From facade gardens to green spaces to green routes through the city: nearly 27 hectares of extra greenery were added during the past council period. The goal of 20 hectares has therefore been more than achieved. Why does the city government consider greenery so important, and where can this extra greenery be found?

A green and attractive city invites movement and socializing. Plants and trees are good for health. More greenery also cools the city in summer and provides water retention during heavy rain. And varied greenery is important for insects and other animals in the city. 

Hofplein and Rijnhavenpark

Therefore, the council set itself the goal with the Green Agenda 2023-2026 to make Rotterdam greener. This has been successful, as shown in the final report. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab.. Major highlights include Hofplein, which is now being made greener, and the construction of Rijnhavenpark and Maashavenpark. In addition, there are many smaller projects, such as the improvement of existing parks and squares.

Green-blue schoolyards

In addition, the municipality is already carrying out 31 climate projects, including measures such as extra water storage and creating shade. Examples are extra greenery at Haagse Veer, Nieuwe Markt, and Taandersplein. Another 19 projects are in preparation. There are now 58 green-blue schoolyards in the city, with 13 more to come. These are schoolyards with more greenery and water, where children can play in nature. 

Bee landscape

The municipality works together with other organizations and residents. In many streets, residents are involved in the creation and maintenance of extra greenery. They also place insect hotels or bee stations to make their neighborhood more attractive for bees, birds, and insects. The municipality helps by no longer mowing lawns tightly but turning them into biodiverse flower meadows. In total, 77 hectares of extra bee landscape have now been created. 

Long and short routes

The municipality is investing in four green routes for walking, for example: the Rotte, Heemraadssingel/Van Aerssenlaan, the Steilrand, and the Rondje Bruggen. In the neighborhoods, shorter routes are coming, including Overschie, Oude Westen and Zuid, and Schiemond. General practitioners are involved, encouraging their patients to walk more. The Green Connection. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab. has been working on this for years, recently with the Ommetjes in the Kadekwartier. 

1,000 hectares of extra greenery

Although this report was given the subtitle The Green Finish, it is not the end of Rotterdams green ambitions. In December, the city council unanimously approved the future perspective Green Water City 2050, Rotterdam goes for green. The ambition is to have an additional 1,000 hectares of greenery by 2050. “Greening is now in Rotterdams DNA, from large urban projects to daily maintenance. And we continue this with pride,” said alderman Lansink-Bastemeijer.

More information about Green in Rotterdam.