Following the successful participation of the Netherlands in Expo 2020 Dubai, the nation continues its sustainability journey. This time, the city of Almere in the Netherlands is the stage for the seventh edition of the international horticulture exhibition - Floriade Expo 2022, held from April 14th to October 9th, 2022. The Floriade is organized only once every ten years, and the main theme of this edition is 'Growing Green Cities.'
With sixty hectares (148 acres) of land, forty inspiring country presentations, a spectacular greenhouse complex, and a cable car across the park, the Floriade Expo is considered one of the world's major horticultural shows that is organized once every decade.
During the exhibition, over 400 national and international horticulturalists showcase innovative solutions for converting cities into lush green environments and making them more sustainable. New green technologies for food, energy, and health will be studied and tested at this living laboratory. Visitors will be touched by what they see, smell, and taste. Inspiring gardens, conferences, workshops, and exhibitions are rounded out by impressive attractions, surprising tasting sessions, art, and culture.
Green cities, happy cities
Studies show that greener cities are happier cities. Parks, community gardens, trees lining the streets, and private backyards all contribute to a healthier living and working environment. Green spaces reduce stress, increase happiness, boost creativity and vitality and bring people closer together. And at the same time, greener cities also improve biodiversity, air quality, and water management and help mitigate the effects of climate change. A single tree can trap the fine particles equivalent to 5,500 car kilometers. All the more reason to have additional green in cities.
'Growing Green Cities'
Floriade's theme 'Growing Green Cities' presents the creative, green, sustainable solutions required to make this a reality. This theme is more important than ever. By 2050, around 68% of the global population will live in cities on a mere 2% of the earth's surface area. Together with the participants and sponsors, the aim is to inspire visitors to live greener and lead healthier lifestyles. The park consists of permanent elements and expo-specific ones. All contribute to Floriade's four sub-themes: Greening the City, Feeding the City, Healthying the City, and Energizing the City. The site is full of energy and action.
UAE Pavilion – setting an example
One of the prominent participants is the UAE, with the theme 'Salt Water Cities: Where land meets the sea.' The pavilion exhibits how the UAE has been resilient and overcome the challenging environment of desert and sea to grow into sustainable and thriving communities.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, emphasized the importance of UAE's participation and commitment to conserve biodiversity at the Floriade. Featuring interactive sculptures and immersive installations, the UAE pavilion is a living lab encouraging visitors to learn about the abundance of salt-loving plants that thrive in the country's challenging arid climate.
Between 12th–17th June, Her Excellency Almheiri will lead a trade delegation of 25 Emirati organizations to visit Floriade and GreenTech Amsterdam. Focus of this delegation will be to experience and explore pioneering sustainable green solutions.
For more information:
Floriade
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