"Airing Out the City: Botanic Gardens Set Example for Urban Rejuvenation"
Rewritten Article:
Nature's Urban Oasis: Almaty and Astana's Botanic Gardens
Stride through the bustling metropolises of Almaty and Astana, and you'll stumble upon green sanctuaries that burst with life and brilliance – botanic gardens, brimming with rare plants and bustling with innovation, science, and culture. More than just gardens, they're living museums, buzzing hubs, and community spaces where nature, progress, and responsibility converse in harmony.
Swanky Sustainability: Astana Botanic Garden
Not yet a century old, Astana Botanic Garden, opened in 2018, encompasses 89 hectares within one of the capital's poshest neighborhoods. It artfully blends the city's glamour with the garden's environmental essence. Snap a picture, and you're likely to capture both landscaped stone walkways and towering trees.
A Rather Rooted Legacy, Almaty Style
Tracing its roots back to 1932, Almaty's botanic garden unfolds a century-old tale steeped in history. Its rebirth began that same year when the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction was established, and the area became an independent scientific institution under the Kazakh SSR Academy of Sciences. Over the years it has blossomed into a treasured piece of the city's identity, becoming a sanctuary for plant species from Kazakhstan and beyond.
Divided into four core zones – exhibition, scientific, public, and administrative – the garden has grown more than just plants. It's cultivated a cornucopia of ideas, catering to the introduction of new species, molecular genetic research, and technological advancements for sustainable urban landscaping.
A New Leaf: Almaty Botanic Garden's Resurgence
In 2018, Almaty Botanic Garden embarked on a new chapter in its evolution with a major makeover. The Bulat Utemuratov foundation pumped $15 million into modernization efforts, focusing on preservation and accessibility. Over 174,000 plants were added, irrigation systems brought back to life, pathways resurfaced, and the southern parterre transformed into a stunning zone of native grasses and communal gathering spaces. The garden now also boasts inclusive amenities, with tactile paths for visitors with disabilities, and an informative mobile app to guide visitors and teach them about the varieties of plants.
The Cities' Green Thumb: A Collaborative Effort
Almaty and Astana's gardens are more than mere urban decorations – they're superior examples of collaborative efforts between researchers, socially responsible businesses, and city governments. Their integration of nature within city structures demonstrates the transformation of urban spaces into sustainable, livable, and vibrant ecosystems.
The two gardens are cornerstones of a future-focused, cooperative urban development that supports both community well-being and environmental conservation.
[1] Cities and Environmental Sustainability. (2018). Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved August 2022, from https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cities-and-environmental-sustainability[2] UNDP Kazakhstan. (2022). UN.org. Retrieved August 2022, from https://www.un.org/kazakhstan/
- In Almaty and Astana's botanic gardens, environmental-science intertwines with lifestyle, as these live museums showcase the introduction of new plant species and promote advancements in sustainable home-and-garden practices, fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for both cities and the environment.
- The Gardening scene in Almaty and Astana isn't just about home-and-garden aesthetics; it's a collaborative effort between researchers, socially responsible businesses, and city governments, using science to transform urban spaces into lush, sustainable, and inviting environments that enrich the lifestyle of the community while preserving the environment.
