Deadline: 01-Sep-21
Applications are now open for the Grants Program for Creation and Regeneration of Green Spaces in Urban Areas of Madrid.
Timberland has a strong belief that a greener future is a better future and has had a strong commitment to sustainability for decades. This historical journey has allowed it to announce its ambitious goal plan for 2030, which is summarized in that all its products have a positive impact on nature thanks to regenerative agriculture and the circularity of its products. This is in addition to the brand’s commitment to plant more than 50 million trees by 2025 through collaboration with various international non-profit organizations.
Timberland wants to expand this commitment so that the population living in urban areas can enjoy the benefits of green areas, with a special focus on children and youth. For this, Timberland has partnered with the Rey Baudouin Foundation, with the aim of contributing to the creation, maintenance or improvement of green spaces in Madrid.
Urban green spaces are spaces in metropolitan areas totally or partially covered with vegetation, such as parks and gardens. They are places of contact with nature for citizens living in densely populated urban areas.
Why support the regeneration of green areas?
- Today 54% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and this proportion is expected to increase to 66% by 2050. Europe is home to 14% of the world’s urban population. One of its large cities is Madrid, where more than 3 million people live in its metropolitan area.
- Urban sprawl and population growth cause people living in densely populated areas to lose contact with nature. Limited access to natural spaces, the deterioration of nature in urban areas and changes in habits can lead to a worsening of the quality of life.
- Trees and green spaces have been shown to:
- improve air quality
- encourage physical activity and generate direct health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure or obesity
- can have psychologically positive effects, as they help to reduce stress levels
- have beneficial effects on memory and attention, even with short exposures
- they reduce the rate of crime and violent behavior
- they promote a sense of belonging and community
- they make urban environments more aesthetically pleasing
- In the case of children, these effects are even more relevant. One of the most important social benefits that green spaces bring to children is the possibility of playing. Open spaces are ideal for children to develop their imagination and creativity and interact with nature. In addition, play is a way to socialize and favors interactions with children from other cultural and social contexts.
Funding Information
They offer grants of up to 5,000 euros per project.
Eligibility Criteria
To small social organizations or groups of citizens who wish to carry out their proposal in order to create or improve green spaces in urban areas of Madrid. Applicants can partner with a teaching center; however, schools cannot apply directly. Candidate projects must:
- define clear plans that benefit local children, youth or schools
- have a commitment to the local population
- have a very strong community component
For more information, visit https://www.kbs-frb.be/en/Activities/Calls/2021/20210414_MyPlaygreen_Madrid