Vegetation in cities reduced heat and manages stormwater. Although the measures are largely the same, implementation can be done at different scales (small – private property, larger – collective areas). Greening can be done naturally to increase biodiversity, or with crops for food production. This measure talks about growing your own food.
Urban Agriculture is a means to grow food in and around cities and urban areas. This can be done in many different ways. Urban Agriculture can be a way to shorten supply chains, improve diets and food security. In areas that are frequently affected by extreme weather, urban agriculture can provide a source of food when damaged infrastructure hampers food imports. Local production reduces dependence on long import chains that are vulnerable to hurricanes and heatwaves. Produce food in your own garden, rooftop. This can be stimulated by distributing gardening boxes and kits to households.
Community gardens are shared spaces where people from a local neighbourhood or community come together to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These gardens can be found in urban, suburban, or rural areas and are usually managed collectively by the people who use them. These gardens can also be implemented for specific groups (schools, hospitals).
Feasibility & Local Applicability
- Planting edible herb, fruit and pollinator in community spaces. (Integrate climate-resilient herbs (e.g., basil, moringa, oregano brujo) into parks, schools, and health facilities. Plant shade trees & edible species along streets/clinics): Curaçao school gardens
- Proper measures need to be taken to discourage local wildlife of eating the crops. Build protective barriers against iguanas.
Co-benefits
Encouraging urban agriculture, whether in your own garden or in a community can help local biodiversity to thrive.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Urban green spaces can improve living conditions, even in neglected neighborhoods. they should always be publicly free and accessible. Community gardens can increase social cohesion and public awareness on food security, climate change and biodiversity. Community gardens make local food production accessible to many different groups.
Costs
Low