urban gardening in vilnius

Vilnius Urban Garden

Mindaugas Danys, January 2016

Coordinator of Vilnius Urban Garden – Antakalnieciu darzas

Humble beginnings in 2012

Antakalniečių sodas

Snapshot of our initiative

Started with small group of community members and green activists in 2012 Now about 10 active members plus wider base of supportersSmall support from municipal community funds (~1000 EUR/year)Grew into the largest urban garden initiative in Lithuania (maybe Baltics as well)Doubles in size annually and includes greenhouse

Principles Non profit Volunteer based – shared work=share harvest Small budget Community focused Permaculture in mind: compost, mulch, organic Seed saving and seed exchange Process is important Inspiring

It grew into other community activities

Municipal engagementPrioritizing urban gardening as part of city planning activitiesDelegation of some urban gardening functions to municipal enterprises: park maintenance and street maintenance companiesInformation, coordination and planning activitiesTechnical assistance for startersProvision of specific equipment for ground works if needed

Municipal Mega initiative - Misionierių sodai – might become support center for urban gardening in Vilnius

Future Build Capacity and upkeep infrastructure: new

shed, bee hives, raised beds etc. Promote urban gardening & eco urbanism Launch new gardens with other communities Engage municipality and it’s companies Search for new linkages: schools, restaurants,

public and private sectors Create a competence/demonstration space

Challenges

• Cohabitation with Vilnius Tech park – owner of the property for the next 25 years•Opening and manning new locations• Recruiting long term sponsors and partners

Contacts

•FB: Vilnius Urban Farm/ Antakalnieciu sodas•www.antakalnietis.lt•mindaugas.danys@gmail.com•+37068601247•Mindaugas Danys