Rethinking the city around nature: Ljubljana

This case study was first published at https://links.emf.org/3BI3uCN as part of the report Building Prosperity: Unlocking the Potential of a Nature-Positive, Circular Economy for Europe. Explore the full report to delve into all focus areas, strategies, and key recommendations, or browse the entire case study collection to see these strategies in action.

Strategy: Maximise – strategically increasing tree canopies

Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Like many cities across Europe, Ljubljana became polluted, choked with traffic, subject to intense urban heat islands, and less liveable as a result of rapid urbanisation in recent decades.

In 2007, the city published ‘Ljubljana 2025’, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary urban plan which centralised the expansion of greenblue spaces focusing on the use of tree canopies. Since 2010, more than 40,000 new trees have been planted across the city, and 120 hectares of new green park areas have been created, largely on former brownfield sites. Along a 34 km tree-lined avenue that encircles the city is a public orchard garden which has significantly improved liveability for citizens. A fruit tree plantation, along with an adventure trail and nectar garden, provides space for environmental conservation, physical activity, and social cohesion. The city also enhanced the Ljubljanica river’s ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and creating pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. An Ecological Zone was introduced to eliminate motorised traffic in the city centre, promoting public electric transportation and a bike-sharing scheme.

The city’s green initiatives have been funded through a mix of city budget, EU contributions, national funds, and public-private partnerships — demonstrating a successful collaborative financing approach for development that delivers both on social needs and environmental stewardship.

The gradual expansion of green spaces and elimination of motorised vehicles in the city centre has resulted in a green cover of 75% city-wide and a 58% reduction in carbon black air particulates. The expansion of green spaces has improved air quality, reduced temperatures, and enhanced citizen health. Ljubljana’s efforts to improve liveability for citizens were recognised when it won the European Green Capital Award in 2016, reflecting its commitment to meeting high environmental standards. Ljubljana is now working to further improve the quality of living through its 2030 Climate Neutrality Action Plan, as part of the EU’s 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities mission.