vergroening

Vergroening is the process of increasing greenery and natural elements in urban and rural landscapes to improve environmental quality, resilience, and livability. It is applied through planning, design, policy, and community engagement.

It encompasses a range of measures: expanding and connecting green spaces such as parks and street trees; installing green roofs and vertical gardens; deploying green and blue infrastructure for water management (rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements); creating urban agriculture and allotments; restoring habitats and biodiversity; and integrating nature-based solutions into transport and housing.

Benefits include cooler cities, improved air and water quality, reduced flood risk, enhanced biodiversity, better mental and physical health, and potential economic and social benefits through increased attractiveness and property values and social cohesion.

Implementation often involves local and regional governments, housing associations, and private partners, with strategies like green space standards, zoning rules, and funding programs. Evaluation uses indicators such as green space per capita, canopy cover, biodiversity indices, and heat reduction.

Challenges include competing land uses, ongoing maintenance costs, funding sustainability, and ensuring equitable access so benefits reach all residents; there is also concern about green gentrification (groene gentrificatie) if greening is not inclusive or housing is displaced.

Vergroening is closely related to concepts such as green infrastructure, climate adaptation, and sustainability planning. It is commonly pursued in Dutch-speaking regions and internationally as part of broader urban resilience and sustainability agendas.