A look back at ‘Green on Prescription’ – an event organised by the Regional Transition Platform

In collaboration with Maastricht City Council and the Province of Limburg, the Regional Transition Platform organised the ‘Groen op recept’ event on 1 July, together with researchers from various faculties. The event was attended by around 40 professionals from the region who work on topics such as sustainability transitions, green spaces, climate and/or health. They pooled their knowledge and expertise on the theme of ‘green spaces in the city’. This event took place as part of the Interreg project ‘Climate-Resilient Urban Green Spaces’.

Throughout the day, the value of green spaces in the city was explored from various perspectives. The chosen perspectives were human health, the health of the planet and ownership of green spaces. To explore these topics in greater depth, a number of working sessions were organised.

The following working sessions took place:

1. Green and healthy – do they go hand in hand? 
Session led by researcher Maud Huynen (SBE/Maastricht University)

This session highlighted the potential of green spaces to promote our ‘positive’ health. Through a workshop, we explored together what is needed in Limburg’s municipalities to make further use of these opportunities.

2. How can green spaces strengthen planetary health? 
Session led by researchers Pim Martens (FSE/Maastricht University) and Nicole Rijkens (SBE/Maastricht University)

In this session, planetary health served as the starting point for the dialogue. Following an inspiring introduction, concrete visions for the future and ideas were presented, which were then developed in a workshop tailored to the city of Maastricht. 

3. Who owns the green spaces in the city? 
Session led by researchers Mare Knibbe (FHML/Maastricht University) and Job Zomerplaag (Studio Europa/Maastricht University)

Creating green spaces in a neighbourhood is one thing. But who enjoys spending time there, and how do these green spaces become part of the shared public space? In this session, participants explored – based on research carried out in Maastricht’s neighbourhoods – how a sense of ownership of green spaces can grow, or conversely, fail to materialise. This took place not in a meeting room but outdoors in the Wittevrouwenveld neighbourhood.

4. Climate-Resilient Urban Green Spaces: Green Cities, Healthy Cities. 
Session led by Ellen Manders and Roy van Rijt (experts from the Kragten consultancy)

This session explored how the intelligent structure of forest soil can be used to strengthen urban green spaces and make them more resilient to heat, drought and heavy rain. Participants were introduced to the MultYlayer and Plant Concepts.  

Conclusion

It was an incredibly enjoyable and inspiring day. Virtually everyone came to the same conclusion: green spaces that promote human and planetary health are an important and topical issue in the region. There are many approaches on the table when it comes to greening towns and villages in the region. Sharing and learning from one another is crucial in this regard. The participants are looking forward to further collaboration!