From field to fork: urban agriculture initiatives in Bizkaia
In light of urban growth and the imperative need for sustainability, urban agriculture has emerged as a key solution for building food resilience.
In Bizkaia, this practice not only means planting seeds in urban spaces, but also nurturing stronger, more sustainable communities.
At BBK Kuna, we are exploring the exciting urban agriculture initiatives that are transforming our relationship with food and nurturing a closer connection with our roots.
Urban agriculture: a source of opportunities
As urban populations grow, the challenges around food security and access to fresh produce intensify.
Urban agriculture not only addresses these challenges, but also provides a number of benefits: it reduces the carbon footprint linked to transporting food, revitalises underused spaces and fosters urban biodiversity.
In Bizkaia, pioneering projects are demonstrating how these crops can be harmoniously integrated into the urban fabric.
Innovative projects in Bizkaia
Real examples of urban agriculture in Bizkaia
1. Ecological urban allotments in Bilbao
Since 2015, the City Council has made municipal land available in Artxanda, Otxarkoaga, Rekalde and Zorrotza to allow any citizens that are interested to develop their own vegetable gardens in an urban environment. This project is aimed at encouraging families and individuals of all ages to grow their own vegetables in a community environment, where they can disconnect from their daily lives or get back to enjoying their hobbies. Plots are allocated through a registration and selection process, and participants receive training and technical support on how to manage their plots in an efficient, sustainable way. The vast majority of the plots in each municipal allotment are earmarked for local residents.
More information: Official website of Bilbao City Council.
2. Edible balconies
Bilbao City Council was also involved in this project, by providing workshops on how to set up initiatives of this type.
3. School gardens
A number of schools in Bizkaia have set up initiatives of this type, in which vegetable gardens are created in the school grounds. Groups of pupils learn by engaging in the whole production process and life cycle of seeds
4. Farm schools
Farm schools are educational places that introduce children, young people and adults to the rural world, agriculture and livestock farming in a practical way and through experience.
Its main function is to teach values such as sustainability, respect for the environment and healthy eating, through workshops, activities and direct contact with animals, vegetable gardens and natural processes. They also encourage knowledge of rural trades, foster teamwork and strengthen bonds with nature.
Fortunately, there are a number of centres of this type in Bizkaia:
- Baratze (Arteaga)
- Beren Beregi kultur elkartea (Gorozika)
- Lapurreketa (Dima)
- Lurraska (Ajangiz)
- Trinkete aterpetxea – Itsas eskola (Lekeitio)
- Urdaibaiko Ingurumen Hezkuntzako Proiektua
UIHP is a BBK centre that was created in 1982, in collaboration with the Department of Education of the Basque Government. The project is available to schools in Bizkaia at the BBK Urdaibai centre, located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Urdaibaiko Ingurumen Hezkuntzako Proiektua (UIHP) is an educational resource which is currently aimed at providing schools and students in Bizkaia with an environmental education project that raises awareness increases knowledge and fosters proactive attitudes towards sustainability, both as groups and individuals.
The impact of urban agriculture initiatives
The implementation of urban agriculture brings a number of significant benefits to the environment and society with it. Reducing the distance between producer and consumer reduces the carbon emissions associated with transporting food.
From a social perspective, urban allotments encourage community participation and education. By growing our own vegetables or learning about the process behind what we eat, we encourage healthier eating and strengthen our connection with nature.
A sustainable future at your fingertips
The movement towards urban agriculture in Bizkaia brings a powerful invitation with it: get involved and be part of the change towards a more sustainable future. Taking part in these projects not only brings tangible benefits in terms of sustainability. It also transforms our relationship with the environment and with each other.
At BBK Kuna, we believe in the power of urban agriculture to transform our cities and our lives. We hope you will join in with these efforts and discover how, with something as simple as tending a vegetable garden, you can help build a greener, more self-sufficient Bizkaia.