The Role of Urban Green Areas in the Education for Sustainable Development: Focus on Krakow, Poland

Four selected green areas in Krakow (Poland) were compared, including: (1) the historical centre of Krakow with the green belt of Planty; (2) Blonia - grassland situated near the city centre; (3) the Park of Aviators, situated between the old part of Krakow and the industrial district of Nowa Huta and (4) the Nowa Huta Meadows. All these areas have great potential educational values. All the aspects of sustainable development are important in their management. The environmental aspect means preserving biodiversity and filtering pollutants. The economic aspect is connected with the projects that bring economic profits, as well as in higher value of real estate situated near green areas. The areas are attended by the residents of Krakow, which contributes to social and well-being aspects. The educational value of green areas is related with the ability to observe nature as well as formal and informal meetings and sports and recreational activities allowing social integration in many fields. The questionnaire showed great importance of green areas for local residents.