Since the completion of the "Green C" open space project, the cities of Bornheim, Bonn, Sankt Augustin, Troisdorf and Niederkassel as well as the municipality of Alfter and the Rhein-Sieg district have continued to work closely together to preserve the shared landscape and open space, create, network and enhance green and recreational areas and thus improve living conditions for citizens. As part of the state project "Green Infrastructure NRW", local authorities and associations were called upon to present and implement their plans and projects in an "Integrated Green Infrastructure Action Concept" (IHK GI). All councils of the eight participating municipalities have adopted the concept.
Land requirements are in competition with each other
Contrary to the trend in many parts of the country, the Rhine region is characterized by continuous population growth. This will continue in the future. This is accompanied by an increasing demand for settlement and transportation areas. The various demands for space for housing, industry, commerce, services and infrastructure are in competition with each other and are putting great pressure on the surrounding open spaces. As the number of inhabitants increases, so does the need for attractive open spaces close to settlements. Open spaces are an essential component of a liveable and healthy living environment.
The municipalities of Alfter, Bonn, Bornheim, Niederkassel, Troisdorf and Sankt Augustin have been working closely together on an inter-municipal basis for many years in order to secure and functionally develop open space structures. During the preparation of this concept, the municipalities of Hennef and Königswinter were added, resulting in an inter-municipal merger of six plus two municipalities.
The aim of the IHK GI is
- the description of the ecological, climatic, social, demographic and economic challenges for the functional space and the derivation of concrete measures,
- the provision of a political and planning control instrument for the further development and promotion of open spaces,
- the improvement of environmental and living conditions in the region