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Tackling the challenges of climate change or health burdens associated with increased urbanization, more and more attention is being paid to urban green spaces and urban gardening. The practice of growing plants in the city environments brings undoubted benefits to human well-being and the natural environment. Urban gardening is a powerful tool for improving individual and community well-being, particularly in densely populated urban areas where access to green spaces is limited. It fosters healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and a more sustainable environment, contributing to overall quality of life.
There is a growing amount of research exploring the benefits of urban gardening from different angles.
The research study [1], which aims to explore the mental, social, and physical health benefits of participation in an urban community garden in Edmontond (Canada), revealed that spending time at the community garden improved the respondents' mental health, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their social health was improved through gathering with other garden members, connecting with nature. This study, like other studies [2-4] supports the idea that participation in an urban community garden confers health benefits and engenders a greater awareness and appreciation for the local environment and forms an important part of the planetary health framework.
The study [5] performed in Singapore, a high-density urbanised area, provided novel understanding, that despite similar levels of perceived stress, the community gardeners have higher levels of subjective well-being than the individual/home gardening.
A unique, urban gardening site in Lithuania has been investigated recently. It is community gardening on a First World War heritage site where nature, history and culture coexist in harmony. Nonprofit, non-governmental organisation “Kulturos dirbtuve” over a period of 5 years has helped to preserve this unique place, where at least 160 gardeners of all ages currently grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in the urban gardening ecosystem in Šilainiai, Kaunas city, Lithuania. The Educational Raised Bed Program (ERBP) that was developed as part of Silainiai Urban Garden initiative has become one of the first experiences of gardening for many Kaunas citizens, providing space and support for developing gardening skills.
The area, the physical space that has been developed over the last 5 years, was investigated from the Life Cycle Assessment and Ecosystem services perspectives. The results of the Integrated Ecosystem Services Assessment in Silainiai Gardens showed that Silainiai urban gardens provides significant cultural Ecosystem Services: cultural significance area (Fort No. 8) and residential area with a unique combination of horticulture; educational activities; close social links and sharing of traditions and experiences. The provision of Ecosystem Services is also significant due to: recreational value (especially for older people); outdoor activities, and the ability to experience nature in the city; food and other grown products (not the highest priority).
Supportive and regulating Ecosystem Services are less pronounced, but these are the areas where there is potential for more detailed research and new activities, investments or improvements to existing activities that will not only help to utilise the Ecosystem Services offered by the area, but also the introduction of anthropogenic solutions that will make a positive contribution in all areas of sustainable development: for people, the environment, the economy and culture.
Life Cycle Assessment results showed low carbon footprint of ERBP as well as the high potential of carbon sequestration not only in the urban garden spaces, but also in the full Fort no. 8 area. Based on international studies, more benefits for climate change mitigation have been identified, for example - the dietary changes linked to social activities and education in gardens have been shown to reduce the impacts of climate change (especially meat consumption).
The diagnosis consisting of Life Cycle Assessment and Ecosystem Services perspectives will allow for NGO “Kulturos dirbtuve” to expand the ERBP and improve its physical design based on evidence. It will also allow NGO to communicate their positive impact and value of the ERBP more clearly. Science based analysis will enable NGO to be better advocates for the expansion of urban gardening practice, which is still under threat in Lithuania. Using this analysis to further develop educational activities will create unique social learning experiences for Kaunas gardeners, their network and the stakeholders. The work was funded by the EU SUAVE Project.
NGO Kultūros Dirbtuvė carries out other projects and activities, which actively contribute to the (re)creation of sustainable cities and communities. Plačiau su veiklomis galima susipažinti jų tinklapyje. For more information on the activities, visit their website: https://kulturosdirbtuve.lt/about-us-to-publish/.
Authors:
Evelina Simkute, NGO Kulturos Dirbtuve
Daina Kliaugaite, Kaunas University of Technology
References:
Image Source: NGO “Kulturos Dirbtuve”
Publication Date: 07.10.2024
DISCLAIMER:
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.
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