We are happy to announce the completion of the planting in Zdiby!
We would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief summary. We have received more than 18 million CZK out of the total distribution of 48.9 million CZK provided by the Norway Grants. Our efforts were rewarded by the support of two out of only five projects in the whole country! Both projects aim not only to beautify our municipality, but especially in the longer term to contribute positively to the absorption of pollutants from the air.
Among the pollutants that greenery traps are poisonous ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter, and other toxic substances such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.
During an intensive 11-month period of work, we planted more than 17,000 trees at 24 locations in the central and peripheral parts of the municipality, creating mostly alleys.
We also raised funds to border 1,620 metres of new planting, install 349 scent fences, 19 predator crutches, 372 acacia stakes defining the planting boundaries and CZK 200,000 for the purchase of green maintenance equipment.
The Norwegian funds like our commitment to improving the air and have decided to make a documentary about us to inspire other municipalities and cities. Thank you!
However, what we are really excited about are the ecosystem services that the new greenery 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:
Air pollution from transport:
Air pollution from local sources:
