Closer to the implementation of green infrastructure in the municipalities of the Silesian Voivodeship

As part of the LIFE Integrated Project for Silesia. Blue Sky Restored, on August 21^st, 2024, a working meeting was held concerning the implementation of demonstrative solutions within the scope of action  C.4. – Concepts for green area development.

The meeting took place at the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship in Katowice, with participants including representatives of the municipalities/cities whose areas were selected for demonstration implementations, under Resolution No. 704/16/VII/2024 of the Executive Board of the Silesian Voivodeship of 18.07.2024, including:

• Ruda Śląska, Niedurny/Furgoł/Kolejowa Street.
• Bielsko-Biała, Bolesław Chrobry Square.
• Wodzisław Śląski, Wilhelm Kubsz Street.
• Krzepice, Jesionowa/Klonowa Street.

The meeting was opened by the Director of the Department of Investments and Regional Projects – Ms. Barbara Kubiak, who presented the main objectives of the meeting, then the floor was taken by representatives of the project Silesia. Blue Sky Restored and Dr. Leszek Trzaski – Deputy Director for Scientific and Educational Affairs of the Silesian Botanical Garden.

During the meeting, the key topics related to the implementation of green infrastructure in individual municipalities were discussed, taking up both substantive and financial issues. It also provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences between co-beneficiaries of the project in the scope of planned works.

The investments envisaged in the project towards demonstrative implementations of green infrastructure characterised by significant social and pro-environmental aspects, including in particular improving air quality in these areas.

It should be emphasised, that in each of the location, an investment of approximately €0.5 million will be implemented. In areas that have been previously unattractive, post-industrial,  degraded, thanks to, among other things, the adoption of an appropriate planting methodology, the creation of attractive places for recreation, residents will have the opportunity to spend time in new parks, green areas and squares.

Among the many benefits of transforming areas into public green spaces include:

• removing pollutants from the air through plants,
• creating conditions that encourage residents to give up short-distance car journeys,
• improving conditions for the migration of cleaner air along green corridors,
• creating a green barrier preventing secondary air pollution emissions from permanently contaminated land/soil through waste storage.

The next stage of implementation of demonstrative measures will be design work on the concept.