Big planting project in Mělník completed!
We received more than 10 million CZK out of the total distribution of 48.9 million CZK provided by the Norwegian funds. We are one of only five supported projects in the whole country! Our project aims not only to beautify the city, but especially in the longer term to contribute positively to the absorption of pollutants from the air.
Among the pollutants captured by the greenery are poisonous ground-level ozone, fine fly-dust and other toxic substances such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
During an intensive 11-month period of work, we planted more than 1,000 trees, mostly trees, at 16 sites in the central and peripheral parts of the city.
We also raised over 200,000 CZK for the purchase of green maintenance equipment, 30 pieces of crutches for predators and fencing for the planting.
The Norwegian funds appreciated our efforts in improving air quality and decided to make a documentary that will serve as an inspiration for other municipalities and cities. We are very grateful for this opportunity!
However, what we are really excited about are the ecosystem services that the new green space will bring to the landscape and local residents every day, for decades to come, such as:
- carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen production
- noise absorption
- capture of dust and associated health hazards
- capture of air moisture
- water retention in the soil and landscape
- shade production
- improving microclimate and reducing local temperature
- protecting soil from wind and water erosion
returning landscape structures to the agricultural landscape
Greenery is also an important food source for insects, birds and other animals, providing them with a home and shelter.
For us humans, it provides space for play and relaxation. It has psychological and health significance. It reduces stress levels, aggression, increases the ability to concentrate, counteracts depression, and promotes regeneration of the body.
What are the sources of air pollution? What substances do they emit into the air and how do these substances affect our health? How to (not) behave during periods of poor air quality? How to prevent air pollution? Answers to these questions and other interesting information can be found for example in:
Videos on air pollution from transport and local sources:
