Prague Invests 24 Million CZK in Sustainable Urban Initiatives
The city council of Prague has approved funding amounting to 23.7 million CZK aimed at enhancing green spaces and revitalizing water features throughout the municipal districts of the city.
This financial support will assist in various projects, such as planting new trees, developing flower-rich meadows, and restoring courtyards and ponds.
A total of sixteen projects across thirteen different districts will receive these subsidies. The selection process was open to all districts, with experts assessing each project based on their readiness and feasibility for implementation.
These initiatives are part of Prague’s broader environmental strategy laid out in the Climate Plan, which received approval in 2021. According to information on the Prague Zero Emissions Mission website, this plan commits the city to achieving a 45% decrease in CO₂ emissions by the year 2030, with a focus on five key areas: energy, buildings, transportation, the circular economy, and climate adaptation.
With the adoption of the Climate Plan, Prague has made a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels in energy production, transportation, and industrial activities.
“Implementing the Climate Plan requires cooperation among various sectors, and the city districts play a crucial role in this mission,” stated Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Climate Plan Jana Komrsková. “The subsidies enable districts to carry out projects that residents will appreciate in the near future. These projects include introducing a new water feature in Jezerka Park in Prague 4, as well as revitalizing courtyards, tree planting, and establishing meadows for pollinators.”
One notable project involves restoring a currently dysfunctional pond and stream located in Jezerka Park, with a projected cost of 8 million CZK. According to the Strategy for Adaptation of the Capital City of Prague to Climate Change, this revitalization will naturally help to cool the surrounding environment, improve rainwater management, and enhance the park’s recreational appeal.
Other districts have already begun similar initiatives. Flower-rich meadows have been established in Prague 2, 4, and 12, and new trees were planted last year in Prague 2 and Prague 7.
In the future, City Hall intends to plant 900 new trees, carefully choosing species that are more resistant to heatwaves and drought conditions, which are anticipated to become more common due to climate change. A press release from City Hall indicates that the selected species include varieties that are not widely planted in the Czech Republic and have been specifically chosen for their resilience to shifting climate conditions.
