In May 2025, the historic Dutch city of Breda was officially named the first National Park City in the European Union by the National Park City Foundation. Breda was chosen due to its outstanding commitment to integrating nature within urban spaces, strong leadership, and innovative approaches to sustainability and biodiversity. The city’s unique combination of rich natural heritage and progressive urban planning created a living model of how historic cities can embrace green infrastructure while fostering community engagement. Breda’s dedication to expanding accessible green areas and protecting ecosystems set it apart as a trailblazer, inspiring other European cities to rethink how urban living can harmonize with nature.
Breda’s transformation over the past decade demonstrates the powerful role cities can play in addressing climate resilience through nature-based solutions. By restoring wetlands, increasing urban tree coverage, and involving citizens in environmental stewardship, Breda has created a vibrant network of green spaces covering about 60% of the city. This not only enhances biodiversity but also helps buffer against climate impacts such as heatwaves and flooding. The city’s success story serves as a beacon for Europe, showing that urban development and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can thrive together — encouraging other cities to adopt similar strategies for a greener, healthier future. More