GreenInCities

The GreenInCities project develops means of looking after local nature, involving residents and preparing for and adapting to climate change that take both citizens and nature into account. In Helsinki, Malmi serves as an experimental area for nature-based solutions.
Istutuslaatikko.
The GreenInCities project creates a pleasant, safe and lush city for all city residents. Photo: Jussi Hellsten

The GreenInCities project explores how nature-based solutions could slow down biodiversity loss and contribute to the ability of cities to prepare for and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

The pilots to be implemented in the project will take place in 11 cities across Europe. In the first phase, pilot work using nature-based solutions will be carried out in

  • Athens (Greece)
  • Barcelona (Spain)
  • Helsinki (Finland)
  • Nova Gorica (Slovenia)
  • Pratossa (Italy)

Next, the methods will move on to further development in follower cities, which are Reykjavik (Iceland)

  • Bristonas (Lithuania)
  • Cork (Ireland)
  • Hersonissos (Greece)
  • Matosinhos (Portugal)
  • Pecs (Hungary)

https://www.greenincities.eu/  

Happening in Malmi

The solutions developed in the project will strengthen the attractiveness and pleasantness of the centre of Malmi and the Longinoja area, as well as illustrate to the city residents what preparedness and adaptation to climate change can look like.

In 2025-2027, residents' participation in the development of Malmi and Longinojanpuisto will be strengthened by various recurring events, where they will learn new things about nature and take concrete actions together for the benefit of nature. At the events, citizens will also have the opportunity to try out new nature management methods or test their ability to identify vegetation and collect information digitally, for example.

Longinojanpuisto

Longinoja and Longinojanpuisto are the target of the project’s measures. Nature-based solutions and the use of the park will be developed together with the residents during 2025. A management and use plan will be drawn up for the park, which will be implemented in 2025–2027.

Participate

The aim is to develop the park and its use together with the citizens. A series of events will be held for residents and participants in 2025–2027, where the local nature will be explored and solutions increasing the biodiversity of Longinojanpuisto developed together. We will organise volunteer work and other events that improve natural conditions. Upcoming events can be found under the 'Relevant right now' heading.

Experimenting with digital methods

We are experimenting with new ways to activate and engage residents in the planning and use of green areas. In particular, we are testing new digital tools and methods for understanding nature and taking nature into account in planning.

We also strive to test different digital methods to help planning. These include applications and methods for citizen science and for providing feedback. With citizen science applications, we aim to collect nature information and activate residents for nature observation and moving in nature.

The GreenInCities project focuses on urban green spaces, green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. By researching and experimenting with various green infrastructure solutions, the project seeks ways to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The goals of the four-year project are broad resident participation, restoration of nature and taking into account the needs of nature when developing the city. In addition, the project plans to test new digital tools in urban planning processes. The goals are aimed at with various nature-based solutions and green infrastructure pilots.

In particular, GreenInCities aims to involve vulnerable city residents and create functional and pleasant urban spaces for all city residents by utilising co-creation methods and by considering ways to increase the participation of as many types of city residents as possible.

The goal of CreenInCities is to gather the experiences of the 11 cities and refine them into methods and tools that will be available to future urban developers. In Helsinki, the experimental area is an urban renewal area in Malmi. Longinoja is a central nature destination appreciated by Malmi’s residents, which connects the developing Malminkenttä area with the centre of Malmi. The environment of Longinoja, which connects the areas, is being developed as a nature destination and a green space that strengthens Malmi’s identity.

The Urban Environment Division is responsible for the implementation of the pilot and the development of green structure. The project develops nature-based solutions for the use of urban planning and construction. The idea is to better identify the needs of nature in order to increase diversity in the urban environment.

Forum Virium Helsinki is responsible for the digital pilot work carried out in Helsinki in cooperation with the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division.

https://forumvirium.fi/projektit/greenin-cities/

Lisätiedot

Anu Kiiskinen

Project director, Urban Environment Division
+358 9 310 38419
greenincities-logo.