What if the green belts where food is produced were integrated into urban areas? This would create exciting new opportunities on a social, ecological and economic level. But where do we start? This is not as difficult as you might think. I started the Sustainable Urban Delta initiative to show the world that it’s possible. Or better yet: that it’s already happening!
As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, my small home country of The Netherlands can be seen as an example of a successful megacity. With a limited amount of space, The Netherlands succeeds in producing more food than it needs every year. And it has done so by creating social and green living and working environments, characterized by innovative solutions such as decentralized energy solutions and the re-use of wastewater.
There are more examples of cities, companies and projects that prove that we can make the world’s major metropolises more sustainable. We have the solutions and the knowledge. I hope this will inspire you and serve as an example: whether you’re an entrepreneur who is just starting out and wants to be part of real change, or a city that is looking for great ideas. I invite you to read my story, and to share it!