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Description
Main project activity: implementation of ecological adaptation and mitigation measures, which consist in the greening of selected paved areas. These are 14 locations with non-functional and unused areas (unused asphalt playgrounds) with a total area of 4,599 m2 in both cadastral territories of the Poruba district (Poruba, Poruba - north) and their replacement by residential greenery. The selected areas no longer fulfill the functions that were built in the past and actually now act as heat islands in the urban district. Greening will be provided by grass, complemented also by beds of perennials, shrubs and trees in appropriate places. Probes were carried out for the affected areas with the aim of determining the thickness of the individual layers and thus optimally establishing the demands for future resources necessary for their removal. The removal of paved surfaces must be carried out in the entire height of the profile, otherwise it would not be guaranteed that the planted or sown greenery could thrive as expected.
Summary of project results
The implementation of the project was important from many points of view: Poruba has been troubled by many asphalt areas that are not being used. It used to be mostly playgrounds. Due to their age (they were created continuously since the 60s of the last century), the surfaces are cracked, uneven, and unusable. Asphalt surfaces, against which the sun rests in the summer, create heat islands that unnecessarily increase the temperature and act as a hearth - and this is a problem in the inner city. Since Poruba wants to be a pleasant and sustainable place to live, which means taking care of its surroundings, we set ourselves the goal of limiting this and thus improving the local microclimate, at the same time improving the infiltration of rainwater and reducing dust. The new greenery, which is not limited to grass, will provide a haven for small fauna. This was achieved and 14 areas with a total area of 4599 m2 were greened. The fundamental question was how demanding the entire project would be, therefore, as part of the preparations, probes were made on each surface, it turned out that in some places the concrete layer was as much as half a meter. Everything was removed and we replaced the concrete and asphalt with high-quality soil.
The physical implementation of the project was ensured by the municipal company in the form of vertical cooperation, so-called in-house. In accordance with the plan, we modified 4,599 m2 of space. In this way, we fulfilled the purpose of the project to create and improve the quality of the affected areas and to create conditions that will be felt by the immediate surroundings as well. Over time, as the vegetation strengthens and grows, the positive effects on the environment will also be reinforced. The activities of the Communication Plan were implemented simultaneously, the evaluation of which is in a separate appendix. The activities fulfilled the purpose of promoting the Norwegian Funds, the project, and we also prepared activities especially for children that strengthen their relationship with nature (workshops with planting flowers in flowerpots, organized tree planting by children from kindergartens, i.e. activities that strengthen an individual''s relationship with nature in a fun way even in an urban environment.
We removed approximately 3,500 tons of material and replaced it with 1,950 tons of earth. We used approximately 91 kg of seeds to green an area of 4599 m2, planted 102 trees, 1250 lavenders and 9 bushes.
We placed a billboard at the work site, or information signs. We placed a commemorative plaque in the entrance area of the town hall. We also held 2 press conferences, promoted the project in the media and on social networks, produced videos about individual locations, including a time-lapse video, and prepared an exhibition about the project in the center of Poruba. As part of important events (Experience Poruba differently, Earth Day), we prepared a stand and a flower workshop. A professional photographer provided high-quality photos that served as a source of information for the web, networks, and for the production of panels. At the events where the project was promoted, we distributed prepared promotional items.
The project itself attracted interest, reports were broadcast in the media space by e.g. TV Polar or Czech Television.
The project is an investment in the future, its effects will gain strength over time. The lawn will provide a place for microfauna to live, trees and shrubs for small fauna. The climate will become more pleasant and areas will be provided with natural shading. The water regime will improve, moisture will be retained in the soil longer and WATER IS LIFE.