Greetings from the University of Manitoba, Canada!
My comment/question is regarding urban and peri-urban food systems. Has there been any research done on the viability of urban community gardens specifically located on car park rooftops (parkades, garage parking lots)? My thinking is that it would make use of urban locations that are often underutilized while creating sites that contribute to a host of community and environmental benefits at a fraction of the cost of traditional green roof tops. Not only would such roof top gardens help reduce food insecurity related to food deserts in urban areas, but they would also create biodiversity within cityscapes, resting spots for pollinators, sequester carbon and filter air pollutants, and reduce the effect of urban heat islands, making them a form of climate resilient agriculture. They would be adaptable and scalable to a wide range of locations and circumstances—as simple as a pot of tomatoes to as elaborate and involved as money and space allow. The sites also have the advantage of being easily accessible to local communities and encouraging the agency of local actors and potentially contributing to community economic development . Existing carparks could be easily retrofitted, and new ones could include purpose-built features. Local governments or city councils could readily support local development of projects one rooftop at a time.
Best regard,
Holly Scotland
Holly Scotland