U-Garden

Our researcher Noelia Fernández Salido attended as a speaker at the 17th European Conference on Public Health 2024 held in Lisbon to present some of the results obtained from our European project U-GARDEN. ?? The outcomes endorse the importance of implementing innovative strategies that promote participation in urban gardens as a tool to improve the well-being and general health of older people, effectively addressing some of the main challenges of ageing, such as unwanted loneliness, frailty syndrome and disability, in order to alleviate the socio-health and economic consequences of population ageing that constitute a global challenge for public health. ?????????? #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #biodiversity #localfarming #organicfarming #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs

During the summer our Polish team began working on the shared garden with the local community of the Muranów district of Warsaw. ????♀???♂? Here you can see their first walk close to Mi?a street, during which residents talked about their needs and the heritage of the place. Working with drawings and maps - they set directions for future actions together! ?? #ugardenproject?#ugardeneu?#urbangardens?#gardening?#urbangarden?#ugarden?#sustainablegardening?#biodiversity?#localfarming?#organicfarming?#urbaneurope?#urbanfuture?#greencities?#greencity?#urbanlivinglabs

What are local seed farms and living genebanks? ?? Although similar, a local seed farm focuses on cultivating and maintaining locally adapted seed varieties, while a living genebank aims to preserve genetic diversity within plant species that are important in agriculture. ?? A seedfarm will contribute to the resilience and sustainability of regional agriculture, by cultivating diverse seeds that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Its purpose is to promote the use of locally sourced seeds that contribute to a sustainable agriculture, reduce dependence on external seed sources, and foster a sense of community resilience. ?? A living genebank assures the continuing cultivation and multiplication of diverse and rich plant species that are important in agriculture. They play an important role in protecting the foundation of our food systems by preserving the genetic diversity required to generate crops that can thrive in a variety of environments, resist pests, and fight illnesses. They both collaborate with local communities, farmers, agricultural experts, and researchers to preserve these plant species. ?????????? Find out more in our research paper, in bio - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6 #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #regenerativeagriculture #sustainableagriculture #localfarming #livinggeneback #seedfarm #localseedfarm #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs #socialwelfare #communitybuilding #sustainable

???? Marine allotments are a novel method to coastal agriculture, concentrating on the growth of diverse bivalve mollusks, such as oysters, mussels, and clams, as well as Eukaryota seaweeds. Marine allotments promote the sharing of resources and knowledge to ensure sustainable and responsible farming methods. They help preserve marine habitats and biodiversity while providing a sustainable source of seafood and seaweed products. Seaweeds assist in carbon sequestration and provide habitat for marine life, and contribute to nutrient cycling, while bivalve mollusks aid in water filtering and purification. Algae absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus, contributing positively to the ocean's well-being and it also mitigates potential eutrophication. This is also an economically viable practice in coastal communities. Moreover, marine allotments serve the purpose of fostering understanding about the sustainable utilisation of the sea and its resources. Many individuals may not be familiar with the culinary uses of algae and the methods involved. By involving diverse groups such as tourists, schools, and restaurants, these allotments become a valuable platform for disseminating knowledge about the practical and sustainable utilisation of marine resources. Find out more in our research paper - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6 #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #marineallotments #biodiversity #sustainablesea #sustainableocean #sustainableaquaculture #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicfarming #organicseaweeds #organicgseafood #biofood #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs

???? Vertical farming is a cutting-edge agricultural approach in which crops are grown in vertically stacked layers that frequently incorporates controlled-environment agriculture and soilless farming techniques like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. Because of its ability to address several difficulties connected with traditional agriculture, this revolutionary farming strategy has acquired great traction globally. ?? When compared to typical farms, vertical farming technologies confront economic challenges. A "hypothetical 10 level vertical farm" in Victoria, Australia, would cost nearly 850 times more per square metre of fertile land than a regular farm in rural Victoria. Vertical farms also have high energy requirements due to the usage of supplemental lighting such as LEDs. Furthermore, if non-renewable energy is used to meet these energy demands, vertical farms may pollute the environment more than typical farms or greenhouses. In order for vertical farms to be successful financially, high-value crops must be grown since traditional farms provide low-value crops like wheat at cheaper costs than vertical farms. ?????? ?? Despite these obstacles, vertical farming has several advantages: ?? improved agricultural output with a less unit amount of land required ?? enhanced ability to develop a wider range of crops at once because crops do not share the same plots of land when growing ?? indoor vertical farms allow for year-round growing, decreasing the impact of seasonal variations and ensuring a steady supply of fresh vegetables ?? growing methods sometimes include hydroponics or aeroponics, which use substantially less water than typical soil-based farming and thus contribute to water conservation ?? limited land use, resulting in protection of the indigenous flora and wildlife. Find out more about urban garden practices in bio. https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6 #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #verticalfarming #verticalgardens #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicgardening #organicfarming #organicfood #organicgardening

Rooftop farming is a popular form of urban agriculture. This involves growing food on the roofs of buildings, which can be a great way to utilise unused space in cities. Rooftop gardens provide numerous benefits, including reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and providing food for the local community. ????? #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #rooftopfarming #rooftopgardens #biodiversity #sustainableagriculture #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicgardening #organicfarming #organicfood #organicgardening #biofood #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs Find out more about urban garden practices in our research paper - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6

Community gardens are a popular form of urban agriculture, where groups of people come together to grow food in a shared space. They provide a space to share knowledge, and grow food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. ???? These gardens can be found in a variety of locations, including public parks, schoolyards, and unused plots of land. The commitment to establishing connections among people is at the heart of the community garden concept. Beyond the act of growing food, these gardens serve as communal gathering places for people from many backgrounds to come together, share knowledge, and collaboratively nurture the planet. This collaborative method not only promotes sustainable food cultivation, but it also fosters a sense of connection and shared responsibility. Community gardens contribute to biodiversity, improve local ecosystems, and decrease the urban heat island effect as pockets of greenery inside urban settings. Composting and organic gardening, for example, demonstrate a dedication to environmental care within these community-driven efforts. ?? Community gardens also provide an easy way to cultivate their own fresh vegetables, encouraging local food resilience and lowering reliance on centralised food systems. This not only improves food security but also promotes a healthy lifestyle by making nutritious, local products more accessible. ?????? As cities evolve, community gardens serve as models of sustainable and inclusive urban agriculture, providing a template for building resilient, interconnected communities. #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #communitygardens #biodiversity #community #compost #sustainableagriculture #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicgardening #organicfarming #organicfood #organicgardening #biofood #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs Find out more about urban garden practices in our research paper - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6

Aquaponics is a type of sustainable farming where fish are raised in tanks and their waste, in the form of ammonia, acts as a nutrition source for plants. This closed-loop system converts ammonia to nitrites and nitrates, which are necessary for plant growth. The cleansed water is returned to the fish tank, establishing a healthy link between fish and plants. ???? Aquaponics has a number of advantages: ?? Resource Efficiency: Aquaponics consumes less water than traditional agriculture since it is a closed-loop system in which water is recirculated between fish tanks and plant beds. ?? Lower Environmental Impact: The method reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides, encouraging environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices. ?? Nutrient Recycling: Fish waste is a natural source of nutrients for plants. Beneficial bacteria turn fish waste into nitrates, which are necessary for plant growth. ?? Year-Round Growing: Aquaponics systems can be used indoors or in greenhouses, allowing for year-round growing regardless of the weather. ?? Space Efficiency: Vertical and stacked aquaponics systems maximise space utilisation, making them ideal for urban farming where available land is limited. ?? Community and Educational Opportunities: Aquaponics systems can be used to educate people about sustainable agriculture. They can be implemented into schools, community centres, and urban settings to enhance food production learning. What do you think of this innovative technique? #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #aquaponics #sustainableagriculture #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicgardening #organicfarming #organicfood #biofood #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs Find out more about urban garden practices in our research paper - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6 Image source: https://lnkd.in/dYSRuswm

Agroforestry is the practice of integrating trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants into urban agriculture systems, with the aim of creating more productive, resilient, and sustainable food production systems. ???? Trees and other perennial plants are often used as windbreaks, shade providers, and nutrient cyclers, while also producing fruits, nuts, or other valuable crops. They may be interplanted with annual crops, such as vegetables or grains, or integrated with animal husbandry practices, such as poultry or small livestock. ?? By integrating perennial plants into urban agriculture systems, agroforestry can help to promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide multiple benefits for urban residents and communities. ?? One example of agroforestry is “Parken Eklund” in the city of ?rebro, Sweden. The city of ?rebro transformed a “normal park with a play area” into a park that integrated food production and woody perennials into the park. This type of agroforestry system is called “forest gardens”. ??? Find out more about urban garden practices in our research paper by Anna Ternell - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6 #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #agroforestry #agroforestryeurope #forestry #sustainableagriculture #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicgardening #organicfarming #organicfood #biofood #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs

Today, more than half of the global population lives in urban areas, and this is expected to reach 75% in the next fifty years. Addressing farming and food production in the cities is essential in order to meet demand for food. ?????? However, this is one of the most difficult global challenges, as agricultural land is frequently transformed for urban growth, resulting in land use disputes. Also, pollution from urban activities can have an impact on air and water quality, thereby impacting crop health. Moreover, urbanization can contribute to the loss of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. This can have a severe impact on ecosystems, especially those that sustain pollinators, which are crucial for food production. ?? To properly address the problems and the climate crisis, we must incorporate greening cities into design methods, and urban farming must play a role in how cities meet at least a portion of their food needs. ????? Sustainable, multifunctional, organic, and precision agriculture production and food processing can help to create the necessary conditions. Several initiatives have proved successful and suggest that specific innovative models can establish synergies between agriculture, urban farming and the city, aiming to address food growing in urban environments. ?? We will further discuss these practices in the following posts. Until then, you can read the full research paper, here - https://lnkd.in/dFD28nZ6 #ugardenproject #ugardeneu #urbangardens #gardening #urbangarden #ugarden #sustainablegardening #regenerativeagriculture #sustainableagriculture #marketgardening #localfarming #seazonalfood #organicgardening #organicfarming #organicfood #biofood #urbaneurope #urbanfuture #greencities #greencity #urbanlivinglabs #communitybuilding #sustainable