To improve air quality in Sofia by reducing levels of fine particulate matter (PM10) through the construction of green infrastructure that will limit secondary dusting - this is the main goal of a new project by Sofia Municipality. “Green measures for cleaner air in Sofia Municipality“ is funded under the “Environment” Programme 2021-2027, which provides grant aid in the amount of 5,737,614.06 leva.
This was announced by the Sofia Municipality.
“The project will support our efforts to improve the quality of life of people in Sofia. Investment in green infrastructure is not only aimed at making the environment more pleasant, it is part of our systematic approach to improving air quality“, said Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev.
By the end of 2026, measures for landscaping and construction of irrigation systems at key transport locations and inter-block spaces in 10 districts of Sofia will be implemented.
The project activities include the construction and expansion of green areas, planting trees and shrubs, creating flower gardens and other elements of green infrastructure, as well as the construction of modern irrigation systems for maintaining vegetation.
The project will cover key areas on the territory of Sofia Municipality, including:
- Inter-block space in the “Mladost 2“ residential area on “Alexander Malinov“ Blvd.
- Blvd. „Tsar Boris III“ and the adjacent garden with pine trees
- Inter-block space in the „Obelya 2“ residential area
- Blvd. „Ovcha Kupel“
- Areas around the „Sea World“ playground in Northern Park
- Blvd. „Todor Aleksandrov".
- Blvd. „Han Kubrat“
- Blvd. „Tsarigradsko Shosse“ (at several locations)
- Blvd. „Cherni Vrah“ in the section from Blvd. „Evlogi i Hristo Georgievi“ to Blvd. „Srebarna“
- Facade landscaping of the UNIVERSITY FIRST CITY MHAL-Sofia
The benefits for Sofia from the implementation of the measures under this project include:
Cleaner air and health protection: The project will directly contribute to reducing PM10 pollution, which is a key factor in improving public health and reducing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Increasing the quality of life: The new green areas will create a more pleasant and healthy urban environment and will improve the conditions for recreation in the inter-block spaces and street arteries.
Reducing secondary dusting: The creation of plant cover will limit secondary dusting from construction sites and intensively loaded road sections.
Implementation of European and national commitments: The project will contribute to the implementation of Bulgaria's commitments in the “Air“ sector and to achieve the goals set out in European and national legislation.
Raising awareness: The project includes activities to raise citizens' awareness on issues related to air quality and the benefits of green infrastructure.
The implementation of the project “Green measures for cleaner air in Sofia Municipality“ is part of the systematic efforts of Vasil Terziev's team to transform Sofia into a greener and more environmentally sustainable city, as well as to attract additional external funding for important decisions for the capital.