Urban green spaces have an abundance of benefits not only for the environment but also for our physical and mental health and well-being. Yet, for many living in developing countries, like South Africa, the divide between green and under-greened areas is stark. In cities like Cape Town – lush suburbs at the foot of Table Mountain contrast other areas of the city, devoid of biodiverse vegetation. Land restoration through urban greening initiatives in cities is one way Greenpop aims to combat this issue.

“In an era of accelerating urbanisation, particularly in developing countries, nature experience is becoming increasingly rare. […] In South Africa, there remains a stark contrast in access to nature and green spaces between areas that were divided along racial lines during apartheid. It includes highly uneven distribution of city trees and green spaces, a situation that has been dubbed “green apartheid”.”

– Daily Maverick

This distinct difference in access means many are disconnected from the natural world. But what can be done to address this issue? Greenpop’s Urban Greening program, coupled with environmental art, works to bridge this gap: 

Urban Greening

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11.7, Greenpop is committed to the right to access safe, inclusive and accessible, green, and public spaces. We’re on a mission to inspire an urban future where abundant natural spaces are both accessible and co-managed by an active and inspired citizenry. We aim to provide green spaces to marginalised communities and create biodiversity corridors across urban landscapes.

By collaborating with volunteers, on-the-ground partners, donors, and local schools and community centres, Greenpop has worked to green urban areas since 2010. Most recently, with the creation of biodiverse, indigenous and water-wise gardens through our Gardens for Good and Green Zones projects. The installation of environmental murals alongside this, has also helped spread awareness around nature-based themes.

Heineken Green Zones’ gardens and murals

More recently Greenpop and Heineken South Africa have created five Green Zones in major cities in South Africa, featuring waterwise gardens, seating areas, murals and green walkways. The murals are centred around environmental themes, such as the one depicted at Rise Above Development (RAD) – a Green Zone in Lavender Hill, Cape Town. 

The mural at RAD was created by local South African artist – Chris Auret, and two Lavender Hill youth members. It speaks to the beauty and hope that green spaces bring, to connect people to nature. As a viewer looking at this mural and its juxtaposing ideas – the edges showcasing a desolate landscape, and its centre a vibrant green scene – one cannot help but contemplate it.

Environmental art alongside urban greening, can function as a powerful catalyst for change. Location: RAD in Lavender Hill, Cape Town Photography by RTC Studios

Conservation Conversation Corners

In 2017, Greenpop was funded by UNESCO-IFP to help bring their vision of environmental art to life through the Conservation Conversation Corners. The project transformed two unused public corners in two African cities (Johannesburg, South Africa and Livingstone, Zambia) into vibrant nature-inspired public spaces. 

Murals, public seating, sculptures, and indigenous plant life – transformed these once-forgotten corners.The transformed spaces served to physically, visually and conceptually link the two African cities while sparking conversation around our relationship with the natural world.

How to get involved: 

Donate: Your contributions help plant trees, green communities and empower environmental stewards across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nominate a Green Zone: Know a community space or publicly-owned land that could be greened in South Africa? We want to hear about it! 

Take Action: Whether you want to start a community garden or get in touch with your local government, you can make a difference where you are – every action counts!