BETTER CITIES, HEALTHIER PEOPLE

When we remember our childhood, we first remember the fun and games through which we learned about ourselves, the community and the environment. Summer days and evenings were reserved for the yard in front of the building, the playground and the park, and in winter we didn't come home from the hill where we sledded and skated until after dark. These were all once public green spaces that we all had a right to. Today, we are in a situation where we have to defend every inch of greenery, because the watchful eye of investors hunts down every "unused" piece of land, and the Administration without hesitation hands over the same piece for the construction of new residential and business squares. 

We are not against the development of the city and construction, but this cannot be done at the expense of green spaces, because these are public spaces that serve the community - socially, healthily and for the purpose of the good functioning of the city. Greenery is of vital importance for every city, because it enriches it and helps us to live in it healthy and comfortably during all weather conditions and difficulties.

We all think of greenery when floods and heat come

We have repeatedly witnessed what happens in Belgrade when it rains a little more - there are floods and clogging of sewage drains. One of the reasons is that in addition to bad sewage systems, we have a small area of ​​land that is not occupied by buildings and concrete, so there is nothing to absorb that water and it enters the basements, and in the worst case it leads to a complete flood and cars floating around the city. The damage caused by the flood to the city and its citizens is huge, and it can be reduced preventively, taking care to have a green infrastructure that is well, functionally and thoroughly designed. 

Heat islands are another big problem we're facing, and it's getting bigger. Savski trg is the record holder for the number of hot summer nights (there are as many as 50!), and it is precisely in this zone that the construction of an underground garage is planned, which should occupy 70% of the area of ​​Bristol Park. This park is one of the few green areas in this part of the city, and there is a real threat that it too will disappear, at least its underground part, which is essential for fighting floods and preserving biodiversity.

How is green infrastructure planned?

When we plan green infrastructure in the city, it is necessary to plan it evenly, both in suburban and central zones. Functional greenery that contributes to life in the city is connected to a system of parks, squares, tree rows, shorelines, green areas in open residential blocks, etc. greenery. Thus, green areas are within walking distance for all citizens, and walking on a hot summer day through tree-lined streets is more pleasant.

Forests are critical to public health and hot summer days. Thanks to them, the city cools down and provides cleaner and fresher air. The current situation is such that the municipalities of Grocka, Stari grad, Surčin and Vračar have no forests on their territory. 

The situation we are in is really alarming, because Belgrade now there are only enough trees to produce oxygen for 300 people. The other 1 people practically cannot breathe, they are suffocating from the heat and the first park is quite far from their home.

There is a plan!

Nevertheless, believe it or not, the city of Belgrade has adopted a plan on green infrastructure, which proposes to increase the percentage of greenery from the current 12% to 24% within two years (from 2019 to 2021), but this plan is at one session of the City Assembly. voted as optional, not as binding, and thus completely degraded and left to the good will of the investor, even though it is a higher-order plan, which must be above the plan of detailed regulation that the investor suggests. We give you one guess as to whether or not investors choose to follow this plan.

If it is important to you that we preserve the park, playground, places for learning and socializing, forests and other green areas and you want this plan to become MANDATORY for investors, help us influence the Administration! Let's preserve and expand the green infrastructure in Belgrade, which will help us improve our health, have more pleasant summer temperatures, enjoy our free time and give the city back to the people who live in it.

Better cities, healthier people - sign for greenery!