The Future of ROD is Threatened. Gardeners Demand Changes in Regulations
Gardeners in Poland are demanding regulatory changes as the number of plots available for families is systematically decreasing due to local authorities failing to take action to recreate recreational gardens.
The Polish Association of Gardeners acknowledges a concerning trend of decreasing plots available for families, as local gardening sections (ROD) are being systematically liquidated. Municipalities often cite a lack of available land as their excuse for not taking actions to restore these essential community spaces. This reduction highlights the growing tension between urban development and community gardening, which has traditionally provided families with both a recreational space and the opportunity to cultivate their own food.
In response to this issue, the Ministry of Development and Technology is currently preparing a legislative proposal aimed at promoting social housing. The draft is expected to include provisions that simplify the transfer of state-owned land to municipalities and offer preferential rates for long-term leases on areas designated for social housing. Gardeners advocate for new regulations that would also encompass gardening lands, arguing that such changes are crucial for sustaining these green spaces against the backdrop of urban expansion and decreasing availability of land for such purposes.
A key demand from the association is the establishment of a mechanism that would allow state land to be transferred to municipalities specifically for gardening use. This initiative could enable greater access to state resources, thus making it feasible to maintain and possibly increase the number of community gardens, which could enhance community well-being and counteract the ongoing trend of urban encroachment. The proposed changes could significantly affect local communities, providing crucial support to family-oriented gardening initiatives and ensuring future generations have access to public green spaces.