As cities around the world strive to become more sustainable, Adelaide and Singapore stand out as prime examples of green urban innovation. Both cities will be highlighted at the upcoming Future Green City World Congress, taking place from September 23-26, 2024, in Utrecht, where they will showcase their distinct approaches to integrating nature into densely populated urban areas. Siew Leng Fun, Head of Urban Design in Singapore, and Sheryn Pitman, a leader behind the National Park City movement in Adelaide, will discuss the strategies their cities have adopted to improve biodiversity, enhance well-being, and foster stronger community involvement. Singapore’s renowned “Gardens by the Bay” and its vertical greenery demonstrate how even the most built-up environments can embrace nature, while Adelaide’s expansive parklands and green corridors offer a unique contrast, illustrating how space and biodiversity can coexist in a sprawling city.
Both cities emphasize the importance of urban green policies, but their paths to success differ. Singapore benefits from a dense, urban layout paired with favourable tropical conditions, while Adelaide takes advantage of its lower population density and historic green structures. Yet, despite these differences, the cities share a common goal: to create healthier, more livable urban spaces for their residents. This shared commitment to sustainability is inspiring other cities, like Breda and Rotterdam, to follow suit, as they too aim to become National Park Cities.
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