Belgrade received first rain garden in Gastrošor within the project “Niklo kao ja”

In Gastrošor, the new urban hotspot just a kilometer from Republic Square, the first rain garden in Belgrade has been created. Belgrade has thus become one of the ten cities in Serbia to receive this unique green space, which will help mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides in urban areas. This garden is part of the "Niklo kao ja" project, aimed at providing a direct response to the negative consequences of climate change, and A1 Serbia conducts it in collaboration with the European organization Propulsion and the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Belgrade.

The rain garden in Belgrade was planted in Gastrošor, the first regional gastro-park, by a team of professional gardeners with the support of citizens. In the past period, Belgraders had the opportunity to participate in a special, open workshop to learn more about the concept of rain gardens.

Gastrošor, located in the old industrial zone in the heart of Belgrade, is envisioned as a place that brings together the local gastronomic scene and contributes to its further recognition on a global scale. Once a closed complex of warehouses next to the former Dorćol railway, today it is a gastro-park that includes a variety of restaurants and gastro-bars, just a kilometer from Republic Square. Nearly a third of its area is dedicated to newly renovated green spaces accessible to all visitors.

"We chose Gastrošor as the right location for the rain garden because the local team had already created extensive green areas where there used to be construction waste and soil that had become unsuitable for planting due to industrial exploitation. We contributed to such an initiative, and in Gastrošor, we plan to organize educational workshops for children on how to grow plants and how to relate to nature in general, with the aim of making such gardens thrive throughout Belgrade. For the formation of the rain garden, we used authentic plants and materials characteristic of this area," said Amela Greksa, landscape architect of the project.

The main function of the rain garden is to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis in urban environments. The rain garden is a simple system - planting in conical beds in the ground, or depressions in the ground that function to receive a certain amount of water during heavy rainfall and retain moisture for a longer period during dry periods. These planting pits are equipped with resilient plants and mulch. Although rain gardens are primarily associated with environmental preservation, they also significantly impact mental health and contribute to the quality of life for all of us. These natural environments provide space for relaxation, rest, and relaxation. Physical contact with nature while maintaining a garden or simply being in it can reduce stress, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

The rain garden in Belgrade, along with the remaining nine rain gardens in Serbia, will be featured on the website www.svetkakavzelis.rs, where voting for the most beautiful rain garden will take place. But what's even more important is that 10 cities in Serbia will receive rain gardens. Support in creating gardens will also be provided by the project's ambassadors, actress Miona Marković, and travel writer and TV author Andrej Maričić.

"We feel the negative consequences of climate change daily, from heavy rainfall and storms to tropical nights and air pollution. That is why I believe that rain gardens are coming at the right time and will help preserve the environment and mitigate the consequences of climate change. At the same time, we want rain gardens to be an invitation to all citizens and companies to join in this important fight. Because only together can we create positive changes," emphasized Dejan Turk, CEO of A1 Serbia and A1 Slovenia.