Can different types of urban agriculture help cities overcome the range of social and environmental challenges of a 2° world? Researchers from the University of Vienna (Urban Studies Working Group) and the University of the Philippines (Geography Department) will address this question over the next two years, by analyzing which role the multifunctionality of different urban agriculture typologies can play in strengthening urban resilience and contributing to the success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, we developed GReenSCape, a collaborative project that will strive to support urban municipalities and urban farmers in strategically integrating urban agriculture into cities.

While the kickoff meeting in June 2024 had to take place virtually, it still fostered an inspiring and insightful discussion. More specifically, we discussed our respective Philippian and Austrian social and environmental contexts, ongoing urban agriculture policies and initiatives, and potential case studies that were ripe for analysis. Accordingly, this discussion was vital for planning the first Philippines fieldwork trip, August and September 2024.

As the Manila Capital Region (MCR) contains 17 cities, and 16 million people, Quezon City, populated by 3 million people, and located in the MCR, became a clear choice for the Philippian case study area, due to its numerous urban agriculture policies and support mechanisms. Over 1000 urban farms have been created in Quezon City since the Covid-19 pandemic, and thereby, making such a fruitful case study opportunity.

And, although the social and geographical contexts of Quezon City and Vienna are indeed quite different, these differences carry amply potential for learning opportunities. Therefore, the kickoff meeting not only helped to prepare for the project’s next steps, but also, to more thoroughly illuminate the exciting opportunities to be explored over the next 2 years.