Exploring Europe’s Green Infrastructure: A Journey Toward Climate Resilience
In a recent learning expedition, Abdoulie Jallow, Founder and CEO of the Green World Activists Foundation, spent a full day touring key climate-resilient landscapes alongside expert arborist Huib Sneep. The visit offered deep insights into the “green infrastructure” shaping the future of sustainable cities and climate adaptation.
What emerged from this journey was a clear roadmap: from regenerative agriculture to climate-ready tree nurseries, from living arboretums to innovative housing models, each site demonstrated how nature-based solutions can strengthen communities against the growing impacts of climate change.
Voedselbos Vlaardingen: A Living Laboratory for Food Security
The first stop, Voedselbos Vlaardingen, showcased how regenerative agriculture can protect food systems in an era of climate uncertainty. Designed as a food forest, the site demonstrates how food production can coexist with carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, and long-term soil health.
Van der Dussen Tree Nursery: Where Climate Resilience Begins
At the Van der Dussen Tree Nursery, Abdoulie observed the technical precision required to grow healthy, genetically diverse trees — the foundation of any successful reforestation effort.
This experience provided valuable inspiration for the Green World Activists Foundation’s own tree nursery project in The Gambia.
Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum: A Living Library of Climate-Ready Trees
The tour continued at Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum, a botanical collection that serves as a “living library” of tree architecture.
Huib’s expertise highlighted the importance of selecting species that will thrive in the climate conditions of 2050.
Smart Housing in Rotherham: Building Dense, Nature-First Cities
The final stop showcased a high-density, nature-first housing model integrating 3,000 apartments with river views and green corridors.
For Abdoulie, the project illustrates how sustainable housing can coexist with ecological restoration.
A Vision for a Cooler, Greener Future
Abdoulie sees each site as a fortress against climate change. Trees remain one of the most powerful tools for carbon capture, flood mitigation, and reducing the Urban Heat Island effect.
He extends his gratitude to Huib Sneep for sharing invaluable expertise and helping strengthen the foundation’s mission to create greener, cooler, and more climate-resilient communities.
