Floriade, the International Horticultural Exhibition, has officially premiered to visitors in The Netherlands following years of preparations.
The World Horticultural Exhibition Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere was opened by King Willem-Alexander on 13 April 2022. The royal was assisted by children from Flevoland to dedicate the Expo, cultivating the final cress into the site’s living plan. The opening stage was the square near the Flores tower, decorated with unique arboretum-based artwork and forming a landmark installation of the Floriade park.
Annemarie Jorritsma, commissioner-general of the 7th Floriade says: “A unique aspect of this edition is that the theme ‘Growing Green Cities‘ fits in perfectly with the current developments to plan for a sustainable, innovative and greener future for the next generation. Because by 2050, 68% of the world’s population will live in cities, on just 2% of the surface area.”
Acting mayor of Almere, Ank Bijleveld adds: “Almere is 45 years old. A young city and young at heart, not limited by old conventions and ingrained patterns. As a result, it is agile, uninhibited and full of imagination. Everything is new, and we make it together. We are pioneers and have been experimenting for decades with new with new urban layouts and architecture, with sustainability and greenery. Almere is already exceptionally green and water-rich. And a very international city with around 160 different cultures. That is why the Floriade fits in so well with Almere.”
Jorritsma continues: “In this liaison role, I have spent the past few years establishing and maintaining contact with our international relations, the municipalities, province and participants. The goal was to welcome as many national and international participants as possible to the Expo. In the end, we can be proud of an enrollment of 33 participating countries. Now, 10 years later, a lot of people have worked incredibly hard to get everything hard work to get everything ready. Compliments to all of them, and certainly, to present an opening worthy of a royal visit.”
German inspiration
One of the main attractions benefited from its own opening ceremony, this being BIOTOPIA – Growing Community, a representation at the expo by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The country’s pavilion presents fresh ideas and future-oriented solutions for a sustainable interaction between nature and city, displaying examples of best practices and projects representing the four sub-themes of Floriade Expo 2022, ‘Green’, ‘Food’, ‘Health’ and ‘Energy’, in an interactive format.
On cutting the opening ribbon, Karl Wessels PhD of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) declared: “With a view to the climate crisis, the Floriade Expo 2022 gives an important impulse to sustainability, greening and with that, liveable cities. We are looking forward to welcoming many interested visitors and we wish them a relaxing and inspiring visit to the German Garden.”
The Floriade Expo takes place from 14 April through 9 October, and aims to increase awareness of sustainability in cities by providing appropriate solutions for planners and residents. More information can be found on the official website.
Programme manager Xander de Bruine recently provided an in-depth look at the Dutch Innovation Experience, one of the Netherlands’ national pavilions for Floriade Expo 2022.
Photos: Robin Ultrecht
