In recent years, urban parks have stood out as important social and leisure spaces in major cities around the world. Equipped with a variety of flora and fauna, as well as infrastructure suitable for recreational activities, these places play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for urban residents.
What is green infrastructure?
Green infrastructure can be broadly defined as a network of healthy, well-managed natural and semi-natural areas that serve the interests of people by providing a wide range of ecosystem services and protecting biodiversity in rural and urban environments.
More specifically, green infrastructure aims to enhance nature's ability to provide multiple goods and services, such as clean air or drinking water.
At the local scale, the types of physical elements that contribute to green infrastructure can include parks rich in biodiversity, gardens, green roofs, ponds, watercourses, woodlands, hedges, meadows, renovated industrial spaces, and coastal dunes, if they provide various ecosystem services.
A notable example is the Green Infrastructure Park, located in the city of Beira, Sofala province, in the center of the country. With its vast hectares of green area, covering an extension of 45,000 square meters, encompassing the neighborhoods of Chaimite and Ponta Gea, the park offers a tranquil retreat for citizens. Moreover, the project can also ensure better management of the waters of the Chiveve River and minimize floods that in all rainy seasons affected about 30,000 families.
The Green Infrastructure Park of Beira, inaugurated on December 21, 2022, is a climate change adaptation project that aims to improve the city's natural drainage through investments in green infrastructure and incorporating solutions to increase the city's resilience to climate change, improving flood control. It preserves the ecosystem of nature and, beyond climate issues, is an important tourist attraction in the city.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a privileged view along the 3.5 km of the Chiveve River. The park includes buildings for exhibitions, a restaurant, a market, an outdoor amphitheater, a botanical building, and gardens.
What do visitors to the green infrastructure park say?
Since its inauguration, the Beira Green Infrastructure Park has received visitors from all corners of Sofala province, as well as people from various parts of the country and some from neighboring countries.
Indeed, visiting the park leaves a mark on those who decide to pay a visit.
Mozavibe went to hear some testimonials and shares them with you below:
"Visiting the Green Infrastructure Park was an incredible experience. The natural beauty of the place is simply breathtaking. The trees, the well-kept lawn, and the colorful playgrounds create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It was wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy nature right in the heart of the city," Ana Amudo.
"As a nature lover, I was impressed by the biodiversity of the Green Infrastructure Park. I was able to observe a wide variety of birds, butterflies, and other fauna species while walking along the trails. Additionally, the leisure facilities, such as the picnic areas and playgrounds, made the outing even more enjoyable for the whole family," Nelson Lourenço.
"The Green Infrastructure Park is an oasis in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. The combination of lush green areas with modern architectural structures creates a unique and charming environment. I spent hours exploring the gardens, taking a break for a picnic, and simply absorbing the beauty of the place. I will definitely come back," Sofia.
These testimonials reflect the diversity of experiences and impressions that people have when visiting the Green Infrastructure Park. From appreciating the natural beauty to valuing the recreational facilities, the park offers a variety of positive experiences for its visitors.
The Urban Park plays a vital role in urban life, providing an essential green space for recreation, environmental preservation, education, and well-being. By continuing to invest in its maintenance and development, we can ensure that this valuable resource continues to enrich the lives of our community and future generations.
It is worth noting that the Beira Green Infrastructure Park is more than a physical space; it is a testament to the country's commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and quality of life.
By Cláudia Sainda
