-Key Principles for Transformation
In South Africa, urban green spaces are essential catalysts for social cohesion and economic development. Inspired by successful initiatives like Heineken® ‘s Green Zones and supported by organizations like Greenpop, design principles guide the creation of vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces.
“In South Africa, urban green spaces are not just amenities; they are vital catalysts for social cohesion and economic development,” says Bhavna Mistry, Senior Brand Manager at Heineken®. She added “We have experienced first-hand the need for green spaces as well as the opportunities these spaces present. Filled with indigenous plants, and useful structures these green-lungs provide valuable, inspiring meeting spaces for community members.”
Chris Nash is Urban Greening Project Manager for Greenpop, who are the project partners for the Heineken® Green Zones. Green Pop have planted over 230,000 trees and greened over 400 urban spaces. Nash emphasises that green spaces need to be created to match the needs and expectations of the communities. He emphasises: “Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective community development. By working together, we can create spaces that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they serve in under developed communities.”
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaboration is essential for creating sustainable urban green spaces. Forge partnerships with local government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and community organisations to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. Together, collaborative efforts can enhance sustainability, impact, and long-term viability, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and investment in community development.
- Community Engagement and Ownership: Involve residents in the design process to ensure the space reflects their needs and aspirations. Empower them to take ownership of the green space through participatory decision-making and ongoing involvement in maintenance.
- Multi-functionality: Design green spaces that serve multiple purposes, such as community gardens that provide fresh produce, recreational areas for sports and leisure, and gathering spaces for meetings, events and socialising. This maximises utility and ensures the space remains relevant to diverse community needs.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that the green space is accessible to all members of the community, including people with disabilities. Incorporate universal design principles to accommodate various age groups, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, prioritise locations in the heart of residential areas to encourage usage by the neighbourhood and local residents.
- Sustainability and Resilience: Implement eco-friendly design elements such as rainwater harvesting, indigenous plantings, and renewable energy sources to minimise environmental impact and enhance resilience to climate change. Foster a sense of environmental stewardship by integrating educational components that promote sustainability practices.
- Art and Cultural Expression: Integrate public art installations and cultural elements that celebrate the community’s heritage and identity. Artistic interventions can beautify the space, stimulate creativity, and foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents. Additionally, incorporate drought-tolerant plants and species with local traditional uses, such as a medicinal garden, to not only conserve water but also reconnect residents with indigenous knowledge and practices, promoting cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
- Safety and Security: Design green spaces with safety in mind, incorporating lighting and visibility to create a welcoming environment that discourages crime and antisocial behaviour. Collaborate with local authorities and community organisations to implement ongoing safety initiatives and programming.
By adhering to these principles, urban green spaces in neglected communities in South Africa can become vibrant hubs of activity, connection, and empowerment, catalysing positive social, economic, and environmental change for residents.
About Heineken® Green Zones:
The Heineken® Green Zones Project aims to support under-resourced communities’ sustainable development by establishing accessible and inclusive urban green spaces across major South African cities. Phase 1 of the Heineken Green Zones project in 2024 will see 5 Green Zones being built in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Each Green Zone is designed to meet local community needs and includes indigenous gardens, grassy lawns, art by local artists, and complementary infrastructure to make these spaces functional, welcoming, and beautiful.
Who is Greenpop?
The Greenpop Foundation NPC is an award-winning registered non-profit organisation (NPO#: 151-411 NPO; PBO#: 930050622) headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. We work to restore ecosystems and empower environmental stewards through forest restoration, urban greening, and environmental awareness projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Greenpop was founded in 2010 and has since planted over 230,000 trees, greened over 400 urban spaces, and inspired over 350,000 active citizens across South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Apiwe Mjambane
Soweto Sunrise News
