Reconnecting with nature
Forest of dreams
A citizen forest for a resilient and greener future
The CITIZEN FOREST of Zaragoza is a wonderful collaborative initiative for sustainability, that up to 2030, will make the city and its territory greener, improving the health of the citizens, involving all the persons and entities and joining the challenge of decarbonising of Zaragoza. We will facilitate the planting of 700,000 trees: one tree for every person who lives in the city. The Forest is created involving companies, institutions, citizens and schoolchildren in a co-creation process.
EU Member State, Western Balkans or Ukraine
Spain
Local
Zaragoza (Spain)
No
No
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2023-04-14
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation, in partnership with other organisations
Designed under sustainability criteria and marked by natural character, the CITIZEN FOREST of Zaragoza is conceived as a space of opportunity for learning, coexistence or connection to the territory, aligned with a global Green Infrastructure strategy in which urban areas merge with their territory and nature, betting on a city of the future
To sum up, the aim is to promote biodiversity, reintroduce nature to the city, contribute to improving air and water quality, curb climate change and improve the quality of life and health of citizens.
This project aims to move Zaragoza towards a more resilient, habitable, biophilic and sustainable city. The Forest is one of the key actions of the city's 2030 decarbonisation roadmap as one of the 100 climate neutral cities chosen by the European Mission.
The strategic aims to be achieved are:
• Improve health by promoting active mobility and increase biodiversity by naturalising degraded public areas and green spaces.
• Reinventing the space from the spontaneity of citizen practices, favouring recreational use, improving its ecological and natural values and creating spaces for the imagination by means of minimal adaptation, cleaning, signposting, equipment and accessibility.
• Mitigate the effects of urban heat islands
• Reduce the carbon footprint and contribute to the city's climate ambition goals. It is estimated to sequester more than 240.000 Tonnes of CO2 .
• Advance in the greening and renaturalization of the city.
• Promote circular economy
• Design an educational project: to transmit values related with degraded areas, to understand the peculiarities of territory (climate conditions, soil, natural vegetation, water...) and climatic action.
• Establish multilevel governance model to involve all economic and social actors of the city, building a collaborative learning process towards a real co-creation model.
• Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
To sum up, the aim is to promote biodiversity, reintroduce nature to the city, contribute to improving air and water quality, curb climate change and improve the quality of life and health of citizens.
This project aims to move Zaragoza towards a more resilient, habitable, biophilic and sustainable city. The Forest is one of the key actions of the city's 2030 decarbonisation roadmap as one of the 100 climate neutral cities chosen by the European Mission.
The strategic aims to be achieved are:
• Improve health by promoting active mobility and increase biodiversity by naturalising degraded public areas and green spaces.
• Reinventing the space from the spontaneity of citizen practices, favouring recreational use, improving its ecological and natural values and creating spaces for the imagination by means of minimal adaptation, cleaning, signposting, equipment and accessibility.
• Mitigate the effects of urban heat islands
• Reduce the carbon footprint and contribute to the city's climate ambition goals. It is estimated to sequester more than 240.000 Tonnes of CO2 .
• Advance in the greening and renaturalization of the city.
• Promote circular economy
• Design an educational project: to transmit values related with degraded areas, to understand the peculiarities of territory (climate conditions, soil, natural vegetation, water...) and climatic action.
• Establish multilevel governance model to involve all economic and social actors of the city, building a collaborative learning process towards a real co-creation model.
• Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Climate Action
Renaturalization
Biodivesity
Health
Governance
The Forest seeks to give nature the tools for its regeneration. Degraded or impermeable spaces where nature can be reactivated and offer ecosystem services to Zaragoza and improve its net biological diversity. Moving from a grey to a green infrastructure, giving nature back its space.
Designed to be attractive, an example of transformation towards the natural. Transformation of an inert soil into a living soil, where organic matter gradually increases and gives the opportunity for seeds and small plants to grow. It is therefore a project that speaks of ongoing processes and dynamics.
The proposal develops specific interventions every year on the territory at city, urban and peri-urban area level and it contributes in a unique and transversal way to the fulfilment of the environmental objectives and commitments. The Forest is aligned with several key aspects:
1. Creation, ecological restoration, connection of natural spaces that contribute to the increase of biodiversity and its conservation: forests, agricultural land, degraded urban soils, blue areas and green connectors. The aim is to green the city, introducing the use of autochthonous species, diversifying tree and shrub species, replacing water-intensive lawns with natural meadows, favouring species that can adapt better to the expected impacts of climate change and contribute to enriching autochthonous biodiversity.
2. Freeing up public space, abandoned areas, areas of road traffic for renaturalisation, development of green spaces on public roads and pedestrian paths, installation of filtering paving and sustainable drainage.
3. Renaturalisation and promotion of native biodiversity, improvement of nesting, prevention and reduction of invasive alien species, support for the conservation of pollinators, river restoration, sustainable urban drainage systems, reduction of waterproofing in the city, blue micro-infrastructure, like ponds, or the use of compost (circular economy).
Designed to be attractive, an example of transformation towards the natural. Transformation of an inert soil into a living soil, where organic matter gradually increases and gives the opportunity for seeds and small plants to grow. It is therefore a project that speaks of ongoing processes and dynamics.
The proposal develops specific interventions every year on the territory at city, urban and peri-urban area level and it contributes in a unique and transversal way to the fulfilment of the environmental objectives and commitments. The Forest is aligned with several key aspects:
1. Creation, ecological restoration, connection of natural spaces that contribute to the increase of biodiversity and its conservation: forests, agricultural land, degraded urban soils, blue areas and green connectors. The aim is to green the city, introducing the use of autochthonous species, diversifying tree and shrub species, replacing water-intensive lawns with natural meadows, favouring species that can adapt better to the expected impacts of climate change and contribute to enriching autochthonous biodiversity.
2. Freeing up public space, abandoned areas, areas of road traffic for renaturalisation, development of green spaces on public roads and pedestrian paths, installation of filtering paving and sustainable drainage.
3. Renaturalisation and promotion of native biodiversity, improvement of nesting, prevention and reduction of invasive alien species, support for the conservation of pollinators, river restoration, sustainable urban drainage systems, reduction of waterproofing in the city, blue micro-infrastructure, like ponds, or the use of compost (circular economy).
The spaces of opportunity in which the Forest intervenes are identified, especially in the city, by deterioration and abandonment, and are transformed into true spaces of biodiversity, exemplary green lungs in the urban environment, connected and integrated into Zaragoza's green and blue infrastructure. This project not only represents a physical regeneration of the space, but also acts as a connector between neighbourhoods completely disconnected by the physical separation imposed by barriers or urban fragmentation. In addition to the physical disconnection, there is also a social disconnection between neighbourhoods with different ages in their buildings and inhabitants with unequal incomes. With the Citizens' Forest, flower meadows are designed among fruit trees where citizens from neighbouring neighbourhoods can stroll and share recreational space.
The transformation of these degraded spaces into thriving green spaces is a clear example of how conscious environmental intervention can restore and revitalise urban areas. Today they provide a haven for biodiversity, act as community spaces and encourage citizens to connect with nature and themselves, promoting healthy living habits.
This project responds to several key aspects and is an example of how to connect the city with its cultural heritage and history, evoking traditional landscapes of high ecological value, weaving the links between past, present and future: - Inclusion is an essential component of the project. It is accessible to all, offering a space for recreation and relaxation that fosters equality and social cohesion: - The project assumes that urban green spaces must provide ecological values necessary for the city, such as naturalness, biodiversity, complexity or connectivity, but also socio-cultural values, such as health, well-being, beauty, landscape, culture or the possibility of establishing themselves as a meeting point for the social relations of citizens
The transformation of these degraded spaces into thriving green spaces is a clear example of how conscious environmental intervention can restore and revitalise urban areas. Today they provide a haven for biodiversity, act as community spaces and encourage citizens to connect with nature and themselves, promoting healthy living habits.
This project responds to several key aspects and is an example of how to connect the city with its cultural heritage and history, evoking traditional landscapes of high ecological value, weaving the links between past, present and future: - Inclusion is an essential component of the project. It is accessible to all, offering a space for recreation and relaxation that fosters equality and social cohesion: - The project assumes that urban green spaces must provide ecological values necessary for the city, such as naturalness, biodiversity, complexity or connectivity, but also socio-cultural values, such as health, well-being, beauty, landscape, culture or the possibility of establishing themselves as a meeting point for the social relations of citizens
The Citizen’s Forest of Zaragoza stands out as an exceptional example of sustainability in the management and transformation of urban spaces. The exemplary nature of this project lies in its holistic approach that combines ecological restoration with the improvement of urban quality of life. By revitalizing a previously degraded area, it has created a vital CO2 sink and enhanced local biodiversity. This green space now serves as a recreational and rest area for the community.
This project transformed previously inaccessible and degraded spaces into a green areas that welcomes all citizens, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. Special attention has been paid to ensure that the facilities are friendly to people with reduced mobility, including accessible paths and adequate rest areas. The connectivity is prioritised, maintaining and consolidating the pre-established accesses and natural routes: the space is reinvented from the spontaneity of citizen practices, favouring recreational use, improving its ecological and natural values, providing benefits for the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants and creating spaces for the imagination of citizens. Urbanistically, it is a space that serves to reconnect different neighborhoods that are divided by the urban elements,like roadas, avenues or buildings.
The project has been designed to be economically viable, with efficient maintenance and management that minimizes long-term costs. In addition, free access to the space ensures that there are no economic barriers to its enjoyment, which is especially crucial at a time when green urban spaces are often premium commodities.
The project development worked in consultation with local organizations. It counts as a strategic partner with the Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo, which is a benchmark in southern Europe in sustainability and citizen participation.
This project transformed previously inaccessible and degraded spaces into a green areas that welcomes all citizens, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. Special attention has been paid to ensure that the facilities are friendly to people with reduced mobility, including accessible paths and adequate rest areas. The connectivity is prioritised, maintaining and consolidating the pre-established accesses and natural routes: the space is reinvented from the spontaneity of citizen practices, favouring recreational use, improving its ecological and natural values, providing benefits for the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants and creating spaces for the imagination of citizens. Urbanistically, it is a space that serves to reconnect different neighborhoods that are divided by the urban elements,like roadas, avenues or buildings.
The project has been designed to be economically viable, with efficient maintenance and management that minimizes long-term costs. In addition, free access to the space ensures that there are no economic barriers to its enjoyment, which is especially crucial at a time when green urban spaces are often premium commodities.
The project development worked in consultation with local organizations. It counts as a strategic partner with the Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo, which is a benchmark in southern Europe in sustainability and citizen participation.
The challenge for public management in terms of city renaturation is a complex one, combining technical but also emotional and cultural challenges, and finding a way to ensure that the voice of every citizen is heard, that their demands and expectations are taken into account and that they have the opportunity to participate in decisions. Herein lies one of the biggest challenges of the project: reaching and engaging people of all ages, as well as organisations of all kinds, so that they don't just plant a tree and walk away but feel part of the Forest and inspired to support its goals for the long-term, towards a sustainable territory where no one is left behind
The Forest establishes a multilevel governance model to involve all economic and social actors of the city, building a collaborative learning process towards a real co-creation model. THE FOREST IS A PROJECT OF THE CITY, CREATED BY AND FOR CITIZENS:
THE EXPERIENCIENCE: PLANTATIONS. The Citizen Forest of Zaragoza is open to companies, associations, foundations, institutions and private persons to contribute. Active participation through the plantation experience has generated a sense of ownership and connection with the space, fostering a lasting bond between the community and the urban environment.
CO-CREATION: In rising to the challenge, and in particular establishing a Dialogue Table format for proposals, debates and learning, Zaragoza has been able use the Forest project as a testbed for a new kind of governance model. A co-creation model that it aims to embed into the fabric of the city for the benefit of future projects too.
KNOWLEDGE: Making sure the younger generation learns about nature and climate action and how they can play their part is another of the project's aspirations. Teachers, forest engineers and environmental educators join forces to run an education programme encompassing classroom talks and lessons, interactive gamified activities and plantation site visits.
The Forest establishes a multilevel governance model to involve all economic and social actors of the city, building a collaborative learning process towards a real co-creation model. THE FOREST IS A PROJECT OF THE CITY, CREATED BY AND FOR CITIZENS:
THE EXPERIENCIENCE: PLANTATIONS. The Citizen Forest of Zaragoza is open to companies, associations, foundations, institutions and private persons to contribute. Active participation through the plantation experience has generated a sense of ownership and connection with the space, fostering a lasting bond between the community and the urban environment.
CO-CREATION: In rising to the challenge, and in particular establishing a Dialogue Table format for proposals, debates and learning, Zaragoza has been able use the Forest project as a testbed for a new kind of governance model. A co-creation model that it aims to embed into the fabric of the city for the benefit of future projects too.
KNOWLEDGE: Making sure the younger generation learns about nature and climate action and how they can play their part is another of the project's aspirations. Teachers, forest engineers and environmental educators join forces to run an education programme encompassing classroom talks and lessons, interactive gamified activities and plantation site visits.
One of the keypoints of the Citizen Forest of Zaragoza is collaborative nature of the project. From the beginning of the project, it is created as strategic alliance between Zaragoza City Council and the Ecology and Development Foundation, especially involved in climate action. This collaborative process has been built jointly between both entities that facilitates the participation of companies, associations and citizens in the Citizen Forest of Zaragoza
A municipal work team has been consolidated, coordinated by the Department of the Environment, which makes it possible for the Forest to progress and achieve its objectives, including the departments of Finance, Heritage, Education, Social Action or Communication. Likewise, institutional relations with other local and national public administrations, such as the Ministry of Defence, the University of Zaragoza or the Ministry of the Environment, are key to making the Forest a real and viable project, thanks to the transfer of land for its renaturalisation. This institutional cooperation has been essential for the expansion and replication of the project
Local businesses have played a crucial role, providing resources and technical expertise, while neighborhood associations have facilitated citizen participation and ensured that the project responds to community needs.
On a national and European scale, the Forest is positioned as a benchmark for renaturalization in the decarbonization of cities in the work platforms of the Mission of Climate Neutral Cities, of which Zaragoza is a member, such as NetZeroCIties, citiES2030, as well as in European reference entities such as Eurocities (the Forest was a finalist in the Eurocities 2022 awards) or ICLEI. This exchange of knowledge has been fundamental to ensure that the project develops efficiently and effectively and has reinforced the importance of the Forst as a model of sustainable and participatory urban development
A municipal work team has been consolidated, coordinated by the Department of the Environment, which makes it possible for the Forest to progress and achieve its objectives, including the departments of Finance, Heritage, Education, Social Action or Communication. Likewise, institutional relations with other local and national public administrations, such as the Ministry of Defence, the University of Zaragoza or the Ministry of the Environment, are key to making the Forest a real and viable project, thanks to the transfer of land for its renaturalisation. This institutional cooperation has been essential for the expansion and replication of the project
Local businesses have played a crucial role, providing resources and technical expertise, while neighborhood associations have facilitated citizen participation and ensured that the project responds to community needs.
On a national and European scale, the Forest is positioned as a benchmark for renaturalization in the decarbonization of cities in the work platforms of the Mission of Climate Neutral Cities, of which Zaragoza is a member, such as NetZeroCIties, citiES2030, as well as in European reference entities such as Eurocities (the Forest was a finalist in the Eurocities 2022 awards) or ICLEI. This exchange of knowledge has been fundamental to ensure that the project develops efficiently and effectively and has reinforced the importance of the Forst as a model of sustainable and participatory urban development
The Forest is a fundamental piece of the puzzle of climate neutrality by 2030, a driving force to accelerate the decarbonisation of the city. There is no doubt at this point that renaturalising cities is a key part of the solution to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, although this commitment alone will not solve the climate and biodiversity crisis
The Citizen Forest of Zaragoza represents an exemplary model for the New European Bauhaus, demonstrating how interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of diverse expertise can lead to the creation of urban green infrastructure that is sustainable, inclusive and aesthetically pleasing. It has transformed an urban space, demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in creating greener, more livable cities for the future.
The collaboration between municipal representatives, biodiversity experts, climate activists and technical advisors allowed for a holistic vision and integrated approach. This synergy ensured that every aspect of the project was considered from multiple perspectives, leading to innovative and effective solutions.
Its focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation influenced plant selection, landscape design and water management, contributing to a project that not only responds to current needs, but also anticipates future challenges.
Biodiversity management is particularly noteworthy. Experts in this field applies advanced practices to create a diverse and resilient habitat, considering both native flora and animal species
From a social point of view, Zaragoza aims for a multi-stakeholder governance process that is designed to achieve innovative and replicable solutions able to that exponentially accelerate decarbonization rates , and substantially increase the commitment to a process of systemic change, building a collaborative learning process towards a real co-creation model.
The Citizen Forest of Zaragoza represents an exemplary model for the New European Bauhaus, demonstrating how interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of diverse expertise can lead to the creation of urban green infrastructure that is sustainable, inclusive and aesthetically pleasing. It has transformed an urban space, demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in creating greener, more livable cities for the future.
The collaboration between municipal representatives, biodiversity experts, climate activists and technical advisors allowed for a holistic vision and integrated approach. This synergy ensured that every aspect of the project was considered from multiple perspectives, leading to innovative and effective solutions.
Its focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation influenced plant selection, landscape design and water management, contributing to a project that not only responds to current needs, but also anticipates future challenges.
Biodiversity management is particularly noteworthy. Experts in this field applies advanced practices to create a diverse and resilient habitat, considering both native flora and animal species
From a social point of view, Zaragoza aims for a multi-stakeholder governance process that is designed to achieve innovative and replicable solutions able to that exponentially accelerate decarbonization rates , and substantially increase the commitment to a process of systemic change, building a collaborative learning process towards a real co-creation model.
The Citizen Forest of Zaragoza is not just an urban renaturation project; it is a testament to how innovation and commitment to the principles of the New European Bauhaus can significantly transform the fabric of a city. It stands out for its holistic approach and commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. Whereas traditional projects often focus on aesthetic or recreational aspects.
One of the most outstanding innovations of the project is its focus on connecting citizens with nature and local food. The inclusion of trails and playgrounds has provided unprecedented access to natural spaces in the city, while the planting of fruit trees has offered a unique opportunity for citizens to interact directly with local food production.
The Forest tackled the task of transforming a derelict land used as a dumping ground between neighborhoods into a vibrant meeting and biodiversity space. Unlike conventional urban parks, this project allowed nature to grow freely, fostering a diverse and resilient ecosystem.
It is also a sign of identity of the project the innovation in the governance model, how to connect people with the territory, but also with the municipal managers, building a city project and a legacy for future generations, looking for consensual solutions. A space for dialogue between people, scientists, technicians or non-governmental organizations
But innovation and technology also go hand in hand with the Forest, for example, with support in diagnosis and assessment with the implementation of high-definition satellite technology for characterization, and production of an environment for the analysis and interpretation of multispectral satellite images, for their complementary use in the construction, elaboration and monitoring of ecosystem indicators.
Finally, thanks to ecological innovation, scientific methodologies are applied for the appropriate selection of suitable plant species.
One of the most outstanding innovations of the project is its focus on connecting citizens with nature and local food. The inclusion of trails and playgrounds has provided unprecedented access to natural spaces in the city, while the planting of fruit trees has offered a unique opportunity for citizens to interact directly with local food production.
The Forest tackled the task of transforming a derelict land used as a dumping ground between neighborhoods into a vibrant meeting and biodiversity space. Unlike conventional urban parks, this project allowed nature to grow freely, fostering a diverse and resilient ecosystem.
It is also a sign of identity of the project the innovation in the governance model, how to connect people with the territory, but also with the municipal managers, building a city project and a legacy for future generations, looking for consensual solutions. A space for dialogue between people, scientists, technicians or non-governmental organizations
But innovation and technology also go hand in hand with the Forest, for example, with support in diagnosis and assessment with the implementation of high-definition satellite technology for characterization, and production of an environment for the analysis and interpretation of multispectral satellite images, for their complementary use in the construction, elaboration and monitoring of ecosystem indicators.
Finally, thanks to ecological innovation, scientific methodologies are applied for the appropriate selection of suitable plant species.
The roadmap was designed according with environmental and climate goals and targets.The Forest is part of Zaragoza’s Green Infrastructure Master Plan and the Climate Adaptation Strategy of Zaragoza, integrating MILESTONES in the short and medium term:
- DESIGN AND CREATION: Design and drafting of a reforestation project for urban and peri-urban land, restoring degraded land and recovering abandoned spaces, with more than 200 identified parcels. The parcels are categorized according their vocation in: Mediterranean forest, Riverside Woodland and Urban and peri urban forest and a selection of vegetation is made based on these typologies and the functionality expected of each space.
- PROJECT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY: In order to improve the structure and composition of the lands and restoration of degraded areas, the compost generated by selective recollection of organic waste and vegetative waste will be used for fertilization of the forest. It is estimated to receive more than 300.000 kg of fertilizer.
- LEARNING:EDUCATIONAL PROJECT: A specific municipal environmental education programme is designed for the Forest that includes 3 parts: Plantation: The group will be accompanied by environmental educator. Classroom activities: 1 hour long motivation activity directed by environmental educator. Didactic guide for teachers and booklets for students with 8 activity sheets. The teaching unit is adapted to web format and has various gamified interactive activities
-GOVERNANCE MODEL: The Forest, for and created by all citizens, involving companies, institutions, citizens or students in the process of co-creation and mutual learning. One of the keypoints of this project is COLLABORATION: a co-creation process is articulated in particular establishing a Dialogue Table format for proposals, debates and learning.
- KNOWLEDGE: In each of the actions of the project Citizen Forest of Zaragoza the carbon sink effect of plantations made will be assesed as a specific annex to
- DESIGN AND CREATION: Design and drafting of a reforestation project for urban and peri-urban land, restoring degraded land and recovering abandoned spaces, with more than 200 identified parcels. The parcels are categorized according their vocation in: Mediterranean forest, Riverside Woodland and Urban and peri urban forest and a selection of vegetation is made based on these typologies and the functionality expected of each space.
- PROJECT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY: In order to improve the structure and composition of the lands and restoration of degraded areas, the compost generated by selective recollection of organic waste and vegetative waste will be used for fertilization of the forest. It is estimated to receive more than 300.000 kg of fertilizer.
- LEARNING:EDUCATIONAL PROJECT: A specific municipal environmental education programme is designed for the Forest that includes 3 parts: Plantation: The group will be accompanied by environmental educator. Classroom activities: 1 hour long motivation activity directed by environmental educator. Didactic guide for teachers and booklets for students with 8 activity sheets. The teaching unit is adapted to web format and has various gamified interactive activities
-GOVERNANCE MODEL: The Forest, for and created by all citizens, involving companies, institutions, citizens or students in the process of co-creation and mutual learning. One of the keypoints of this project is COLLABORATION: a co-creation process is articulated in particular establishing a Dialogue Table format for proposals, debates and learning.
- KNOWLEDGE: In each of the actions of the project Citizen Forest of Zaragoza the carbon sink effect of plantations made will be assesed as a specific annex to
The project was based on the "Zaragoza Green Infrastructure Strategy" an open citizen participation process. This active participation methodology is a key transferable element, as it fosters inclusiveness and ensures that projects reflect the needs of the community. This approach increases the effectiveness of municipal projects.
Collaboration with companies mediated by specialized entities such as the Ecology and Development Foundation. This cooperation has proven to be effective in integrating business perspectives into environmental projects, creating synergies between the private sector and sustainability objectives. This model of collaboration can be replicated in other projects.
The experience of creating an urban natural space, integrating fruit trees and meadows, has generated positive social dynamics that draw on existing resources such as the Imperial Canal and the canal's urban orchards. This concept of a meeting space between neighborhoods can serve as a model for revitalizing urban areas while promoting sustainability and community cohesion.
The Forest is a fundamental piece of the puzzle of climate neutrality by 2030, an engine to accelerate the decarbonisation of the city. The project is an opportunity to accelerate the transformation towards a more sustainable and healthy model, capable of facing the climate emergency by articulating a new model of green management: Naturalising urban green spaces, transforming and managing them to favour natural processes, the spontaneous entry of flora and fauna and boosting the generation of ecosystem services and climate action. A model that can be replicated in any city as part of global climate action strategies.
The learning model of the schoolchildren, the experience of the plantation, the didactic materials or the communication resources can be replicated in other cities, adapting the contents to the peculiarities of each territory and the educational systems.
Collaboration with companies mediated by specialized entities such as the Ecology and Development Foundation. This cooperation has proven to be effective in integrating business perspectives into environmental projects, creating synergies between the private sector and sustainability objectives. This model of collaboration can be replicated in other projects.
The experience of creating an urban natural space, integrating fruit trees and meadows, has generated positive social dynamics that draw on existing resources such as the Imperial Canal and the canal's urban orchards. This concept of a meeting space between neighborhoods can serve as a model for revitalizing urban areas while promoting sustainability and community cohesion.
The Forest is a fundamental piece of the puzzle of climate neutrality by 2030, an engine to accelerate the decarbonisation of the city. The project is an opportunity to accelerate the transformation towards a more sustainable and healthy model, capable of facing the climate emergency by articulating a new model of green management: Naturalising urban green spaces, transforming and managing them to favour natural processes, the spontaneous entry of flora and fauna and boosting the generation of ecosystem services and climate action. A model that can be replicated in any city as part of global climate action strategies.
The learning model of the schoolchildren, the experience of the plantation, the didactic materials or the communication resources can be replicated in other cities, adapting the contents to the peculiarities of each territory and the educational systems.
Zaragoza City Council is promoting the Zaragozanos Forest as a project of general municipal interest in the challenge of the decarbonisation of the City and neutrality in the carbon footprint through the planned forestry recovery of public land, taking into account its own characteristics, different aptitudes and under the definition and multifunctionality of green infrastructure, promoting the connectivity of green spaces, enhancing the link between the city and the territory by opening paths of naturalisation and biodiversity, as opposed to the traditional fragmented concept of urban spaces versus natural spaces.
The Forest is of, by and for all citizens, which is why different channels or forms of collaboration have been set up to involve companies, institutions, citizens and schoolchildren in a process of co-creation and mutual learning.
The Citizen's Forest is a response from local action to global challenges, such as the climate emergency by generating a large carbon sink, addressing the loss of biodiversity and the defragmentation of territories, giving nature the tools for its regeneration and for the provision of ecosystem services to the city, improving its net biological diversity. Moving from grey infrastructure to green infrastructure, giving nature back its space, by converting a degraded urban space into a thriving green area.
It is a model for reconnecting citizens with their natural environment within the city. In a world where urban stress and disconnection from nature are growing problems, this project offers an oasis of tranquility and a space for reconnection. By providing a natural environment in the heart of the city, the Forest addresses the global challenge of mental health and wellness in urban environments
Another innovative aspect is the use of compost generated from urban waste to reclaim degraded land. Thus, the global problem of land degradation and waste management is addressed through an effective and sustainable local solution
The Forest is of, by and for all citizens, which is why different channels or forms of collaboration have been set up to involve companies, institutions, citizens and schoolchildren in a process of co-creation and mutual learning.
The Citizen's Forest is a response from local action to global challenges, such as the climate emergency by generating a large carbon sink, addressing the loss of biodiversity and the defragmentation of territories, giving nature the tools for its regeneration and for the provision of ecosystem services to the city, improving its net biological diversity. Moving from grey infrastructure to green infrastructure, giving nature back its space, by converting a degraded urban space into a thriving green area.
It is a model for reconnecting citizens with their natural environment within the city. In a world where urban stress and disconnection from nature are growing problems, this project offers an oasis of tranquility and a space for reconnection. By providing a natural environment in the heart of the city, the Forest addresses the global challenge of mental health and wellness in urban environments
Another innovative aspect is the use of compost generated from urban waste to reclaim degraded land. Thus, the global problem of land degradation and waste management is addressed through an effective and sustainable local solution
The Forest is conceptually integrated in the Green Infrastructure of Zaragoza as a natural, dynamic, diverse and structurally complex system, formed by several spaces that are being recovered in a planned way every year. However, the system as a whole, the Citizen Forest of Zaragoza, contributes in a unique and transversal way to the fulfillment of the environmental objectives and commitments. Therefore, the Forest was born in April 2021, and since then (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) the following actions and projects have been completed, and the third campaign is being prepared, which will last from November to March of next year (2024).
CITIZEN’S FOREST 2021-2022.
Surface: 65,6 hectares (656.000 m2), Number of persons: 1.046 people sponsoring a tree; Number of planted species: 52.214 plants; Number of schoolchildren:5.545 schoolchildren participating; Number of companies: 121 companies sponsoring the Forest.
Objectives by forest type: Mediterranean forest (49,3 hectars, 49.462 plantes species); Urban and periurban forest (15,5 hectares, 2.752 planted species and 14 hectares of natural grasslands of native flowering species for pollinators.
Governance: initiation of dialogue at the Citizens' Forest Table
CITIZEN’S FOREST 2022-2023
Surface: 102,57 hectares (1.025.700 m2); Number of persons: 1.054 people sponsoring a tree; Number of planted species: 80.884 plants; Number of schoolchildren:4.135 schoolchildren participating; Number of companies: 62 companies sponsoring the Forest and 64 associations
Objectives by forest type: Mediterranean forest (84,2 hectars, 78.050 plantes species); Urban and periurban forest (18,37 hectares, 2.834 planted species
Governance: 6 sessions of dialogue at the Citizens' Forest Table
In summary, in two work periods, 168 hectares have been renaturalized and 33.098 species have been planted, in addition to 14 hectares of natural meadows for pollinators. More than 2.000 people,more than 300 companies and more than 9.000 schoolchildren
CITIZEN’S FOREST 2021-2022.
Surface: 65,6 hectares (656.000 m2), Number of persons: 1.046 people sponsoring a tree; Number of planted species: 52.214 plants; Number of schoolchildren:5.545 schoolchildren participating; Number of companies: 121 companies sponsoring the Forest.
Objectives by forest type: Mediterranean forest (49,3 hectars, 49.462 plantes species); Urban and periurban forest (15,5 hectares, 2.752 planted species and 14 hectares of natural grasslands of native flowering species for pollinators.
Governance: initiation of dialogue at the Citizens' Forest Table
CITIZEN’S FOREST 2022-2023
Surface: 102,57 hectares (1.025.700 m2); Number of persons: 1.054 people sponsoring a tree; Number of planted species: 80.884 plants; Number of schoolchildren:4.135 schoolchildren participating; Number of companies: 62 companies sponsoring the Forest and 64 associations
Objectives by forest type: Mediterranean forest (84,2 hectars, 78.050 plantes species); Urban and periurban forest (18,37 hectares, 2.834 planted species
Governance: 6 sessions of dialogue at the Citizens' Forest Table
In summary, in two work periods, 168 hectares have been renaturalized and 33.098 species have been planted, in addition to 14 hectares of natural meadows for pollinators. More than 2.000 people,more than 300 companies and more than 9.000 schoolchildren
Both
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes