1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Bratislava
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Reštaurácia Park Gaštanica
Short description of the intervention
The revitalisation of the park Gaštanica Koliba in Bratislava Nove Mesto is intended to stop the degradation of its ecosystem, preserving existing vegetation while improving the local climate and efficient use of rainwater. Over 100 trees were treated, including some of the local population of chestnut trees. A local seepage pit was installed to retain water both to the benefit of the local vegetation as well as to prevent erosion and landslides. The park has also been fitted with recreational facilities and is now illuminated to improve its accessibility for the local population. (7, 8, 9)
Address

Jeséniova 2385/41A
Nové Mesto
831 01 Bratislava
Slovakia

Location
The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
Google maps. Available at: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Park+Ga%C5%A1tanica/@48.1688792,17.1039625,306m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x476c8c03b1b384dd:0x3e3672ad852b5e9c!8m2!3d48.169102!4d17.1043435. Accessed on 30th October, 2020.
It's not possible to identify the limits of the park.
Total area
5000.00m²
NBS area
5000.00m²
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Public Greenspace Area
Website of the intervention
http://bratislavazelenajsa.sk/?page_id=20&lang=en
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2013
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
unknown
End date of the intervention
2017
Present stage of the intervention
Completed
Goals of the intervention
The revitalisation of the park Gaštanica Koliba in Bratislava Nove Mesto is intended to stop the degradation of its ecosystem, preserving existing vegetation while improving the local climate and efficient use of rainwater. The objectives included treating 140 trees, including some of the local population of chestnut trees, to install a local seepage pit to retain water both to the benefit of the local vegetation as well as to prevent erosion and landslides. Also, to fit with recreational facilities and to improve the lighting for better accessibility for the local population. (8)
Quantitative targets
- 140 trees treated
- 29 new trees added (Netherland chestnuts, as well as oak and hornbeam)
- implemented across a 5000 square meter park (8)
Monitoring indicators defined
Number of trees treated or added (8).
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Water management (SDG 6)
Stormwater and rainfall management and storage
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Habitat and biodiversity restoration
Green space creation and/or management
Environmental quality
Air quality improvement
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Species-focused
Ecosystem-focused
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems
Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified)
Restore valued species
Implementation activities
Benches, litter bins, lamps, playground, fitness machines, exercise, running tracks for dogs and sidewalks with water permeable concrete were included among other recreational and ecological facilities. The permeable surfaces ensure that rainwater does not flow away from the park, but is permeable to water in the subsoil. In addition, in the Gaštanica were seepage pits installed to hold water and then release it gradually into the soil and the roots of trees. Radically diseased trees were felled and burned while more than 140 trees were treated, making room for subsequent planting. It also included:
- 140 trees treated
- 29 new trees added (Netherland chestnuts, as well as oak and hornbeam)
- implemented across a 5000 square meter park (8)
Type of NBS project
Maintenance and management of urban nature
Ecological restoration of ecosystems
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Parks and urban forests
Large urban parks or forests
Green areas for water management
Sustainable urban drainage systems
What is the level of innovation / development of the NBS related to water management?
Low: Simple rain water collection intervention (rain garden, local seepage pit) or simple permeable areas
Vegetation Type
Trees
Please specify how many trees were planted
140 trees were treated and 29 new were added
Amenities offered by the NBS
Benches and drinking water stations
Playgrounds
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Local climate regulation (temperature reduction)
Air quality regulation
Cultural services
Tourism
Recreation
Mental and physical health and wellbeing
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiaries
Local government/Municipality
Governance
Governance arrangements
Co-governance with government and non-government actors
Non-government actors
Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital)
Researchers, university
Coalition with multiple of the above
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
Bratislava City Office provides overall coordination of the pan-project named "Bratislava is preparing for climate change - pilot application of the measures in the field of sustainable rainwater". Apart from the city districts, cooperation on the project was sought with the Bratislava Regional Conservation Association, Bratislava Water Company, City Committee of Slovak Nature and Landscape Conservation Union, City Forest in Bratislava, Comenius University in Bratislava, Nature Sciences Faculty to involve them in the plans. The Norwegian partner COWI was involved because of its experience in the field and to underline the spirit of the EEA Grants and Norway Grants regarding international cooperation. (1, 3, 5, 6)
Key actors - initiating organization
Local government/municipality
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Multilateral organisation
Local government/municipality
Non-government organisation/civil society
Private sector/corporate actor/company
Researchers/university
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Participatory methods/forms of community involvement used
Unknown
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
The NBS is as part of the project ‘Bratislava is preparing for climate change’ a practical contribution to the implementation of the City of Bratislava's prepared and approved Adaptation Action Plan. (1, 2, 5, 6)
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Voluntary (spontaneous)
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
This NBS relates to the 2007-2015 and 2016-2020 Programme of Economic and Social Development (PESD) in operating of green infrastructure, management of rainwater, energy efficiency, and sustainable transport. It was approved for the period 2016-2020 by the City Office of Bratislava in relation to its role in initiating the project ‘Bratislava is preparing for climate change’. (13)
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
City specific climate change policy or plan
Urban redevelopment plan
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The European Commission's DG Climate Action commissioned the 2012-2013 ‘EU Cities Adapt project’ via a consortium led by Ricardo-AEA and ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) aiming at capacity building for adaptation strategies for European cities. The working group for Bratislava identified the climate risks of the city, engaged external stakeholders and developed a draft adaptation strategy. This was the basis of the proposal to apply for EEA Grants. (1, 12)
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-financing governance arrangements
Yes
Co-governance arrangement
An association
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Set up for multiple NBS interventions, including this one
Financing
Total cost
€100,000 - €500,000
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
€330,000 (85% from the EEA and Norway Grants and 15% from the City Office of Bratislava) (8)
Source(s) of funding
Public local authority budget
Other
Please specify other source of funding
EEA and Norway Grants
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)
Non-financial contribution
Yes
Type of non-financial contribution
Provision of labour
Who provided the non-financial contribution?
Public authorities (e.g. land, utility services)
Business models
Green densification model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Type of innovation
Unknown
Novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Environmental quality
Improved air quality
Improved soil quality
Water management and blue areas
Improved stormwater management
Green space and habitat
Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems
Reduced biodiversity loss
Description of environmental benefits
1. The new trees planted prevented soil erosion in the area.
2. The infiltration trenches built keep rainwater in the area and prevent it from running into surrounding communications and into the built-up areas below the orchard.
3. The water-permeable concrete, which contributes to the reduction of the surface runoff especially during extreme precipitation, and prevents the accumulation of rainwater. In addition to the
4. Alongside chestnut plantation, the project included oaks and hornbeams, which together has provided a cool surrounding in the park with their shade and decreased the temperature. This also helped in controlling the microclimate of the area and improved the air quality. 5. A total of 140 chestnut trees were treated from the fungus infection and 29 new were added. (10, 11, 13)
Economic impacts
Unknown
Description of economic benefits
Unknown
Social and cultural impacts
Safety
Increased perception of safety
Social justice and cohesion
Improved access to urban green space
Health and wellbeing
Improved mental health
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Cultural heritage and sense of place
Protection of historic and cultural landscape / infrastructure
Description of social and cultural benefits
1. It provided a relaxation zone for the residents with spring swings, slide, fitness elements for adults, benches, sitting under trees.
2. Newly installed information board provides the visitors with guidance.
3. It has increased the accessibility with a barrier-free entrance.
4. The park is completely lit, which provides the residents with a perception of safety.
5. Provides a place for dog owners with a paddock for dogs.
6. The intervention has restored the long back chestnut hut (the park is called so) to the people. (9, 11, 13)
Type of reported impacts
Achieved impacts
Indicators
Number of trees planted, number of trees treated, number of increased visitors and rainwater collection capacity. (8, 10, 11)
Environmental, social and economic impacts
Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Water management (SDG 6)
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Environmental quality
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
No information available
Environmental justice: The implementation of the NBS project resulted in ...
Improved access to green and/or blue spaces
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
Unknown as of October, 2020.
Methods of impact monitoring
Process of recording NBS impacts
Collection of monitoring data at specific time intervals during the project to aid evaluation
Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
Observation (including virtual surveillance methods)
Where can this data be accessed? Please include a link to a report or web-page.
http://bratislavazelenajsa.sk/?page_id=20&lang=en
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Unknown
Presence of indicators used in reporting
No evidence in public records
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Please specify other modes of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
According to email correspondence: participatory workshops were organized with public and citizens living in the areas where pilot project were realised (the public participated on the design and chose the most fitting functions for the new designs).
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
Web links relevant to the intervention
(1) EEA grants supporting the city of Bratislava to implement climate adaptatio…
(2) Zelena Architektura
(3) EEA Grants and Norway Grants
(4) RESIN: IVAVIA: Risk-Based Vulnerability Assessment Using IVAVIA
(5) City Of Bratislava Is Preparing To The Climate Change – The Pilot Applicati…
(6) Adapation to Climate Change - Flood and Drought Prevention
(7) Bratislava, zelenaj sa!
(8) Koliba have new park
Documents relevant to the intervention
Attachment Size
(9) Bratislava Zelenaj sa Leaflet (648.65 KB) 648.65 KB
(10) RESIN: City Assessment Report Bratislava (1.69 MB) 1.69 MB
(11) 4th Meeting of the Carpathian Convention Working Group on Adaptation to Climate Change (416.07 KB) 416.07 KB
(12) EU cities adapt - Adaptation Strategies for European Cities: Final Report (2013) (4.9 MB) 4.9 MB
(13) RESIN: City Assessment Report Bratislava. Bratislava. (1.69 MB) 1.69 MB
List of references
(1) Rehackova,Tamara. (2016). EEA grants supporting the city of Bratislava to implement climate adaptation measures. Retrieved from http://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/case-studies/eea-grants-supporting-the-city-of-bratislava-to-implement-climate-adaptation-measures on 30th October, 2020.
(2) Zelena Architektura. (2015). Bratislava sa pripravuje na zmenu klímy. Retrieved from http://www.zelenarchitektura.sk/2015/06/bratislava-sa-pripravuje-na-zmenu-klimy/ on 30th October, 2020.
(3) EEA Grants and Norway Grants. [no date]. Who we are. Retrieved from http://eeagrants.org/Who-we-are on 30th October, 2020.
(4) EEA Grants and Norway Grants. [no date]. City Of Bratislava Is Preparing To The Climate Change – The Pilot Application Of The Measures In The Field Of The Sustainable Rainwater Management In Urban Area. Retrieved from http://eeagrants.org/project-portal/project/SK02-0005 on 30th October, 2020.
(5) EEA Grants and Norway Grants. (2012). Adapation to Climate Change - Flood and Drought Prevention. Retrieved from http://eeagrants.org/programme/view/SK02/SK02-0005 on 30th October, 2020.
(6) Záhorová, Ľubomíra. (2017). Bratislava, zelenaj sa! Retrieved from http://www.inba.sk/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=600185&id=3415 on 30th October, 2020.
(7) SITA. (2017). Obnovený park Gaštanica na Kolibe chcú otvoriť v máji. Retrieved from http://www.zenskyweb.sk/clanok/36690-obnoveny-park-gastanica-na-kolibe-chcu-otvorit-v-maji on 30th October, 2020.
(8) Bratislava, zelenaj sa. [no date]. Bratislava sa pripravuje na zmenu klímy – pilotná aplikácia opatrení v oblasti zadržiavania zrážok v urbanizovanom prostredí.
(9) Kozova, Maria, Pauditsova, Eva and Hudekova, Zuzana. (2016). RESIN: City Assessment Report Bratislava. Bratislava.
(10) Ulrych, Libor. (2015). Climate changes ongoing projects, activities in the Carpathian region Slovakia. 4th Meeting of the Carpathian Convention Working Group on Adaptation to Climate Change.
(11) Perks, Jonathan. (2013). Adaptation Strategies for European Cities: Final Report. Harwell. Ricardo-AEA.
(12) Juhász, Martina. (2017). Na Kolibe pribudol nový park. Retrieved from https://bratislava.sme.sk/c/20540415/na-kolibe-pribudol-novy-park.html#axzz4kcwfVNYJ on 30th October, 2020.
Interview
Attachment Size
Interview data acquired from project Manager Eva Streberová (16.67 KB) 16.67 KB
Comments and notes
Comments
The measures implemented are in accordance with the New Town mayor Rudolfa Kusého's intention to prevent erosion and landslides, and also improve the climate. Improving water management through installing local seepage pits and water permeable surface concrete, planting and rescuing trees. The local government also envisages that sufficient revitalisation will allow people to collect fruits and chestnuts from the park. (8)
Additional insights
About monitoring:
The City of Bratislava has yet to devise a methodology for monitoring and evaluating the effect of adaptation measures. Identifying indicators for monitoring the progress and effects of adaptation measures is complex. Yet, the preparation of a set of such indicators and suitable methodology is planned for the near future. For now, only the costs of adaptation measures that will be implemented within the selected operational programmes for the period 2014 to 2020 will be monitored. For the purposes of monitoring, selected climate measurements will in the near future be collected through measuring devices, which are financed from the budget of the "City of Bratislava is preparing to the climate change - pilot application of the measures in the field of sustainable rainwater management in urban areas” project. The results will feed into the indicators. The City of Bratislava and the Slovak Hydro-Meteorological Institute will sign an agreement on the implementation of the monitoring.
Pictures of the NBS
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Public Images
Gastanica Park
Bratislava Zalenaj Sa
http://bratislavazelenajsa.sk/?page_id=20&lang=en