The green fung of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Abstract

Basically, the purpose of this initiative was to resolve the environmental problems of a number of areas of high ecological value which, located on the outskirts of the city, and subjected to many forms of aggression, coexisted with other degraded and marginal spaces that had been formed as a result of urban and industrial expansion. The restoration of the ecology and landscaping of these areas and their preparation for use by the public, have allowed the formation of a "multifunctional green ring" around the city which is providing rnajor environmental, social and economic benefits. The green ring has allowed nature to integrate with the life of the city distributing the offer of green areas equally among al1 the districts of the city and favouring the connection between green urban spaces and the surrounding agricultura1 land. This has also favoured the development of new leisure and recreational activities as well as those associated with training, education and environmental awareness; activities which, on the one hand, have represented a salutary lesson for the environmental business community as well as the integration into society and the job market of certain social groups, and on the other, have contributed to the conservation of these spaces, as their users have become their most fervent defenders and guardians. The use of some of these spaces for storm water management purposes in times of heavy rainfall and in order to resolve the problem of flooding in industrial areas, is another example of the added value obtained by un overall approach to this problem. The excellent results obtained after 9 years of work show the technical and economic viability and the social benefits of this project - eloquent proof of the determination of this municipality to advance towards a sustainable model of a city fully integrated in the surrounding natural milieu.