Ecosystem Revitalization: Transforming the Bucharest Botanical Garden into a Sustainable Biodiversity and Urban Education Hub
Project context
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Bucharest is facing rapid urban growth and various climate changes, which are putting pressure on natural resources and environmental quality. In this context, the Botanical Garden becomes a focal point for the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of a sustainable urban environment. At present, the Botanic Garden is facing some challenges related to maintaining an ecological balance in the perimeter of the lakes, as well as a degradation of the Historic Garden, where no development and maintenance investments have been made. Thus, considering the context of the project, synergies between biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban development will be achieved within the project. Through its contextual and integrated approach, the project addresses contemporary issues of the urban environment, providing a broad and sustainable vision for transforming the Bucharest Botanical Garden into a local and national focal point for recreation, environmental education and awareness.
What we want to achieve by implementing this project
The overall aim of the project is to achieve both an ecological reconstruction, an improvement of the quality of the lakes in the Botanical Garden and the rehabilitation of the Historic Garden by implementing a comprehensive set of activities. The main objective of the project is to restore and conserve the aquatic ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and establishing sustainable practices for water resources management.
Objective 1 - To ensure the conditions for the natural regeneration and development of the entire lake ecosystem of the Botanical Garden by 2025 by assessing the success of recolonisation and development of reintroduced species, and implementing corrective measures if necessary.
Objective 2 - Reduce water pollution levels by 50% by the end of 2024 , by implementing modern water treatment and filtration technologies.
Objective 3 - Increase the number of native plant species in lakes by 25% by 2025, by reintroducing and cultivating 20 species.
Objective 4 - Adequate expansion of 50% of the Historic Gardens sector by 2025 for visitor accessibility.
Objective 5 - Promote education and awareness of students on the importance of conserving lake ecosystems and the environment throughout the project through events, seminars, and volunteer activities for the local community.
The anticipated results of this project are:
1.Restoration of biodiversity: the project aims to restore the aquatic ecosystems of the Botanical Garden, contributing to an increase in local biodiversity. Positive results are anticipated in terms of increased numbers of plant and animal species specific to aquatic habitats, including the growth and diversification of endemic species, thus providing a more robust and balanced ecological environment around the lakes.
2.Habitat restoration: Protecting and restoring crucial habitats for different species, fostering biodiversity and natural ecology.
3.Improving water quality: By implementing the project, measures will be taken to reduce pollution and negative impacts on water quality, creating a favourable environment for aquatic plants and animals.
4.Increasing the attractiveness of the Botanical Garden: Through ecological reconstruction and redevelopment of the lakes, the Botanical Garden will become a more attractive place for visitors, providing a more picturesque and familiar setting. At the same time, by creating recreational spaces around the lakes, it is expected that the number of visitors and public interest in the Botanic Garden will increase significantly and the quality of life of the citizens will improve.
5.Raise awareness for environmental and biodiversity conservation: Raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation among the community and promote a sustainable model for similar projects in the future.
6.Community Awareness: Through the workshops and seminars to be organised, the aim is to provide an opportunity for a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of conservation of the environment and ecosystems, thereby increasing community awareness.
During and after the implementation of the project, community life will have a positive impact by:
-Increasing public awareness and involvement in environmental conservation.
-Increasing the number of aquatic plant and animal species, thus contributing to the natural diversity of Bucharest.
-Creating green and recreational spaces, offering an opportunity to relax and connect with nature in the middle of the city.
-Improving the quality of life of residents and their health through more balanced ecosystems.