Graz is becoming greener thanks to citizen participation
The idea behind the tree sponsorships is simple but very effective: with financial support from the people of Graz, new trees can be planted and cared for. These trees play a decisive role in the city's climate and the quality of life of its residents. Maria Nievoll and Tomas Stoisser, the two people responsible for the project from the City of Graz's Department of Green Spaces and Waters, emphasise the many benefits of trees for the urban environment. They provide shade, cool the air, combat climate change, improve air quality and even help to prevent flooding.
From €5 to a forest
The financial support provided by the tree sponsorships is flexible. Interested parties can choose from existing trees as well as new trees to be planted in spring and autumn. The financial contribution can be chosen at the sponsor's discretion, ranging from five euros for a small tree to 1,500 euros for a large tree. Sponsors can either find their personal favourite tree in the City of Graz's online tree register or consult the tree sponsorship list.
Graz goes green
As a thank you for their support, donors receive various forms of recognition depending on the amount of their contribution. These range from a certificate and an entry in the online cadastre map to a plaque on the tree itself. In spring 2024, various locations in Graz will be equipped with new trees, including the Murpromenade at Überfuhrgasse, Johann-Haiden-Gasse, the St. Vinzenz district sports ground, Köflacher Gasse, the Prochaskagasse green space and Brauhausstraße Süd.
The introduction of tree sponsorships in Graz is an encouraging example of citizen participation and shows how community initiatives can help to sustainably improve urban environments.
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Source: red, steiermark.ORF.at