Bulgaria joins Green City initiative

Green City – Imaginary and Real forum will be opened by H.E. Tom van Oorschot, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bulgaria, the deputy ministers of the environment and waters and of regional development and public works Boiko Malinov and Denitsa Nikolova, the Head of European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Ognyan Zlatev, and Elitsa Nikolova, Secretary for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Infrastructure of the President.
The Union of Landscape Architects and Bulgarian Association of Ornamental Plants Nurseries, which initiate the establishment of the Green City platform, will announce its leading priorities: campaigns to reduce particle and noise pollution in Bulgarian cities, the construction of more eco-friendly roofs, walls and school yards and introducing regulatory changes to facilitate the achievement of these goals. The platform is open for membership. The idea is that institutions, municipalities, businesses, non-governmental organizations and even regular citizens be able to work together towards achieving the main goal that Bulgarian cities become greener. Two Dutch experts, Leon Smet, Dutch Royal Trade Association for Nursery Stock and Flower Bulbs – Anthos, and perennial grower Bert Griffioen will present their platform De Groene Stad and will share the practical application of green projects in the urban environment.
The conference is accompanied by two events: Green Ideas Festival 2015 and Green City Exhibition.
The Green City initiative was launched in 2002 during Floriade, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening, held every 10 years in the Netherlands. In the 12 years of its existence, the concept has been adopted by many countries in and outside of Europe, including Germany, France, the UK, China, Singapore, Canada, Italy, Spain and Hungary, where the green philosophy has become an integral part of the government, business and public agenda. The Netherlands continues to have a leading role in Green City, encouraging public dialogue, scientific approach and target financial instruments. Accompanied by encouraged electrical transport and renewable energy resources, Green City leads to remarkable results.

Green City philosophy has a few dimensions, intertwined in an integral vision for the city: economy, health, cleanness, coziness and pleasure from the environment, in which people live and work. Property in “green” areas is more expensive and attractive in comparison to “grey” neighborhoods. The “green” roofs and walls reduce heating expenses in winter time and for air conditioning in the summer; and help reduce the risks of floods in the cities. The greenery fights successfully air pollution. Trees, bushes, flowers and even moss help for filtration of fine dust particles, which are the main sources of air pollution in many European and Bulgarian cities. Patients recover quicker if the view from their window is green, the inhabitants of green neighborhoods have get sick less. In parks and gardens, people communicate more often and get closer easier. The Green City concept is based on the understanding that this is not a luxury, but a profitable investment.
Green City initiative has produced a special handbook Green City, which presents policies, instruments and technical solutions for greening the cities. It illustrates why investment in construction and maintenance of green infrastructure is not an unjustified expense, but brings added value from social, economic and ecological viewpoint.

Bulgaria’s joining the Green City initiative becomes possible with the help of iVerde Foundation (the Netherlands) and of the Dutch embassy in Sofia.
See more about Green City in: http://thegreencity.bg/. Follow the platform on Facebook too.

The conference will take place on May 29, 2015, at Hilton hotel (Musala Hall), 9:30 AM.

Green ideas festival 2015 will be opened on May 29 at 11 o’clock in South Park (part II) behind Hilton Hotel.

Green City exhibition opens on the same day at 17 o’clock on Lovers’ Bridge.