Background
The idea of the Edible City has gained international attention in recent years. It refers to the approach of making cities “more edible” – for example, through the promotion of various types of gardens (such as community gardens, school gardens, self-harvest plots), publicly accessible fruits and vegetables (raised beds and herb patches in parks, or edible landscapes with fruit trees and berry bushes), and traditional orchards.
The origins of the Edible City concept are often traced back to the Incredible Edible movement in the UK, particularly in the town of Todmorden.
At its core, these initiatives aim to connect food, urban development, and quality of life. The focus lies on linking ecological and social sustainability in practical and visible ways.
Key characteristics include:
- The food grown in edible landscapes or public beds is usually freely accessible based on a “fair use” principle – harvesting in moderation or for tasting. In community gardens, members typically garden together and share the harvest.
- The cultivation methods follow agroecological, permaculture, or organic practices, contributing to environmental and nature conservation, and supporting biodiversity. In some cases, they also help preserve traditional crop varieties.
- Maintenance and care are often carried out by volunteers (bottom-up), though sometimes by municipal authorities (top-down). In community gardens, work is usually volunteer-driven.
- Some cities or municipalities use the concept as a tourism showcase (e.g. Andernach, Kirchberg am Wagram).
- These spaces often become hubs for social exchange, community-building, and the sharing of knowledge and skills, with positive effects on health and wellbeing.
- For some initiatives, such as Transition Towns, the Edible City is seen as a catalyst for localising food systems.
- A broad local food offering – as promoted by the Edible City – can also be viewed as a resilience strategy for addressing supply chain disruptions, harvest failures, or even blackout scenarios.
The EdiCitNet project, for example, defines all forms of urban food production (outdoor, indoor, commercial and non-commercial) as part of so-called Edible City Solutions.
The Bio-/Diverse Edible City
The concept of the Bio-/Diverse Edible City builds on the core principles of the Edible City while placing special emphasis on the protection and promotion of biodiversity – meaning the diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems – and includes a strong focus on social justice.
Objective
The aim of the Bio-/Diverse Edible City is to promote greater biodiversity in urban areas, while at the same time improving access to healthy, sustainable food for everyone – especially those who have historically been excluded or have limited access.
It’s not just about vegetable beds in parks, but about a holistic approach to food, nature, community life, and urban design.
The Bio-/Diverse Edible City can serve as a guiding vision or integral part of local or regional food strategies, where social, ecological, economic, and cultural dimensions are linked under the banners of sustainability, resilience, and equity.
Bio-/Diverse Edible City Graz
A case study from an EU research project
As part of the EU research project PLANET4B (funded under Horizon Europe), the concept of the Bio-/Diverse Edible City – as described above – was explored and further developed in Graz, Austria between December 2022 and June 2025.
The case study, which complemented others across Europe focusing on biodiversity, was conducted by the IFZ – Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Technology, Work and Culture in collaboration with Forum Urbanes Gärtnern (us). It combined hands-on practice with policy-oriented recommendations.
The central question was:
How can urban biodiversity be strengthened – in ways that benefit everyone, especially women facing multiple forms of discrimination?*
To address this, several activities were carried out:
- Public events and dialogue formats between science and society
- Expert interviews
- Co-creative workshops with diverse stakeholders
- In-depth literature research
A community garden initiated by and for women (GAIA Gartenberg) was established in Graz-Eggenberg as pilot intervention with support from the Department for Green Spaces and Water from the City of Graz. From 2025 onwards, it is planned to be further developed into an Edible Community Park.
Key Outcomes: 11 Fields of Action
Alongside the community garden, a set of concrete policy recommendations was developed – offering ideas that could be incorporated into local or regional food strategies and practical projects.
These are summarised in the following 11 fields of action:
1. Preservation of Natural Resources
The city uses its resources responsibly and promotes circular systems – e.g. through humus regeneration, renewable energy in the food system, and reducing food waste.
2. Biodiversity of Cultivated and Wild Plants and Animals
Biodiversity is actively supported – with flowering areas, fruit trees, nature-oriented gardens, and public education about species diversity.
3. Climate Protection and Adaptation
Regional, climate-friendly food systems are expanded – through short supply chains, organic production, and climate-resilient varieties.
4. Education, Awareness, and Skills
Knowledge about food, biodiversity, and sustainable living is shared in schools, neighbourhoods, and gardens – in accessible and practical formats.
5. Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Healthy food and green spaces enhance wellbeing – e.g. through canteens offering nutritious meals, shared cooking spaces, and green areas for movement.
6. Food Justice
Everyone should have access to healthy, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food – regardless of income or ability.
7. Gender Justice and Intersectionality
Food is also a justice issue – women*, people with disabilities or migration backgrounds are intentionally included and empowered. Barriers (physical, digital, cognitive) are actively reduced.
8. Living Together in Diversity
Food brings people together. Neighbourhood gardens, intercultural cooking, and accessible community spaces promote inclusion and social connection.
9. Urban Development
Green spaces, markets, and gardens are integrated into urban planning from the start – ideally close to where people live, and co-designed with residents.
10. Regional Value Creation and Circular Economy
Local farming, short supply chains, and green jobs strengthen the local economy and make food systems more resilient.
11. Collaboration Between Government, Business, and Civil Society
Sustainable cities need many actors: local government, businesses, NGOs, and citizens working together for a liveable and diverse future.
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