Urban Agriculture and Sustainable City Planning?

A new spring a new sound, what a beautiful name for Amsterdam’s most progressive city council to give its new policy. Read through it and one would believe that they will indeed be an incredibly progressive city government. Unfortunately, more than two years on and it’s clear that the Gemeente Amsterdam has fallen short on its promises and ideals.

The 2018 policy dedicates an entire section to sustainability. They recognize that there is a climate emergency and, in their words, “…we are the last generation that can do something about it”, stating that this means making “strong choices” and maintaining “green and healthy” spaces in Amsterdam. Improving the quality of the ecological systems in and around the city, making it more adaptive to climate change by supporting more biodiversity is named a priority. Last but not least they commit to promoting urban agriculture and continuing the policy of the last coalition to create more allotments and more spaces for urban agriculture.

So what have they done so far? Well, they’ve held many public events to talk about future plans, donut economies, and the leadership they want to take. Practically speaking? Not a lot. One clear case that points to the absolute failure of this council to be real leaders and take tangible action towards any of their goals: the Lutkemeerpolder.

The polder sits on the edge of Amsterdam and is its last fertile soil. It can be appreciated not only as a space to grow food locally and organically, providing healthy food and contributing to food sovereignty in the city, but also for its invaluable role in supporting biodiversity in the area. In addition to that it is a peaceful place where Amsterdammers can easily escape the city and enjoy open green space.

How can the most progressive government Amsterdam has ever had do such a thing? Money. Saving the Lutkemeerpolder would be bold and decisive action to commit to progressive policies that truly look toward a future that must be adaptive and resilient in the face of climate catastrophe. Local food means shorter food chains, means less fossil fuels. Urban agriculture means local jobs and a city filled with green spaces that increase biodiversity, food sovereignty, and air quality. But it doesn’t fit into the capitalist agenda of speculating on land and covering it over with industry to make a higher profit. Oh well.

Find out more at
ASEED.net
BehoudLutkemeer.nl

Love & Rage, ASEED