Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 a Liveable City for People, Plants, and Animals

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Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 A liveable city for people, plants, and animals

Foreword

For many of Amsterdam’s residents, green spaces are of great value. Some people value being close to nature, while others simply love to relax in a park or have the opportunity to exercise and play outside. In some neighbourhoods, green areas are places for gathering and collective food production. At the same time, these spaces are home to the wildlife of the city. Green infrastructure is important for a pleasant and healthy living environment and it is essential to protect the city against increasing droughts, heat waves, and extreme rainfall. Green space is of vital importance for the city of Amsterdam. In a growing and densifying city where housing is in high demand and public space serves as our backyard, the creation, preservation, and maintenance of green spaces deserves our attention in order to guarantee that we can all continue to enjoy them.

In this Green Infrastructure Vision there is increased focus on making green spaces more accessible. Green spaces contribute to a happy, healthy life and everybody should be able to enjoy green areas close to their home. Small parks, nature strips, trees around houses – places where on hot days everyone can take a break in the shade and benefit from the cooling effects of plants and trees. A short bike ride away, every resident should be able to reach one of the many city parks, an urban forest, or the surrounding landscape. We also envision a new urban forest to significantly increase the number of trees and wildlife habitats in Amsterdam. We also must not forget to include vegetation on and around buildings. A concrete city is an unliveable city. There are so many opportunities on roofs and façades, as well as in private gardens and yards. With more plants and trees, we can create a more beautiful, healthier, and cooler city with lots of opportunities for wildlife to thrive, thus ensuring greater biodiversity.

With this vision for Amsterdam’s green infrastructure, I want to ensure a good balance between plants and bricks, nature and leisure, people and animals. I hope that business owners, schools, developers, and Amsterdam citizens will be inspired to partake in the greening of the city. May all our efforts lead to a city in 2050 where all Amsterdam citizens – people, plants, and animals – can lead a good life.

Laurens Ivens Deputy Mayor responsible for Green and Public Space

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 3 What is the Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050?

This is the vision of the City of Amsterdam Amsterdam. In 2022 the administrative The Amsterdam on the role of urban green and nature in the merger with the City of Weesp is planned. Green Infrastruc- city, now and in the future. Many residents At that time, the strategies and policies ture Vision 2050 and organisations were consulted during of both cities will be merged into a single demonstrates how the process of developing this vision. The Strategy on Spatial Planning and the important nature City is responsible for this vision and its Environment (Omgevingsvisie) and a single and green areas realisation. To achieve this, we will use the Zoning Plan (Omgevingsplan). Due to are for life in the principles formulated in Chapter 2 when- the bureaucratic merger that has already city, and how we ever we execute projects, make policies, taken place, civil servants from both cities will continue to plan maintenance, prioritise resources, are already collaborating extensively on improve green or collaborate with residents, community green infrastructure policy. It has already infrastructure organisations, businesses, and institutions. been agreed that the green structure and liveability for The Green Infrastructure Vision is also an of Weesp will be integrated into the people, plants, impetus to organise and allocate funds for Main Green Structure of Amsterdam and animals. new green spaces and the improvement of (see Chapter 4). existing green spaces. Furthermore, this vision is intended to encourage and inspire Development of the vision residents, businesses, community organisations, and institutions to work together Green space is a subject that many Amster- with the municipality towards a green city. dam citizens care about, especially the Sometimes the principles proposed are not preservation of parks, trees, and allot- immediately applicable in every situation. ments spark the engagement of residents Often a major shift in methods or mentalities and community organisations. Besides the is required. Step by step we are working people who use the city’s green space, toward this transformation. To be able to there are people responsible for maintain- take the necessary steps, an implementation ing it – gardeners, different organisations programme will be developed every 5 years, and private owners. What do all of these based on this Green Infrastructure Vision. different people think of green space and infrastructure in Amsterdam, and what The Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision opportunities for improvement do they 2050 is one of the building blocks for the see? These have been leading questions Amsterdam Strategy on Spatial Planning during the development of this vision. and the Environment (Amsterdamse On top of that, we also wanted to get a Omgevingsvisie). It also serves as input for better understanding of the needs and the regional Urbanisation Strategy of the wishes of people who do not yet enjoy or Metropolitan Region Amsterdam. The engage with green space in the city. To get Amsterdam Strategy on Spatial Planning answers, we organised open conversations and the Environment will present a vision with the city at large – from residents to of Amsterdam in the year 2050 and explain bureaucrats, schools to community organi- how that vision can be achieved. Issues such sations, the invitation was open. as green infrastructure, mobility, sustainable energy systems, affordable housing, In addition to these participatory events, and social safety will be considered in con- this document includes the results of a junction with one another. green survey, responses from members of several green organisations and the evaluation of the municipal subsidy scheme Amsterdam and Weesp for community gardens. Also, several The Green Infrastructure Vision is focused sessions were organised on ecology, on the current territory of the City of climate adaptation and health.

4 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Summary

The Green Infrastructure Vision imagines The green will evaluate if the urban design matches our how Amsterdam, as a green and biodiverse infrastructure green policy goals and if maintenance and city, will develop from now until 2050. permeating the management will be feasible. Thus, more Amsterdam is a beautiful city full of green city is a major plants and trees will meet the eye in places areas and it will only become more beautiful. contributor to where it is needed, both in public space and We imagine a city for living, working, and its liveability. on private property. It will also improve the leisure. Public spaces will be shared among Green areas are quality of public spaces in areas that already increasing numbers of residents and visitors connected to have some greenery. The experience of yet remain pleasant and inviting. We see each other, both Amsterdam as a green city will be even ample opportunities for animals and plants in public space stronger by 2050, starting with vegetation to thrive, and for people to enjoy them. Due and on private on or against buildings and extending into to the urban challenges of densification, new property. the surrounding metropolitan landscape. housing projects, changing mobility, and We will continue to develop this green infra- sustainable energy, public space is getting structure in both public and private outdoor crowded with more functions and people. spaces, building upon existing value and At the same time, the desire to have access extending wherever possible, while ensuring to quality green spaces close to home is the green quality of Amsterdam. increasing among Amsterdam citizens. Con- sidering the many benefits of urban green, We will indicate the steps we need to take we must not let urban development take its throughout the city for each different type toll on green spaces and their qualities. The of green space. We will be adding green aim is to increase the amount of green in- space to the city on roofs and façades, frastructure wherever possible and to make along streets and on squares, and we better use of existing green areas. will create new urban parks and an urban forest. Existing green infrastructure will be improved to be more attractive for The value of urban green space people and animals by increasing its value Green space offers crucial benefits for the for nature, health, social well-being, and health and social well-being of the people climate adaptation. Ways we are doing this of Amsterdam. Furthermore, it offers relief include removing pavements in residential during heat waves, counters the urban heat courtyards, increasing the distinct charac- island effect, and buffers rainwater during ter of different urban parks, and develop- cloudbursts – essential aspects of a climate ing landscape parks in the metropolitan resilient city. Plus, urban green spaces con- landscape surrounding the city. tribute to higher biodiversity. Simply put, green spaces make a city better – happier Community engagement: collabo- and healthier living environments, socially rating with Amsterdam citizens and ecologically stronger neighbourhoods, and generally a more sustainable city. For We invest in citizens that want to help this reason, we are creating a city where increase green areas in the city by, for more natural elements can be experienced example, co-managing green public space – a city with enough green space for every- or creating a community vegetable garden. one, and a city with as much diverse green Clear contact points will be provided for in- infrastructure as possible. terested and engaged Amsterdam citizens, such as park caretakers in urban parks. We create and maintain green spaces in the Our vision for a green city city together with residents, community We will do this by investing in a strong urban organisations, businesses, institutions, and green structure. With each development, we other governmental bodies.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 5 Amsterdam 2050: A liveable city for people, plants, More biodiversity Enhancing biodiversity and employing nature-based solutions will form the and animals basis for all urban design, construction, management, and maintenance that takes place in the city

Greenways from your front Collective effort door to the landscapes The construction, planting, and Park caretakers Landscape parks around the city maintenance of green spaces will be done in collaboration with residents, Every park will have its own caretaker In the landscape directly surrounding In 10 minutes, you can walk to a park. community organisations, businesses, who will attend to the questions of the city, we will create more wild nature, In 15 minutes, you can bike into the and institutions. residents and visitors food forests, and more facilities for landscape surrounding the city movement and exercise

Green by default Publicly accessible A diversity of green spaces Wherever possible we will replace green areas The city’s green spaces will cater to a pavements with vegetation to create Allotments, sports parks, and school great variety of needs, tastes, and desires. a pleasant, healthy, and natural living gardens will become accessible and For example, every urban park will have its environment with the opportunity for inviting to a wider public own particular character social interaction

New forest and parks Healthy trees on streets A new urban forest and new urban and squares parks will be added to the city We plant trees that can grow old and grow large

Green space is important for social well-being, leisure, climate adaptation, health, and biodiversity

6 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Amsterdam 2050: A liveable city for people, plants, More biodiversity Enhancing biodiversity and employing nature-based solutions will form the and animals basis for all urban design, construction, management, and maintenance that takes place in the city

New forest and parks Healthy trees on streets A new urban forest and new urban and squares parks will be added to the city We plant trees that can grow old and grow large

Green space is important for social well-being, leisure, climate adaptation, health, and biodiversity

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 7 Note to readers

Chapter 1 discusses why the City of Amsterdam considers green infrastructure to be vital for urban life. Four main reasons are explained – health, nature, climate adaptation, and social well-being. Both for people and animals in Amsterdam, these emerged as the most important topics from conversations with professionals, community organisations, institutions, and residents.

Chapter 2 formulates the guiding principles to help us achieve the green city we imagine in 2050. These principles will be applied whenever we execute projects, make policies, plan maintenance, prioritise resources, or collaborate with residents, community organisations, businesses, and institutions.

Chapter 3 links our guiding principles to our ambitions for 2050. The intention is to create a robust green infrastructure that starts at the scale of buildings in the city and extends into the metropolitan landscape surrounding it. Each type of green element is dis- cussed in relation to the envisioned green structure, determining what needs to be done. These directions for action will be further developed and detailed in the upcoming green infrastructure implementation programme.

Finally, Chapter 4 addresses what is necessary to realise our green infrastructure vision in terms of organisational structure, finance, knowledge, communication, collaboration, research, and evaluation.

The appendix includes background information on biodiversity and the cultural history of green infrastructure in Amsterdam.

A glossary is included with explanations of technical terms.

8 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Contents

Chapter 1 The importance of a green city ...... 11 Health ...... 14 Social well-being ...... 15 Climate adaptation ...... 16 Nature ...... 17

Chapter 2 What do we want to accomplish? ...... 21 Vision of a green city ...... 23 Green elements ...... 24 Principles for a green city ...... 24 Principle 1: We will ensure there is enough and diverse green space for everyone ...... 25 Principle 2: We will ensure that green infrastructure is multifunctional ...... 27 Principle 3: Biodiversity will be integrated into urban planning, construction, and management ...... 28 Principle 4: Working together on green spaces ...... 29

Chapter 3 What will we be doing? ...... 31 Green throughout the city ...... 33 Green and green-blue connections ...... 39 Green buildings ...... 44 Green neighbourhoods ...... 45 Park areas ...... 51 Landscape around the city ...... 57

Chapter 4 What do we need to get there? ...... 61 Policy and frameworks ...... 63 Organisational structure and working methods ...... 64 Funding ...... 65 Knowledge, communication, and collaboration ...... 66 Evaluation and research ...... 67

Appendix 1. Biodiversity ...... 68 2. The cultural history of green infrastructure ...... 70 3. Glossary ...... 74 4. Bibliography ...... 76

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 9 10 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Chapter 1 The importance of a green city

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 11 The importance of a green city

Green spaces are essential for city life, especially now that the city is changing and growing, affecting the use of public space. Green space ensures that Amsterdam remains a pleasant place for people and animals as it effects our health, social well-being, climate adaptation, and nature. These four topics also emerged from our discussions with professionals, organisations, and residents.

12 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 What are the issues?

Amsterdam is an attractive city with beau- also want to change the transport system There are four tiful architecture and a rich history. Over to focus less on the car and will require main reasons the centuries, Amsterdam has developed further investments in public transport, to make the its green spaces to structure the city and which will also impact how the city is used. city greener: give it a new identity, such as the world-fa- The result of these changes can still be a health, social mous canals lined with elm trees. Green pleasant city in which people, plants, and welfare, climate spaces animals can live a good, healthy life. Green adaptation, have also played an important role in infrastructure is essential for this as it and nature. national heritage neighbourhoods, and determines the physical and mental health several parks are so beautifully designed and social well-being of city dwellers and and planted that they have been designat- visitors. It is a good way to reduce the ef- ed as monuments. In short, Amsterdam has fect of high temperatures on hot days, and a rich, progressive history of green urban to retain more rainwater, plus many plants design. Attention to the quality and char- and animals in the city depend on green acter of specific locations in their urban areas for their livelihood. design, contributes to the spatial quality of a beautiful Amsterdam (appendix 2). It is a challenge to ensure a qualitative and quantitative increase of green infrastruc- In this new flourishing period of Amster- ture in a densifying city, but it needs to dam in which the city is growing, green happen – more city dwellers and visitors spaces are receiving more attention than mean a greater demand for green space. ever with the design of new neighbour- Amsterdam citizens appreciate existing hoods. Existing green space will remain green areas enormously. They want more vital and future-proof, while less attractive green space and they want it closer to their green areas will be given an update. living and working environments. Urban densification without expanding green Amsterdam is entering a new phase of its infrastructure is not an option. existence and is facing major changes. The housing challenge is greater than Densification of neighbourhoods outside ever. We have chosen to develop all new of the ring road will bring the surrounding housing within the existing city so that the landscape ever closer to the city. The ad- surrounding landscape remains green, vent of the electric bicycle also means that meaning that there will be a great deal of large green areas can be reached more pressure on the available urban space. At quickly for recreation and experiencing the same time, we are transitioning toward nature. It is therefore important to develop renewable energy systems that require the green infrastructure in and around the space both above and below ground. We city as a coherent whole.

Health Social Climate Nature well-being adaptation A green environment A pleasant, green living Amsterdam wants to Nature and biodiversity is essential for mental environment by and for be well prepared for the form the basis of all life, and physical health and everyone means more changing climate. even in the city. contributes to a healthy interaction and commu- lifestyle. nity organisation.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 13 Health Rest, exercise, happiness, and relaxation

A green environment is essential for mental and physical health and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

Much research has been done into the Places that Amsterdam citizens perceive You can effects of green space on humans. An as quiet are usually green or by the water- concentrate environment with trees and plants appears front. Green spaces can reduce noise stress better with to have a positive impact on people’s – as a result, parks and green spaces in the greenery around resilience, and a green environment makes city are often experienced as quiet envi- you, and it life feel meaningful, which is essential for ronments to unwind, relax, and feel free. contributes to physical and mental health. happiness and Moreover, we can concentrate better a healthy Green spaces stimulate exercise in neigh- with vegetation around us, recover faster lifestyle. bourhoods – walking becomes more from illnesses, and suffer less from anger, attractive, and a street with trees is more depression, stress, and anxiety. pleasant to cycle through. Green spaces can be used for sports and games, walk- This applies not only to the living but also ing, running, tree-climbing, or fitness boot to the working environment. Thirty percent camps in parks and along greenways. of working people spend most of their Playing in a stimulating, well-designed time at the office, and greenery nearby the green environment has a positive effect office or business park invites you to take on children’s development and creativi- a lunchtime stroll, meet outside, or even ty, helping them to discover the natural play sports during breaks. In short, green environment and learn to use all their spaces contribute to happiness and a senses and play together. Green spaces healthy lifestyle. also ensure that we suffer less from intense summer heat. Research shows that green spaces in the city do not directly provide cleaner air, but that placing vegetation in the space used by polluting cars creates a positive effect on air quality.

14 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Social well-being Meeting and working together

A pleasant, green living environment by and for everyone means more interaction and community organisation.

Everybody likes to come to parks and Shared or publicly accessible courtyards More and more green spaces. Rich and poor, old and or rooftops can also contribute to the residents are young, people of all backgrounds – every- social well-being of Amsterdam citizens, managing a piece one visits and makes use of these spaces especially when they are maintained of green space with each other. It is free to do your own together. in their neigh- activities – whether sitting, sunbathing, bourhood, such picnicking, walking the dog, or playing Parents often make use of green play- as making a square sports and games. These are important grounds to meet one another and let chil- greener together for our leisure experience, which is all dren play together. Pet owners can meet or creating a the more true in neighbourhoods where each other at dog parks in the city, and vegetable patch people do not have their own garden. other residents can organise a walking club or façade garden. Residents can set up initiatives to manage or meet on park benches. a piece of green space together to create a school garden or allotment, community People are more likely to go outside in an plant or food garden, or manage greenery inviting environment, so green space can in a local park or public square. New pocket contribute to social interaction and bond- parks, a community-managed flower belt, ing, in turn reducing loneliness. and vegetable gardens are also created together, sometimes just around the tree in front of the house or against a communal wall. This is not only important for social interaction, but it also helps people learn more about nature.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 15 Climate adaptation A living environment sustainable for the future

Amsterdam wants to be well prepared for the changing climate, and well designed and maintained green spaces in the city contribute to this.

Climate change makes the weather more Well planned and maintained greenery Green roofs, extreme – warmer and drier, but also wet- can ease the effects of extreme weather, green walls, and ter at times. In a built-up city, this can cause for example by collecting and temporarily courtyards also extra problems and the consequences are storing rainwater so that it can gradually contribute to becoming more noticeable. drain away and sink into the groundwater. making the city This acts as a buffer, reducing the influence climate-proof. When it rains heavily, water cannot drain of climate change on humans and animals. away properly through asphalt or other Green space is also extremely important paving, and cellars, tunnels, or sewer sys- for reducing the impact of intense heat tems flooding causes enormous damage. – trees on streets and squares provide shade, and larger green areas are signif- Summer heat waves are also no longer an icantly cooler in the heat than built-up exception. Heat is absorbed by asphalt, areas, creating a refuge for city dwellers. concrete, and bricks which impacts ani- Vegetation on and around buildings also mals, plants, and people – especially the contributes to a better urban climate; elderly and young children. Today’s green green roofs and walls help cool the im- spaces, which cool down during the heat, mediate surroundings both indoors and can perish in long dry periods leading to outdoors. a negative effect on the city’s biodiversity. Prolonged drought also lowers the groundwater level, affecting the solidity of the soil and the wooden foundations underneath buildings.

16 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Nature United for biodiversity

Nature and biodiversity form the basis of all life, even in the city.

Green spaces in and around the city are ple, but also for animals and plants. The Amsterdam has the basis for urban life, providing a home increase of biodiversity in recent decades 10,000 species (habitat) for many species of animals and does not mean that we do not have to do of animals and plants. In Landelijk Noord and Amstels- anything now. Due to a worldwide decline plants, and many cheg there are important meadow areas of biodiversity alongside a growth in built- ecologically for birds, while the Diemerpark near IJburg up areas, cities can no longer point to their valuable areas. accommodates a large number of grass surrounding natural environments when it snakes. The Amsterdamse Bos is a mature comes to monitoring and increasing their forest that accommodates the rich plant biodiversity. As a city, we want to take our and animal world, including extensive reed responsibility here too (see appendix 2 on beds in the Brettenzone and IJdoornpol- biodiversity). der. Nevertheless, the city itself also offers space for an incredible amount of life. Increased biodiversity improves the health of vegetation, soil, and water. This can save The number of different animal species in a lot of money that would otherwise be Amsterdam has increased in recent dec- needed for overdue maintenance, reorgan- ades despite a trend of national and global isation, or pest control, and in addition decline. This applies, for example, to wild to the importance for the animals and bees and butterflies, for whom there are plants themselves (their intrinsic value), also important places in the middle of the biodiversity is also important for humans. city. This is the result of initiatives by resi- Many people appreciate plants and dents, investments by the municipality, and animals and have more respect for nature careful ecologic management. Research by when they can experience it directly. Naturalis in 2019 showed that rare insects They might also be more willing to contrib- also occur in the middle of the Vondel- ute to greening their own environment or park, including a newly discovered wasp. participating in co-management of existing Amsterdam is not only important for peo- green spaces.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 17 Amsterdam citizens on the importance of a green city

With fewer pavements, My 15-year-old brother My doctor was right – I like to run in the park more vegetation, trees, has autism. Sitting still thanks to the walking because it’s free. and soil in your garden too long isn’t good for club in Noorderpark, The trip to get to there that retain water, you him – it helps him to be I was able to reduce my is short, so you just put can really cool things in green spaces to calm diabetes medication, on your trainers and go. down. This has an im- down. and my weight went It’s very accessible. pact on the city climate down as well. Felix (13) Martina Hoever (30) and therefore also the Amsterdam Oost Anja Huisman (70) Amsterdam West world! Amsterdam Noord Casper Kraima (53) Amsterdam Nieuw-west

18 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 The carrot cake my The growth of the city I like it when residents As part of ecologic mother made with the shouldn’t be at the adopt tree pits. When management, we want carrots I brought home expense of green areas. I cleared a plant away, fewer water edges from the school garden Even more green space a resident told me that with wooden fencing. really tasted much bet- is needed because more her mother enjoyed Instead we want to ter than if you buy them and more people are looking at it every day, plant flowers on the in the shop. joining in! There can so I planted a new one water’s edge, for never be enough green for her. example. Just like it Johnathan spaces. used to be. Timisela (11) Marinus van Amsterdam Oost Johanne Beem (72) Ommeren (58) Nicole de Rop (60) Amsterdam Noord Medewerker Pantar Groenbeheerder Amsterdam Oost gemeente Amsterdam Zuid

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 19 20 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Chapter 2 What do we want to accomplish?

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 21 What do we want to accomplish?

In our vision of a green city in 2050, Amsterdam will be an even more liveable and attractive city. This requires a robust green structure throughout the city. We will build this by working according to four green principles that will help us to continually increase and improve urban green spaces. The principles will guide us in completing municipal tasks such as project realisation, policy making, planning maintenance, and collaborating with various urban actors.

22 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Vision of a green city

In the Amsterdam Green Infrastructure network of greenways and green spaces to We will create Vision 2050, our efforts are focussed on commute, travel, or wander through provide more green areas, the connection and improvement of green ample opportunity for encountering other connect existing areas in the city, with the goal of creating people, animals, and plants. The envisioned green spaces, a robust green structure. This structure green structure will be achieved by keeping and ensure that needs a diverse palette of vegetation and all high quality existing green spaces and urban green green infrastructure ranging from flowers adding new ones wherever possible in a way infrastructure is to trees, from quiet areas to busy centres, that maximizes value and benefit for people of greater value from ecological zones to green playgrounds. and animals (see Principles for a green city, to humans, plants, By connecting green areas with greenways, page 24). We will develop the city’s green and animals. habitats for plants and wildlife are improved space with a focus on health, nature, climate and people can enjoy their presence more. adaptation, and social well-being. The es- Gradually, a coherent green network across sence of our vision has been depicted on the public and private space will emerge. A vision map, showing the goals for 2050.

The green city This map is a future vision for city-wide green infrastructure in Amsterdam – a building block

for the Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Greenways and ‘Green gems’ Parks Connected Environment and the revised Main Green green-blue landscapes Structure. It also provides a framework for connections detailing urban green space at the neighbourhood level.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 23 Green elements

A robust green structure has great value We will create greenways – green routes that How we will and provides multiple benefits for both start at buildings and, via streets, squares, apply the green humans and animals. It is built up of differ- roads, and parks, lead to ‘green gems’ sur- elements in ent green elements: rounding the city. These are areas where the the city will be surrounding landscape reaches far into the different from • A green building (green façade, green urban fabric, wedged between suburbs and place to place roof, green courtyard and/or garden) urban sprawl. These greenways will be made depending on • Community green spaces (in streets, on in collaboration with residents, businesses, the needs, desires, squares, along the water, in neighbour- community organisations, and institutions. and possibilities hood parks) of each neigh- The design and detailing of these elements bourhood. • Park areas (including city parks, sports per neighbourhood will depend on the local parks, and allotments) needs and possibilities of different areas of the city. One street might need extra green • The landscape at the edge of the city, space, while another might need improve- including the ‘green gems’. ment of existing green space. • Greenways and ‘green-blue connections’ Project realisation will only be a success if (such as green streets, watersides and we plan for management requirements and greenways) collaboration with other urban actors. The green space design per neighbourhood will be included in the Implementation Programme Green Infrastructure, to be started in 2020.

Green Green Greenways Park Landscape buildings neighbourhoods and green blue areas surrounding connections the city

Principles for a green city

A robust green structure is composed of we will act according to a set of principles many green elements. Some elements al- that form the foundation for this Green ready exist but can be improved, and other Infrastructure Vision. All 4 principles aim elements we will add. Whenever we add, to create a liveable city for people, plants, improve, manage, or design green space, and animals.

Principle 1 Principle 2 Principle 3 Principle 4 We will ensure We will ensure Biodiversity will Working there is enough that green be integrated into together on and diverse infrastructure is urban planning, green spaces green space for multifunctional construction, and everyone management

24 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Principle 1 We will ensure there is enough and diverse green space for everyone

Every Amsterdammer has sufficient opportunity to enjoy green space in and around the city. We guarantee access to a certain amount of green space per inhabitant. The amount depends on the type of green infrastructure.

• When you step out of your house in your Parks and land- own neighbourhood, you will immediate- scapes are easily ly notice plants and trees against build- accessible via ings, in streets and squares, and along greenways. canals and watersides. (‘Green by default – plants and trees are planted everywhere in the city unless other functions, Park such as traffic, make growing conditions or maintenance impossible.’) • Within 10 minutes, you can walk from your house to a park-like public space. • Within 15 minutes you can cycle to a large green area at the edge of the city. • A network of greenways and ‘green-blue connections’ of pedestrian and cycle paths interconnects different green elements. • The city’s green space is publicly accessi- Landscape ble, and can be created and maintained by the municipality as well as by residents or businesses.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 25 Biodiversity and Wind and noise Climate resilience Food production pest control reduction

Carbon sequestration Social Emotional Health

Economic Leisure Soil fertility Education (job opportunities)

Green space in and around the city provides many functions and services for people, plants, and animals

26 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Principle 2 We will ensure that green infrastructure is multifunctional

We will choose design and management strategies that preserve, increase, or strengthen as many of the values of green infrastructure as possible. The contribution of green space to solving different urban and environmental issues will thus be maximized.

Green infrastructure can fulfil many dif- • New green infrastructure will offer func- A well-designed Biodiversity and Wind and noise Climate resilience Food production ferent functions in the city (see page 26) tions and services in locations where they and well- pest control reduction such as water retention, heat reduction, are most needed, while also taking the maintained park increasing biodiversity, and offering space context into consideration. The design remains pleasant for movement, play, recreation, gardening, and management strategy depend on for high numbers meeting, and relaxation. We value these the location and the needs of local peo- of visitors, and functions because they contribute to a live- ple, plants, and animals. In highly paved at the same time able city for people, plants, and animals. areas, green space can offer the greatest offers a valuable An important urban issue is good urban benefit through water retention and heat environment for design and green space maintenance that reduction. In other places, the need for nature and can support these functions and even sports areas and playgrounds is more wildlife. increase their value. Therefore, when we pressing. design and manage green space, we make • Good quality green spaces are preserved. sure that: Carbon sequestration Social Emotional Health • Green space of low quality will be improved in order to increase its value and its multifunctionality. For example, a well-designed park can host a million visitors a year while remaining valuable for plants and animals. As such, it contributes to health, social well-being, and biodiversity.

Economic Leisure Soil fertility Education (job opportunities)

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 27 Principle 3 Biodiversity will be integrated into urban planning, construction, and management

Amsterdam will attract an even greater diversity of plants and animals. We are a city which is designed, built, managed, and maintained with respect for nature.

Cities can host a wealth of wild plants and • When making new – or refurbishing ex- Amsterdam as a animals. It is crucial to increase biodiversity isting – green, blue, or built-up areas, we nature reserve in urban areas because increasingly large choose biodiversity enhancing designs will increase the parts of our country are becoming urban- for watersides, quay walls, road verg- amount of wild ised. On the other hand, some plants and es, parks, forests, grasslands, gardens, plants and animals animals actually depend on urban envi- streets, and/or squares. Wherever this is in the city. ronments to survive. The biodiversity of technically possible and appropriate, we Amsterdam has been increasing in recent will create green quays walls and ecolog- years and we want this to continue. We ically friendly banks with gradual land-to- want to give plants and animals ample op- water transitions and indigenous vegeta- portunity to enjoy and inhabit Amsterdam tion. Application will always depend on as a natural area. We care for the well-be- the context. ing of animals in the city. • Integrating biodiversity in the construc- The city will be designed and maintained tion, renovation, and transformation of as ecologically and environmentally friend- buildings will be a building regulation. ly as possible. This means: • Ecologic maintenance of public space and watersides will become the norm by 2030 at the latest. It is important that the maintenance strategy is appropriate for the use and function of the public space and water in question. • Extending the existing ecological structure of the city and not causing any new ecological barriers as the city densifies.

28 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Principle 4 Working together on green spaces

We will work together with residents, community organisations, businesses, housing corporations, knowledge institutions, and other organisations in the city and the metropolitan region, in order to strengthen the urban green structure.

A green and liveable city is built by many Civil servants, citizens, businesses, knowl- Residents, hands. The City of Amsterdam works edge institutions, and housing corpora- businesses, with residents, community organisations, tions collaborate and learn from each other community businesses, housing corporations, knowl- in the process of planning and planting a organisations, edge institutions, and other organisa- greener city. For green public space, the and institutions tions, including governmental bodies. We municipality will provide a clear framework are encouraged encourage them to green their outdoors for design, construction, management, and to plant gardens spaces like courtyards, building façades maintenance. Knowledge produced and on façades, and rooftops. We will add more plants to shared in this process will be made accessi- in courtyards, the real estate owned or used by the City, ble to everyone. and on roofs, focussing on adding vegetation to roofs and to manage and outdoor areas. them in an environmentally friendly way.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 29 30 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Chapter 3 What will we be doing?

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 31 What will we be doing?

In 2050 we want to be a city where everyone can surround themselves in greenery, whether at home or at work. This starts with buildings and runs through green streets, green squares, parks, and walking or cycling routes, out to the landscape around the city. Sometimes we are going to focus on a particular green element, and sometimes on all the green infrastructure throughout the city.

32 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green throughout the city

For all the green infrastructure around the • We will increase the accessibility of exist- The 4 principles city we will do the following: ing green spaces by making more parts from Chapter 2 publicly accessible, extending opening are central to Principle 1 hours, and by creating more recreational everything that We will ensure there is enough and functionality. Opportunities abound in we do: diverse green space for everyone commercial green spaces, allotments, Principle 1 sports parks, swimming pools, commu- • We will add new green infrastructure by We will ensure nity and school gardens, public squares, assessing the possibilities of replacing there is enough and municipal land. paved surfaces with vegetation as part and diverse green of each project or initiative. We will then space for everyone Principle 2 work from the principle of ‘Green by We will ensure that green infrastructure Principle 2 default’, taking into account the available is multifunctional We will ensure space below ground and how to innova- that green tively make use of it. • We will add green infrastructure where infrastructure is necessary, increasing resilience to heavy • We will apply an urban green space multifunctional rainfall in parks and gardens, on roofs, standard (see Glossary) to new and ex- and along streets (in lower-lying areas). Principle 3 isting neighbourhoods. We will work on Water retention is a way to ensure Biodiversity will new and/or better green infrastructure enough water is available for plants to be integrated into in the existing city, and new areas will grow even during droughts. Water avail- urban planning, be designed by this standard from the ability is also crucial for evaporation that construction, and moment of construction. cools the urban environment during heat management waves. Good soil structure and compo- Principle 4 sition is a key factor in retaining water in Working together green spaces. on green spaces

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 33 We assess each project to see if more green space can be created.

• We provide lots of opportunities to Healthy trees • Trees are only ever planted in places exercise in green space both for young play an important where they can grow healthy and mature, and old. Nature nearby invites you to be role in city life allowing people to enjoy them for a long active, play, and discover more, whether for people, plants, time. Trees have high natural value as in a nature playground or a vegetable and animals. they capture a lot of CO2 and contribute garden. Children can also use trees, They provide to climate adaptation by providing shade bushes, and branches for playing, so we shade and shelter, and absorbing rainwater. To make trees maintain climbing trees in consultation and are beautiful less vulnerable to diseases and pests, it is with residents, only pruning them so that to look at or even important to plant different species and, they remain suitable for playing. climb up. if possible, choose indigenous trees that originate in the Netherlands and natural- • We plant trees wherever possible and ly survive in our climate. desirable: • On streets where they are missing or • When planting trees and shrubs, we first were cut down look at the places where there is little • In new areas, creating avenues lined public green infrastructure. We then with trees. choose trees with a large crown size to • In a newly developed city forest. provide larger shaded areas for heat • In the design of new and existing relief, taking into account the current lay- parks. out and use of public spaces to create a balance between shady and sunny spots. • At noisier locations in the city (such as busy parks or school grounds) we plant trees and hedges to reduce noise and promote quiet green places within the city.

34 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Nature in the city Principle 3 and bats. A successful example of this often requires Biodiversity will be integrated into is the peregrine falcon nesting boxes very little space. urban planning, construction, and on buildings in Westelijk Havengebied, Whether along management around Amstel station, and in Zuidas. canals or streets, • We will use green infrastructure in the • Ecologic management is the norm for on squares or city to connect parks and larger ecolog- public space when possible, ensuring buildings, in parks ical areas, ensuring that they contribute good biodiversity. Ecologic management or gardens, there biodiversity. For new areas, green space helps to develop various types of green is an opportunity will be included in the urban plan and we space with a high quality of species diver- for increased will ensure that, among other potential sity, such as those in: biodiversity problems, no new ecological barriers • Floral grassland with a wide variety of everywhere. arise. insects. • Natural watersides, quay walls, pools, • The ecological potential of parks and and waterways with space for different larger ecological areas such as the species of animals and plants. IJmeer, Waterland, De Oeverlanden, and • Woodland and forests whose varied Noorder IJplas will be better exploited. composition includes different species. This will often include the development of leisure facilities both for the need of • We ecologically manage forests and peace and quiet, and also for more active woodland areas: recreation and exercise. • Leaving dead wood to create habitats for insects and feed the soil. • We will include greenery in the design • Incorporating fallen or pruned branch- and construction of public spaces like es into living hedgerows or woodchips canal-sides by creating wildlife corridors when safe and appropriate on bridges and roads. With biodiversity • Providing more flower beds with native enhancing construction, we will include herbaceous plants. nesting boxes or other facilities for birds

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 35 By providing space in the city for gardening, we promote the cultivation of food on buildings, in neighbourhoods, in school gardens, and in parks.

• For greater biodiversity, we manage The basis for Principle 4 recreational lawns to make sure that at healthy trees and Working together on green spaces least 25% of the surface area is flowering plants is the right • We promote the cultivation of food in plants such as dandelions, clovers, and soil mix that is rich the city by providing space for communal yarrow. These lawns are mowed in two in soil organisms. gardening around neighbourhoods – parts at different moments, to benefit on buildings and streets, and in school insect life. gardens, city parks, greenways, and • Our ecologic management reduces pests allotments. It cannot be done every- and invasive species. An important part where, so context-specific solutions need of this is healthy organic soil with a good to be found for each location – even if it structure and composition. is only temporary – and are designed in conversation with residents, users, and • We create dog walking areas where local organisations. In allotments, we possible, while ensuring that ecologically are aiming for more collective areas and valuable areas are not disturbed. smaller gardens with greater diversity. • We work together with residents, businesses, schools, and housing corporations to make the city greener. In public space, the City provides a clear framework for construction, maintenance, and management of green areas.

36 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green by default

‘Green by default’ means that transport, or underground infra- areas, our policy focuses on mak- we see public areas in Amster- structure make it impossible. ing better use of existing green dam primarily as green space. We are therefore gradually mak- spaces rather than just making In current urban design practices, ing the city healthier by creating the environment even greener. public space is generally consid- more biodiverse and pleasant ered paved except for the occa- places to live. This can also be Where it is necessary and desira- sional bit of vegetation that is done in narrow streets, for exam- ble for use and/or management, ‘added’ to the design. As a result, ple by planting green façades pavement is applied – roads, many parts of Amsterdam have on buildings or by looking at streets, squares, cycle paths, an excess of wide pavements whether existing gardens can pavements, tram tracks, or park- with low social and spatial qual- become public. ing spaces. From a spatial, cultur- ities, or wide asphalt surfaces al, and historical point of view, that are not necessary for traffic We also use ‘Green by default’ a conscious choice can be made purposes. the other way around. In areas for the laying or preservation of where there is enough greenery, pavement, such as in the city’s ‘Green by default’ creates a new any more will not necessarily beautiful squares and alleys in the vision of public space – streets mean higher quality. Sometimes city centre, and along canals. and squares become green there is even an excess of green- unless other functions such as ery with insufficient natural value, pavements, cycle paths, public use, or spatial quality. In these

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 37 Green and green-blue connections

Green Green Park Landscape buildings neighbourhoods areas surrounding the city

38 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green and green-blue connections

The green network is being expanded. Neighbourhoods, parks, and larger landscapes will be interconnected by greener pathways, streets, and watersides.

By 2050 we will have the Main Green • Connect larger green areas in and Green and green- Structure – a network of green and green- around the city through green walking blue connections blue connections throughout the city that and cycling routes with clear and inviting create more link green spaces to waterways, together entrances. spaces to relax, forming the urban green structure. These play sports, and • Create parks on top of tunnels where connections go beyond the district level enjoy nature. possible, such as the Spaarndammer and – they are important for all the people, Gaasperdammer tunnels. plants, and animals in the city because of their value to ecology, climate adaptation, • Increase green tramways where possible. visual appeal, exercise and relaxation. This • Transform grass verges to include a rich can include tree-lined avenues, greener array of flowers, except in places that car-free streets, green quay walls, greener need to be mowed frequently for reasons walking and cycling routes, and biodiverse of traffic safety. watersides accessible for swimmers. This structure will be developed along with • Ensure that native plants grow on at least necessary sports and play facilities such as half of the city’s canal walls and water- sports parks, running and cycling routes, sides. nature playgrounds, petting zoos, swim- • Encourage residents and businesses ming spots, and places for urban sports. to start a green initiative or maintain a To make more green and green-blue con- green space as part of the green and nections, we will: green-blue connections. • Link streets, pathways, watersides, and canals to larger green areas in the city, such as parks with as much vegetation as possible (‘Green by default’).

Green and green-blue connections

Green Green Park Landscape buildings neighbourhoods areas surrounding the city

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 39 Water is important for green spaces and it therefore informs the Green Infrastructure Vision.

Green and green-blue connections This map illustrates how green and green-blue connections (green spaces and waterways) how they can be developed in the future. It shows how they interconnect and how they link neighbourhoods with larger green areas in Green and the city. These connections include green high streets, walking and cycling green-blue routes, tree-lined avenues, green watersides and green quay walls. connections

40 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green space and water

The Green Infrastructure Vision therefore water still plays a part For instance creating extra water focuses on all forms of greenery in the Green Infrastructure Vi- retention areas in new urban de- in and around Amsterdam, from sion. Amsterdam’s Water Infra- velopment plans. The extremely façade gardens to the landscape structure Vision 2040, published dry summer of 2018 confronted around the city. Water is not in 2016, provides a comprehen- the city with the flipside of urban formally included as part of the sive vision for the city’s water water management. For exam- vision, but vegetation and water infrastructure and specifically ad- ple, vegetation alongside canals are closely connected at all levels, dresses the relationship between and contributes to cooling the from the small pond in the local water and the landscape. city. Due to climate change, how park to bigger bodies of water plants and water are being de- like the Amstel, IJ, and IJmeer. It is important for nature and r signed, built, and managed, plays Water is often a part of important ecreation in Amsterdam that an increasingly important role in green areas and vice versa – like the relationship between green the city. the green areas around large space and water is seen as insepa- lakes which are important parts rable to the processes of urban- The EU Water Framework Di- of the city’s Main Green Struc- isation, and that both are inte- rective sets out the principles ture. The recreational value of grated in revisions of the Main for greater water quality to water alongside green space is Green Structure. The relationship strengthen ecology, and we use often closely linked – they are between the two is increasingly this framework to create optimal two sides of the same coin in evident in daily practice, in plan- living environments for plants terms of good biodiversity – and ning, and in concrete projects. and animals.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 41 42 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green and green-blue connections

This image illustrates what a green connection could look like in 2050. By removing a parallel service road, there is more space for plants. This wide street, for example, connects neighbourhood greenery with parks and the landscape around the city.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 43 Green buildings

Almost half of the city consists of buildings, gardens, and industrial areas, and these spaces become more important as the city expands. We see opportunities to make them greener.

By 2050, courtyards and (private) gardens • Stimulate the planting of gardens, A rooftop garden will be even greener, each one a paradise façades, and roofs, particularly where or living roof can for bees and butterflies. Buildings will there is little shade or a lot of pavement, be combined with have façade gardens, green façades with creating cool areas in a natural way. solar panels, a climbing plants, and living roofs attracting In façade gardens, front gardens, and terrace, or a place insects, bats, and birds. The greenery on courtyards, rainwater can be collected for activities. lots of buildings will contribute to lowering and used for gardening. temperatures in the city on hot days and • Set a good example by focussing on bio- reduce the strain on sewers during heavy diversity in the development, design, and rain. Roofs are spaces that are still only management of new and existing munici- used to a limited extent in the city, but pal properties, such as constructing living they are becoming more important as the roofs, green façades, or courtyards gar- city densifies, especially if rooftops can be dens, or by adapting buildings to benefit made more accessible or even function as biodiversity. public green space. • Ensure greater cooperation between To make buildings greener we will: owners and users of courtyards, offering • Ensure that new and existing rooftops the opportunity to develop greener and are put to good use with gardens or living more climate-proof gardens. roofs, terraces, sports or games facilities, or fitted with solar panels. A living roof can become even more meaningful for the city if it has a water storage function or enhances its natural value to become part of the ecological structure. Roofs of institutions, for example, could also be made accessible to the public.

44 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green neighbourhoods

Amsterdam citizens get a lot of use out of the greenery in their neighbourhood, but there are still many possibilities to make it even greener.

In 2050 there will be more green streets • Listen to residents’ different uses for Green infra- with space for trees, flower in tree pits, green space and offer a varied assort- structure gives a and plant beds. People will be able to ment. In consultation with residents and neighbourhood enjoy green squares, small and large parks, businesses, choices will be made from or district its own green playgrounds, vegetable gardens, edible gardens, green playgrounds, unique style, and façade gardens, flower belts, trees, and flowers, perennial plants, and trees. social contact is bioswales for collecting rainwater. These Existing neighbourhood parks (such as increased by green spaces give neighbourhoods their Buiksloterbreekpark) will also be im- meeting each own unique identity, and shared ownership proved to be more accessible and meet other or taking creates social connections with residents the needs of residents. care of plants working together on green designs. together. • Continue to add plants and trees to To make neighbourhoods greener we will: school playgrounds and make them more publicly accessible in order to create • Plant more trees and create more pocket greener and more stimulating play areas parks, façade gardens, plant beds, in the city. nature-friendly watersides, bioswales, and vegetable gardens. This will be • Create sensible agreements for the ways based on the urban design and the space in which green spaces can be co-man- available in streets (including parking aged by local residents. lots and sidewalks), squares and lawns. New methods are used for designing underground space, combining space for tree roots and urban infrastructure like piping and cables.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 45 46 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green buildings and neighbourhoods

By 2050, buildings and streets will have more green infrastructure where possible. This image shows how a street with wide pavements could be made more attractive.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 47 48 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Green neighbourhoods

Even in a narrow street it is often possible to add more plants. This image shows what that could look like in 2050, with a more enjoyable living climate and more room for interaction.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 49 We are developing green spaces in new residential areas, including city parks and school gardens.

Park areas This map illustrates new and existing public city parks and forests, as well as green spaces that are not fully public such as allotments, school gardens, cemeteries, and sports parks. It is important that these areas are Park areas well distributed across the city.

50 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Park areas

Large green areas in the city can be an oasis – places to seek tranquillity or to socialise.

By 2050 there will be a good balance be- Park areas are City parks tween busy and quiet areas in Amsterdam’s managed by New parks and higher quality and larger green spaces such as city parks and the City, but caracter in existing parks forests. There will be room to sit in the sun volunteers can or shade, meet each other on a lawn or help maintain For Amsterdam’s city parks we will: terrace, play sports, or work together. Park parts of a park. • Create new green spaces in areas where areas are easily accessible on foot or by parks are currently lacking. This can bike, and there is room for biodiversity, wa- be done by merging parks (such as the ter management, and edible plants (food Eerste and Tweede Weteringplantsoen), forests). The City of Amsterdam manages and by creating new ones in developing these spaces alongside volunteers who areas such as Haven-Stad and Buitenei- maintain sections of the park. land on IJburg. We can also redesign Green sports parks will also be developed existing green infrastructure to function across the city for a wide range of physical as park areas, such as Noorderijplas and activities, and green public cemeteries will Spoorpark Zuid. become even more special for their silence • Expand existing parks if there is room and natural beauty. Allotments will be in the immediate vicinity, such as we modernised and accessible to all Amster- did with Plantage Middenlaan near dam citizens, with better connections to Wertheimpark. surrounding neighbourhoods. There will also be lots of school gardens with room • Maintain and improve the quality of ex- for nature and environmental education. isting city parks (such as Rembrandtpark and Martin Luther Kingpark) to ensure that they are recognisable for their own unique character, with space for picnics, activities, and biodiversity.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 51 • Ensure a balance between busy and We will create new City forests quiet areas within parks. There are quiet or larger city parks A new city forest areas in both busy and less-visited parks, by combining so some may become a little busier when existing smaller In and around Amsterdam there are a num- they are more attractively designed, but public gardens, ber of city forests with their own character always in line with the needs of residents. extending existing – Amsterdamse Bos, Vliegenbos, Geuzen- parks or by rede- bos, and Diemerbos. The huge importance • Preserve and expand green areas with a signing the large of trees for people, plants, and animals special function and character, such as green areas. means even more trees and a new forest school and community gardens, food for- are required, so we are developing a new ests and edible gardens, the Hortus, and urban forest in or near Amsterdam. Artis. This will be done together with residents, community groups, and schools, It is often difficult to add more trees to such as in Artsenijhof in Beatrixpark, existing streets and neighbourhoods due which is maintained by local volunteers. to the presence of cables and pipes, for • Design parks to be accessible and example, but whenever trees are removed attractive for visitors even after drought for safety, we plant a new one in the same or heavy rain. We will create parks that place or within a 50-metre radius. In addi- collect water during heavy rainfall using tion to more trees in existing built-up are- lawns that absorb water without dam- as, we want a new urban forest to expand aging surrounding trees and plant beds. tree stock and offer new opportunities for The maintenance and use of the park recreation and biodiversity. must always relate to its soil quality and what the ground can absorb.

52 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Sports parks We are developing Allotments a new urban forest More ecology and shared use at We will maintain and modernise in Amsterdam sports parks allotments or its immediate For sports parks we will: surroundings Amsterdam’s 40 allotment parks are im- because larger portant green spaces for the city, and an • Integrate biodiversity in the design and green infrastruc- inseparable part of its green infrastructure. construction. New sports parks will ture is important They are valuable for gardeners, residents, always include greenery of ecological for people, plants, animals, and plants, and add a unique green value around perimeter and a wider and animals. character to the area. Allotments have been range of activities incorporated into the part of the city for over 100 years, and are city’s green structure. of great ecological, social, cultural, and his- • Make better use of existing sports parks torical value. A number of large allotments through the shared use of buildings, are located in parts of the city with a lot of increasing their public character, more housing projects and urban development, facilities for the local community, and so population density will increase. The greenery around the perimeter. pressure on public space is great, and it is therefore important that we modernise al- • Ecologically manage parks with residents lotment parks and make them more public, and community organisations. Volun- increasing their accessibility and value for teers already maintain the kingfisher even more Amsterdam citizens. walls, butterfly sanctuaries, and bird nests at Sportpark Middenmeer. For allotments we will: • Ensure that artificial turf fields make a • Preserve, protect, and improve existing greater contribution to climate adapta- gardens. We will not create any new al- tion by collecting rainwater and emitting lotments, but will offer a secure future for less heat on hot days. existing spaces alongside modernisation.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 53 • Investigate whether we can extend the Amsterdam’s • Provide attractive walking routes accessi- opening times of allotment parks. allotments have ble to all visitors, but which can be closed been of great off when allotments shut in the evenings. • Aim to open up approximately 20% ecological, social, of each allotment park (depending on cultural, and • Provide more diverse gardens alongh location and shape) to the public all year historical value these routes by transforming 20% of round. In this way, it is possible that many to the city for rented allotments, and dividing larger hectares will be ‘opened up’ to the city over 100 years. community gardens into many smaller and its residents. plots, for example, or by creating themed • Ensure that public spaces, parks, and areas (flower, food, or herb gardens, etc). pathways invite visitors to allotments on This offers a wider range of uses and ex- foot or by bike. Public routes through periences to create a garden with busier allotments will also ensure that adjacent and quieter areas. neighbourhoods are interconnected and • Add recreational and social programmes can be visited by walkers and cyclists. to make allotments more attractive to The need for additional connections and different groups. In cooperation with public services depends on the location the City and other partners, allotment in the city and may not be the same for associations will offer more functions, every allotment area. facilities, and activities in around sustain- • Create inviting entrances to allotment ability, care and welfare, education and areas, improving their borders both training, and culture, exercise and play. visually and ecologically for pedestrian These could include new play facilities for use as well as bicycles, depending on the children or new school gardens. location and ecological importance.

54 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 By creating • Provide an environmentally friendly Cemeteries themed gardens, layout and management system for A green oasis of peace more collective allotment parks, learning from successful gardens and examples. Cemeteries are quiet green places in the smaller plots, city, often with long histories. They are • Work together and share knowledge more Amsterdam special places to visit and take care of graves with the national allotment association citizens can make alongside natural, cultural and historical (Bond van Volkstuinders), local allotment use of allotment monuments, significantly contributing to the associations, and other relevant groups. parks. spatial quality and liveability of the city. For cemeteries we will: • We waarderen en beschermen de be- graafplaatsen als plekken met een bel- angrijke maatschappelijke functie en een hoge natuurwaarde. • Maintain and protect them as places with important social functions and high natural value. • Investigate how they can become slightly more accessible to visit, with an emphasis on greenery and tranquillity. A period of limited evening openings during the summer months has shown positive results at De Nieuwe Ooster.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 55 • Increase understanding of cemeteries • Increasingly manage cemeteries in an If cemeteries are by organising lectures, informative ecological way, with green watersides a little bit more meetings, and guided tours for schools, around the perimeter where possible. Lo- accessible, more etc. We are also investigating where cal residents and families will be included people can enjoy cemeteries can connect to existing walk- in co-management of the green part of walking there. ing and cycling routes. cemeteries. We will switch to more ecological design and management styles • Maintain existing gravel pathways and, with careful communication with local when renovating, install underground residents and families. granular soakaway to store and drain water. • Enhance biodiversity on and around buildings where possible, such as the living roof on the café of De Nieuwe Ooster. • Ensure that trees, hedges, and shrubs are in good condition and have a suitable place to grow. If necessary, unhealthy trees, hedges, and shrubs will be replaced.

56 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Landscape around the city

Around the city you can enter quiet green landscapes – Brettenzone, Tuinen van West, Waterland, Diemerscheg, Amstelscheg, or Amsterdamse Bos.

In 2050 you will easily be able to cycle from For the landscape around the city we will: We turn the the city out into the surrounding landscape crests of the green • Keep spaces green and open, only build- where you can be active while surrounded gems surrounding ing new houses, offices, and industrial by nature, parks, public woodland, food the city into areas in the existing city. forests, or other valuable green infrastruc- landscape parks, ture. This landscape is never far away, • Develop the crests of green gems into with a design in with so-called ‘green gems’ of landscape landscape parks, meaning more activities line with their reaching deep into Amsterdam. A green for a broader public in keeping with the green character. gem begins or ends at a ‘crest’ inside the character of the area. This will give green municipal boundary, and is considered an gems even more recreational signifi- extremely important connection between cance for the city’s growing population, the city and its surrounding landscape. with developments given priority where there is the greatest need for recreation. • Provide better connections between the city and green gem landscapes. These can be walking, cycling, and ecological routes with space for exercise and nature education (see next page). We will also reinforce the green and green-blue connections. • Work together with regional partners on the future-proof development and management of the green gems, alongside – and linked to – developments in the city.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 57 In Waterland we are going to raise the water level in order to stop peat oxidation and increase biodiversity.

Landscape around the city This map shows the existing green landscape around Amsterdam and the green structures that are important for connecting with the city.

The lines are often historic dikes, canals, or other waterways that have Crest of Landscape given shape to the development of the city. a green gem connections

58 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 • Ensure that biodiversity is preserved and • Strengthen the relationship between We will keep strengthened in the landscape around the city and its landscape, working with the landscape the city. We will look at ways of increas- communities and businesses. For exam- around the city ing the quality of an area, for example ple, we will encourage products of the green and open, by turning farmland into wetlands or landscape to be on sale at local farms, or while also provid- woodland, or by making additional around the corner in the city. ing better cycling agreements with farmers about the connections. green services they provide. In Water- land we are striving to raise the water level to stop peat oxidation and increase biodiversity.

A green Amsterdam in 2050

Amsterdam, July 2050. It’s a cool down the top floor of the and in-between the wildflowers summer’s morning, still early. local buildings in summertime there are more insects which, You step out of the house to hear and collect rainwater so that in turn, feed the birds and bats. the birds chirping as you close the plants can be watered even They also eat caterpillars which the door behind you. The sun during dry spells. Locals also is good for the people growing is shining – it’s getting warmer, grow their vegetables and meet vegetables nearby, making the but it still feels humid. Last night each other on a big rooftop gar- whole city a complete biotope there was a lot of wind and rain, den terrace overlooked by their in itself, with everything keeping which happens more often now. apartments. everything else alive. This is all There are still raindrops dangling part of Amsterdam’s larger green from the tree leaves around the The blackberries are ripening in landscape where there are all corner, without which the square the food forest over the road. In kinds of beautiful interconnected would have flooded. They catch autumn there are walnuts and greenways only a 15-minute cycle so much water and provide the the whole neighbourhood comes from the busy centre, like the perfect cool, shady spot in the to grow food – sometimes even one heading out of the city neighbourhood when the heat of cooking together. There are through Noord to Waterland, the sun is too intense. runners jogging through the park then back again through West- past a group of older men sitting zaan, Spaarnwoude, and the The street is so much greener on a bench, chatting with each Tuinen van West. There are than it used to be – the butterflies other and quietly enjoying their more than a million people and bees are doing very well, at- old age. calling Amsterdam their home, tracted by the small but beautiful but if you counted all the living façade gardens, the flower belt The park is bigger than it used things, there must be billions of running through the city, and the to be and there is so much more biodiverse residents living here living roofs. These green roofs life. Under the piles of branches together.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 59 60 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Chapter 4 What do we need to get there?

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 61 What do we need to get there?

Amsterdam in 2050 is still far away, but to make the ambitions of this vision a reality we must get started right away. There are many indispensable aspects we cannot ignore such as funding, organisational structure, and implementation planning. In the short term, we also need a implementation programme for green infrastructure development and maintenance, which will be updated every 5 years. This chapter will discuss all the prerequisite steps on this road towards the green, attractive city we envision by 2050.

62 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Policy and framework

The goals and principles of this Green We aim for a new Main Green Structure Wherever possible Infrastructure Vision will be translated into with a continuous network of green areas, we integrate frameworks and detailed policies to enable and wherever possible we will integrate the the Ecological the execution of this vision. We differentiate Ecological Structure, the Main Tree Struc- Structure, the following steps: ture, the Green Network, and the green- the Main Tree ways map into the Main Green Structure. Structure, the • The Green Infrastructure Vision will Green Network, be translated into the daily practice of • Procurement processes will include guide- and the greenways the city districts and neighbourhoods. lines for how to include natural elements map into the Each of the 7 city districts will get a map and wildlife into urban plans and architec- new Main Green showing the opportunities for adding or ture, and a point system has been devel- Structure. improving green infrastructure. Projects oped to evaluate how well different bids that can make a major contribution to integrate biodiversity into their designs. the goals set out in this vision will be This stimulates the private sector to make prioritised, but planning depends on the an effort to include nature-based solutions available budgets for the construction in their proposals. and management of green infrastructure. • The main goals for Amsterdam’s allot- Large scale green projects will be includ- ment parks are included in this vision. The ed in the Strategic placement plan for Implementation Strategy Allotments will city-wide green infrastructure which was subsequently indicate what is necessary to drafted for the first time in 2020. achieve these goals, including spatial de- • Current standards for green space in new sign principles and information about the urban developments will be updated to process. Starting in 2020, every allotment be aligned with the goals of the Green park will enter a transformation process, Infrastructure Vision. developing an action plan with concrete actions for the upcoming 10 years, adher- • The current Main Green Structure, part of ing to the goals set by the municipality. the Structure Vision 2040, will be updated The municipality will describe these goals in order to be included in the Strategy and conditions for each allotment park in on Spatial Planning and the Environment a so-called ‘developmental perspective’ (Omgevingsvisie). In the Zoning Plan (ontwikkelperspectief), which will form a (Omgevingsplan), more details will be basis for the action plan. included about the Main Green Structure.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 63 Organisational structure and methods

Good organisational structures and meth- • Planting roofs, façades, and surrounding We will ensure that ods for policy development, realisation, grounds of municipal buildings to be the maintenance and maintenance of green infrastructure greener and more inviting for wildlife. of green space are important to be able to put the am- It makes sense to do this at the moment is in line with the bitions and principles of the Green Infra- of renovation or structural maintenance, ambitions and structure Vision into practice. For this, we and by stimulating nature-based solu- principles of will focus on: tions during the procurement processes. the Green Infra- structure Vision. • Strengthening the collaboration be- • A clear policy cycle in which agenda set- tween all parties involved in policymak- ting, implemented projects and results, ing, implementation, and maintenance and new challenges and opportunities, – inside, between, and outside municipal are constantly monitored and adjusted. departments. • Involving – and, if necessary, supporting • Integrating the goals and principles for – citizens, businesses, and community green infrastructure in the early stages of organisations with implementing green urban planning and public space devel- projects and with the maintenance of opment. green spaces. • Ensuring that the maintenance of green • Offering gardening opportunities via so- spaces is in line with the ambitions and cial workingplaces (Pantar, werkbrigade, principles of this Green Infrastructure Cordaan) and youth without a diploma, Vision, including the recreation areas just to learn, participate, re-integrate, or have beyond the borders of the city and the a protected work environment. possibility of centralised park management. • A good collaboration with other programmes and authorities such as the water company, province, recreational area administrations, and partners within the Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA).

64 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Funding

The ambitions set out in this vision require • Find new structural funding for part of We strive for a new investments in green infrastructure. the overall goal, at least for maintenance city-wide invest- The enormous growth and urban densifica- and management, but also for the devel- ment programme tion currently taking place cannot happen opment of new green space in the city. for the develop- without strengthening the city’s green Additionally, this funding needs to be ment and main- infrastructure. The creation, design, and able to grow in parallel with the growth of tenance of green management of green spaces is financed the city and its changing needs. If funding infrastructure. from different sources, including the gen- remains the same, it is simply not possi- eral city budget, land development tax, ble to achieve all the goals set out in this urban mobility fund, and various occasional vision. funds. In order to align available resources • Explore possibilities for financing pro- and funding systems with the ambitions jects through European and national and principles of this Green Infrastructure funds. The EU is planning to significantly Vision, we need to: increase the amount of forest area in • Calculate the long-term funding nec- Europe and to invest in more green space essary for planning, design, execution, in European cities. asset management, maintenance and • Explore possibilities to let the private incentives for private actors. sector (or residents) financially contribute • Indicate which projects and processes to the green infrastructure of the city. deserve to be prioritised for funding, and Notable examples to be looked into which projects can be financed later. include: The implementation of the Green Infra- • CO2 forest: an urban forest created structure Vision will take place in phases with the contribution of companies and each phase will have its own budget. or residents that want to compensate their CO emissions by planting trees. • Set up a city-wide investment pro- 2 • Baby tree forest: an urban forest creat- gramme for the development and main- ed with the contribution of parents that tenance of green infrastructure. A first want to plant a tree for their child. step has been made with the Strategic Placement Plan for City-wide Green Infra- • Secure more financial expertise around structure for green infrastructure with an nature-based solutions in order to find importance for multiple neighbourhoods. more funding opportunities.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 65 Knowledge, communication and collaboration

The ambitions of this green vision will be • Ensure that existing and new knowledge We ensure that achieved sooner by collecting existing is accessible for everyone. For residents existing and new knowledge within the city and collaborat- and businesses, this comprises how to knowledge about ing well to achieve greater results and also make façade gardens, green façades, the creation and increase the sense of ownership of green green (and blue-green) roofs, courtyard management of spaces. In addition to existing knowledge, gardens, and biodiversity-enhancing green infrastruc- new urban challenges require new knowl- community green spaces. It also includes ture is accessible edge and innovation. Therefore, it is impor- lessons learned from successful projects for everyone. tant that we: such as the ‘network approach’ of the Amsterdam Rainproof climate adapta- • Ensure that all gardeners, designers, tion programme. green policy officers, Pantar employees, managers, and supervisors have sufficient • Monitor the quantity of green infrastruc- knowledge regarding the design and ture in Amsterdam as it develops. maintenance of green infrastructure. • Ensure that specific information regard- This includes skills in communication, ing co-management of green infrastruc- consulting on public space design / ture, quality standards for designing execution / maintenance, finance and green spaces, regulations for organic funding, management, construction, procurement, and nature-based solu- infrastructure, education, social issues, tions for design and construction is pro- procurement, participation / democracy, vided by the City. In parks, caretakers will and co-management of green spaces be the contact point for residents with by citizens. questions about co-management. • Make conscious choices both in green • Collaborate with other authorities and infrastructure projects that we execute national networks to achieve the ambi- ourselves and in projects that we put up tion of creating greener cities. An exam- for tender, of which the former provides us ple of a national network that we actively with valuable knowledge and experience. participate in is the National Roof Plan • Ensure that residents, businesses, com- (Nationaal Daken Plan) which focuses on munity organisations, and institutions creating a sustainable, multifunctional, are able to take on the co-management attractive roof landscape in cities. or planting of roofs, existing buildings, neighbourhoods, and gardens.

66 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Knowledge, communication and collaboration Evaluation and research

To achieve the ambitions of the Green • What is necessary to make attractive and We will research Infrastructure Vision, we do not need to healthy green spaces that benefit many which innovations start from scratch. For many subjects, there animals and plants, and can be applied in are possible for is knowledge available or even captured in different places and neighbourhoods. combining the policy frameworks, maintenance plans, or green functions of • Maintaining the balance between peace on maps. By collecting and evaluating all public and private and noise in green areas. The goal is to this information we will get insight into the space. ensure all parks have quiet areas. kind of monitoring that is necessary, which manuals or guidelines need to be written • Researching the influence of invasive up or adjusted, and which aspects need species to see how their negative impact more research. In doing this, we look at: can be minimised. • What is necessary for increasing and • Adjusting the map of ecological barriers. strengthening biodiversity and ecology Urban development projects in areas – new seed mixes, monitoring ecologic with such barriers need to include solu- management, and research on the final tions in their design brief and/or project type of vegetation desired, water quality, budgets. soil, and on mowing and sowing regimes. • Researching which streets and paths will • Researching what kind of innovation is provide added value for people, plants, possible in public and private spaces and animals if they are redesigned to be – urban agriculture on rooftops, physi- greener. In turn, these streets and paths cal-activity-enhancing landscapes, biodi- will be prioritised during implementation verse production forests for forestry and planning. capturing CO2. • Researching which requirements should be formulated for underground infrastructure in order to enable more urban trees to be planted in dense neighbourhoods. These requirements will be included in policy frameworks for underground infrastructure.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 67 Appendix 1 Biodiversity

Biodiversity is determined by the number of plant and The city biotope animal species that occur in a given area, and Amster- dam is already home to some 10,000 different species. The city is a refuge for some plant species, including Quite a good score for a city. those that usually live on cliffs or rocks, in caves or trees, such as bats, swifts, and peregrine falcons. In Amsterdam there are 100 species of wild bees, at Large nature reserves least 6 species of bats in incredible numbers, and the Amsterdam is surrounded by ecologically valuable city is the most valuable breeding spot for swifts in nature reserves, some of which are even within the city the Netherlands. Plants naturally found on stones and boundary. Waterland, in Amsterdam’s rural north, is rocks can live on quay and canal walls, such as the rare still one of the most valuable areas in the Netherlands ferns growing at the Stenen Hoofd, and Mauritskade is for meadow birds, including the discerning black- the only place in the country where hawkweed grows. tailed godwit. In winter, tens of thousands of geese Vondelpark is also the habitat for two species of graze in Waterland and hundreds of lapwings, curlews, insects only discovered in 2019 – an ichneumon wasp and golden plovers can be seen. IJmeer, including and a beetle. IJburg, is also an EU nature reserve because of its large number of wintering ducks such as the common Integrating biodiversity in construction pochard, the smew, and the tufted duck. Integrating biodiversity in construction means adding Amsterdamse Bos is now over 75 years old and has vegetation where possible, including on roofs and grown into a mature forest hosting woodpeckers, façades. This is important to help different species owls, and ravens, as well as other species such as the thrive, especially plants and insects such as butterflies pine marten. Amsterdam is responsible for safeguard- and wild bees. Nesting boxes for swifts, house spar- ing and improving the biodiversity of these areas, as rows, peregrine falcons, and starlings can be attached well as the parts outside municipal territory, together to buildings, and small enclosures can create sleeping with other parties and provinces. The City of Am- places for bats. Renovating canal and quay walls can sterdam is also responsible for the management of also help to introduce wall plants, among other things, Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen near Zandvoort, by using calcium-rich mortar. an incomparably rich dune area of over 3,000 hectares with a wealth of insects and amphibians, as well as a Water quality considerable number of sand lizards. Waterways in Amsterdam are usually bordered by hard banks of stone or wood, considerably limit- Nature around the city ing their natural potential. Nevertheless, dozens of In addition to these ‘official’ nature reserves, many species of fish live in the canals, partly due to Amster- urban fringes are also very valuable, such as Bretten- dam’s unique location between the sea and IJmeer. zone, the banks of Nieuwe Meer, Noorder IJplas, As a result, both freshwater and saltwater fish can be Diemerpark, and Bijlmerweide. These rugged areas found, with species such as eels and sticklebacks mi- alternating between swamps, forests, water, and grating through Amsterdam’s waterways. Increasing open areas are where birds such as the bluethroat and biodiversity means that more water plants can grow nightingale breed. You can also find natter jack toads on gradually sloping banks, significantly improving the and, in Diemerpark and Diemerbos, grass snakes. It is natural value of the city’s waterways. precisely these areas that need maintaining and their biodiversity improved as they often have no official protection status.

68 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 Ecological structure and tree network The ecological structure is a network of green verges and embankments connecting green areas allowing flightless animals to expand their habitats. This is evidenced in the hedgehogs and moles found in most of the city’s parks, and in the natural redevelopment near IJburg and on Zee-Burgereiland that allows grass snakes from Diemerpark to reach neighbouring populations in Waterland. Larger populations of animals are less vulnerable than smaller groups far away from each other, and this ecological structure can be further strengthened by increasing green watersides.

The network of trees in Amsterdam is also very important for all kinds of animals in the city to find food and protection. There are more than 1 million trees in Amsterdam, of which about 300,000 are in avenues and streets.

Ecologic management In addition to the design of green infrastructure, ecologic management is integral for improving biodiversity. Should nature be left alone, as in Vijfhoekpark? Should ecologic management promote biodiversity within the ecological structure of city parks and parts of Amsterdamse Bos? Should we regularly mow lawns in parks where people play and sunbathe?

Practice shows that ecologic management can lead to quick results, as seen in Amsterdam’s increasing number of wild bee species, contrary to the national trend. Cities like Amsterdam cannot save global biodiversity, but they can make an important contribution. Amster- dam could become a sanctuary for animals – an urban nature reserve – and the right policies can help reintro- duce species that can no longer be found in the city.

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 69 Appendix 2 The cultural history of green infrastructure

The cultural history of Amsterdam is closed inter- Historic growth of twined with its green infrastructure, and almost all of the its green areas were created as part of the city’s ur- the city and urban green ban development. The landscape surrounding the city infrastructure was also largely made by human hands with reclaimed land, polders, elite countryside estates, forests, and In each period of the city’s growth we can observe other types of development. Over time, other typol- the following developments of green space and ogies of green infrastructure appeared such as parks, infrastructure. allotments, and decorative gardens, the shape and construction of which entirely depended on the time 17th century Urban layout period in which they were designed. How these green (1585-1860) areas are used, and their background context, can vary greatly – for example, 19th century parks are isolated The famous 17th century concentric canals were built from the built environment as an imaginary ideal of for and by the bourgeoisie governing the city at the nature, such as Vondelpark, while parks in post-war time. The design shows a commitment to creating neighbourhoods are integrated into a continuum of an optimal living environment of terraced residential public space. blocks with large enclosed courtyards that were not allowed to be built on. In the canal district, the green Throughout history, nature in the city is associated aspect is particularly manifested in the large-scale with different values. In some cases, aesthetics domi- planting of trees for ‘sweet air, ornament, and pleas- nate, such as with the trees lining the canals of Amster- antry’. Amsterdam was probably the first city in Europe dam. ‘Often, it is a combination of different objectives to plant trees in a large-scale and structural fashion that drives the creation of green space, whether for along its main roads and canals, and the City council recreation or education, or for aesthetic, economic, or was responsible for their management as well as other social value’. More recently, values relating to ecology, green areas. In 1682 the City designated Plantage as a climate adaptation, and social resilience are getting green zone (instead of housing) comprising medicinal more attention. and recreational gardens with opportunities for enter- tainment. In 1812, Wertheimpark, the first park in the city, was built in part of Plantage as a gift from Napole- on. The Artis zoo was built nearby in 1839, and Tolhuis was created as a pleasure garden. Other private ven- ues included Oude Doolhof and the tea gardens along the Slatuinenpad, built for well-to-do citizens. The City council is not interested in gardens and facilities for the working class, but nonetheless the ‘kleine man’ (little man) enjoys them when he can.

19th century Ring (1860-1910) In the 19th century, urban challenges of rapid population growth, urbanisation, hygiene, and public health played an important role. Greenery in public space consisted of the occasional tree planted in working class neighbourhoods and structural adornment along main roads such as Ceintuurbaan and Weesperzijde. The increased greenery of the high-class Vondelpark neighbourhood formed an exception as a private initiative with abundant gardens, tree-lined lanes, and park-

70 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 land. The importance of providing green space and 1934 and 1970, during which it received worldwide parks for walking to all members of society was recog- attention because it was an enormous and unique nised as an essential part of new neighbourhoods as project for its time. the city expanded. Around 1900, it became an official duty of the City to provide green space for all, however General Expansion Plan in practice it proved difficult owing to land purchases (1945-1970) and exploitation costs. Vondelpark and Sarphatipark were for the upper classes, but in 1857 Westerplans- The General Expansion Plan (Algemeen Uitbreidings- toen became the first publicly accessible park to take plan) of 1934 included a city-wide green infrastructure a short stroll in. Westerpark and Oosterpark were built system based on statistical research for the first time. in 1890-91 and, as a reaction to the run-down industrial Inspired by foreign green standards, exact calculations city Amsterdam had become, the growing middle class per inhabitant determined how much and at what ‘discovered’ nature and the romantic ideals of farm life, distance different types of green spaces were needed resulting in movement towards the countryside. – community gardens, parks, school gardens, allotments, and sports areas. This plan forms the basis for the current Main Green Structure with the surrounding Interbellum Belt landscape ‘wedged’ into the urban fabric of the city. (1910-1945) In the residential planning a change took place – In the first half of the 20th century, the city expanded enclosed residential blocks were replaced by open in all directions, mainly through continuous urbani- strips of buildings with gradual transitions between the sation with enclosed residential blocks in the form of private gardens of homes and public green spaces like garden cities. The scale of the blocks was larger than nature strips, lawns, and parks. The abundant neigh- before, resulting in some courtyards being managed bourhood green areas formed a coherent network as collective gardens. The street profiles for the urban and were directly connected to collective courtyard extensions of the early 20th century always included gardens and to public green spaces. This led to an trees and plants, with many new neighbourhoods explosive increase in green space in the city, with including squares, parks, and front gardens. American Bijlmermeer as a highlight. and German ideas about the metropolitan landscape and its connections between urban greenery and the Compact City landscape surrounding the city are embraced, as seen (1970-1996) in the adoption of the American ‘parkway’. Apollolaan, for example, is a long, broad avenue that functions as In the ‘70s and ‘80s, interest in urban green infrastruc- a park, and Plan Zuid becomes the first urban devel- ture waned. The focus was on urban redevelopment opment strategy that included and fully integrated and the ‘compact city’ – an urban planning trend that a green space structure. Larger green infrastructure aimed to optimise urban space to minimise commuting started to be created, stimulated by publications by distances. The emergence of ecology as a discipline Heimans and Thijsse, 2 educators from Amsterdam nevertheless led to different management practices that were largely responsible for the surge of interest with a great emphasis on increasing biodiversity. The in nature that took place at the end of the 19th century value of nature was recognised, and not only from the in the Netherlands. The 8-hour day meant free time for perspective of humans. Awareness of environmental recreation, and the first urban forest for the working issues stimulated the development of public transport class, Vliegenbos, opened in 1922 as ‘a little piece of and the use of bicycles, however a new vision for green untamed nature that the city is deeply needing’. space in the city was not formulated. In the urban de- Along Zuidelijke Wandelweg and at Mosplein, the velopments of the ‘70s and ‘80s, there were child and first outdoor sports areas appeared, and the first pedestrian-friendly areas, as well as attention for green allotments were opened in 1909, followed by the first space at the neighbourhood scale – the ‘woonerf’, school gardens in 1920 in Spaarndammerplantsoen. or ‘living street’ design, was an example of this. New The construction of Amsterdamse Bos (the large urban neighbourhoods such as Nieuwe Sloten, Venserpolder, forest to the southwest of the city) took place between and KNSM-island reverted to traditional urban designs

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 71 Appendix 2 The cultural history of green infrastructure

with public green space limited to street trees and edge in the form of a park, such as the waterside parks public gardens. Many parks envisioned in the General by the IJ and Amstel. These are considered links to the Expansion Plan at the edge of the pre-war city were ecological zones that connect the city with the peri- completed – Sloterpark, Rembrandtpark, Amstelpark, urban landscape. and Gaasperplaspark. Preservation of valuable nature reserves and agricultural land becomes a priority, and due to increased car ownership, Amsterdam citizens knew how to find their way to recreational areas ‘t Protected woodlands and Twiske, Spaarnwoude, and Amsterdamse Bos. monumental trees Amsterdam has been planting trees for at least 400 Densifying City years. However, storms, disease, and the dynamics (1996-2020) of urban development mean that the oldest trees in The adoption of the Main Green Structure in 1996 the city are a ‘mere’ 250 years old. The layout of the signifies the recognition of the ecological and cultural historic city with tree-lined canals is unique in the value of green infrastructure. The Structural Vision world and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Amsterdam developed in 2011 aims to preserve the site. To better protect and manage monumental trees ‘green gems’ and the landscape surrounding the city, and woodlands, the City has made lists of protected however a city-wide vision on the meaning of green woodlands according to local legislation. The protect- space, as a successor to the General Expansion Plan, is ed status means, in principle, that a tree cannot be still missing. Increasing free market housing provision cut down, but also that it receives more attention and leads to public green space often has its funding cut. careful management. The various lists of monumental In the development of the Oostelijke Eilanden and trees and protected woodlands are accessible through Ijburg parks, green spaces are integrated into the an interactive map (see ‘monumental trees and other fabric of enclosed and half-open residential blocks, valuable green’ on maps.amsterdam.nl). A ‘protected while in some instances open water replaces greenery woodland’ is a monumental tree or other woodland, as open space. Green infrastructure takes many forms such as woody climbing plants, memorial trees, and – gardens, verges, slopes, parks, and street-side plant- unusual shrubs. A monumental tree must be at least 50 ing areas. Also, green spaces are increasingly valued years old and have at least one of the following charac- for their contribution to storm water management and teristics – aesthetic value, historical value, ecosystem heat reduction in summer. value, or be of a rare species. Other protected woodlands can be younger, such as memorial trees like ‘the In the densifying city, awareness is growing of the tree that saw everything’ in Bijlmer. need to strengthen existing inner-city green areas. City parks are being refurbished and attention to community green spaces has increased, such as in pocket parks, façade gardens, community vegetable School gardens gardens, and green roofs. These demonstrate that input from residents on the city’s green infrastruc- Amsterdam school gardens have existed since 1920. ture is becoming more important. Green space in the The gardens were originally intended to bring children densifying city is considered increasingly valuable for into contact with healthy food and were considered a a good living environment, and for attracting busi- good way to minimise urban food shortages, similar nesses and residents. The use of parks is diversifying to allotments. Nowadays, school garden education and intensifying, developing as a kind of green urban involves a more active way of giving a nature-based en- square as the pressure of festivals and events rises. The vironmental education, touching upon a wide variety renovation of Westerpark is a good example of this. of aspects in nature and ecology beyond vegetables. New green areas are being created as part of the city’s Besides gardening and learning how vegetables and Main Ecological Structure such as Diemerscheg. The flowers grow, children are taught the preparation of green space of a neighbourhood is concentrated at its healthy food. Sustainability is also an important sub-

72 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 ject and children learn about nutrients and seasonal ling about 94 hectares. These gardens proceeded to cycles in nature, renewable energy, and the relation- be mostly run by associations. In the ‘20s and ‘30s, ship between people, plants, and animals. allotments increasingly became places for open air recreation and a blind eye was turned to those passing The goal of these classes is to increase students’ the night there. Furthermore, the General Expansion knowledge of, and respect for, nature and the environ- Plan (1935) assigned allotment gardens the function of ment. Yearly, almost 7,000 primary school students (in ‘recreation’. year 6/7) are gardening at one of the 13 school garden sites. They spend 1 full year gardening and getting to After the Second World War in the prosperous 1950s, know all the seasons, while students from other years the structures on allotment plots became fitted with will visit the gardens for short environmental classes. more modern comforts and the City decided to permit Since 2006, this school garden programme has been habitation in the summer. As the expansion plan was included in the core goals of primary education. executed, many allotments had to change to make way Amsterdam is unique in its provision of nature-based for urban developments, but the City provided the environmental education in school gardens – nowhere necessary funds for finding new locations and allot- else in the Netherlands has such a large quantity of ments were rebuilt with a more park-like landscape professional school gardens for education at primary design. The luxury nature of many allotment buildings school level for free. had the unintended consequence that many complex- es decided to fence and lock the perimeters to prevent theft. Due to the aging of plants and trees, and the environmental measures of many allotment associa- Cemeteries tions, many allotments are valuable for their landscape and ecology, in addition to their social and recreational Various cemeteries in Amsterdam have been designat- value – similar to the older city parks and wild peri- ed as monuments based on their history. Their design, urban areas. the greenery itself, their buildings, and sometimes individual graves and memorials might be protected. There are 9 larger cemeteries within the city limits, including the municipal cemetery of Amstelveen, Zorgvlied. Additionally, there are a dozen small church- yards and cemeteries (including village cemeteries in the rural north of the city). Nieuwe Ooster is the largest cemetery and is managed by the City of Amsterdam, as is De Nieuwe Noorder.

Allotment parks

The first allotment park in Amsterdam – Tuinwijck – was founded in 1909 by a group of eminent progressives as a charity initiative with the goal of improving health and increasing a sense of fulfilment by providing everyone with the opportunity to be amongst nature.

Food shortages during the First World War led the ministry of agriculture to legislate that all munici- palities must promote allotments, leading to 5 large wartime allotment parks around Amsterdam, total-

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 73 Appendix 3 Glossary

Amsterdam Rainproof Climate adaptation Food forests The platform Amsterdam Rain- The way people change their An ecosystem designed by humans proof, consisting of more than 90 environment and how they live in it, mimicking a natural forest, aiming urban actors, has as a collective to adapt to the changing climate, for a high diversity of plants and goal to make Amsterdam more re- minimising vulnerability and per- trees, many of which are edible. silient against increasingly frequent haps even utilizing opportunities in heavy rainfall. the process. Green façade Vegetation growing on the outside Asset management Co-management walls of buildings. Most often, it Within this Green Infrastructure In this Green Infrastructure Vision relates to climbing plants that grow Vision, this refers to the (financial) we define co-management as the up a building’s front, but there management and maintenance of process of residents, community are other ways to attach plants to urban green infrastructure. organisations, and businesses façades. A green façade offers volunteering to help in the man- shelter, food, and nesting opportu- agement of public green space in nities for birds and insects. Biodiversity their area. This refers to the diversity of life at the level of species and eco- Green gems systems. Biodiversity includes all Daily management This refers to the landscape species that exist on earth, includ- The daily management of urban surrounding the city that reaches ing all animal and plant species. green areas, such as mowing and far into the urban fabric of Amster- Biodiversity also comprises the pruning. dam, offering urban dwellers easy diversity of ecosystems (habitats) access to semi-wild green areas. where those species thrive. In Am- The City considers these ‘green sterdam there are around 10,000 Ecologic management gems’ as of unique value for different species of plants and A form of management that aims Amsterdam as they can be reached animals. to increase biodiversity and allow from anywhere in city within 15 flora and fauna to develop through minutes’ cycling. The parts of the supporting natural processes. The landscape that are closest to the Bioswale focus is not merely on maintaining city, that have penetrated deepest A bioswale is a ditch with vegeta- the existing quality of green space, into the urban fabric, are called the tion and porous material under- but actively transforming it towards ‘crests’ of the green gems. neath. A bioswale system gathers a different type of vegetation and stormwater runoff from roofs and wildlife. roads in gutters or ditches instead Green Network of sewers. The system buffers and Amsterdam’s green cycling routes filters rainwater into the ground. Embankment are being expanded into one A slope along a river (or canal) cycling network consisting of com- bank, road, railway, or dyke. Gently fortable routes through pleasant City-wide green infrastructure sloping banks offer great bene- green surroundings separated Green infrastructure whose value fits for biodiversity as they create from motorised traffic as much as and use transcends a single neigh- breeding grounds for birds and possible. The Green Network is bourhood, such as greenways, city shelter for small mammals. Another being implemented as part of the parks, or the landscape surround- benefit is that animals can easily Long-Term Bicycle Plan 2017-2022. ing the city. enter and exit the water.

74 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 recreation. It will be updated with Infrastructure that will partially Green Space Standard the publication of the Strategy on implement goals set out in existing A standard that indicates the Spatial Planning and the Environ- green infrastructure policy. The minimal amount of green space per ment. Urban developments locat- strategic placement plan will set neighbourhood or housing devel- ed within the Main Green Structure out a medium-to long-term strate- opment in order to create a liveable will be assessed according to the gy for green infrastructure projects city. In 2018 the green standards new policies currently in develop- and the funds will be integrated were developed as part of ‘Amster- ment. into the yearly municipal budget dam’s reference standards for cycle. social amenities, green space, and playgrounds’. These standards are Main Tree Structure applied in new urban development The Amsterdam Main Tree Struc- Urban agriculture plans and they distinguish between ture is a planning instrument that Small scale agriculture and food green space for use by people, and documents which trees are defin- initiatives by residents, community green space that provides ecosys- ing for the image of the city. organisations, or businesses in tem services. urban or peri-urban areas. Food production is often combined with Participation activities relating to knowledge ex- Habitat Participation happens when resi- change, raising awareness, health- The natural living environment of dents get involved in the political care, social cohesion, landscape plants and animals. processes of the City, contributing management, and recreation. to ideas, conversations, or actions. In the context of the Green In- High streets frastructure Vision, participation Wildlife corridor High streets are wide, busy streets specifically refers to conversations Wildlife corridors allow animals to in or between neighbourhoods that have been held with residents cross over, under or along an ob- such as Kinkerstraat, Weesper- and relevant organisations, and stacle such as a road or train track, straat, Wibautstraat, and their reactions during the official safely and undisturbed. Wildlife Utrechtsestraat. consultation period. corridors connect different urban areas to allow animals to move around the city better. Invasive species Public and private space Plant and animals that are not Public space is where everyone native to the Netherlands and form has the right to go. Every person a threat to native species. can enjoy green public space such as public gardens or city parks. Private space is owned by individ- Main Green Structure uals or organisations and is often The Main Green Structure is a not accessible for everyone like legal and planning instrument that courtyards or rooftops. documents which green areas are valuable for the city and its direct surroundings. These green Strategic placement plan for city- areas fulfil essential functions that wide green infrastructure improve living environments, water In the upcoming years, extra management, biodiversity, out- investments in social amenities are door recreation, food production, planned as the city expands, which heritage sites, and the total diver- includes investments in city-wide sity of the green space available. green infrastructure. The City of The Main Green Structure includes Amsterdam has commissioned the areas with the primary function of development of a Strategic Place- green infrastructure or outdoor ment Plan for City-wide Green

A liveable city for people, plants, and animals 75 Appendix 4 Bibliography

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Long term bicycle plan 2017-2022 2017, City of Amsterdam amsterdam.nl/en/policy/policy-traffic/policy-cycling

Main Green Structure Amsterdam 2011, City of Amsterdam amsterdam.nl/en/policy/policy-green-space

PlaNYC 2030 – A Greener Greater New York 2011, The City of New York adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/planyc-2030- a-greener-greater-new-york.html

Step 2025 Thematic Concept Green and Open Spaces 2015, City of Vienna wien.gv.at/stadtentwicklung/studien/pdf/b008440. pdf

Structural Vision for 2040 – Economically strong and sustainable 2011, City of Amsterdam amsterdam.nl/en/policy/urban-development

Twenty ideas for Integrating biodiversity in urban planning and development 2018, City of Amsterdam issuu.com/gemeenteamsterdam/docs/twenty_ ideas_for_integrating_biodiv

76 Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050

Colophon

Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 A liveable city for people, plants, and animals Released for public participation and advice by the College of Mayor and Alderpersons on 12 May 2020

Commissioner Deputy Mayor Laurens Ivens (Green and Public Space)

Department Department of Planning and Sustainability, City of Amsterdam

Project manager Geertje Wijten

Communications Tina Bakker

Translation Alex Pixley (Atelier Orlando) & Jack Eden

Design Lone Aarup Poulsen Visual Communication

Photography Beeldbank Amsterdam, P&S employees, or otherwise stated

With thanks to: All Amsterdam residents and employees of municipal departments who contributed to the realisation of the Amsterdam Green Infrastructure Vision 2050 amsterdam.nl/en/policy/policy-green-space amsterdam.nl/en/policy/policy-green-space