eg magazine sustainability, resource efficiency & climate change

http://www.greenkeys-project.net/media/files/conferencereader.pdf

There is a growing recognition that urban green spaces play a key role for improving the quality of life in urban areas and are an important pillar of sustainable development. There is, however, concern as to whether this importance is reflected in an appropriate and stronger political and legal framework. The GreenKeys International Conference on Urban Green Spaces, held in Sofia, Bulgaria in April 17-18, 2008, provided an opportunity for academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, young professionals and developers from Europe and elsewhere to reflect critically on relevant aspects for the future of cities and urban green spaces. Discussions at the conference took place in the context of the GreenKeys project (Urban Green as a Key for Sustainable Cities), funded by the European Commission, which is dedicated to addressing the growing demands of providing healthy living conditions in urban areas. The project is seeking to promote the retention and regeneration of urban green spaces as a key ingredient in the task of making cities are liveable and sustainable. A document has been published which draws together the contributions of the keynote speakers, along with selected abstracts, covering the following conference topics: urban green spaces: a key for sustainable cities; policies and strategies for urban green spaces; sustainable management of urban green spaces; and the uses and users of urban green spaces.