Suche
Mein Konto
Porz is flourishing: citizens' ideas for a greener Cologne are sought!
Cologne starts online dialogue for new green spaces in Porz to improve quality of life and climate. Ideas wanted by July 14th.
Porz is flourishing: citizens' ideas for a greener Cologne are sought!
Cologne, the city on the Rhine, is actively committed to a greener and more lively cityscape. The “Urban Green” program has been running for two years, which aims to strengthen the green system in Cologne and has a historical background that goes back to Mayor Konrad Adenauer over 100 years ago. More and more people in Cologne are being asked to contribute their ideas for new green spaces, because the city council has decided to both secure existing green spaces and create new ones. Radio Cologne reports.
The measures aim to not only improve the city's ecological value, but also to offer Cologne's citizens more leisure opportunities and help cool down heat-stressed urban areas. An online dialogue is currently underway in the Porz district in which citizens can submit their suggestions until July 14th. These ideas will then be further developed in workshops in the Porz district town hall on September 27th. In addition, the program is designed to be completed in two years with a concrete plan for each district.
The urban green master plan
As part of the urban green program, the urban green master plan was also developed, which represents a fundamental strategy for green and open space in Cologne. It is intended to help ensure the quality of life of citizens and strengthen the city's tradition in the future. But not everything about this plan is flawless. The BUND Cologne states that the adopted plan has significant shortcomings and should be viewed as a first step. City-wide target formulations are missing, and the necessary net/zero resealing by 2030 is not given sufficient priority.
The field in the Porz district in particular is highlighted as a climate-active area that is crucial for climate protection and drinking water supply. BUND Cologne is calling for detailed processing of the plan and greater consideration of protected areas and biotopes that are extremely important for biological diversity.
The challenges of the city
Long-term and strategic planning is required to meet the challenges of climate change and the city's growth. The urban green master plan is a central part of this planning. Comprehensive investigations are planned in the city districts from 2023 in order to better provide green spaces, especially in densely built-up districts.
Possible measures include sustainable planting and care concepts, the creation of flower strips, nature experience areas, mini-primeval forests and infiltration options. The aim is to more closely link the ecosystem services of urban open spaces and the large-scale green infrastructure.
Cologne is in the midst of a change that must be actively shaped not only by the city administration, but also by the citizens. Every suggestion counts - and in the end the result could be a green, vibrant Cologne that offers a place for both people and nature.