Cities are growing in central Europe, often turning green areas into grey concrete places. This urban sprawl accelerates negative effects of climate change such as urban heat islands: the GreenScape-CE project works on reversing this trend by making urban areas greener again.
In Central Europe, an innovative initiative is helping to transform urban landscapes into greener, more sustainable spaces. The Visual Mapping Platform (GVMP), developed as part of the Interreg GreenScape CE project, is a cutting-edge tool designed to support urban climate-proofing through renaturing efforts. It is an interactive map-based platform designed to visualise and enhance the planning of green and blue infrastructure, think parks, greenways, rivers, and lakes, in urban areas. It provides three main tools:
- Accessibility Tool: analyses how easily citizens can access green spaces.
- Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Tool: evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable infrastructure solutions.
- Connectivity Tool: assesses how well these green spaces are connected to form a cohesive network.
By integrating these tools, GVMP helps cities plan and implement effective green infrastructure, enhancing urban resilience to climate change
The platform’s visual maps and simulation tools facilitate better planning and communication: city planners, local governments and residents can see the current state of green and blue infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement. This transparency fosters community engagement and supports informed decision-making for sustainable urban development.
Key highlights from participating cities in Central Europe:
- Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb is driving sustainable development with a focus on reducing air pollution and creating an eco-friendly transport system. The city’s collaboration with REGEA and the introduction of user-friendly web GIS tools are key highlights.
- Ptuj, Slovenia: Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Ptuj is enhancing its urban climate resilience by integrating green infrastructure. Through GVMP, Ptuj is improving its well-being and urban regeneration efforts, collaborating closely with ZRS Bistra Ptuj and the Urban Planning Institute of Slovenia.
- Warsaw, Poland: As Poland’s bustling capital, Warsaw is prioritising sustainable urban spaces. The city’s Public Roads Authority uses GVMP to promote smart urban logistics, clean air policies and zero emission transport solutions.
- Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy: One of Europe’s most densely populated areas, Milan faces significant pollution and climate change challenges. The city’s participation in GreenScape CE, alongside the Metro Adapt After LIFE project, aims to enhance green infrastructure and foster knowledge exchange across governance levels.
- Szeged, Hungary: Positioned near the Serbian-Romanian-Hungarian border, Szeged faces frequent heatwaves. The city’s administration is leveraging GVMP to implement green infrastructures, particularly focusing on greening bus stations with Energiaklub’s support.
The GVMP, as a collaborative effort, was developed under the leadership of the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, with invaluable support from various partners across Central Europe, involved in the GreenScape CE project. These collaborations have been instrumental in ensuring the platform’s success and scalability to other cities in the region.
Curious to see the impact? Explore the GVMP and its tools here.
The GreenScape CE Visual Mapping Platform is a testament to what can be achieved when cities unite for a common goal — creating greener, healthier, and more resilient urban environments for all.
Further information are to be found on the project website.