to community gardens for child care centres, council parks, and Darling Harbour’s children’s playground.

Recently, as part of the 202020 vision, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival announced the transformation of the Sandridge rail bridge into a bar, kitchen and raingarden made from recycled materials. The raingardens also has an educational purpose, “informing visitors about the process of capturing and recycling water and its role in growing plants and food”.

The 202020 vision was launched in November last year, the same day as when a new report was released showing concerns that urban spaces are under threat. The collaboration between government, academic and private sectors aims to improve Australia’s environment, productivity and societal benefits.

“Over 93 percent of professionals from related industries said that the continued decrease in urban green space is of concern for all Australians, but particularly for those working in government, construction, and development, horticulture and related academic sectors,” according to NGIA.

The study also said that 96 percent agrees that the country needs inter-industry collaboration to encourage an increase in green space to avoid the negative impacts of declining green space.

“We know our cities need more green spaces, as they’re good for our health, productivity, keeping cities cool and reducing pollution,” said Robert Prince, chief executive officer of NGIA.

“Urban heat islands, poor air quality, lack of enjoyable urban community areas are all poor outcomes when green spaces aren’t incorporated into new developments and large scale building projects,” he added.

Citygreen’s® product range is aimed at promoting urban forests and encouraging the creation of more green spaces. The Stratacell™ system has been successfully used in a number of green space projects around the world. Click here to find out more of their success stories.