The recognition of Breda as the first EU National Park City marks a new model for European urban development, focusing on sustainability and the integration of nature.
A small Dutch city has made history by becoming the first EU National Park City, earning this rare designation after more than a decade of work to transform itself into a nature-friendly urban space. Breda, known for its cobblestone streets and creative culture, received official recognition from the National Park City Foundation in May 2024.
Only three other cities worldwide hold this status: London, Adelaide, and Chattanooga. The National Park City Foundation, which grants these designations, recognized Breda for its commitment to making urban living greener and more connected to nature.
The National Park City program started in the UK in 2019. Cities don’t need mountains or wilderness areas like traditional national parks. Instead, they must demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting the environment, supporting wildlife, and providing residents with access to green spaces throughout the city.
Breda caught the attention of judges because of its strong environmental leadership and smart city planning that puts nature first. Daniel Raven-Ellison, founder of the National Park City Foundation, visited Breda and highlighted projects such as restoring a river that flows through the downtown area, community food gardens, small forests planted by schools, and wildlife-friendly public spaces.
Studies show that every dollar spent on green infrastructure yields $3.10 in benefits, with economic gains including improved health and increased recreational value for users.
Nine other cities around the world are currently working toward earning National Park City status. This growing movement shows how urban areas are rethinking their relationship with the natural world.
See also: Urban Nature Revival: Finland’s Green City Plan
Breda didn’t earn this title overnight. The city has spent years replacing concrete with plants, grass, and trees. Officials transformed old waterfront areas into gardens that support local wildlife. They encouraged residents to plant rooftop gardens and create green schoolyards.
Today, 60 percent of Breda is made up of green space, from historic forests like the Mastbos – one of the oldest in the Netherlands – to nature reserves, parks and waterways. City leaders plan to make Breda one of Europe’s most nature-rich cities by 2030.
Citizens played a major role in this transformation. A grassroots group called Breda Stad in een Park helped lead the effort to earn the EU National Park City status. Residents took action on their own streets, installing gardens and green features without waiting for government programs.
Residents report that the green transformation has improved their daily lives in measurable ways. Local families say they spend more time outdoors in their neighbourhoods now that parks and green spaces are within walking distance. Children have access to nature play areas that didn’t exist before the city’s green initiative began.
Property values in greener neighbourhoods have increased as demand grows for homes near parks and tree-lined streets. Business owners in areas with new green infrastructure report higher foot traffic and customer satisfaction. Older residents appreciate the cooler temperatures during the summer months, thanks to increased tree cover.
The timing of Breda’s achievement matters for cities across Europe. Urban areas face growing pressure from climate change and declining wildlife populations. Many cities are following Breda’s example by creating car-free zones, flood protection systems, and other nature-based solutions.
Access to green space provides real health benefits for city residents. Research indicates that parks, trees, and gardens can significantly reduce heat-related health risks during periods of high temperatures. Green spaces can lower surrounding air temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius compared to concrete areas. This cooling effect becomes more important for public health as temperatures rise due to climate change.
Studies indicate that urban green infrastructure also improves air quality by filtering pollutants and reducing particulate matter. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to clean the air that residents breathe daily. These environmental improvements result in fewer respiratory health problems and lower healthcare costs for communities.
Paris has expanded car-free zones to reduce pollution and create more space for people. Copenhagen has invested heavily in flood-proofing projects that use natural systems to manage heavy rainfall. These efforts demonstrate how cities can address environmental challenges while enhancing the daily lives of their residents.
Breda’s success proves that smaller cities can lead on environmental issues. The city has approximately 184,000 residents, making it significantly smaller than other national park cities, such as London. This suggests that community commitment is more important than city size in achieving environmental progress.
The National Park City model focuses on making cities “greener, healthier, wilder, cooler and fairer” according to Raven-Ellison. This approach recognizes that most people live in cities, so urban areas must become more sustainable to address global environmental challenges.
European cities face particular pressure to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Heat waves, flooding, and air pollution affect millions of urban residents across the continent. Nature-based solutions, such as those used in Breda, offer practical ways to address multiple problems simultaneously.
Green infrastructure provides cooling during heat waves, absorbs rainwater during storms, and filters air pollution year-round. These systems often cost less than traditional concrete-and-steel infrastructure while providing additional benefits for wildlife and human health. Municipal studies indicate that cities spend between $13 and $65 annually per tree, while the benefits range from $31 to $89 per tree, resulting in positive returns on green investments.
The National Park City Foundation encourages cities to share ideas and learn from each other’s successes. London and Breda, as the first two European cities with this designation, are already exchanging knowledge about urban greening strategies.
This international cooperation helps cities avoid starting from scratch when developing environmental programs. Proven approaches can be adapted to different local conditions, speeding up progress toward more sustainable urban living.
Breda’s achievement sends a message to other cities that major environmental improvements are possible with sustained effort and community involvement. The city’s transformation from a conventional urban area to an EU National Park City occurred through numerous small actions taken by residents, businesses, and the local government working together.
Local schools are now integrating environmental education into their curricula, with students helping to plant and maintain green spaces throughout the city. Community gardens provide fresh food while teaching residents about sustainable growing practices. Volunteer groups organize regular tree-planting events and habitat restoration projects.
The economic benefits extend beyond healthcare savings and property values. Breda’s green reputation attracts tourists interested in sustainable travel, supporting local businesses and restaurants. The city has become a model for other Dutch municipalities, creating consulting opportunities for local environmental experts.
As more cities face environmental challenges, Breda’s example shows that urban areas can become part of the solution rather than just sources of problems. The National Park City movement continues to grow, with cities on multiple continents working toward this recognition.
