Amsterdam becomes greener thanks to 18 large projects

They are worth a total of 26.5 million euros

Amsterdam is investing no fewer than 26.5 million euros on 18 large green projects, the municipality informed on its webpage yesterday. Once implemented, the projects will adorn the capital with greenery and will provide more opportunities to enjoy sports, to have a rest, to play and walk close to home. But this is not all - one of the busiest parts of the city, Weteringcircuit, will become more welcoming with the addition of a new park.

Amsterdam bets on greenery against climate change

The benefits of increasing the area of parks and greenery are obvious for the Dutch capital. They offer space for practising sports and for relaxation. However, they have an important function in fighting the adverse effects of climate change, such as heat, drought or heavy rain. According to Amsterdam authorities, rich greenery is essential to any climate-proof city.

For this and other reasons, Weteringcircuit, an important hub for public transport, which attracts a growing number of pedestrians and cyclists, will become a beautiful and green area called Weteringpark. Popular places for leisure like Sarphatipark, Diemerpark and Rembrandtpark will be given a major overhaul, too, but the same goes for a number of less frequented parks.

They will soon bloom with flower ribbons, more fruit-bearing trees and plants, nature-friendly benches, and so on. Access to the parks will also be improved.

An important part of the efforts to make Amsterdam more resistant to extreme weather is the creation of 100 new green areas. A list of suitable places has been drawn up together with partners and residents and places where there are existing problems with heat, drought or flooding will be the first to be turned into green squares, vegetable gardens, stamp parks and green tree mirrors.

To make this possible, Amsterdam is spending 2.5 million euros from its Sustainable Recovery Plan, which also envisions more jobs for local residents looking for work and who are willing to contribute to a greener neighbourhood. This way, the Dutch capital demonstrates that a modern metropolis can be sustainable and inclusive for everyone to enjoy.