The European Commission set to support green infrastructure

So much good news from the GILA world over the last week!

-The European Commission adopted a, new, long term, strategy to encourage green infrastructure projects including identifying possible projects, expanding the knowledge base of innovative, green infrastructure supporting technologies and most importantly, financing through the European Investment Bank.

-If you're at work and can listen to a podcast, without getting in trouble, give a listen to Will Allen's latest interview.

-A 7.5 million euro German/African partnership, UrbanFoodPlus, has been created to boost the productivity of urban farming in Africa. Although there will be a range of project groups focusing on different elements of food production across the continent, initially grower, seller, and government officials will be interviewed in Burkina Faso and Ghana to understand their current realities.

-What do you get when you combine martial arts and urban agriculture? Boston's own Green Dragons of course!

-There are very few vertical gardens anywhere around the world. If you are in Singapore or stopping through, one is actually open to the public!

The great bee caper

-What do you get when bee hives worth about $100,000 are stolen? Tons of bad bee puns. I wonder if the hives were collectively owned if the crime would be viewed in a different light?

-On a few sites I have seen this Oregon man receiving a jail sentence framed as a permaculture issue, personally it seems a clear cut water-rights issue. When you are constructing dams 10 feet high on your property, your municipality will probably step in. 

-Forgot to mention that the European Permaculture Convergence is now underway. If you are in Germany you still have two days to attend the biggest permaculture conference in Europe. Hopefully there are some urban farming go getters there ready to collaborate, Germany has been waaaaay ahead of the green roof curve, but is definitely behind the urban agriculture one.

-Lastly, a US based researcher pursuing a Ph.D. in permaculture wants to compile a list of all the permaculture inspired farming operations in the continental US.  Add yours to the list!

Incentives for urban agriculture on the horizon in Utah?

-As many know, kickstarter has proven to be a good way of funding and following creative projects . If you have a little cash, why not invest in Marathon Farm. And all you really need is indeed a few bucks to make a big difference and help this urban farm in North Philadelphia.

-I hope that you are keeping tabs on Growing Power as they get closer to funding their urban agriculture project to create 150 jobs for low-income city residents in Milwaukee. As leaders in urban agriculture and community empowerment, their financing journey may end up being a template for other organizations with similar goals.

-The Utah legislature is may offer tax incentives for those in Salt Lake County on farms as small as 2 acres. Is a 2 acres plot of land "urban" in Salt Lake City? Hey, you learn something every day!

-From March 3-5 in Ottawa scholars will offer their views and talk about local food systems issues in Europe and the Americas. If you're in the area, feel free to drop in.

Sustainable soccer stadium/sports hall/shopping center in Slovenia

It's rare that a story comes along with such alliterative potential, to the rescue is this sustainable soccer stadium .

For up-to-date pictures, check out the architect's website .