Natural playgrounds and schoolyards adapting to the effects of climate change

Key Learnings

• Education on Nature-based Solutions: Educating citizens and decision-makers on Nature-based Solutions is crucial and should accompany financial investments in the solutions. Examples of good, local practices help to promote upscaling Nature-based Solutions. Still, adapting designs to the specific context of each site is key to success.
• Co-production with partners: Co-creation and implementation of Nature-based Solutions enhance the engagement and responsibility of the project partners instead of only seeking funds. Even unexpected delays can present opportunities for deeper co-creation. Unlocking the full potential of innovative solutions often requires collaboration across different departments within the city government.
• Financing: To find the most adequate financing source the project team should analyse different benefits of a specific Nature-based Solution. Integrating the educational value of natural playgrounds and schoolyards can serve as a strong incentive to receive funding from civic budgets and corporate responsibility programmes.

Summary

Urbanisation and soil sealing have aggravated the impact of climate change in Poznań as buildings have replaced greenery with concrete. To combat this, the city has made it a priority to restore and develop one of its most important urban planning assets: the “green wedges and rings system” that cools the city. Nature-based Solutions are being implemented to overcome the current fragmented distribution of green wedges and rings. Nature-based Solutions in kindergarten and school gardens support ventilation and cooling in the city as well as contribute to climate change adaptation. Many schools and kindergartens are in the wedge area, which is why their nature-oriented transformation complements and supports this green wedges an rings system. The process requires education and collaboration between stakeholders, such as public authorities, NGOs, citizens and private companies. It is necessary to analyse the legal and financial framework of the cooperation to avoid engagement in greenwashing.

Contact

Name: Natalia Madajczyk, Agnieszka Dziubała

Organization: Project Coordination and Urban Regeneration Office, Poznań City Hall

E-Mail: agnieszka_dziubalaum [dot] poznan [dot] pl (agnieszka_dziubala[at]um[dot]poznan[dot]pl)