green spaces in urban areas

• the provision of open spaces contributes to sustainability in both economic and environmental terms
• these areas serve as the city's 'green lungs' and help keep the air clean, the soil is protected and prevents runoff of water during heavy rainfall
• green spaces provide a natural and free recreational resource as well as providing a habitat for wildlife
• 40% of the city is forested
• 44,000 trees have been planted in parks and streets
• in the Riselfeld District only 78 hectares are built on, leaving 240 hectares of open space
• 56% of forests are nature conservation areas of which 50% is managed and the remaining 6% left wild
• 44% of wood from the city's forests is used for timber but 75% grows back within a year
• only native trees and shrubs are planted in the 600 hectares of parks
• river Dreisam is allowed to flow unmanaged to provide natural habitats for flora and fauna