Community Urban Garden – Zielone Więzi
Zielone Więzi (Green Bonds) is an initiative centered around a community urban garden. The project combines the "green" aspect (environmental activities) with "bonds" (building human relationships), creating a space where residents can cultivate plants together and establish neighborly connections. The initiative emerged from the need to develop a small space in the city center and the desire to integrate the local community through permaculture activities.
Main objectives of the project:
Community integration: Building bonds between residents of different generations through shared work and gatherings in the garden.
Environmental education: Raising awareness about sustainable gardening, permaculture, and urban environmental protection.
Biodiversity conservation: Transforming an underutilized space into a friendly ecosystem that fosters plant diversity and beneficial insects.
Civic engagement: Encouraging residents to take grassroots action for their surroundings, promoting pro-ecological attitudes and responsibility for shared spaces.
A space for relaxation and horticultural therapy: Creating a place where people can escape the city's hustle and bustle, spend time in nature, and experience the positive impact of being in a green environment on their well-being.
Target group and participants
Zielone Więzi is an initiative open to all interested individuals. The garden’s permanent community consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who regularly care for the garden, plant greenery, and organize events. At the same time, the project is aimed at a broad audience of Bielsko-Biała residents – adults of all ages, seniors, and families with children. Participation in activities and visits to the garden do not require any specialized knowledge or gardening experience. Children can take part in garden activities under adult supervision. Anyone interested in nature, gardening, or simply looking for a welcoming place to spend time is a valued participant in this initiative.
The garden is also a partner in an international citizen science project, which involves cultivating and studying traditional plant varieties (e.g., beans) in different countries. Through such projects, the local garden community becomes part of a larger network of knowledge exchange, allowing participants to discover new ideas and methods. The initiative also collaborates with other non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and local authorities to promote green spaces and pro-environmental activities in the city.
The founder and caretaker of the Zielone Więzi garden is Ania Chęć, the founder and president of the Świat w Naszych Rękach Foundation.
