City Gardens as a Factor of Social Resilience in Times of Crisis (The Example of Kyiv And Kyiv Region)

The objective of this study is to identify the main types of urban gardens in the city of Kyiv and the Kyiv region, and to study the features of their creation and development during the russian war against Ukraine. Urban gardens have become a crucial component of urban resilience, particularly during times of crisis. They perform essential environmental functions, such as mitigating the impact of heatwaves, retaining rainwater, and supporting biodiversity. Additionally, they hold significant socio-economic value, fostering community cohesion and enhancing the adaptive capacity of cities during wartime conditions. The development of urban gardening in Kyiv and the Kyiv region is examined through the lens of global experience and the historical evolution of agricultural production in the city and its suburbs. Based on an analysis of selected cases, a comparison was made between centralized and grassroots urban gardening projects in terms of their dynamics, development prospects, and contributions to urban resilience. Urban gardening initiatives within existing self-organized public spaces are well-suited to attract new participants, foster horizontal connections among various stakeholders, and promptly respond to community needs. Conversely, centralized projects contribute to disseminating knowledge, encouraging community participation in urban gardening, and advancing skills in horticulture. The novelty of the study lies in revealing the adaptive capabilities of urban gardens, which are a crucial factor in the social resilience of cities during times of crisis.