Green Palermo from A to Zen (ITPAL0003)

Commitment ID

ITPAL0003

Commitment Title

Green Palermo from A to Zen

Problem

The problem concerns the access, usage and connection of the green areas of the city. Mobility is mainly on asphalt and via private means of transport. On the other hand, pedestrian areas and infrastructures for soft mobility are marginal, and thus cannot guarantee safe "slow" movement (bicycles, scooters, etc.) and offer spaces suitable for recreation, sport and socialization. Not being able to enjoy large and connected green spaces represents a missed opportunity for a healthier lifestyle. The lack of green areas negatively affects the so-called ecosystem services, which are important in the context of climate change. The portions of city soil made impermeable by concrete, road surfaces or similar (the so-called grey areas), often degraded or neglected, have become the normal space of movement and leisure time for the majority of citizens. This fuels a "disaffection" towards public space.

Status quo

With the Resolution of the City Council No. 121 of 03/07/2019, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PUMS) of the city of Palermo was adopted. This is a strategic planning tool that develops a systemic vision of urban mobility through the definition of actions aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the mobility system. Through the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, the Municipal Administration defined a “concert” of coordinated actions for the government, planned and scheduled, concerning public and private mobility in its territory. Planning processes and paths are being put together with the aim of fully defining the complex system of interventions in the areas of traffic, soft mobility and alternatives to cars, parking and public transport.

Action

The project intends to identify a possible infrastructural network to connect urban and peri-urban green areas, of an “ornamental” and agricultural nature that will become a new location for soft mobility. In addition, the infrastructural network is intended to connect areas of absolute importance for the civic and social fabric of the city: schools, territorial health centers, religious institutions, neighborhood playgrounds and public and private sports centers, main notable monuments.

Some of the expected outcomes of such a network:

- Redesigning public space, for a more conscious and sustainable use of urban space;
- Recomposing the image of the city, combining urban and peri-urban spaces, green spaces and built spaces;
- Allowing monitoring of the areas thus connected in order to favor the maintenance, replanting and safeguarding of the degraded green spaces and a wider involvement of the citizenship in the usage, care and protection of the public green areas.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This project contributes to solving the problem described above, because, through the connection of green areas of various types and destinations, it allows an effective system of urban and peri-urban green areas capable of responding to mobility needs linked to work activities and opportunities for recreation and conscious sharing of public space. It will also play a central role in improving the ecological footprint and the green infrastructure system in general.

The project intends to set up a participatory process aimed at all segments of the city's population (from school age to the elderly) that aims at a systematic, stable and continuous involvement of citizens. One of the necessary tools in this sense is represented by the Urban Center, as a place for encounters, openness and the consultation of data and sharing of the experience and knowledge of citizens and professionals.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The project aims to promote and develop models of co-planning related to the development and care of the common good. In doing so, it reopens dialogue and effective collaboration between civil society and local government.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Other/NA

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?