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Community gardenActiveSince 2013

Gradski vrtovi (Urban Gardens), Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia · Operator: ザグレブ市(Grad Zagreb)

Overview

Zagreb's municipal allotment scheme, launched by a mayoral decision on 4 April 2013, divides city-owned land into plots where residents grow vegetables, berries, herbs and flowers for their own use. It has spread to 16 locations — including Stenjevec, Novi Zagreb (east and west), Peščenica-Žitnjak, Sesvete, Trnje, Maksimir and Podsused-Vrapče — with more than 2,252 plots. The city issues a gardening manual that encourages organic practice.

Citizen participation

Open to Zagreb residents who do not own, co-own or rent other cultivable land. Applicants are ranked by a points system covering social status, veteran status, pensioner status and household size. Plots are granted free of charge for two years, renewable if kept in good order.

Operating model

A municipal programme: the city prepares its own land and lends plots to residents free of charge, providing shared tool sheds, composting stations, water tanks and seating.

Impact

Free two-year tenancies and an allocation rule weighted towards social need have given lower-income households, pensioners and large families access to growing space in the city. Shared areas with composting facilities and gathering space also host workshops and neighbourhood activities.

Land tenure

Free loan

Crops

  • 野菜
  • ベリー類
  • ハーブ
  • 花き

Scale

245,000 m²16カ所・約24.5ha、区画数2,252超。1区画は最大50㎡

In the media(1)

Web articles and features that cover this case.

Sources(1)

This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.

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Gradski vrtovi (Urban Gardens), Zagreb — Urban Farm DB