Lend a hand

Our city district can be greener! Community members have set up co-management projects (‘samenbeheerprojecten’) in different parts of Amsterdam South, with the support of Natuur&Milieuteam Zuid.

What is co-management?

Co-management is when a group of community members, in consultation with the city district, maintains a project together: a community, tree pit, herb, or flower garden; a small park; a playground; or even greenery along canals or riverbanks. On this map you can see an overview of the co-management projects in Amsterdam South.

Why would you want to co-manage?

Managing a piece of green in the public space, together with the city district and community members, is valuable not just for your own well-being but also for that of the world around you. Co-managed projects lead to better contact between neighbours; to great social cohesion; to more beautiful residential areas and public spaces; and to hours of pleasure working outdoors with your hands.

Do you want to start your own co-management project?

Do you have an idea for the management or redesign of a piece of public green? Read our advice what steps you need to take in order to make your project successful.

Do you want to join an existing project?

Water gardens:
Over the past nearly 25 years, a group of faithful volunteers has taken care of the 180 floatlands in the Boerenwetering canal. These efforts over the years to maintain the floating gardens have made the Pijp district a bit greener. Every first Saturday of the month the volunteers re-secure the gardens that have come loose, add new plants where needed, and remove the ‘plastic soup’ that has accumulated around the little islands. Do you want to help? Send an email to Tijn Jans at Tijn@nmtzuid.nl

How can Natuur&Milieuteam Zuid (Nature&Environment Team) help?

How can I make my neighbours enthusiastic about working together to make our surroundings greener? Which rules apply for a green project in the public space, and what are the possibilities for a subsidy? Natuur&Milieuteam Zuid is happy to help you find an answer to these questions.

We support residents in their efforts to make neighbourhoods greener. We know a lot about native species and (protected) animals in the city, and have experience in starting up neighbourhood projects. We are well informed about nature and environmental policy: local regulations, historic developments, and agreements between the city council, businesses, and residents. We have up-to-date information on subsidy possibilities, as well as on the procedures for achieving a successful green project in the public space. We know our way around in the city district office, and can bring you into contact with the right staff there. And we can also link you up with external experts or other volunteers who are active in green projects in your area.

Links for further inspiration

Plant exchange centre ‘Groen Gemaal‘
River of Herbs Amsterdam encourages people to plant and use pollinated herbs in the city.
Lulu’s leafy walks are circular walks focused on the green areas of the city where it is quiet and leafy.