Shanghai creates harmony with its “Habitat Gardens” project

The Changning district in western Shanghai initiated its “Habitat Gardens” project in various neighborhoods by transforming abandoned corners and turning them into spaces where people and nature can live in harmony.

It is the latest example of how Shanghai is placing great emphasis on green and sustainable development through laws and campaigns. In addition, more parks and green spaces were created in the city to mark the second National Ecology Day on August 15.

This year, the campaign took place in Changning and the first carbon neutrality pilot projects were launched in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Disney Resort, the Lingang Group Industrial Park and the Bund Financial Center.

Shanghai is a national leader in green transformation. On January 1 this year, regulations to promote Shanghai’s green transformation came into force. This is the first law of its kind in China.

“The modernization of our country is a symbiosis between man and nature,” said Lu Hao, deputy mayor of Changning district.

In order to create high-quality green spaces for residents, Changning was the first place in the country to develop and put into practice the idea of ​​a “habitat garden”.

“This is an innovative initiative to protect urban biodiversity through the organic combination of biodiversity protection and urban renewal,” said Ye Pengju, director of the district’s development and reform commission.

Of the 25 community gardens established so far, the Leyi Habitat Garden in Xinjing City, Changning District, is the largest in Shanghai with a total area of ​​732 square meters.

The garden consists of five areas – Four Seasons Garden, Habitat Station, Butterfly Stream, Healing Garden and Nature Conservation Area – with 18 different natural landscapes, such as the Rock Garden and Mind Bridge, each with its own unique charm.

During the design phase, residents were invited to complete and vote on questionnaires so that all residents could participate in this project and express their needs and preferences.

“The garden provides an excellent opportunity for city dwellers to get closer to nature near their homes, creating a closer connection between the neighborhood and the community,” Ye said.

Leyi Habitat Garden was selected as one of the “100+ Typical Global Cases of Biodiversity” from 258 cases from 26 countries on seven continents.

In addition, 27 of 31 parks in Changning District were opened at night, and 24 parks became open parks with fences removed, so the parks are connected to various facilities and squares in the surrounding area.

Currently, the green space ratio in the district is 34.15 percent, with the average green space per person being 7.6 square meters, which ranks first in the city center according to official data.