Barcelona Co-organizes 52nd National Congress of Public Parks and Gardens (PARJAP 2026)
Barcelona, March 28 – More than five hundred professionals from the green sector convened in Barcelona from March 25 to 28, 2026, for PARJAP 2026, the most significant annual event in the industry. Co-organized by the Municipal Institute of Parks and Gardens of the Barcelona City Council and the Spanish Association of Public Parks and Gardens, the congress was held under the theme “Living Heritage: Transforming the Urban Landscape.”
For four days, Barcelona became a central meeting point for experts in gardening, landscaping, environmental management, and architecture. Professionals from both public administration and the private sector shared experiences, projects, and visions on how to preserve green heritage and transform urban landscapes.
Disseny Hub Barcelona: A Hub for Green Innovation
The Disseny Hub Barcelona, a leading center for the recognition and projection of creative industries, served as the venue for this congress. The event aimed to promote greener and more resilient cities, emphasizing the essential role of natural spaces in enhancing urban quality of life.
Barcelona’s commitment to fostering urban greenery and biodiversity was strongly reinforced throughout the event. The city continues to integrate nature and urban planning into a model that prioritizes sustainability, reflecting its dedication to environmental stewardship.
Symbolic Tree Planting at Plaça de les Glòries
A commemorative tree planting ceremony took place at the Clariana de la Plaça de les Glòries. A Handroanthus chrysantus was chosen for its symbolic significance, representing the collective commitment of all participants to nature and the green future of cities.
Barcelona’s Ongoing Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The Barcelona City Council, through its Department of Ecology, Urban Planning, and Mobility, is dedicated to providing municipal services related to public spaces and urban services that enhance the lives of its residents. The department focuses on ensuring high-quality public spaces, promoting green and biodiverse urban environments, and fostering productive and resilient cities with active and sustainable mobility.
Key areas of focus for the city council include:
- Environment and Public Space: Dedicated to maintaining and improving the city’s environmental quality.
- Urban Greenery and Biodiversity: Initiatives aimed at expanding green areas and protecting urban ecosystems.
- Urban Planning for Neighborhoods: Designing urban spaces that cater to community needs and promote sustainability.
- Sustainable Mobility: Encouraging active and eco-friendly transportation options.
- Energy and Climate Change: Implementing strategies to combat climate change and promote renewable energy.
- Citizen Engagement: Involving residents in municipal projects through various consultative and participatory bodies.
These efforts are supported by active citizen involvement, with various instruments and consultative bodies facilitating collaboration between the public, private entities, and organizations. Examples include the Pact for Mobility, the Pact for the Ronda de Dalt, the 2030 Agenda, and the Barcelona + Sustainable Network.
The successful co-organization of PARJAP 2026 underscores Barcelona’s leadership in urban sustainability and its ongoing efforts to create a more livable and environmentally conscious city.
Source: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/ecologiaurbana/es/noticia/barcelona-coorganiza-el-52-o-congreso-nacional-de-parques-y-jardines-publicos-parjap-2026_1617655
