From April 14 to October 9 2022, Almere in the Netherlands will host the Floriade Expo 2022 World Horticultural Expo, despite concerns about the effect of COVID-19 on the expo.
The city council of Almere appointed an advisor to consult on different scenarios for Floriade, and to see if the Expo should be reconsidered. Last week, the council voted to continue, enabling preparations to go ahead.
The Director of Floriade, Pieter Cloo, was very happy with the vote saying that “together with the municipality of Almere, the province of Flevoland, the Dutch National Government, the Dutch Horticultural Council and all our partners, we will be able to achieve the desired Floriade programming and surprise the world in 2022.”
‘Growing Green Cities’
The theme of the 2022 World Horticultural Expo is ‘Growing Green Cities’, an idea that is more relevant than ever. With increasing urbanisation, creative and sustainable solutions are needed to keep urban environments attractive.
Working with international particiapnts and national organisations, Floriade will present solutions for sustainable and livable cities.
Using horticulture to change cities
The subthemes of Floriade are ‘Feeding the City’, ‘Healthying the City’, ‘Greening the City’ and ‘Energising the City’. Horticulture offers many opportunities to make living in cities a more enjoyable and environmental option.
For example, at the Expo, guests will be able to visit the Arboretum which will be full of trees that can lower a city’s temperature.
An international Expo
As well as showcasing the innovative Dutch horticultural sector, the Expo will also feature best horticultural practices from 210 national companies and 33 countries.
Thanks to the support of the municipality of Almere, the Dutch Horticultural Council, the Province of Flevoland, the Dutch National Government, Amvest, Dura Vermeer and the local business and tourist community, two million international and domestic guests are expected to visit Floriade in 2022.
In other news, Expo 2020 Dubai has been postponed to 2021 due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Images: Floriade
