ETHIOPIA NATIONAL URBAN GREEN

INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARD

November, 2015
Addis Ababa
Index
Acronyms i
Forward ii
Introduction iii
I.Scope 1
II.Background 3
III.How to use 4
V.Definitions 6
VI.UGI general standards 9
VII. UGI elements standards 19
1. Recreational parks 19
2. Rights of way 24
3. River and canal corridors and lake shores 34
3.1 General Introduction and standards 34
4. Open spaces in residential areas 43
5. Open spaces in administrative and commercial areas 45
6. Open spaces in industrial areas 47
7. Schools and kindergartens 49
8. Cemeteries and religious yards 52
9. Outdoor sports fields and facilities 54
10. Temporarily vacant land 56
11. Natural and semi-natural land (urban forests and wetlands) 58
12. Steep slopes and rocky land 60
13. Urban agricultural and horticultural land 62
14. Green roofs and living walls 64
15. Urban Seedling Nursery 66
16. Financial aspects standards 70
17. Institutional arrangements standards 71
Acronyms
BMP Best Management Practice
CIM Centre for Migration and International Development
CRGE Climate Resilient Green Economy
DBH Diameter at breast height
DIN Deutsches Institut fuer Normung
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EiABC Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development at
Addis Ababa University
EOS Ethiopian Occupational Standards
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GI Green Infrastructure
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
LDP Local Development Plan
LG Local Government
LID Low Impact Development
MUDHo Ministry of Urban Development and Housing
NTQF National Technical Qualification Framework
NUGIS National Urban Green Infrastructure Standards
NUSWMS National Urban Solid Waste Management Standards
MSE Micro and Small Sized Enterprises
TOR Term of Reference
TVET Technical Vocational Education Training
UGDP Urban Governance and Decentralization Program
UGI Urban Green Infrastructure
WHO World Health Organization of the United Nations

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Forward
The Ethiopia National Urban Green Infrastructure standard aims at setting the basic minimum
standard requirements for Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) development and management.
This UGI standard development has done based on international and national cities experiences
in UGI development and management. For this reason, Ministry of Urban Development and
Housing (MUDHo) in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has developed this UGI standard. The standard has been evaluated and
commented by Urban Plan, Sanitation and Beautification technical committee starting from
Term of Reference (TOR) up to final preparation of this instrumental standard.

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Introduction
Ethiopia has already set a vision to join middle income country status by the year 2025.This
vision has inspired with hope the country to transform from agrarian economy to
Industrialization and these vibrant growth has also started to shift rural life to urbanization. The
Government of Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) vision has also set the goal of
reaching middle-income country status by the year 2025 with net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.

The country’s rapid population growth and urbanization is in a position of creating demanding
Societies in the urban settings. The rapid growth of most towns and cities in Ethiopia without
properly planned green spaces has generated environmental problems, including: increase of
temperature, air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Urban green areas and
forestry should be managed to improve air quality and mitigate national and global climate
change.

To maximize the need of urban society, the Ministry of urban Development and Housing has
already prepared the Climate Change Resilient Urban Green Development Strategy as road map
to fulfill the urban population need in the area of urban green infrastructure service provisions.
Therefore, this urban green infrastructure standard provides the basic minimum requirements
to be achieved in the design, implementation and operation of urban green infrastructure by the
practitioners.

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 I. Scope
These National Urban Green Infrastructure Standards (NUGIS) create the framework for
municipalities to provide effective and sustainable urban green infrastructure (UGI) for their
citizens in order to protect public health and environmental quality. They provide minimum
requirements to enable competent authorities to meet their legal responsibilities as set out in
various legal instruments:
 Article 43 and 44 of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
(Proclamation No. 1/1995) affirms the right of citizens to live in a clean and healthy
environment. Article 92 states the obligation of citizens to protect their
environment.
 The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (Proclamation No. 9/1995), approved in April
1997, states as its overall goal “to improve and enhance the health and quality of
life of all Ethiopians and to promote sustainable social and cultural resources and
the environment as a whole, so as to meet the needs of the present generation
without compromising the abilities of future generations to meet their own needs.”
 The Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (1997) sets out detailed strategies and action
plans as well as the institutional arrangements required for the implementation of
sector as well as cross sector institutions for the management of the country’s
natural, man-made and cultural resources.
 The Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation No. 300/2000 aims to protect
the environment in general and safeguard human health and well-being, as well as
maintain the biota and the aesthetic value of nature.
 The Urban Plan Proclamation No. 574/2008 includes principles applying to UGI like
safeguarding the community and the environment, preservation and restoration of
historical and cultural heritages and ensuring sustainable development.
 The recent Growth and Transformation 5 year plan gives priority to environmental
awareness creation and development of green areas.
 The Ethiopian Cities Prosperity Initiative: Building Green, Resilient and Well
Governed Cities, 2013/14-2025 (2014), includes ‘Urban greenery development and
management’ as an important program in one of its pillars.
The NUGIS shall be applied across Ethiopian cities and towns. They provide the basic minimum
requirements to be achieved in the design, implementation and operation of urban green
infrastructure.
The NUGIS place responsibility on national, regional and local public authorities (hereinafter
referred to as the ‘Competent Authorities’) to:
 Create ecologically well-functioning, aesthetically pleasing, and socially beneficial
green landscape environments in cities and provide suitable, sufficient and
ecologically viable green and open spaces for recreational, social, economic and
environmental needs of the community.
 Design urban spaces with modified and enhanced microclimate for improved
living, working and leisure activities.
 Improve air quality in cities.

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  Improve storm water management and enhance storm water quality through the
regulation of river flow and protection of river banks.
 Enhance biological diversity through the protection and improvement of urban
wildlife habitats, sensitive natural areas and rare and endangered species to
maximize ecological, social and cultural benefits.
 Preserve historic sites (heritage), cultural assets and places with recognized special
significance.
 Generate income through various ecologically appropriate methods such as
tourism, urban agriculture, green construction, recycling, composting etc. to make
significant contribution to the economic vitality of the city.
 Promote community environmental responsibility to ensure continuity and
sustainability of urban green infrastructure.
 Educate the public about the need for environmental stewardship by creating
awareness concerning the benefits of environmental protection and sustainability.
 Catalyze the economic development of the sector in terms of growth
opportunities for micro, small and medium sized enterprises.
The Standards have been designed to ensure that they address the above priorities and at the
same time are realistically achievable and applicable to different contexts.
Competent authorities may exceed the standards, and implement alternative conforming
urban green infrastructure, so long as the basic minimum goals are achieved.

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 II. Background
Improving the standard of urban green infrastructure in Ethiopian cities is a national priority.
Economic development will continue to bring with it urbanization, greater population density
in urban settlements, and correspondingly, increased demand for green infrastructure.
In developing these UGI Standards, consideration has been given to the conditions, realities
and requirements of different localities. Certain basic minimum requirements are prescribed
within these standards. Government will continue to drive and shape a national
transformation in UGI practices, through further elaboration of policy framework documents,
and decentralized planning and implementation measures.
The UGI Standards are one of a family of documents being developed, or already in place, to
connect national policy & legislation to regional and local level implementation – as illustrated
in the figure below.

National Policies
concerning UGI
Policy framework documents

National GI Legislations &

Strategy Regulations
concerning UGI

Regional / City UGI Standards & Manuals &

Plans with Handbook Guidelines
UGI elements incorporating UGI

Feasibility Action Plans Contracts &

Studies Service
Specifications

Decentralized planning and implementation measures

The precise systems to be implemented to meet these basic minimum requirements shall be:
 initially mapped-out within regional/city UGI Plans;
 further specified in Feasibility Studies and Action Plans; and
 implemented through Contracts and Service Performance Specifications.
These documents are collectively referred to as ’decentralized planning and implementation
measures’ and they shall be in conformance with these National UGI Standards. Consideration
shall be given to revising these UGI Standards according to practical experience in their
implementation, as evidenced by the competent authorities’ annual reports. Government will
continue to drive and shape a national transformation in UGI practices, through further
elaboration of policy framework documents, and decentralized planning and implementation
measures.

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 III. How to use
It is important to consider that urban green infrastructure in general and the UGI Standards in
particular overlap with proclamations, guidelines and manuals already existing in the Ethiopian
urban sector. They themselves, in some aspects refer to each other; in other aspects
contradict each other. These documents have been taken into account in developing the UGI
standards in the best way possible.
These proclamations, guidelines and manuals are, but may not be limited to:
 Norms and Standards of the Addis Ababa Structure Plan Components (2002)
 Regulations No.17/2004, "The Addis Ababa City Government Building Permit
Regulations” (2004)
 National Urban Planning preparation and Implementation Strategy (2014)
 Structure Plan Manual (2006)
 Local Development Plan Manual (2006)
 Urban Upgrading and Renewal Manual (2006)
 Urban Transport Planning Manual (2006)
 Urban Transport and Traffic Management Plan Manual (2006)
 Integrated Urban Infrastructure and Service Planning Manual (2006)
 Neighborhood Planning and Design Manual (2006)
 The Urban Plan Proclamation No. 574/2008 (2008)
 Urban Storm Water Drainage Design Manual (2008)
 Green Based Landscape Design Manual (2011)
 River Bank Manual (2011)
 [National Green Infrastructure Strategy (2011)] – unpublished
 [Green Infrastructure Development Guideline (2012)] – unpublished
 Sanitation and Green Development Strategy (2011)
 Climate Change Resilient Urban Green Infrastructure Strategy (2014)
 Urban Integrated Watershed Management Manual (2015)
 Local Development Plan Manual (date not known)
 Urban Planning and Implementation Manual (date not known)
 Ethiopian Industry Standards
 Standards by the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
It is also important to consider that the Standards partly intrude into areas of jurisdiction of
other authorities, such as the Ethiopian Road Authority, Addis Ababa City Water and Sewerage
Authority, Ethiopian Environmental Authority, and Ethiopian Electricity Power Cooperation.
Conflicts can occur and must be well mediated in the respective situation at local level.
Coordination and cooperation among the concerned authorities is indispensable.

IV. Use of National Urban Green Infrastructure Standards

(NUGIS)
The Standards have been designed for 15 UGI elements and are presented in 15 sub-chapters.
Each chapter follows a standardized structure along the following aspects:
 General introduction with general standards to be followed;

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  Specific standards for location, capacity and accessibility for the respective
element;
 Specific standards for the use of adequate green, gray and blue components;
 Specific standards for the use of additional facilities if applicable;
 Standards for storm water management;
 Standards for urban agriculture and composting if applicable; and
 Standards for the operation and maintenance of the element with the aim
of job creation and public participation.
Before going into the specific elements, the first chapter on “UGI General Standards” should
be consulted. Some standards for components, facilities and other aspects are applicable to all
UGI elements. Therefore, to avoid duplication, these standards are collectively presented as
“UGI General Standards”.
As mentioned above, the Standards are not intended to be inflexible rules or standards.
Exceptions may be granted if more appropriate solutions are achieved. The Standards follow a
hierarchy of three levels for compliance:
 Standards using the term “shall” are considered essential. It denotes a mandatory
specification or requirement.
 Standards using the term “should” are considered relevant to achieving UGI goals
and objectives but are more flexible. It denotes an advisory specification or
recommendation.
 Standards using the term “may” provide suggested approaches to achieve UGI
goals or objectives. It denotes an option or alternative.

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V. Definitions
 Accessibility: The ability for all people, including people with impaired mobility and all
ages, to physically reach desired destinations, services and/or activities.
 Action Plan: A document arrived at through a strategic and tactical decision-making
process committing competent authorities and/or other stakeholders to the
implementation of certain measures necessary to achieve a defined goal.
 Canopy: The upper layer of vegetation formed by tree crowns.
 Clear width: The portion of a surface that is free of obstruction.
 Competent authority: Any person or organization that has the legally delegated or
invested authority, capacity, or power to perform (or delegate the performance of) a
designated function. The competent authorities for waste management in Ethiopia are
the regional and municipal governments.
 Contract: An agreement between two or more parties regarding the delivery of works,
supplies or services related to UGI that is written and enforceable by law.
 Corridors
 Riparian Corridor: Any defined stream channels including the area up to the bank
full-flow line, as well as all riparian (streamside) vegetation in contiguous
adjacent uplands.
 Wildlife corridor: Wildlife needs to move for many reasons and finds in the urban
landscape many non-wildlife-friendly barriers, like roads, highways, power lines,
dams or urban agricultural land. Habitat fragmentation is found in all urban areas.
Green patches often vary in size and as a result, vary in wildlife use. A series of
patches or a corridor connection offer more diversity for wildlife. Corridors can
be hedgerow, green pathways or wider riverbeds. Wildlife moves through
corridors or linkages in a variety of ways, some species are using it for a period of
time, some stop to forage, while some may become residents of the corridor
itself and spend most of their time inside of it. Cities may consider wildlife
corridors or landscape components and analyze them, including wildlife requires
for the animals life-cycle, such as territory size, shelter, food, nest or breeding
sites as well as aspects that may negatively impact the wildlife such as human
disturbance. They may plan corridors in urban and suburban settings. They add
green space to the city and could create a highly sought after residential edge
and serve as storm water management as well. Urban wildlife corridors may
connect neighborhoods with nature by offering space for wildlife to be seen as
well as opportunities for stewardship and tourism.
 Wind corridor: Topography is an important part for a good urban climate to keep
the exchange of fresh air and to cool urban areas. In addition the exposition of
building to the main wind direction is of importance. Wind speed will be balanced
and a fresh air exchange in an urban area is guaranteed if those parameters are
monitored. The protection and development of areas for climate exchange are
important to have good balanced condition in urban areas. Green areas, water
bodies, river valleys, urban forests, urban agriculture have the function to
balance the climate. They are contributing to a good micro climate und need to

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 be considered especially in dense built-up areas. Cities ensure through building
arrangement and building height variation to avoid wind tunnel effects and to
keep the exchange of fresh air in a constant way.
 Curb: A vertical separation between the motor vehicle traveled way and the pedestrian
realm.
 Curb Extension: An extension of the pedestrian realm into the traveled way, typically at
crosswalks and junctions adjacent to on-street parking.
 Driveway: The connection provided for vehicles between a street and a site.
 Feasibility Study: A study designed to determine the practicability of a plan, system or
technological application.
 Frontage Zone: The area between the Pedestrian / Through Zone and the building front or
private property line in the pedestrian realm. Where buildings are adjacent to the
sidewalk, it provides a buffer for pedestrians from window shoppers, appurtenances,
opening doors and architectural elements. The Frontage zone is the space for sidewalk
cafés, store entrances, retail displays or landscaping.
 Furnishing Zone (see Green scape Zone / Furnishing Zone)
 Green space: A proportion of open space that is retained in a mostly undisturbed
vegetative state. It can be partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other
vegetation.
 Green scape / Furnishing Zone: The area of the pedestrian realm that provides a buffer
between pedestrians and the edge/curb zone, a cycle track, a parking lane, and/or vehicle
travel lanes. This zone is where street trees, storm water elements, street lights, signs,
hydrants, benches, public art, litter bins etc. shall be located.
 Impervious Area: A surface, which is compacted or is covered with material that restricts
infiltration of water, including semi-pervious surfaces such as compacted clay, most
conventionally hard-scaped surfaces such as streets, driveways, roofs, sidewalks, parking
lots, attached and detached structures, and other similar surfaces.
 Invasive Species: Vegetation introduced into an area where it is not naturally found that
possesses the ability to overtake the plant community in which it is introduced.
 Legislation: The act or process of law making, and the UGI-relevant laws that are so made.
 Local community: The body of persons comprising (a) the residents of the area in which
the UGI element is situated; (b) the ratepayers of the area in which the UGI element is
situated; and (c) any civic and non-governmental organizations or private sector
organizations or bodies which are involved in local affairs in the area in which the UGI
element is situated.
 Median: The center area of the street, or a non-vehicular space, such as a planted median,
transit median, or a paved surface (raised or at grade). A median island is the center of a
street that physically separates the directional flow of traffic and can provide pedestrians
with a place of refuge and reduce the crossing distance between safety points. It may also
accommodate transit facilities.
 Mulch: is a protective covering placed around the base of vegetation in order to
discourage weed growth and help to retain soil moisture.
 Native Species: Vegetation growing in the geographic area where it is naturally inherent.

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 Open Space: Any open piece of land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built
structures). Open space may be used for passive or active recreation, or may be reserved
to protect or buffer natural areas. Open space can include green space.
 Pedestrian / Through Zone: The main area within the pedestrian realm where pedestrians
travel. This zone must be free of any physical obstructions to allow for unfettered
pedestrian movement. Street furniture, plantings, outdoor seating, and other elements
belonging to the Frontage Zone or Green scape/Furnishing Zone shall not protrude into
the Pedestrian/Through Zone.
 Permeable Pavement: A hard pavement surface consisting of materials that allow water
to pass freely through the surface, thereby eliminating or reducing runoff. Other terms for
‘permeable’ are ‘pervious’, ‘porous’.
 Recreation
 Active recreation: A physical activity that a person voluntarily undertakes in their
leisure time for the purpose of mental and/or physical satisfaction. It is often done
in green open spaces and associated with play and fun. It can be different from
sport, since sport involves elements of competition where rules and patterns of
behavior governing the activity exist formally through organizations. Active
recreation has an important role in a healthy society and the more green urban
space is provided, the more opportunities are there to increasing the physical
activity levels.
 Passive recreation: Within a concept of play and an essential part of human life
and finds many different forms which are shaped naturally by individual interests
but also by the surrounding social construction. Often urban green open spaces
are preferred for passive recreation outdoor activities. Recreation-related business
is an important factor in the economy, especially in tourism. For these purpose
urban green infrastructure plays an important role.
 Standard: An acknowledged measure of comparison of quantitative or qualitative value; a
criterion against which to enforce and/or benchmark the performance of systems.
 Streetscape: The collection of elements within and along the street right-of-way that
define its identity, appearance, and functionality, including street furniture, public art,
landscaping, trees, sidewalks, and pavement treatments, among others.
 Storm Water Management Practice: Any man-made structure that is designed and
constructed to detain, infiltrate, or otherwise control storm water runoff quality, rate, or
quantity.
 Through Zone (see Pedestrian / Through Zone)
 Urban Fringe: Area – also known as the ‘outskirts’ or the ‘urban hinterland’ – that can be
described as the landscape interface between urban area and country, a transition zone
where urban and rural uses mix, an interaction of urban and rural land uses.
 Urban Heat Island: A city area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding areas due
to human activities. It appears most noticeable during the hot seasons and is related to
the land surfaces. Material which effectively store short-wave radiation and waste heat
generated by energy usage is a second contributor. As the population of a center is
growing, it tends to expand its area and increases its average temperature. Natural "air
conditioners" such as green areas and parks can absorb up to 80 % of the energy input.

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 Landscaped roof surfaces are an alternative, as they decrease the "urban heat island
effect" through the process of transpiration and humidify dry air. This process lends to a
better climate for the occupants of adjacent apartments and buildings. Plants and trees
can mitigate the higher temperature at the heat island, and light-colored surfaces in urban
areas, which reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat.

VI. UGI general standards

a. Urban and regional planning shall incorporate green infrastructure (GI) early on in the
process, e.g. in the design of infrastructure like new roads, transit facilities and other
projects. Enough space (both above ground and underground) and enough resources
for green shall be assured. Enough areas for green open spaces shall be set aside and
incorporated in the town’s/cities’ spatial plan. This shall be seen as a legitimate
investment.
b. Urban green infrastructure (UGI) shall be managed and administered in the interests of
the local community and shall address its needs. In determining the interests of the
local community:
 The long-term collective interests of the local community shall be
prioritized over the interests of any specific interest group or sector of
society; and
 The long-term perspective, that takes into account the interests of future
generations, shall be adopted.
c. UGI shall be managed in accordance with environmentally sustainable measures. Its
design should promote biodiversity and nature conservation.
d. All levels and sectors of government should cooperate and coordinate in the utilization
of available resources for the acquisition and development of green open spaces.
e. In order to enhance UGI for sustainable urban development, knowledge about
ecological processes operating within the urban environment forms an indispensable
basis. Competent authorities shall consider the intricate interrelationships of climate,
geology and geomorphology, water, soils, plants, humans and animals, since they
provide the fundamental ecological information on which the UGI planning and
management process shall be based.
f. The UGI planning process should roughly be structured as follows:
 Assess and document the existing conditions: conduct an inventory to identify
and quantify natural resources. Inventory should start with green areas,
wetlands, gaps in tree cover, wildlife habitats etc.
 Assess the city’s water quality, flooding problems and storm water
management practices.
 Conduct an inventory and evaluation of the naturalized plant communities that
occur within the city.
 Integrate suitable habitats for natural plants and animals, and especially those
with rare and endangered species into the urban green infrastructure network.
 Institute a local green infrastructure elements classification system.

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g. Once the above conditions are fulfilled and set in place, the design solutions adopted
for planning and design shall be specific to each site and the following general
guidelines shall be considered:
 Incorporate the principles of holistic planning and design in the process.
 Draw plans to create ecologically well-functioning, aesthetically pleasing,
and/or socially beneficial green open spaces proportionate to the size and
population of the city.
 Wherever possible, design different spaces for species diversity. It is best
to design for the highest level of diversity that remains compatible with
both the environmental and human purpose. Such ecosystems will have
the capacity to be more stable.
 When designing UGI, focus on function and always plan for multiple
functions. A site could be used to serve different functions.
 Retain existing natural landscape features wherever possible and maintain
the local identity.
 Protect and restore natural areas such as urban forests, wetlands, open
grasslands, undisturbed areas etc. to provide sufficient space for natural
processes to take place
 Include the community in the planning, design and implementation.
Making UGI successful requires a multi-disciplinary and inclusive planning
and design process. Involve local residents, businesses and institutions such
as schools, churches, mosques, etc. to create UGI that is sustainable and
supported by all stakeholders over a long period of time.
h. Competent authorities shall promote the potential that private gardens can add to the
amount of green spaces and impermeable surfaces in the city. Private Green shall be
encouraged by creating campaigns to promote for more plants and less impermeable
surfaces in private compounds.

1. Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Competent authorities shall follow Urban Planning preparation and
Implementation Strategy, (2014) to allocate 30% of the land for roads and
infrastructure, 30% for green areas and shared public use and 40% for building
construction in their urban land management plan.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure a minimum of 15 m² public green open space
per capita within the city boundaries.
c. Every inhabitant shall live within 500 m from a public green open space of a size of
at least 0.3 ha, an area big enough for e.g. playing football and for other informal
play.
d. The accessibility standard should override the quantity standard. In circumstances
where a settlement or neighborhood has a relatively high level of public green open
space but some houses do not meet the accessibility standard this shall be
addressed.
e. Public green open spaces shall be evenly distributed within the city to keep the
distances people have to travel to a green open space low.
f. Public green open space shall be defined as:
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  parks and gardens (recreational, botanical and zoological), amenity green
open spaces or other green open spaces (e.g. natural and semi-natural
land, urban forests, wetlands and grasslands), for the exclusive use of
pedestrians and cyclists and accessible to the public, except green
streetscape, roundabouts and medians;
 school and kindergarten grounds, accessible to the public;
 cemeteries, accessible to the public, but in a restricted way since they
provide only limited recreational activities;
 outdoor sport fields and facilities, accessible to the public;
 private compounds, agricultural areas, private gardens, accessible to the
public;
g. The public green open spaces in a city should be classified in patches (e.g. parks,
gardens, amenity green open spaces, green open spaces surrounding
administrative buildings, cemeteries, natural areas etc.) and corridors (e.g. river
corridors, rights of way, linear parks etc.).
h. Public green open spaces should be connected (1) with each other to create one
large UGI network within the city, and (2) with green and nature in the urban
fringe and outside the city. Corridors which connect green spaces throughout the
city raise the value of the urban ecological system. Existing natural / water /
topographical characteristics of the area should be used as starting points to
guide the planning of the network and the location of the green open spaces.
i. Competent authorities may require members of the public to pay an entry fee to
use public green open space. However, authorities shall keep in mind that many
spaces are used by people who have no other free access to green spaces where
they live, do not have gardens, do not have cars and might not be able to afford
entry fees.

2. Components and facilities

a. Part of the landscape design phase is to incorporate planting beds and plant
materials known as soft scape or hereinafter ‘green components’ with the
hardscape or hereinafter ‘gray components’. Arranged by height, color, texture
and the way plant materials fit into the environment defines the soft scape. Often
soft scapes are designed to serve as subtle additions to an already existing
landscape. The combination of these elements and the integration of hardscape
are the components achieving an overall landscape plan.
b. Materials shall be suitable for the respective area.
c. Locally available materials shall be preferred.
d. When choosing materials, the environmental impact on and of the selected
materials shall be considered. Natural materials should be used and a reuse of
material shall be encouraged.

3.The green components

a. Wherever possible, existing vegetation (esp. trees) should be preserved.
b. For planting in all green infrastructure elements, indigenous plant species shall
be preferred and plants with invasive character shall be avoided.
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c. Competent authorities should ensure a diverse plant selection to improve the
social, economic and environmental value of a particular space, unless otherwise
stated in different UGI elements standards.
d. Competent authorities shall select trees and plants adaptable for the particular
agro climatic zone the city/town is located in and ensure they are appropriate to
local character, habitats and species.
e. Competent authorities shall ensure that enough space is provided for plants to
grow healthy.
f. Type and size of plants, especially trees, and the required clearances and spacing
etc. shall always be appropriate to the space available. Narrow areas suggest a
narrow tree and wide areas suggest a wide tree. Wider spacing is recommended
for ensuring sunny areas, reduced spacing is recommended to provide more
shady areas. When selecting plants it is essential that the mature height, trunk
diameter (DBH) and root zone is appropriate for the location. Location and
mature size of plants shall never conflict with structures and services. Reduced
clearances and spacing than determined in the standards may be appropriate
but shall be reviewed with other competent authorities (e.g. Ethiopian Electric
Power Cooperation (EEPCO), Water supply authority, Ethiopian Telecom (ETC)
etc.). Root deflection barrier panels should be used in planting areas located
within the standard clearances.
g. For the provision of UGI elements standard implementation together with other
urban infrastructure development competent authorities shall follow Integrated
Urban Infrastructure provision strategy and Mechanism (2012).
h. Competent authorities shall strongly encourage the planting of fruit trees and
follow the standards for the amount of fruit trees given for the different
UGI elements.
i. The species of fruit trees in an area shall vary to ensure ripe fruits in different
seasons.
j. Fruit trees with very big fruits like Avocado or Mango should be avoided above
parking areas.
k. The planting composition should consider balance, harmony, rhythm, texture,
color and contrast of plants.
l. The location of plants should not create visual and physical obstacle (even at
maturity).
m. Species growing requirements shall be matched to site conditions to ensure
successful growth; e.g. sun-loving plants in shady locations will perform poorly.
n. Only plants requiring minimal irrigation (especially in arid areas), fertilizers and
pesticides should be used in order to reduce maintenance (costs).
o. In arid areas, due to high water and maintenance requirements, lawn should be
utilized as sparingly as possible. As an alternative drought resistant
groundcovers should be considered.
p. Plants that have similar water requirements should be grouped together to
reduce the water demands of a green space.

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 q. Horticultural areas and flower/shrub beds should be weed free and ideally
mulched.

4.The gray components

4.1 Pavements
a. Pavements within green open spaces should be made of permeable materials,
preferably cobblestones, in order to improve storm water management and
groundwater recharge. Only access roads and entrances may have impermeable
surfaces.
b. Pavements should be of long term service with the required comfort and
convenience.
c. Competent authorities shall ensure a clear, unobstructed path of travel of a
minimum width of 1.3 m on all pathways in green open spaces.

4.2 Steps and ramps

a.Steps shall have level treads.
b. The rise/tread ratio should be of a maximum of 17 cm / 29 cm.
c. Steps should preferably use closed risers. If risers are open, an overlap of treads
of a minimum of 16 mm shall be ensured.
d. A landing should be provided after 18 steps.
e. Ramps should be provided to allow wheelchair users and those with prams or
trolleys to move easily from one level to another.
f. Ramp surface shall be slip resistant.
g.The maximum slope for a ramp shall be 6 % and landing should be provided at
least every 9 m.
h. Handrails may be provided with a height of 90 cm.
4.3 Lights
a. All lights shall minimize upward light spill and light pollution and shall use energy
efficient luminaries.
b. Competent authorities should, wherever possible, use solar lights since they
require no trenching, electric wiring and are of low maintenance. They are an
excellent environmentally sustainable solution.
c. Light fixtures shall be durable, resistant to weather extremes, vandals and easily
maintained.
d. Lights should be installed in harmony with the design and function of the
respective green infrastructure element and its adjusted buildings.
e. Illumination levels should not exceed the minimum level required to provide
safe conditions based on the local conditions.
4.4 Seats
a. Seats should always be provided in both sunny and shady areas of the green
open space.

13
 b. Seats should not be located in grass since the maintenance of the grass around
and beneath the seats is difficult. Permeable pavement under the seats should
be preferred.
c. Seats should be well designed to withstand moisture after rain.
d. Seats should be easy to clean and maintain, resist vandalism and discourage
damage.
e. Seats should be 42 cm above the ground and at least 40 cm deep.
f. Seats with a back should be at least 35 cm deep with a backrest of at least
30 cm.
g. The following clearances should be maintained when installing seats:
 7.5 cm minimum on either side of the seat;
 12.5 cm minimum from fire hydrants;
 2.5 cm minimum from any other amenity, utility, or fixture;
 12.5 cm minimum, ideally 15 cm clear path to provide an additional 2.5 cm
for people’s legs, in front of the seat when located at the back of a
sidewalk, facing the curb;
 2.5 cm minimum clear path must be provided behind a seat when located at
the front of a sidewalk, facing the curb.
 Where the back of the seat abuts a building, wall, or other obstruction, a
2.5 cm minimum clear width should be provided for maintenance and trash
removal;
4.5 Signs
a. Signs shall provide information where it is required.
b. Signs shall be placed in a way that it doesn’t create obstacle (for pedestrians).
c. Competent authorities should ensure that text used on signage is easily visible
from reasonable distance. Signs’ graphics – including text size, style, color and
its contrast with the background – should maximize legibility for all people.
4.6 Fences and walls
a. Living fences and walls should be preferred in all green open spaces.
b. Fences and walls should be made of durable and as much as possible out of
locally available materials.
c. Fences shall not contain pointed finials and sharp edges.
d. Retaining walls of 1 m or more require a safety barricade to avoid the risk of
fall.
4.7 Sculptures, monuments and fountains
a. Competent authorities should select sculptures, monuments and artwork that
are designed in a way that minimizes maintenance (costs), resists vandalism
and is structurally sound.
b. Competent authorities may consider fountains to enhance the environment.
However, due to high running and maintenance cost, fountains shall only be
located around very important plazas and squares.
c. Walls of fountains should be designed in a way that they can serve as seating
possibilities.
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5.The blue components
a. Existing water features should be integrated into the green open space
landscape.
b. Extra installation of water features shall be restricted because of high
maintenance costs of water features (e.g. fountains, ponds etc.).

6. Facilities
6.1 Playgrounds
a. Competent authorities shall ensure that all play facilities are at all times in
safe condition. DIN 18034, DIN EN 1176 or ISO 17842 Standards should be
applied.
b. Playgrounds should have at least 5 types of play equipment.
c. Playgrounds shall have adequate space around the equipments.
d. Pavements on playgrounds should have protective surfacing.
e. Playgrounds may include seating area for parents around the play
equipments.

6.2 Parking
a. Competent authorities shall promote ‘green parking’ in order to reduce
impermeable cover.
b. Wherever possible, storm water management practices shall be integrated
into parking areas.
c. Parking space should be covered to a minimum of 50 % by shade trees.
6.3 Litter bins
a. For the provision of litter bins in green open spaces, competent authorities
shall follow the Ethiopian National Urban Solid Waste Management
Standards (NUSWMS), 2014, and specific the UGI elements standards.

6.4 Guard houses / watch towers

a. Competent authorities may consider strategically located guard houses or
watch towers to lookout the surrounding of the green open space to make
sure that standards are kept.

7. Storm water management

a. Competent authorities shall combine structural and non-structural storm
water management practices (SWMPs) and strategies in order to establish an
integrated storm water management system.
b. Before new buildings are occupied, it shall be proved that surface water
drainage works have been implemented in accordance with a detailed site
plan, including an assessment of potential disposing of surface water by
means of a sustainable drainage system. The results of the assessment
15
 included in the site plan needs approval in writing by the competent
authority.
c. Rainwater harvesting for irrigation should be explored on an individual
project basis, since small scale solutions, which supplement treated waste
and gray water, tend to be the most successful.

8. Urban Agriculture
a. Competent authorities shall promote urban agriculture in order to function as
part of the food security system and urban safety net.
b. Competent authorities should create bigger networks of urban agriculture,
away from fragments and pieces towards a cohesive whole system. Solutions
should be found based on interconnectedness of the systems as whole units,
rather than separate units.
c. Effective implementation of urban agriculture shall include educational
campaigns and legislative action, so that all categories of the population have
long-term access to a plot and joint activities are carried out by a number of
public and private stakeholders.

9. Composting
a. Competent authorities should care for the organic waste by organizing
decentralized composting schemes and reusing compost to support the
growing of plants in their respective areas.
b. Wherever there are organic material is to be disposed, composts should be
established.
c. The composting system shall be located in a way that odor disturbing the
neighborhood is minimized.

10. Operation and maintenance

10.1 General
a. Competent authorities shall ensure that public green open spaces are at all
times in a clean, safe and usable condition.
b. For operation and maintenance activities, competent authorities shall use
locally available manpower if possible.
c. Vegetation control should be timed to minimize disturbance to breeding
birds.

10.2 Cleaning
a. For waste management in and cleaning of green open spaces, competent
authorities shall follow the Ethiopian National Urban Solid Waste
Management Standards, 2014.
b. High levels of cleaning and litter removal in green open spaces shall be
achieved to keep areas clean and to deter visitors from littering.
c. Cleaning of green open spaces should be undertaken manually.

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 d. Cleaning shall be of an adequate frequency and reliability to discourage the
dumping of household waste in or adjacent to green open spaces.

10.3 Watering
a. Competent authorities shall ensure watering and mowing according to the
climatic conditions and the green components’ needs.
10.4 Tree pruning
a. Competent authorities may select the pre rainy season and prune trees and
shrubs in using appropriate pruning tools.
b. Pruning has a significant effect on the health and longevity of trees and
should be done properly and in time. Pruning improves public safety, tree
health and overall tree appearance.
c. All pruning should be performed by professionals trained according to the
occupational standard and in a safe manner that maintains the natural
aesthetic characteristics of the species. No topping or dehorning of trees or
stubbing back of branches shall be permitted.
d. All cuts shall be made sufficiently close to the parent stem so that wound
closure can be readily started under normal conditions. Cuts shall never be
made through the branch collar.
e. Trees should be pruned away from structures, surfaces, lights and utility lines
as follows:
 Buildings – all branches shall be pruned to allow approximately 1 m
clearance from a building.
 Street/Road – all branches shall be pruned to allow approximately 4 m
clearance over the centre of the street surface and 3 m clearance at the
street surface edge.
 Sidewalk / path – all branches shall be pruned to allow a minimum 2 m
clearance over the Pedestrian / through zone of a sidewalk or a path.
 Lights – all branches shall be pruned to allow a minimum 15 cm clearance
from any light.
 Overhead electrical distribution / power lines – all branches shall be
pruned to allow a minimum 1.5 m clearance from any overhead electrical
distribution / power line.
f. Property owners shall be made responsible for pruning trees on their
properties to assure all the clearance according to standard e, also for
adjacent public property such as streets, sidewalks and paths.
g. Property owners should contact the competent authority if the tree adjacent
to their property is potentially impacting high voltage electrical transmission
lines.
h. Property owners should hire an electrical hazard certified arborist for any
pruning around high voltage overhead lines.
10.5 Tree removal
a. Dead wood and trees (either standing or fallen) in green open spaces
(exception: natural and semi-natural areas, specific river buffer zones etc.)
17
 shall be removed in a timely manner in order improve the security for people
passing by. The dead wood should be used for mulching on site or may be
used as fire wood.
b. Dying trees that are not a danger of falling on people or structures for
example in an urban forest can be allowed to die in place without human
intervention, since they could be still of ecologically value for habitat like
birds and insects.
c. If less than 25 % of a tree is damaged, the damaged parts should be removed
since they could be a danger of falling on people or structures. The tree might
have a good chance to survive. Severe damage to the trunk often warrants
removal of the tree. If the damage area is less than 25% of the circumference
of the trunk, the tree has a good chance to survive but should be closely
monitored. In case 50 % of a tree is damaged, it probably will have a very
limited growth and might not recover. A careful cutting of the tree should be
done, preventing damage on nearby vegetation.
d. If a trees root system is demolished by 50%, it should be removed since a
solid anchoring is not guaranteed.
10.6 Urban soil types amelioration practices
a. The amelioration required can vary depending upon the existing soil and the
traits of the soil that require alteration. In order to decide what is required
prior to modifying soil there are a number of steps that need to be considered,
such as the palette of plants needs to be decided upon, the moisture holding
ability of the soil should be identified, the climatic conditions of the planting
site as well as the irrigation source should be understood thoroughly.

11. Public participation and job creation

a. Local communities shall be encouraged to care for green open spaces in
their areas.
b. Competent authorities shall design public education campaigns and
implement them with a specific anti-littering of green open spaces
message. Monitoring and enforcement activities shall be implemented to
support the campaign.
c. Competent authorities may make allowance for installation of trees in
urban regeneration schemes and, where appropriate and feasible, any
street trees that are lost could be replaced by at least two trees which will
reach the same stature and provide similar ecosystem services in the long
term.
d. For the provision of Public participation and Job creation in UGI, competent
authorities shall follow Public Participation Manual in Urban Beautification
and Greenery Development, 2014 and Job creation based study on urban
greenery, Sanitation and Beautification, 2012.

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VII. UGI elements standards
1. Recreational parks
1.1 General introduction and standards
Recreation parks are the main element in most urban green infrastructure networks or
systems.
1.1. 1 Competent authorities shall establish a hierarchy of parks:
a. Neighborhood park
b. Woreda park
c. Sub-city park
d. City Park

1.2 Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Competent authority shall provide sufficient and easily accessible formal recreational
parks for their citizens. Therefore, parks should be located within the city so that every
inhabitant can reach from his/her home within a maximum distance of:
 500 m a neighborhood park (or a bigger park, or a comparable green
open space) of a size of at least 0.3 ha;
 1,000 m to 1,500 m a Woreda park (or a bigger park);
 4,000 m a Sub-city park (or a bigger park);
 6,000 m a City park.
b. The parks should have following approximate minimum sizes, carrying capacities and
locations:
 A neighborhood park should be around 0.5 ha, can serve up to 5,000 people
in a radius of 500 m, with a carrying capacity of 0.1 ha/1,000 pop., and shall
be located on local or collector streets, not arterial streets.
 A Woreda Park should be around 3 ha, can serve up to 40,000 people in a
radius of 1,000 to 1,500 m, with a carrying capacity of 0.075 ha/1,000 pop.,
shall be located on local or collector streets, not arterial streets, and should
be well accessible by public transport.
 A Sub-city Park should be around 8 ha (sub-city), can serve up to 160,000
people in a radius of 4,000 m, with a carrying capacity of 0.05 ha/1,000 pop.,
may be located on arterial streets ensuring safe and practical street crossings,
and shall be well accessible by public transport.
 A City Park should be more than 15 ha (city), can serve up to 300,000 people
in a radius of 6,000 m, with a carrying capacity of 0.05 ha/1,000 pop., may be
located on arterial streets ensuring safe and practical street crossings, and
shall be well accessible by public transport.
c. Competent authorities shall, whenever possible, exceed the given minimum sizes and
carrying capacities.
d. All parks should have easy, comfortable and safe pedestrian access.

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 e. Competent authorities shall ensure that all parks are designed in a way that considers
equal access for all people – people with and without disabilities, people of all age
groups, and people of all socio economic statuses.
f. A minimum of 30 % of the total park area shall be appropriately laid out for people
with disabilities, i.e. no steps and steep ramps shall restrict access.
g. Competent authorities may choose to charge entrance fees to generate income for
maintenance and operation of parks. However they shall ensure that access for low
income groups is not denied.

1.3 Components and facilities (general standards)

1.3.1 The green components
a. Green coverage in all parks should be in a ratio of at least 75 % green components (i.e.
trees, grasses, other plants) and at most 25 % other components.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure that within a park, at least 50 % of trees are fruit
trees to support food security.
c. Plant species should be appropriate to the desired function for different areas in the
park and should contribute to the character of the site.
d. A diversity of plant species (ornamental trees, fruit trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers,
grasses and herbaceous plants) should be assured in order to guarantee the
biodiversity of parks.
e. Competent authorities shall ensure that enough space is provided for plants to grow
healthy and that they do not intrude park pathways or adjacent streets and
sidewalks. Within a park, all trees should be planted at least 3 m away from a
pathway, sidewalk or property line. If this is not possible, the minimum standards of
NUGIS 2 ‘Rights of way’, 2014 or most recent, shall be followed.

1.3.2 The gray components

a. Pavements, steps and ramps
 Pavements should be permeable and made of natural materials.
 Slopes of pathways should not exceed 10 %. In areas accessible for persons
with disabilities, slopes of pathways should not exceed 6 %.
 Steps should be made of natural materials.

b. Lights
 Competent authorities should use suitable outdoor lighting in harmony with
the existing surrounding and with the specific use of particular zones of the
park.
 Outdoor lighting should be aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable.
c. Seats
 Seats should be provided in both sunny and shady areas and with view into
the landscape.
 Seats shall be provided with view towards playgrounds.

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 d. Fences and walls
 Competent authorities should ensure that the design of fences and walls fulfils
architectural and aesthetic requirements and the appearance should be in
harmony with adjacent structures.
 Fences and walls should be designed in accordance with the character of the
site and should serve as integrating elements. Living fences and walls shall be
preferred when conditions permit.
e. Sculptures and monuments
 Competent authorities may choose to put up sculptures, monuments and/or
artwork to create a unique identity for an area.
1.3.3 Facilities
a. Litter bins
 Competent authorities shall provide an adequate number of litter bins in all
parks. Additional litter bins shall be placed at all park entrances and near
sources of higher production of waste, e.g. food corners and small retail
shops.
a. Food corners and small retail shops
 Competent authorities may allow food corners and small retail shops. If so,
they should be well integrated in the park design and owners shall be made
responsible for keeping the area clean and disposing solid waste out of the
park.

1.3.4 Components and facilities (standards for park classes)

 Competent authorities shall ensure the following standards, specific to each park
classification:

1.3.4.1 Neighborhood Park

 Should be around 0.5 ha;
 can serve up to 5,000 people in a radius of 500 m, with carrying capacity of
0.1 ha/1,000 pop.;
 shall be located on local or collector streets, not arterial streets;
 should be integral to every residential design.

a. Purpose
 Shall serve the local residents in the close-by neighborhood and – in a
limited way – provide for their daily recreational (active and passive)
needs;
 should be used to maximize the distribution of green space within an area.
b. Green components:
 Shall mostly consist of open areas, i.e. lawn, for passive recreational use
and informal active recreational use (e.g. informal ball games);
 shall have up to 40 trees per ha, i.e. approx. 13 to 20 in a park of 0.3 and
0.5 ha respectively.
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 c. Gray components and facilities:
 Shall have a small playground for children in the age group 2-10 years;
 may have small formal sport facilities (e.g. a half hard surface basketball
court, table tennis);
 shall have seating;
 shall have litter bins;
 should have some tables;
 may have some lighting.
 Toilets and parking space are not required.

1.3.4.2 Woreda park

 Should be around 3 ha;
 can serve up to 40,000 people in a radius of 1,000 to 1,500 m, with a
carrying capacity of 0.075 ha/1,000 pop.;
 shall be located on local or collector streets, not arterial streets.

a. purpose
 Shall be the basic and focus unit of the park system;
 shall serve the local residents of a wider neighborhood and shall provide
for their recreational (active and passive) needs.
b. Green components
 Shall have mostly open areas, i.e. lawn, for passive recreational use and
informal active recreational use (e.g. informal ball games);
 shall have around 40 trees per ha, i.e. approx. 40 to 120 in a park of 1 to
3 ha, providing a good amount of natural shady areas.
c. Gray components and facilities
 Shall have a playground for children in the age group 2-10 years;
 shall have small formal sport facilities (e.g. half hard surface basketball
court, table tennis);
 may have bigger formal sport facilities (e.g. hard surface basketball court,
volleyball court);
 shall have seating and tables;
 shall have litter bins;
 shall have adequate lighting;
 should have on-street parking space; may have some off-street parking
space;
 may have public toilets.

1.3.4.3 Sub-city / City park:

 Should be around 8 ha (sub-city), or more than 15 ha (city);
 can serve up to 160,000 people in a radius of 4,000 m (sub-city), or up to
300,000 people in a radius of 6,000 m (city) with a carrying capacity of
0.05 ha/1,000 pop.;

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  may be located on arterial streets ensuring safe and practical street
crossings;
 shall be well accessible by public transport.
a. Purpose:
 Shall serve a broader purpose than the neighborhood and Woreda parks;
 shall serve the whole community and provide for its recreational (active
and passive) needs;
 shall provide for a diverse range of recreational as well as cultural activities
and may host special events;
 should also focus on preserving unique landscapes and open spaces.
b. Green components:
 Shall have mostly open areas, i.e. lawn, for passive recreational use and
informal active recreational use (e.g. informal ball games);
 shall have more than 40 trees per ha, i.e. approx. 200 to 400 in a park of 5
to 10 ha, providing a good amount of natural shady areas;
 should have ornamental shrubs and flower beds;
 may include some natural and semi-natural areas.
c. Gray components and facilities:
 Shall have a playground for children in the age group 2-10 years;
 should have additional playground facilities like an adventure playground;
 shall have formal sport facilities (e.g. hard surface basketball court,
volleyball court, football field, table tennis) of which some should be
lighted for night use;
 shall have seating and tables;
 shall have litter bins;
 shall have adequate lighting;
 shall have adequate number of toilets;
 shall have on-street as well as off-street parking space;
 should have storage facilities and service buildings;
 should integrate some storm water management practices;
 may have sculptures;
 should have food corners and small retail shops;
 should have first aid services;
 should include some urban agriculture;
 should have composting facilities;
 may have an internet café;
 may have a bank or ATM machine;
 may have a swimming pool.

1.3.4.4 Storm water management

 Competent authorities should use public parks for effective storm water
management. However, engineered storm water management practices
shall only be installed in parks of bigger size, mostly sub-city and city parks.

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 1.3.4.5 Urban agriculture
 Bigger parks offer good opportunities for urban agriculture. Competent
authorities should designate some area of a sub-city or city park for
agriculture.

1.3.4.6 Composting
 The organic waste produced in a park should be collected and stored at
composting facilities within parks of a bigger size, mostly sub-city and city
parks.

1.4 Operation and maintenance

a. High levels of cleaning and litter removal in parks shall be achieved to keep
areas clean and to deter visitors from littering. Therefore, cleaning shall be
of an adequate frequency and reliability to discourage the dumping of
household waste in or adjacent to parks.
b. Facilities in the park shall be regularly maintained and checked for safety.
The frequency for safety checks shall depend on the respective facility.
c. Competent authorities should involve the private sector, i.e. MSEs, for park
operation and maintenance.
d. Competent authorities shall give the following responsibilities:
 Neighborhood parks should be managed by the community in the
neighborhood and overseen by the Woreda Administration;
 Woreda parks should be managed by the Woreda Administration;
 Sub-city / City park should be managed by the Sub-city / City
administration;

2. Rights of way
2.1 General introduction and standards
a. No other feature shapes the outward appearance of a community more than its
streets. They can incorporate a wide variety of green infrastructure components as
well as storm water management practices including trees, permeable pavements,
bio retention and swales. Successful application of green techniques will encourage
soil and vegetation contact and infiltration and retention of storm water.

24
 b. These days, the term ‘complete street’ is used to define roadways that are
designed and operated to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and
travel to all users. They are designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists,
motorists, trucks and public transport users of all ages and abilities, as well as green
infrastructure and other components. The figure above shows a model cross-
section of a ‘complete street’ with its distinctive zones.
c. streets should be designed for the minimum required pavement width
(impermeable surface) needed for lanes, parking, emergency, maintenance, service
access, pedestrians and cyclists, based on the volume of motorized and pedestrian
traffic;
d. especially in streets with low traffic volume, utilities should be installed under the
street pavement; the higher costs for and temporary impediment of traffic flow in
the case of repair or replacement should be taken into account but should be
confronted with the benefits of larger green space;
e. Parking requirements should be lowered wherever possible, e.g. through mass
transit systems.
f. Cycle lanes on pavements are in general the responsibility of the Ethiopian Road
Authority. Cycle lanes should be marked with a white line on the pavement
between where they cyclists ride and where motorists are supposed to go.
Statistics in a number of countries have shown cyclists on cycle lanes are more
secure than roadside cycle lanes; even so cyclists are in a danger of poor sightlines
and opening car doors. Therefore cycle lanes have to follow strictly the standards of
the Ethiopian Road Authority.
2.1.1 Location, capacity and accessibility
 Location, accessibility and capacity of green along rights of way depend on the
transport planning of a city. Therefore, no standards are required. But please
refer to standards of specific green (e.g. street trees) and gray (e.g. furnishing)
components below that ensure required capacity and accessibility of e.g.
sidewalks, adjacent buildings and other right of way facilities.

2.2 Components and facilities

2.2.1 The green components
a. Trees located at the source of the pollution, i.e. streets, can well mitigate air
pollution and sequester carbon dioxide. They tie the streetscape together and
25
 reinforce vistas. Trees are amenities that soften and humanize the urban
concrete texture.
b. Planters / planting strips are another possibility to make rights of way greener.
They are preferable in constraint spaces where tree roots would not have
enough space. Planting strips can include groundcovers and grasses, shrubs
and herbaceous plants.
c. While it should be a general goal to plant trees on all streets, not all streets
may be appropriate for tree planting because of lack of space for good
rooting, lack of available sunlight or other microclimatic limitations. Tree
planting should be focused first on streets with good local growing conditions.
If the space available does not allow tree planting, planting strips without
trees may be accommodated.
d. When planting trees or installing planters / planting strips, adequate access
from the street and to building entrances must be maintained. Trees and
planters shall not be planted in front of building entrances in order to allow
free access for users, esp. in emergency cases.
e. Trees on a particular street should be of a particular species or type. This
creates visual continuity along a given street. Street corners may be marked by
a different tree species.
f. Neighborhood, residential or smaller streets may use a more diverse planting
palette to create a rich planting variety.
g. A monoculture within a city shall be avoided, since this could be disastrous if a
disease or pest were to attack all the trees of one species.
h. In general, trees and plants should be planted in locations that provide the
best conditions for growth within a given design framework. Trees need
adequate space for trunk expansion and space to develop woody structural
roots for support. “But the exploration of resource space positions tree roots
in seeming conflict with other site uses and structures. Conflicts are most
often associated with: sewer or septic lines, storm water drains, water supply
lines, foundations, sidewalks, streets, parking lots, pavements, curbs and
walls. A preponderance of these conflicts is preventable, with forethought of
tree growth over the long-term, and the installation of structures with proper
materials and application procedures” (Coder, Kim A. – 1998).
i. Competent authorities shall consider that all clearance and spacing standards
depend on the actual tree species, its roots, and its desirable size at maturity
stage. The mature size of the tree shall be the primary consideration to
accurately determine the placement of the tree in relation to the location of
buildings, pavements, other trees, utility lines, traffic devices and signs.

26
2.2.1.1 Clearance to streets and sidewalks (incl. medians)
a. Sidewalks can be divided into following three zones:

b. The actual provision of these three zones depends on the pedestrian volume, on
the hierarchy of the respective street, i.e. Local Street to expressway, and in
general on the conflict between the desired width of the street for motorized
traffic and the actual space available. The average width of a pedestrian is 82 cm
without encumbrances such as bags. Two people need 1.5 m of clear width to
walk side-by-side, and when encountering another person, width needs to be
about 2.6 m. Having this in mind, the following standards shall be followed when
green infrastructure components are to be integrated along right of ways.
c. Medians (esp. raised medians) function primarily for traffic safety and as a means
of beautification. They channel traffic and reduce the number of cross-traffic and
turning conflicts. They provide pedestrian refuges in larger streets.
d. Competent authorities shall ensure following standards given in the Urban
Planning and Implementation Manual of Ethiopia for desired sidewalk (i.e. all 3
zones) and median widths:

S/N Street types Average sidewalk width (in m) Median width (in m)
1 Urban motorway --
2 Principal arterial (PAS-50m) Approx. 5.0 m (on both sides) 2.0 m / 2.5 m
3 Principal arterial (PAS-40m) Approx. 5.0 m (on both sides) 1.5 m / 2.0 m
4 Principal arterial (PAS-30m) Approx. 4.5 m (on both sides) Approx. 1.0 m
5 Sub arterial (SAS-25m) Approx. 3.5 m (on both sides) Approx. 1.0 m
6 Collector (CS-20m) Approx. 3.5 m (on both sides)
7 Collector (CS-15m) Not less than 2.0 m (preferably both sides)
To be decided based on local conditions
8 Local 10 m
(not less than 1.3 m)
To be decided based on local conditions
9 Local 6 m
(not less than 1.3 m)

e. Competent authorities shall ensure at all times a minimum width of 1.3 m for the
Pedestrian / Through zone. In no case shall street trees, planting strips and other
obstructions like utilities, furnishing etc. result in an unobstructed Pedestrian /
Through zone width of less than 1.3 m.
f. Wherever opportunities are available, wider sidewalks with a generous Green
scape / Furnishing Zone should be accommodated.

27
g. In high volume, high density pedestrian areas (e.g. Downtown areas), the
Pedestrian / Through zone should be balanced with other zones (e.g. the Green
scape / Furnishing zone) to accommodate large amounts of pedestrian traffic.
h. The Green scape / Furnishing zone should preferably be put between the
Pedestrian / Through zone and the street. This zone should be maximized to
provide as much of a buffer as possible between the Pedestrian / Through zone
and adjacent street traffic. However, the Pedestrian / Through zone shall not be
reduced beyond the recommended minimum width of 1.3 m.

Restricted use Preferable, correct use

i. Street trees and planters should generally be located within the Green scape /
Furnishing zone. Trees shall be offset by at least 0.35 m from the curb (to centre
of tree). Therefore, no street tree planting is allowed in sidewalks with a total
width less than 2 m, in order to ensure the minimum Pedestrian / Through zone
width as well as a healthy environment for the tree:

min. of 1.3 m for Pedestrian / Through zone

+
min. of 0.7 m of width for tree basin
=
min. of 2 m sidewalk width for street tree planting

j. The tree’s offset of 0.35 m from the curb and from the Pedestrian / Through zone
is the absolute minimum and only small, narrow trees with small space required
for roots shall be used. Competent authorities should always enlarge the offset
and herewith the tree basin, if the total width of the sidewalk and the necessary
width of the Pedestrian / Through zone allow.

28
 k. The minimum distance between tree stem and an intersection shall be 8 m on
sidewalks at the near side of intersections and 1.5 m on sidewalks at the far side
of intersections.

l. Medians should have a minimum width of 1.2 m. In case they serve as pedestrian
refuge the minimum width of the median and the crossing itself should be 1.8 m.
m. Trees shall be planted in the centre of the median.
n. Trees shall be offset by at least 0.35 m from the curb of the median.
o. On medians, the minimum distance between tree stem and an intersection shall
be 8 m. The height of plantings near intersections should be restricted so that
sight lines are not obstructed.
p. On medians, the minimum distance between tree stem and a crosswalk /
pedestrian crossing shall be 3 m to allow sight clearance for pedestrians onto the
street.
q. Competent authorities may use raised medians (1) as an aesthetic feature, and/or
(2) to increase soil volume for trees and other plants.
r. On roundabouts, trees should be placed close to the center.
s. Planters may be placed along sidewalks behind the curb line. They may also be
placed inside curb extensions and in pedestrian plazas.
t. Planters should be designed with curbs and inlets to withstand street sweepers,
and to provide access to parking and other site-specific needs.
u. Planters can take runoff from rooftops, sidewalks, and pedestrian plazas without
pretreatment. Runoff from streets and parking lots should receive some
pretreatment such as flowing through a sump or a sediment capture area.
v. Planters may line an entire block as long as breaks are provided where on-street
parking exists.
w. Planters may be used adjacent to buildings, but generally waterproofing is
desirable to prevent flooding into basements and foundations.
x. Planters may be combined with seat walls to provide seating.
2.2.1.2 Clearance to buildings, utility lines and street facilities
a. The minimum distance between tree stem and any adjacent built structure shall be
2 m. More space should be allowed for wider trees.
b. Underground and overhead utility lines and trees have to be located with
acceptable distance from each other because the lines are prone to tree root and
branch intrusion. Any requirement provided by the competent utility authority (e.g.
29
 Ethiopian Electric Power Cooperation (EEPCO), Ethiopian Telecom (ETC), Water
supply authority etc.) shall be considered along with this document. All utility lines
shall be properly located and marked by this competent utility authority. Green
infrastructure operations are not to commence unless these conditions are
adhered to. If the following minimum clearances cannot be maintained, the
competent authority shall be contacted to discuss site specific options:
c. The minimum horizontal distance between tree stem and underground water lines
shall be 1.5 m. This distance may be reduced when the line is located 5 m deep.
d. The minimum horizontal distance between tree stem and underground electrical
distribution and telephone / telegraph / television / telecommunication lines shall
be 1.5 m. This distance may be reduced when the line is located 3 m deep.
e. The minimum horizontal distance between tree stem and a utility manhole shall be
1.5 m.
f. The minimum horizontal distance between tree stem and a storm inlet or drain
shall be 1.5 m.
g. The minimum horizontal distance between tree stem and overhead electrical
distribution / power lines shall be 3 m. Only small trees (not reaching the height of
the utility line) may be planted closer to overhead electrical distribution / power
lines. Their mature height should stay 1.5 m below the line. The minimum
horizontal distance between tree stem and other overhead utility lines may be
smaller.
h. The minimum distance between tree stem and a traffic control device shall be 7 m.
i. The minimum distance between tree stem and a stop sign shall be 5 m.
j. The minimum distance between tree stem and other traffic signs shall be 1.5 m.
k. The minimum distance between tree stem and a street light shall be 5 m.
l. The minimum distance between tree stem and a fire hydrant shall be 3 m.
m. The minimum distance between tree stem and a driveway shall be 3 m.
n. Trees should not be planted within a bus stop.

2.2.1.3 Planting spacing

a. Street tree spacing shall be determined by the expected mature size of the tree. A
tree should fit in the available growing space without major pruning since frequent
pruning increases maintenance costs. Generally, trees should be planted with the
following spacing:
 small trees (< 7 m crown diameter at maturity) should be planted 6 m on
center;
 medium trees (5-11 m crown diameter at maturity) should be planted 8 m on
center;
 large trees (> 11 m crown diameter at maturity) should be planted 10 m on
center.
 Wherever opportunities are available (e.g. within roundabouts), competent
authorities should encourage planting trees in small groups.

Overview on clearance standards for tree location ( ):

30
b. Basin and root zone protection
 “The ability of a tree to grow beyond a certain size is directly related to the volume of
soil available for roots; Providing sufficient rooting soil in a dense, urban environment
can be costly, but is worthwhile given the unique benefits that mature trees provide;
Tree roots do not survive well in highly compacted soil because it lacks the void
spaces needed for air and water to circulate. Roots in compacted soil will migrate
toward the surface for air and water, causing sidewalks to crack and heave; When the
rooting space is severely constrained, the tree will decline and die” (City of Boston –
2013).
 The ‘tree basin’ (or ‘tree lawn space’, or ‘tree bed’) is the Green scape / Furnishing
zone’s area removed for tree planting. Open tree basins allow for water and air to get
to the tree roots. The size of the tree basin varies based on site opportunities and
constraints. A larger tree basin allows more area for root growth, and provides
increased storm water benefit.
 Competent authorities shall encourage tree basins larger than the following minimum
standards so as to allow for greater tree health, increased water permeability (storm
water management), and reduced sidewalk upheaval by tree roots.
 Planting medium volume should always be maximized. Larger basins and/or
rectangular basins, where the dimension parallel to the curb is longer, are
encouraged but shall be reviewed on a case by case basis.
 Where feasible (especially in medians), competent authorities should use connected
tree basins instead of individual tree basins to increase root space and water
permeability (storm water management).
 The size of a tree basin shall never reduce the minimum width of 1.3 m of a clear path
of travel, i.e. for the Pedestrian / through zone.
 The absolute minimum tree basin dimension shall be 0.7 m * 0.7 m.
 A street tree should be planted in the center of the tree basin.
 Competent authorities should use structural soil for tree basins.
 In order to avoid compaction trough people or cars a tree basin should have a clear
demarcation, preferable of permeable material. An appropriate design for edging and
demarcating the basin edges and planting zone are cobblestones or brick paving.
 Competent authorities shall protect in an efficient way the root zones of trees,
considering the costs of the different options.

31
 2.2.2 The gray components and facilities (Streetscape
furnishing)

a. Streetscape furnishings, in combination with other elements, help define the identity
and character of a city. Well-designed street furniture makes the sidewalk more
comfortable and convenient. Seating, dust bins (and bicycle racks, if needed) add
variety to the street. They can unify the public right of way with a unique and
contextual character and provide necessary items for pedestrian comfort and
convenience, as well as cleanliness in the city. Street furniture that is not thoughtfully
laid out can obstruct the sidewalk environment. For example street lighting plays an
important role in creating atmosphere and promoting safety in a community.
Sufficient lighting significantly increases security and reduces opportunity for crime.
Scale, style, lighting effect and maintenance affect fixture selection.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure that street furnishing are organized in a way that
maximizes safety, comfort, and function for all users.
c. Street furnishing should be placed in the Green scape / Furnishing zone or Frontage
zone.
d. In no case, street furnishing shall disturb the Pedestrian / Through zone and reduce it
beyond the minimum recommended width of 1.3 m.
e. Placement of street furnishing should consider the overall street context and other
elements, including the existing conditions.
f. Placement of street furnishing for public use should be encouraged on public or private
property, but should be coordinated with the overall organization of furnishing in the
area.
2.2.2.1 Lights
a. Competent authorities shall provide a visible row of lights along each street in the
city, and create an environment for the pedestrian that is pleasing to the eye and
encourages pedestrian activity.
b. Street lights should create an environment that feels safe and secure for pedestrians.
c. Street lights should reveal squares, public spaces, and special districts to encourage
night time use.
d. Spacing should be uniform, with distance depending on illumination levels required.
e. State-of-the art technology should be used to provide effective, energy efficient
lighting that minimizes light trespass and is dark sky compliant.
f. In no case, street lights shall disturb the Pedestrian / Through zone and reduce it
beyond the minimum recommended width of 1.3 m.
2.2.2.2 Seats
a. The best location for seating is a protected location (away from typical pedestrian
flows, beneath a street tree) outside the Pedestrian / through zone, with views of
people walking by.

32
 b. Care should be exercised to ensure that permanently installed seating does not
interfere with entrances to buildings, loading zones, parked vehicles, access to fire
hydrants, and other potential conflicts.
c. Seating should be provided for a minimum of two people. Single seats may be
provided as long as they are in groups of two or more. Seating may be integrated
into buildings, raised planters, and street walls.

2.2.2.3 Fences, walls and curbstones

a. Tree basins or planters may be surrounded with low fences (guards) between
15 cm and 45 cm high.
b. Fences (guards) shall be continuous and shall not contain pointed finials and sharp
edges.
c. Competent authorities may install fences on the median to restrict pedestrian
crossing outside the designated crossings.
d. Height of curb stones should be defined by the Ethiopian Road Authority. In case
the Municipality has to take a decision, curbs should usually be 12,5 cm high and be
designed flexible to ease access for public, especially at public transport places and
at places where public crossings are indicated in order to create a dropped
crossing. For handicapped people a different surface pavement would be helpful in
order to indicate changes of roads or pathways.
2.2.2.4 Litter bins
a. Litter bins shall be located within the Green scape / Furnishing zone.
b. For waste management, competent authorities shall follow the Ethiopian
National Urban Solid Waste Management Standards, 2014 or more recent.
2.2.2.5 Street vendors / vending stalls
a. Street vendors shall be located within the Frontage zone. Vending stalls may be
located in the Green scape / Furnishing zone if the width allows.
b. Placement should consider space needed to accommodate customers waiting in
line and pedestrians traveling along the sidewalk.
2.2.3 Storm water management
 Streets and sidewalks offer good opportunities to improve storm water management.
Green strategies to manage water runoff along rights of way can reduce flooding,
increase groundwater recharge, and reduce pollution to rivers. Capturing rainfall before
it flows into the city’s drainage and sewer system can also help reduce sewer overflows
and save the city money on upgrading and repairing infrastructure. Details on storm
water management practices and recommendations for rights of way are found in the
Handbook.

2.2.4 Urban agriculture

 Due its small size and its location adjacent to streets with motor traffic, road verges are
not suitable for (intensive) urban agriculture. However, competent authorities should
ensure that along a right of way, at least 30 % of trees are fruit trees to support food
security.
33
 2.3 Operation and maintenance
a. Competent authorities shall maintain the landscape material (i.e. trees with their
basins, planting strips etc.) in a condition that is safe to pedestrians and vehicular
traffic. They shall maintain plants with appropriate pruning, watering, and other care
as needed.
b. Trees should be pruned away from structures, surfaces, lights and utility lines as
follows:
 Buildings – all branches shall be pruned to allow approximately 1 m clearance from a
building.
 Street/Road – all branches shall be pruned to allow approximately 4 m clearance
over the centre of the street surface and 3 m clearance at the street surface edge.
 Pedestrian / through zone – all branches shall be pruned to allow a minimum 2 m
clearance over the Pedestrian / Through zone.
 Streetlights – all branches shall be pruned to allow a minimum 15 cm clearance from
any streetlight.
 Overhead electrical distribution / power lines – all branches shall be pruned to allow
a minimum 1.5 m clearance from any overhead electrical distribution / power line.
 For safety reasons, pruning around high voltage overhead electrical distribution /
power lines shall always been coordinated with the competent authority (i.e.
Ethiopian Electric Light and Power Authority (EELPA)).

3. River and canal corridors and lake shores

3.1 General Introduction and standards
a. Winding their way through the length of the city, river and canal corridors
As well as lake shores can offer a peaceful, natural contrast to the urban environment.
Appropriately developed or preserved, the corridors and shores provide additional green
open space and recreational opportunities, increase property values, increase
environmental awareness, and enhance city‘s attractiveness as tourist destinations.
Thus, protecting the river lines’ and lake shores’ natural ecosystem results in safe and
better environment for rich biodiversity, reduces climate change impact and provides
service for the society.

b. Rivers and lakes have been highly disturbed by urban development.

Therefore in many cities rivers and lakes have to be restored. This restoration can
provide the following benefits (refer to Environment Agency – 2006).
c. Improving the river corridor and / or (re-)establishing natural channel processes
given space, rivers meander across their flood plains to create rich and fertile meadows.
The link between the river channel, its corridor and flood plain allows rivers to be part of
a living green network. A healthy river corridor also allows plants and animals to move
between different green spaces across the city. And local communities benefit from
rivers as attractive, accessible, and quality natural areas.
d. Improving flood storage capacity
34
 Flood plains provide a natural increase in the flood storage capacity of the whole river
and lake, which contributes to flood protection downstream and around the lake.
Slowing down the speed of water during flood events is also important as it reduces the
risk of plants and animals being washed away.
e. Addressing water quality
The water quality of city rivers and lakes are often so bad that it is the primary reason
why wildlife doesn‘t flourish. It also discourages people from using their rivers and lakes
for recreation.
f. Improving wellbeing
Having an attractive and safe place to get away from traffic can encourage people to
start exercising more and spend more time outside.
g. Balancing community access and the needs of wildlife river restoration and lake shore
preservation provide spaces for walking, jogging, cycling, playing, picnicking, and
generally connecting with nature. Children love these areas because they provide new
and exciting natural environments to explore. It must be remembered that we need to
maintain a balance between allowing access to wildlife and protecting sensitive or
uncommon species. It is therefore necessary to preserve sheltered areas that can serve
as nesting habitat and refuges for wildlife.
h. Educating the community
The improved natural environment and its wildlife can provide valuable opportunities
for formal and informal learning, helping develop people’s appreciation of their local
environment and raising their awareness of environmental issues. Signs alongside rivers
and lakes can provide information about the site and local schools can visit the area on
field trips.
i. Generating sustainable development and attracting business
Sustainable riverside and lakes shore development is an integral part of many urban
schemes. As more people visit a river or lake, it provides a focal point for local people.
This can then lead to local economic development as businesses are drawn towards the
more attractive and newly invigorated environments.
j. Riparian buffers (adjacent to a river or a lake) within urban areas should be developed
as passive linear recreational parks, complying with the standards for the respective
buffer zones 1 to 3.

3.1.1 Location and capacity

a. ‘Location and capacity’ in the following refers to standards for the width of a riparian
buffer, a setback, to be established. Generally, it is important that development of
permanent structures is set back from rivers and lakes to protect the natural, scenic,
recreational, historical, and economic resources of the river; and to preserve the
potential for future development of green corridor improvements; and for the
development of public access.
b. when discussing development criteria for riparian buffers in the context of urban
environment, it is important to understand all the site limitations that could exist by
virtue of an existing development. They may severely inhibit the ability to restore any
vegetated buffer adjacent to surface waters.

35
 c. “Most scientific recommendations for minimum buffer widths range from 15 to 30
meters. In most cases, the choice of minimum width becomes a choice between margin
of safety and acceptable risk. The greater the minimum buffer width, the greater the
margin of safety in terms of water quality, habitat preservation and recreational
opportunities. Accordingly, there are three options in general. The first is a variable-
width buffer with a 30 m base width, the second is a variable-width buffer with a 15 m
width, and the third is a fixed width buffer of 30 m. The first can be considered the
‘conservative’ option: it meets or exceeds many scientific buffer width
recommendations. The second and third options are ‘riskier’: they should, under most
conditions, provide good protection to the stream and good habitat preservation,
although heavy rain, floods, or poor management of contaminant sources could more
easily overwhelm the buffer. All of these options are defensible” (Carl Vinson Institute
of Government – 2000). The following standards refer to the above mentioned
option 3.

3.1.2. Standards
a. In choosing an option for the width of the riparian buffer, competent authorities and
other stakeholders shall decide how much risk they can tolerate in the preservation of
their aquatic resources.
b. Competent authorities shall establish a riparian buffer zone of restricted development
and limited land use adjacent to all rivers and lakes in their jurisdiction, taking into
account buffer zones and other special zones already determined by other authorities,
e.g. Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
c. The minimum width of the riparian buffer shall be:

Minimum recommended buffer width (in m)

Functions

Stream stabilization 15
Water quality 30
protection
Flood attenuation 100 year flood plain plus 8m

36
 Riparian/ wildlife 100
habitat
Water fisheries 45
protection

d. The actual determination of the buffer width may require specific consideration in
different locations and depend on site specific characteristics. Competent authorities shall
undertake a professional analysis of every watershed in their jurisdiction to determine the
required riparian buffer widths.
e. Competent authorities may expand the 30 m buffer to include:
 Ultimate 100 year floodplain
 Any steep slopes greater than 25 %
 1.3 m per 1 % increase in slope over 5 %
 Delineated wetlands, critical habitats, forest conservation.
f. Following land uses and/or activities are designated as potential water pollution
hazards, and shall be set back from any water body by the distances indicated below:
 Storage of hazardous substances (50 m);
 Above or below ground petroleum storage facilities (50 m);
 Drain fields from on-site sewage disposal and treatment system (30 m);
 Raised septic systems (80 m);
 Solid waste landfills or junkyards (100 m);
 Confined animal feedlot operations (80 m);
 Subsurface discharges from a wastewater treatment plant (30 m).
g. Competent authorities shall approach (re-)development situations with a flexible
approach.
(Re-) establishing riparian buffers where there are severe site restrictions should be
considered under the ‘maximum extent practicable’ approach. Where buffer widths
are in place, these approaches should be seen as guiding principles within the
context of urban redevelopment and should not preclude the possibility of
redevelopment if specific buffer standards cannot be attained. In addition,
administrations should be very flexible with other local regulations that may force
development into buffer areas.
h. Competent authorities shall clearly define and mark buffer boundaries and its
zones. The buffer shall be indicated on construction plans and marked at
construction sites. Property owners shall be informed of the presence and
boundaries of buffers.
i. Property rights should be protected by various means, e.g.
 Maintaining buffers in private ownership;
 Buffer averaging: In this scheme, a city administration provides some flexibility
in the width of the buffer; The basic concept is to permit the buffer to become
narrower at some points along the river or lake (e.g., to allow for an existing
structure), as long as the average width of the buffer meets the minimum
requirement; In general, buffer narrowing is limited, such that the streamside
zone is not disturbed;
37
  Fair and timely administrative appeals;
 Conservation easements and property tax reduction.

3.1.2.1 Rivers and lakes with a sloped bank

 The riparian buffer shall be composed of three distinctive zones: stream-/lakeside
zone, middle zone and outer zone stretching up the river bank. Where there is no
river bank, but rather a vertical bulkhead or other engineered vertical structure,
there is no streamside zone.

a. The three zones require following widths and have following functions:
 Zone 1, the stream /lakeside zone, begins at the edge of the stream bank / lake
shore and shall extend for a minimum distance of 6 m, measured horizontally on a
line perpendicular to the water course or water body. This mainly undisturbed
vegetated area aims to protect the physical and ecological integrity of the river
ecosystem.
 Zone 2, the middle zone, shall extend immediately from the outer edge of zone 1
for a minimum distance of 18 m (up to several hundred meters, depending on
stream protection objectives, stream type, soil type, or topography). This managed
area of native vegetation protects key components of the stream ecosystem and
provides distance between upland development and the streamside zone. Its
function is to remove sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants from surface and
groundwater. This zone, in combination with Zone 1, also provides most of the
enhanced habitat benefits. Bu it shall also allow for recreation and aesthetic
benefits.
 Zone 3, the outer zone, shall extend for a minimum distance of 6 m immediately
from outer edge of zone 2. This zone prevents encroachment into the riparian
buffer, filters runoff from adjacent land, and encourages sheet flow of runoff into
the buffer.

 Competent authorities shall ensure that any use or activity other than the
following are prohibited within the respective riparian buffer zones:

Zone 1 / Stream-/lakeside zone – uses allowed with special permit from competent
authorities:

38
  Open space uses that are primarily passive and intermittent (e.g. seating areas,
signs);
 Stream stabilization, reforestation and slope protection;
 Removal of dead or diseased trees, and those causing safety concerns;
 Water quality monitoring and stream gauging;
 Flood control structures and utility rights of way;
 Stream crossings;
 Structures which, by their nature, cannot be located anywhere except within the
riparian buffer area; These structures include, public water supply intake structures,
facilities for natural water quality treatment and purification, and public wastewater
treatment plant sewer lines and outfalls; However, such structures should provide
for the minimum practicable disturbance of the riparian buffer area by minimizing
size and location;
 Footpaths of permeable materials for short distances along the edge of the river or
lake.
Zone 2 / Middle zone uses allowed with special permit from competent authorities:
 Uses listed in section a, herein;
 Footpaths of permeable materials;
 Storm water management facilities, with the approval of competent authorities;
 Recreational uses that do not involve impermeable surfaces or encourage
concentrated flow of storm water into the buffer;
 Limited forestry management and timber harvesting with approval of competent
authorities;
 Crop and horticultural growing areas;
Zone 3 / Outer zone – uses allowed with special permit from competent authorities:
 Uses listed in sections a and b, herein;
 Bigger footpaths, multi-purpose trails and pathways of impermeable materials with
a maximum width of 2 m;
 Fences, provided that such fences shall be constructed so as not to impede
floodwaters.

3.1.2.2 Highly engineered rivers and lakes with vertical structures such as a
bulkhead
 Where the bank is a vertical structure such as bulkhead or seawall the above
mentioned three zones do not exist per se. However, competent authorities may
restore the riparian buffer zone as a natural sloped bank.
 If a restoration is not envisaged, the middle zone / zone 2 shall extend immediately
from the edge of the vertical structure. Herewith the total riparian buffer width may
be reduced by the minimum width of 6 m for the stream-/lakeside zone / zone 1. All
standards above however apply.

3.1.2.3 Overview

39
 Stream-/lakeside Middle Zone Outer Zone
Zone
Function Protect the physical Provide distance between Prevent encroachment and
integrity of the upland development and filter backyard runoff
stream / lake stream-/lakeside zone
ecosystem
Width Min. 6 m, plus Min. 18 m, depending on Min. 6 m setback to
wetland and critical stream type, slope, structures
habitat 100 year floodplain,
stream protection
objective
Allowable VERY RESTRICTED RESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED
uses e.g. flood control, e.g. some recreational e.g. residential uses incl.
utility right of ways, uses, some storm water garden, compost, most
small footpath, a few management facilities, storm water management
facilities tree removal by permit facilities, impermeable
paths of limited width

3.2 Accessibility
 River corridors and lake shores shall function as important connectors between the
different elements of the city’s green infrastructure network. They shall be well
accessible from adjacent areas.

3.3 Components and facilities

 Competent authorities shall consider that any structure installed in the riparian buffer
can be expected to face future undermining, scour or outflanking during river
adjustment processes. Therefore, designs shall anticipate how to prevent failure as a
result of vertical or lateral movement.

3.3.1 The green components

a. Competent authorities shall specify the ultimate target for the vegetation in the river
corridors and around lakes of their jurisdiction. In general, this target should reflect the
predevelopment, natural vegetative community present in the area with the following
sub-targets for the three zones:
b. Zone 1: mostly undisturbed native woody species with native plants forming canopy,
understory, and duff layer; where such forest does not grow naturally, then native
vegetative cover appropriate for the area (such as grasses or shrubs) is the vegetative
target;
c. Zone 2: either undisturbed or managed native woody species or, in its absence, native
vegetative cover of shrubs or grasses; undisturbed forest, as in zone 1, is encouraged
strongly to protect further water quality and the stream/lake ecosystem; the objective in
this zone is to provide a managed riparian forest with a vegetation composition and
character similar to natural riparian forests in the region; species of vegetation used in
this zone should be reasonably flood and drought-tolerant.
d. Zone 3: native woody and herbaceous vegetation to increase the total width of the
buffer; Native grasses and shrubs are acceptable; the zone typically contains grass or
40
 herbaceous filter strips and provides the greatest water quality benefits by slowing
runoff, infiltrating water, and filtering sediment and its associated chemicals.
e. Disturbed areas should be either planted with native species or be allowed to revert to
the natural vegetation over time, with an aggressive invasive species management plan.
f. A minimum of 80 % of land within the buffer should be covered with vegetation. Out of
this, trees shall cover 20 %, groundcovers 50 %, and shrubs 10 % of the total vegetation.
g. It is recommended to use as many species as possible within the buffer to get rich and
vibrant biodiversity in the surrounding. Species with diverse form, color, texture,
fragrance and type (like flowering, medicinal, fruit, etc.) should be selected.
h. Competent authorities shall ensure that within the buffer, at least 50 % of trees are fruit
trees to support food security, focusing on the native vegetative cover appropriate for
the area.
i. Plants along river side and lake shore should have deep roots so that they protect the
river bank and lake shore and its immediate surrounding from erosion.

3.3.2 The gray components

a. Pavements
 Pathways should be designed to minimize cut and fill and vegetation disturbance
and to avoid sensitive riparian habitat areas and areas which support significant
wildlife uses. They should be carefully aligned to minimize negative impacts to the
corridor while providing a rewarding experience for the users.
 Pathways should be designed and constructed to direct drainage away from direct
entry to the river or lake.
 The pathway system should be designed so that
 Main (high use) trails made of permeable material run in the middle zone; and
 Minor (low use) trails made of permeable material in the stream-/lakeside zone
run at the edge of the river only for short distances.
 Pathways shall have an absolute minimum width of 1.3 m to allow a clear path of
travel. High use trails made of permeable material in the middle and outer zones
should be broader to accommodate the higher use.
 Specially designed pathways and viewpoints should provide controlled
opportunities for people to view enjoy experience and learn about river and
riparian systems.
b. Seats and signs
 Within riparian buffers seating can be also located in grass in order to enhance the
storm water management.
 Information signs should be posted at intervals along fences, walls, and other
protective barriers that control access to the riparian buffer. Signs should describe
possible use restrictions and explain the reasons for the restrictions.
 Information signs shall teach visitors about significance and sensitivity of riparian,
river and lake resources.

c. Fences and walls

41
  Fences should be used only to protect important riparian areas from unauthorized
public access.
 Walls should not be used within the buffer except for bank stabilization purposes.
d. Facilities
 Parking
 Parking should be provided to improve the accessibility for visitors.
 Parking shall be located outside the riparian buffer.
 Parking should be screened by native vegetation.
 The paved parking area shall be constructed to drain away from the riparian
buffer.
e. Litter bins and toilets
 Competent authorities shall provide an adequate number of litter bins along
pathways in zone 2 / middle zone. The number of litter bins in zone 1 / streamside
zone shall be restricted to seating areas.
 To reduce human waste disposal in the buffer, public toilets should be provided at
key entry points to the buffer.

3.3.3 Storm water management

a. Another acceptable use within the buffer are storm water management practices. But
they should not be used where they significantly compromise the buffer’s existing
functions, and should only be used when no practical alternative exists.
b. The middle and outer zones can be utilized for storm water management facilities, as
long as sites are chosen carefully and clearing of vegetation is minimized.

3.3.4 Urban agriculture

a. Crop and horticultural growing areas should be set back at least 6 m from the edge of the
river or lake.
b. Animal husbandry should be prohibited within the riparian buffer.

42
 c. Surface drainage from growing areas should not be permitted to run directly into the
river or lake. Runoff from these areas should be directed to retention areas for
infiltration and settlement prior to entry to the river or lake.

3.4 Operation and maintenance

a. Competent authorities shall maintain the visibility of the riparian buffer.
b. Annual buffer walks shall be undertaken to check for encroachment.
c. Vegetation removal in riparian areas should be performed only for necessary floodway
maintenance or to remove undesirable exotic plants as part of native habitat
management.
d. The use of herbicides within the riparian buffer to control exotic, noxious and weedy
species shall be limited to herbicides specifically labeled for use adjacent to water
bodies.

4. Open spaces in residential areas

4.1 General introduction and standards
a. Greening and landscaping of open spaces in residential areas – so called community
/ amenity open spaces if not designated as recreational parks – provide a peaceful
and comfortable environment for humans and minimize the unpleasant impacts of
high-density development. This type of open space includes informal recreation
spaces and green spaces with a primary purpose of providing opportunities for
informal activities close to home. The function of this type of open space overlaps
with many others, in particular parks and natural areas, and can also provide informal
opportunities for children to play where there are no other facilities. It is important
therefore to consider the provision of amenity green spaces in the context of other
types of open spaces.
b. Private / domestic gardens are open spaces within a private plot. The design and
management of these spaces are under the jurisdiction of the owner.
c. Community / amenity open spaces shall provide – in a limited way – for a
neighborhoods’ day-to-day recreational (active and passive) needs and for activities
such as community and ‘Iddir’ meetings, holiday celebrations.
d. Community / amenity open spaces should create a sense of place and provide a
setting for adjoining buildings.
e. Competent authorities should ensure that there is a clear definition between public
and semi-private areas for residents and private spaces (e.g. domestic gardens).

4.2 Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Community / amenity open spaces should be designed to be part of a green
network within a neighborhood with links to major walking and cycling routes and
bus stops.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure that community / amenity open spaces are
located in areas suitable for recreational activities, i.e. away from polluting sources
and areas with heavy motorized traffic, and that they are safe for children.

4.3 Components and facilities

43
4.3.1 The green components
a. Community / amenity open spaces
 Competent authorities should ensure a good balance of open areas, i.e. lawn – in
varying widths and sizes including continuous areas large enough for active recreation –
and a mix of native and ornamental species of trees or shrubs.
 In a specific neighborhood the same group of plant species with similar flower color,
volume, form and fragrance may be used in order to give an identity to the
neighborhood.
 Competent authorities shall ensure that at least 50 % of trees are fruit trees to support
food security.
 Scattered wide canopy trees should be planted to provide shady areas.
b. Private / domestic gardens
 Every plot of area of up to 150 m2 should be provided with at least one tree, and at
least one additional tree should be provided for every additional 50 m2 of plot area.
 A minimum of 12 % of a plot area should be unsealed (as a green open space so that
rain water can percolate to the ground, decreasing water discharge and reducing
runoff).
4.3.2 The gray components
a. Pavements and lights
 Due to their mostly smaller size, community / amenity open spaces should not be cut
by too many pathways.
 Lights should be installed in community / amenity open spaces where appropriate and
where the already available street lighting is not adequate.
b. Sculptures, monuments and fountains
 Community / amenity open spaces may incorporate public art or heritage features (e.g.
statues and sculptures).
 The design of sculptures and monuments should consider culture and history of the
surrounding community. Specially defined sculptures may be used as play items for
children.
 Competent authorities may choose to use fountains to enhance the design of a
community / amenity open space. They should be located strategically in terms of
visual pleasure and conditioning the microclimate. However, the high running costs of
fountains shall be seriously considered in the decision making.
4.3.3 Facilities
 Scattered play items such as a swing, a balance, etc. should be provided in the
community / amenity open spaces.
 Community / amenity open spaces shall include playgrounds if the specific part of
the neighborhood is not located within the recommended catchment area of a
neighborhood park with a playground (see Ethiopian NUGI Standards 1
‘Recreational parks’, 2015).

44
  Authorities may choose to include for mass housing without private plots like
condominium housing and apartments the following facilities within the open
space areas:
a. Slaughtering space
b. Cloth drying space
c. Celebration spaces (can be for weddings, mourning or any religious celebrations).
 The competent authority should consider esthetic aspects of the area and should
not place these facilities where they create visual disturbance and inconvenience.
Buffering between activities and facilities with vegetation such as shrubs and
hedges should be encouraged.
4.4 Operation and maintenance
a. Competent authorities should ensure that the neighborhood community feels
responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the community / amenity open
space.
b. Community / amenity open spaces may be administered by a committee
(association) established by the residents of the neighborhood. It shall be
responsible to provide all resources needed to maintain the open space.
c. Responsibility to operate and maintain community / amenity open spaces may be
transferred to MSEs.
d. Any individual or group in charge should fulfill the criteria forwarded by the binding
rules and regulations of the committee (association) or condominium / apartment
management.
e. Amount and quality of labor should be decided depending on the level and type of
maintenance required to keep the community / amenity open space clean and safe.
f. Periodic clean-up days shall be organized where all residents are expected to clean
the streets and community / amenity open spaces in their neighborhood. This
enhances cooperation develops a greater sense of responsibility for keeping
neighborhoods clean.

5. Open spaces in administrative and commercial

areas
5.1 General introduction and standards
a. Green open spaces in administrative and commercial areas – i.e. surrounding
administrative buildings and within their compounds – refer to government buildings,
educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and other institutional
compounds, and the areas they are located in. These green open spaces are valuable
resources for the institution itself, the visitors and customers, and the city at large.
b. Open spaces surrounding administrative and commercial buildings shall serve citizens as
good examples for green areas and pleasant environments.
c. A minimum of 30 % of the total area of an administrative compound should be open
space and allocated for green.

45
 d. The main front of administrative buildings should be set back by a minimum of 20 m
from the right of way / sidewalk. These 20 m shall be allocated for green.
e. Most commercial institutions are owned by individuals or share companies. Competent
authorities shall ensure that they follow the standards and act accordingly.
f. Competent authorities should ensure that green open spaces within and around the
institution (administrative and commercial) provide for a range of different functions.
As institutions are places where people work, do research, communicate, come and go,
the design should incorporate the diverse needs of the users.
g. Green open spaces in front of administrative and commercial buildings shall be designed
in a way that they welcome visitors and customers, clearly define directions to the
entrances, and serve visitors and customers as waiting areas.

5.1.1 Accessibility and capacity

a. Competent authorities shall ensure that administrative compounds and buildings are
accessible for persons with disabilities.
b. A good part of the green open spaces in administrative and commercial compounds
shall be made accessible for the public.
c. The decision on the design and the size of the accessible green open space and
herewith its capacity shall depend on the number of users of the respective institution.

5.2 Components and facilities

 All components and facilities should be able to withstand intensive use and to
accommodate large gatherings.

5.2.1 Green components

a. Competent authorities should ensure a good balance of open areas, i.e. lawn, and
shade trees for informal sitting.
b. Ornamental trees and/or shrubs should be planted along important pathways
directing visitors and customers to building entrances.
c. Competent authorities shall ensure that at least 30 % of trees are fruit trees to
support food security.

5.2.2 The gray components

a. Pavements
 Pathways shall be at least 2 m wide to accommodate the large amount of
pedestrian traffic and social interaction within the institutional compounds.
b. Seats, shades and pergolas
 The competent authorities shall include sufficient seating to make an
administrative compound visitor-friendly. Well shaded and comfortable seats,
preferable with built-in pergolas, where visitors / customers can wait should
be included.
c. Signs
 Signs shall clearly show directions and give important information to visitors
and customers.
46
  Signs may be designed in different colors according to the different functions
or directions they shall indicate.
 A universal sign design for a specific institution should be used.
d. Sculptures, monuments and fountains
 Competent authorities may choose to include sculptures and monuments to
emphasize the identity of the institution.
 Competent authorities may choose to use fountains to enhance the design.
They should be located strategically in terms of visual pleasure and
conditioning the microclimate.

5.2.3 Facilities

a. Playgrounds
 Competent authorities may include a small playground or scattered play items
such as a swing, a balance, etc.

b. Parking
 Sufficient cycle and vehicle parking space with easy and safe access to the
buildings shall be provided.
 For cycle parking, open sheets should be constructed in an integrative manner
with local material.
 Planting in green areas adjacent to access to parking entrances shall allow a clear
view into and out of the parking area.

c. Toilets
 Competent authorities should ensure that sufficient toilets according to the
number of users are provided. Visible and well-placed signs should guide the way.

5.2.4 Storm water management

a. Competent authorities shall use storm water management practices on the
administrative compound.
b. Storm water should be harvested from roofs. Water collected in such a way should
be stored in cisterns or barrels and be used for irrigation.

5.3 Operation and maintenance

 Competent authorities should regularly monitor the green infrastructure features and
ensure their proper operation and provide maintenance when needed.

6. Open spaces in industrial areas

6.1 General introduction and standards
a. Industrial areas and their sites within, if well designed, have tremendous
potential to improve environmental conditions by incorporating different kinds of
green infrastructure components in their landscape design. Large quantities of
water can be harvested from the often very big roof tops, open spaces between

47
 factories planted with trees help modify the local micro-climate, and permeable
pavements facilitate ground water recharge, reduce run off and regulate storm
water.
b. Most industries are owned by individuals or share companies. Competent
authorities shall ensure that they follow the standards and act accordingly.
c. Manufacturing sites and their surrounding should be designed in a way that they
are suitable for production and at the same time provide a sustainable landscape
environment that is also pleasant for the employees.
d. Even if a manufacturing site is not located within a riparian buffer (see Ethiopian
NUGI Standard 3 ‘River and canal corridors’, 2014 or more recent) or within a
buffer of any other sensitive natural area, competent authorities shall provide
special protection for the nearby natural areas as they are susceptible to
pollution from industries. Competent authorities shall study the environmental
impact and act accordingly.
e. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry shall ensure and monitor the
implementation of appropriate pollution control and landscape design activities.
6.1.1 Location, capacity and accessibility
 Competent authorities should ensure that a minimum of 15 % of the total land
area of a manufacturing site is allocated for green or that the most recent
Ethiopian Industry Standard is being followed.
6.2 Components and facilities
6.2.1 The green components
a. On big compounds suitable trees should be planted to function as
windbreaks.
b. Lawns on the compound should provide a pleasant aesthetical impression
and give employees the chance to use their pauses for recreation in
designated green areas. They should be sufficient sized, buffered from traffic
and circulation areas, and well integrated into the green landscape.
c. Competent authorities shall ensure that at least 50 % of trees are fruit trees
to support food security.
d. Big factory building roofs may be transformed into ‘green roofs’ for cooling
the buildings and to reduce storm water runoff. For details refer to the
Ethiopian NUGI Standards 14 ‘Green roofs and walls’, 2014 or more recent.

6.2.2 The gray components and facilities

a. Pavements
 Manufacturing sites are mostly in need of highly stable asphalt in many areas of the
compound. Therefore, at least all pathways should be made of permeable material
(preferable cobblestone). Impermeable asphalt area should be compensated to the
highest extend possible with additional green areas, within or outside the
manufacturing compound.
48
 b. Seats, fences and walls
 Green open spaces should be furnished with seats and benches for employees.
 Service, loading and outdoor storage areas should be screened with appropriate
landscape materials.
c. Parking
 The often high amount of parking space needed for manufacturing sites should be
screened by green areas as much as possible for better storm water management.
6.2.3 Storm water management
a. Competent authorities should provide systems to reduce storm water runoff from
rooftops, paved areas, and lawns that carry plant debris, soil particles, and
dissolved chemicals into the city’s sewage drainage system. Site development
plans should employ storm water management and engineering practices before
releasing water into the city’s storm drainage system.
b. Storm water shall not be released directly into the public storm drainage system
without first going through a natural, landscaped rain garden, grass bio-swale or
other natural feature to clean dirty water before it joins the natural waterway.
c. The management should make provisions to conserve water by utilizing
alternative means such as water recycling or rainwater harvest.
6.2.4 Composting
 Competent authorities should make provisions to compost all organic waste
including grass mowing, tree cuttings and organic kitchen waste from the area. The
composted material can be used to fertilize plants in the manufacturing compound.
6.3 Operation and maintenance
a. Competent authorities such as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) shall
monitor the implementation of appropriate pollution control and landscape design
activities.
b. The management should encourage the establishment of an environmental team
within the company with well trained professionals who can follow up the day to
day activities, with an allocated budget.
c. The management should contract MSEs trained according to the occupational
standards in the maintenance of urban green infrastructure.

7. Schools and kindergartens

7.1 General introduction and standards
a. Green open space is important for children to experience the natural environment
and to engage in physical activities.
b. Educational environments should be designed in a creative way to give children
inspiring opportunities through their educational environment.

49
 c. Competent authorities should make provisions to create conducive conditions for
interrelationships and joint planning with other near-by public facilities and green
open spaces such as parks or outdoor sport facilities.

7.1.1 Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Competent authorities should ensure that the location and design of schools and
kindergartens either incorporate green open space or provide easy and safe access
to green open spaces in the direct proximity of the school or kindergarten.
b. The green open space of a school or kindergarten should have a useable area of at
least 7 m2 for each child who is cared for. In calculating the area of useable green
open space following areas shall be excluded:
 pathways or thoroughfares more than 3 m wide;
 car parking areas;
 storage sheds and other fixed items that prevent children from using the
space;
 any other ancillary area.

7.2 Components and facilities

a. The green open space should include features that enable each child to explore
and experience the natural environment. Differences in high-low, dark-light,
open-closed, dry-wet make a play area more interesting, less predictable and
more natural. Unexpected (natural) differences in the terrain such as hills,
horizontal tree trunks and rocks for climbing, etc. should be encouraged.
b. Competent authorities should ensure that a variety of activities including outdoor
sports fields, sandy playgrounds, areas with fixed installations and natural areas
are offered in order to support the physical and social development of children.
c. Opportunities should be created as follows:
 to playfully change the surroundings with sand, mud and water, using loose
natural elements as play equipment;
 to allow the children to exercise their own fantasy and creativity and make it
inviting to explore nature; and to encourage the children to make something
useful and beautiful from natural materials.
d. Competent authorities shall ensure the safety and security of children through
following measures:
 sharp edges shall be strictly avoided;
 all edges shall be rounded to a minimum of 6 mm radius.
e. All materials and finishes used in schools and kindergartens are of light, natural
colors, and based on local, cultural preferences.
f. The outdoor space shall include adequate shady areas (natural or built) to protect
children from exposure to the sun.

7.2.1 The green components

50
 a. Competent authorities should encourage the planting of indigenous trees, shrubs and
flowers with at least 30 % edible plants (incl. fruit trees) with the intent of teaching
children food production and conservation.
b. Poisonous plants and plants with thorns shall be avoided.
c. Children should have the opportunity to care for plants in their school or
kindergarten. This will help familiarize children with plants and offer experience in
the workings of natural processes.

7.2.2 The gray components

a. Pavements, steps and ramps
 All pathways shall be of permeable material, preferably of cobblestones.
 All steps and ramps shall be installed according to the children’s age and with
barrier-free access for children with physical disabilities.

b. Seats and signs

 Seats shall be appropriate for the children’s age.
 Signs shall be placed at a comfortable height for children to read.

c. Fences and walls

 Any open space provided at a school or kindergarten shall be enclosed by a fence,
wall or barrier that is at least 1 m high measured from ground level, and a child
being cared for cannot go through, over or under the fence or barrier or any gate or
fitting.
 Interesting fence and wall designs and dense hedges should contribute to an
inspiring learning environment.

d. Litter bins
 Litter bins shall be appropriate for children’s age.
 The school / kindergarten management should provide litter bins allowing waste
separation to establish a sustainable solid waste management system with an
educational component for children.

e. Playgrounds
 Competent authorities should ensure that all schools and kindergartens are
provided with good and safe playgrounds, designed in a child friendly way and
appropriate for the age and number of children.
 All play facilities shall be at all times in safe condition. DIN 18034 and DIN EN 1176
Standards should be applied.

7.2.3 Urban Agriculture

a. The school / kindergarten should institute some small-scale agriculture as part of
their educational curriculum. This will help teach children about food security and

51
 sustainable management of resources. Children shall be involved with the
assistance of the operation and maintenance staff.

7.2.4 Composting
a. The school / kindergarten should institute a composting system as part of their
educational curriculum. This will help teach children about waste management,
composting and sustainable management of resources. Children may be involved
with the assistance of the operation and maintenance staff, i.e. with how to reuse
the compost to enrich the soils for planting material.

7.3 Operation and maintenance

a. Competent authorities shall ensure that all play areas, facilities, sand boxes and
plant areas are well maintained and do not pose any physical or health hazard for
children.
b. Competent authorities may decide to make provisions for involving MSEs in the
operation and maintenance of school and kindergarten green open spaces.

8. Cemeteries and religious yards

8.1 General introduction and standards
a. Most cemeteries in Ethiopia are attached to worship centers or religious yards, and are
usually owned and administered by the adjoining worship center. A few cemeteries are
administered by municipalities. The majority of graveyards and cemeteries in urban
areas lack planning in their layout and operation.
b. Especially old cemeteries with extensive biodiversity should be safeguarded to mitigate
the urban heat island effect and to contribute to the local microclimate balance.
c. Competent authorities should design cemeteries in a ‘park theme concept’ way or as
green ‘memorial parks’ for public recreational use.
d. Competent authorities should ensure that professional landscape planners / designers
are included in planning of new cemeteries and in the expansion or redesign of existing
cemeteries.
8.1.1 Location, capacity and accessibility
a. Competent authorities shall ensure that human remains are not buried within
250 m of any well, borehole or spring from which a potable water supply is drawn.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure that burial sites are at least 30 m away from
any spring or watercourse and at least 10 m away from any field drain.
c. Every citizen should live within a cemetery’s catchment area of 2.5 km.
d. All cemeteries shall be open for the public during the day. They may be closed at
night.
e. The whole area and all facilities shall be made accessible for disabled people.
f. More dense usage of burial plots shall be promoted in order to ensure better use of
scarce land resources.
g. 1 ha has a capacity for 3,500 graves, based on following standards:

52
 h. a single grave should have an area of 2 m2 including sculptures and circulation; and
i. 30 % of the overall cemetery area should be reserved for greenery, paths and
facilities.
j. Graves should be linearly arranged and be made uniform in size. Elements applied
should not vary to an extent that the entirety of the space loses its unity in its
vegetation and hardscape.
8.2 Components and facilities
8.2.1 The green components
a. Plantings should consist of large shade trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, hedges and
ground covers.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure that at least 30 % of trees are fruit trees.
c. Competent authorities should choose trees and other vegetation with extensive root
systems to reduce microbial populations. Such plants absorb water and seepage to
isolate some infective microorganisms from the soil. They also help reduce the quantity
of water seepage that mixes with the groundwater.
8.2.2 The gray components
a. Pavements, steps and ramps
 Only permeable pavement should be allowed.
 Excessive slopes should be minimized.
 Steps and ramps should be avoided.

b. Lights
 At entry gates and around buildings, security lighting should be installed to discourage
intrusion and vandalism.

c. Seats and signs

 Competent authorities shall provide appropriate seating for mourners and visitors.
 Proper signs should guide visitors to the different facilities.

d. Fences and walls

 All cemeteries should have a perimeter wall or fence. If a wall or fencing is not
available, competent authorities may provide security to protect the site at night.
8.2.3 Components and facilities
a. Toilets
 Competent authorities shall provide sanitation facilities. A minimum of one toilet for
female and one for male visitors shall be provided.

b. Parking
 Adequate on-street parking space outside the cemetery and close to the entrance
should be provided. Off-street parking may be provided.
8.2.4 Storm water management
53
  Competent authorities should take advantage of the site's natural landform to
mitigate the water run-off, in installing bio swales and rain gardens, where storm
water can percolate.
8.2.5 Composting
 Due to the big amount of organic waste produced in cemeteries, competent
authorities should install a composting system.
8.3 Operation and maintenance
a. All burial pits on the site shall maintain a minimum of 1 m of subsoil below the
bottom of the burial pit (i.e. the base of the burial shall be at least 1 m above solid
rock).
b. The base of all burial pits on the site shall maintain a minimum of 1 m clearance
above the highest natural water table. Any variability in the water table should be
taken into account.
c. Burial excavations should be backfilled as soon as the remains are interred,
providing a minimum of 1 m soil cover at the surface.
d. Competent authorities should ensure that all pathways are well maintained and in
good condition at all time.
e. Competent authorities should use the opportunity created by cemeteries to
establish sustainable working opportunities for MSEs to maintain cemeteries and
enhance their potential as a green open space.

9. Outdoor sports fields and facilities

9.1 General introduction and standards
a. Outdoor sports fields and facilities are essential components of contemporary living in
an urban environment. Exercise and recreation activities promoted through such
facilities enhance the physical, intellectual and emotional well-being of citizens
resulting in a more productive, healthy and forward looking community. Every
segment of the population may benefit from such facilities.
b. Sports fields and facilities along with their recreational use and use as physical exercise
should incorporate ecological functions and storm water management practices.
c. Facilities should vary depending on type of sport activity, the area size needed for the
particular activity, and the number of people exercising sport.
d. Competent authorities shall follow standards of the Ethiopian Ministry of Youth,
Sports and Culture.

9.1.1 Location and accessibility

a. Competent authorities shall ensure following sizes for outdoor sports fields and
facilities and may locate them in following public locations.

Type of Size (in m) Area (in Location notes

2
sport m)
Basketball 15*28 420 In all park settings, amenity open spaces,
admin. compounds, schools or institutions
etc.

54
 Football 65*100 6,500 Sub-city / City park, schools or institutions
75*110 8,250
Tennis 23.77*10.97 261 Sub-city / City park, schools or institutions
Table tennis 7*14 98 In all park settings, amenity open spaces,
admin. compounds, schools or institutions
etc.
Volleyball 9*18 162 Woreda Sub-city /City park, schools,
institutions
Handball 20*40 800 Sub-city / City park, schools or institutions
Swimming 25 * 13 425 Sub-city / City park, schools or institutions

b. Competent authorities shall ensure the following plot size standards for Stadium,
gymnasium and swimming pool size standards.

2
Types of Area (in m )
facilities District (Wereda) Zonal level City level
level
Stadium 29000 31000 40000
Gymnasium 4000 6000 9000
Swimming pool 7600 7600 12000

c. Outdoor sports fields should always be well accessible by public transport.

d. Pathways shall well connect the facilities with neighborhood streets and should
have adequate lighting.

9.2 Components and facilities

9.2.1 The green components
a. All outdoor sports fields and facilities should include planting to enhance the
landscape and enable users to experience a natural environment.
b. Planting such as hedges may be used to separate different activities, to screen
areas, and to provide shady areas, but ensuring spectator viewing.
c. Competent authorities shall ensure that at least 50 % of trees are fruit trees to
support food security.

9.2.2 The gray components and facilities

a. Pavements and lights
 Pathways within the facilities shall be of permeable material.
 Competent authorities should ensure adequate lighting of the facility and of the
pathways leading to the facility to permit the use of the facility after dark.

b. Seats and signs

 Different landscaping techniques should be used to create seating areas with
varying grades for spectators by manipulating existing landscape features.
 Seating shall be located and designed so spectators have a clear sight.
 Signs should use a universal design.

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 c. Fences, walls and parking
 Metal / chain link fencing of a height of 2 m (for tennis courts at least 6 m) to
protect sport fields and facilities should be used. Greening of the fence is
recommended but shall not disturb the exercise of the sport.
 Sufficient parking space for private cars and public vehicles should be provided.

9.2.3 Storm water management

 Infiltration ditches, bio-swales and rain gardens should be in-build into the layout
of the surroundings of sports fields in order to mitigate storm water management.
 Water harvesting facilities like cisterns or barrels should be provided in order to
mitigate the storm water runoff and to reuse the water for irrigation.

9.3 Operation and maintenance

a. Depending on the size of the sports field or facility, the responsibility of maintenance
and management can vary. For the small facilities, a neighbourhood association or the
Zone (ketena) administration may be responsible, whereas larger facilities may be
managed by the city administration’s Department for Youth and Sports.
b. Facilities shall at all times be in good, safe and functional condition.
c. Competent authorities shall decide on amount and quality of labour needed for the
respective sites, draw up a maintenance plan, and involve MSEs in the work.

10. Temporarily vacant land

10.1 General introduction and standards
a. Temporarily vacant land includes plots or tracts of land set aside for different purposes
by the city administration or private individuals and developers. Such sites may not
have been fully developed for the purpose they were intended due to various
circumstances. Some might have been abandoned due to financial, personal or other
problems, some might not have been suitable for the intended purpose and therefore
abandoned.
b. Until the time they could be developed according to local planning requirements,
social conditions and/or budget availability, these sites could serve as useful natural
islands which help maintain, regulate and enhance ecological functions within the
city/town.
c. Temporarily vacant land has the potential to support rich plant communities that occur
through a combination of water impoundment and natural succession. Being enclosed
or off-limits, it thrives as precious natural reserves and has the potential to restore
ecological functions. Included in this category are:
 abandoned areas (due to different reasons)
 sections of land fenced off for private or public development activities; and
 parcels of land designated as development zones
d. The land use classification of temporarily vacant areas could vary depending on where
they are located in accordance with the zoning provisions of the city/town. Depending
on prior land use, these areas may contain different kinds of vegetation or may be
barren.

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e. The land around and near the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa could serve as a good
example. The private owners have plans to use the land for future expansion of the hotel.
Currently, the land is fenced and has been left undisturbed for a few years. As a result, it is
beginning to show signs of ecological revival. This ecological recovery will help regulate
storm water, modify the surrounding micro climate and provide habitat for wildlife and
birds.
f. Since temporarily vacant land plays a significant role in maintaining ecological balance due
to their presence in different parts of the city it should not be overlooked by authorities
and be maintained to maximize their ecological function.
g. As temporarily vacant land is only temporarily left open before a permanent use is put in
place, the green infrastructure design, components and facilities applied should be simple,
inexpensive and easy to dismantle. Public expenditures for interventions should be kept to
a minimum.
h. Temporarily vacant land is an ideal site for temporary agriculture/horticulture in an urban
setting. Competent authorities should promote it for urban agriculture and horticulture
and go into consultation with the actual land owners to allow using it for agriculture and
horticulture. Please refer to standards on urban agricultural and horticultural land.

10.1.1 Accessibility
 Temporarily vacant land can pose health, safety and security problems. If this is the
case, competent authorities shall either ensure that access to the area is strictly
prevented or ensure that health, safety and security risks are minimized.
10.2 Components and facilities
a. Competent authorities shall create conducive conditions for existing vegetation to
thrive and for native plants to regenerate.
b. The ecological value of the site should be enhanced by screening the site with
trees, shrubs and climbers along the periphery.
c. Fences should be constructed in a simple but aesthetically pleasing manner.
Ecologically suitable, inexpensive and locally produced materials shall be used.
d. Existing water features should be either modified slightly by providing inexpensive
interventions that enhance infiltration, groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat
formation and other ecological functions, or be untouched.
10.3 Storm water management
 Competent authorities should make use of temporarily vacant land for inexpensive
storm water management practices and enhance infiltration and groundwater
recharge.

10.4 Composting
 Competent authorities should make use of temporarily vacant land to produce and
manage compost and should encourage the involvement of MSEs in the production
and sell.
10.5 Operation and maintenance
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 a. Operation and maintenance requirements of temporarily vacant land are minimal. The
job creation potential is not as significant as of other UGI elements since permanent
facilities and public activities are in most cases not permitted on these sites.
b. Temporarily vacant land shall be maintained in a way so that at no time there are
health, safety and security risks for individuals.
c. The risk of spread of invasive plants should be considered and accordingly
prevented.
d. Ditches and waterways shall be maintained so that they are not altered or
blocked.
e. For clean-up and maintenance operations MSEs should be involved to create jobs.
f. If temporarily vacant land is being used temporarily for agriculture/horticulture,
competent authorities shall ensure that people doing agriculture/horticulture are
informed in time and with flexibility to harvest products, if developments are to
take place and the agricultural/ horticultural use has to be terminated.

11. Natural and semi-natural land (urban forests and wetlands)

11.1 General introduction and standards
a. Natural and semi-natural land includes the following categories but not limited to:
 Urban forests;
 Wetlands; and
 Open grassland.
b. These areas are of specifically high ecological value, for regulating climatic and storm
water conditions, and as an opportunity for recreation. They are found mostly in the
urban fringe / peri-urban zones and therefore function as important buffers between
the urban and rural landscape. They are also frequently found within other types of
green open space, such as recreational parks; and in some instances there may be
some sites classified as a community / amenity open space or a recreational park that
have a secondary function as natural and semi-natural area.
c. Competent authorities shall protect natural and semi natural land’s location,
availability of water, connections and other ecological and physical conditions which
allow them a very specific biodiversity (plant communities, soil groups, wildlife and
birds) and great deal of ecological capacity (e.g. as wildlife corridors).
d. Although natural and semi-natural land plays a key role in wildlife conservation,
biodiversity and climate change, the recreational opportunities provided by these
spaces are also important. Competent authorities should promote an appropriate
balance between recreational use, biodiversity and conservation.
e. Natural and semi-natural land in the urban fringe shall be integrated into the overall
UGI network to ensure a functional and visual transition between urban and rural
lands and improve their accessibility.
f. Wetland restoration of preferred vegetation and hydrology shall be expected to go
along with linking patches to a network of wetlands in order to secure water
conservation and an overall improvement in habitat quality for aquatic- and wildlife
species.

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 g. Protection plans for the most ecologically sensitive areas should be developed and
made visible.

11.2 Capacity and accessibility

a. Since the location of natural and semi-natural land is given, there are no standards
required. But because of their high ecological value, their capacity and accessibility are
to be regulated.
b. Natural and semi-natural areas have their very special ecological and recreational
functions and should be secured from effects of overuse.
c. Competent authorities should prohibit and avoid any encroachment and reverse
encroachments in a timely manner.
d. Accessibility to highly sensitive ecological zones should be controlled by defined
criteria depending on the ecosystem found, e.g. controlled logging in urban and peri-
urban forests, or controlled farming on wetlands in the dry season.
e. Pedestrian and motorized traffic should be controlled towards minimizing its impact
on these sensitive landscapes.
f. A wide-meshed network of pathways and trails should make the areas accessible but
secure them from effects of overuse.
g. Competent authorities shall provide a protecting buffer of 100m.
h. Soil profiles in (olden) urban forests are often relatively undisturbed. During
management operations care should be taken not to permanently damage their
structure, hydrology and moisture regimes or their ability to store carbon.

11.3 Components and facilities

11.3.1 The green components
a. The green components should be left untouched. If enhancement is desired, only
indigenous trees and shrubs specific to the respective area shall be used.
b. Urban forests may be enhanced to a density of 75 trees per ha and by fruit trees.
11.3.2 The gray components
a. Pavements and signs
a. All pathways shall be of permeable material. Exceptions may be trails of higher use
which are important transport network axes and therefore can be paved in
impermeable manner.
b. Signs shall be installed to inform the public and create awareness on the importance
and the ecological functions of natural areas.

b. Facilities
a. Only passive recreational facilities (like hiking, walking, picnicking) shall be allowed.
b. Recreational facilities may aim at getting the public’s support for habitat protection,
restoration, and research.
c. Within a 100 m buffer around the wetland, all sanitation facilities other than
impenetrable septic tanks, not connected to the wetland, are prohibited.

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11.3.3 Storm water management
a. Competent authorities shall use natural and semi natural land for the city’s/town’s
storm water management system and enhance infiltration and groundwater
recharge on such sites.
b. The amount of storm water associated pollutants entering adjacent wetlands should
be controlled through bio swales and other filter mechanisms.
11.4 Operation and maintenance
a. Operation and maintenance interventions shall focus on supporting the ecological
functions of the area and on limiting access to sensitive zones.
b. Competent authorities shall ensure that the areas are at all times clean and litter
free.
c. Open grassland should be managed and maintained by light extensive grazing or
rotational mowing, but no ecological burning.

12. Steep slopes and rocky land

12.1 General introduction and standards
a. Slopes and rocky land are naturally unstable. Gravity, wind, water or disturbance, either
natural or man-made, can cause mass movement, erosion, slippage or slide. The
characteristics that influence the slope stability include geology, slope drainage and
topography, soil type and changes to the slope. Steep slopes are generally defined as land
with a slope angle of 20 % or greater for a minimum of 10 m horizontally.
b. Rocky land and steep slopes are of particular natural attractiveness with a scenic quality
and shall be preserved as unique landscapes. They should be used as greenbelt urban
forests or open grasslands in following consequently the natural contour lines.
c. Competent authorities shall restrict or prohibit activities or developments which are
damage-prone or damage-inducing.
d. Professional geotechnical investigation should be done before developments on steep
slopes can take place.
e. Potential impacts of all actions within rocky areas and on steep slopes should consider
the slope stability, drainage and erosion prevention. Retaining or removing vegetation
shall be based on an in-depth impact analysis of these actions, both long and short term.
f. Soil slips, which cause avalanche failures, commonly, initiate on slopes greater than 33 %
should be taken in consideration before developments.
g. Grading for infrastructure shall be only done if there is an approved grading plan
indicating feasibility for infrastructure.

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 Preferred Restricted

h. Rocky land and steep slopes often incorporate natural resource like rare plants or mineral
stones and should be protected and handled with great care to limit environmental
damage to these sensitive areas.

12.1.1 Accessibility
a. Competent authorities shall secure steep slopes by using fences or walls.
12.2 Components and facilities

12.2.1 The green components

a. Strategic use of existing vegetation to retain the site’s natural character shall be
applied.
b. Steep slopes of more than 30 % should be exclusively allocated for trees and shrub
planting.
c. On forested slopes, trees and tree stands that represent a range of ages should be
retained to support the sustainability of the forest ecosystem.
d. Disturbed areas shall be replanted with approved vegetation. Native plants and tree
species are be preferred to restore the natural character and biodiversity of the site.
e. Exposed slopes should be as quickly as possible re-vegetated or stabilized by
engineering structures like gabions to prevent erosion and slope stability problems.

12.2.2 The gray components and facilities

a. Retaining walls should respect the natural character of the site. Smaller stepped
retaining walls should be employed over the use of a large uniform wall.

b. Signs shall be installed to inform the public and create awareness on the
importance and the ecological functions of natural areas.
c. Only passive recreational facilities (like hiking, walking, picnicking) shall be allowed.
d. Recreational facilities may aim at getting the public’s support for habitat
protection, restoration, and research.

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12.2.3 Storm water management
a. Methods for collection, conveyance, control and treatment of storm water that
will mitigate potential impacts on and downstream of steep slopes should be
assessed.
b. Terracing shall be considered to implement storm water management practices on
steep slopes.

12.3 Operation and maintenance

a. Due to the risk rocky land and steep slopes put on the adjacent neighborhood,
these areas require high attention by competent authorities. They shall periodically
review the situation.

13. Urban agricultural and horticultural land

13.1 General introduction and standards
a. Urban agriculture refers to farming activities including crops and livestock production
that could be carried out in an urban environment, while urban horticulture is related
to vegetables, fruit and flower production in an urban setting. According to the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), urban agriculture is defined as
“...an industry that produces, processes and markets food and fuel, largely in response
to the daily demand of consumers within a town, city or metropolis, on land and water
dispersed throughout the urban and peri-urban area, applying intensive production
methods, using and reusing natural resources and urban wastes, to yield a diversity of
crops and livestock”.
b. The benefits of urban agriculture / horticulture are significant and include:
 Improved food security
 Increased availability of food all year round
 Increased food diversity (improving nutrition)
 Alleviation of poverty by increasing disposable household income
 Creation of employment opportunities for the urban poor
 Contribution in recycling solid waste reducing the pressure on landfills.

c. Urban agriculture / horticulture could be practiced:

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  on vacant plots
 in containers
 in fishponds
 on road strips
 in home gardens
 on balconies
 in rivers
 along railways
 on verges
 on rooftops
 on open spaces
 below utility lines
 on river banks
 in school gardens

d. Water quantity (availability to distribution during the year) and quality are limiting
factors. Currently urban agriculture and horticulture are practiced in areas where
sufficient water is available along rivers. The water used to irrigate horticulture crops
in many areas within the city could pose health hazard unless it is cleaned and
purified.
e. Water harvesting to capture the abundant rain falling during the rainy season should
be considered to successfully implement urban agriculture / horticulture. A biological
waste water treatment system should also be implemented to ensure that the crops,
vegetables and other produce supplied to the market in the city meet health
standards.
f. Competent authorities shall encourage and enhance urban agriculture / horticulture
activities in urban areas since they contribute greatly to the urban ecology, social
development and economic well-being of the community.
g. Since urban agriculture / horticulture needs water, access to water, even if
temporarily, should be provided.

13.2 Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Competent authorities shall designate land for urban agriculture and horticulture
activities, preferable on vacant land, along railways, below power lines, near rivers,
and in the dry season on wetlands.
b. If urban agricultural / horticultural land is situated within a riparian buffer the
Ethiopian NUGI Standards 3, 2014 or more recent version, shall be followed.
c. Urban agricultural / horticultural land should be made well accessible through a
network of paths connecting to the neighborhood.

13.3 Components and facilities

a. If necessary trees should be planted as wind breakers and to provide shade for
different urban agriculture / horticulture plantations.
b. MSEs or individuals who are working in urban agriculture / horticulture should have
the right to fence temporarily their plots. Fences should be made out of local
material and may be also used for climbers, e.g. vines.

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 c. Shrubs may be used for screening the land.

13.3.1 Storm water management

a. Storm water management should be combined in an efficient way to minimize the
run-off and maximize the production of urban agriculture / horticulture.
b. Storm water infiltration ditches, bio swales and rain gardens as storm water measures
installed, could be of mutual benefit for the competent authority as well as for people
engaged in urban agriculture / horticulture.
c. In order to maximize the benefits of urban agriculture / horticulture facilities for
irrigation, water storage tank and water purification methods could facilitate the work.
d. Where possible cisterns, ponds, collecting facilities for roof-top run-off (to prevent
pollutants from entering the water source, settlement methods of suspended solids
can be used) could be supported.
e. Biological methods to purify water should be used in order to contribute to good
public health.

13.3.2 Composting
a. Urban agriculture / horticulture produce and needs compost. Competent
authorities should facilitate or encourage composting near urban agricultural /
horticultural land. It could be a means of income generation for the people working
in urban agriculture / horticulture.

14. Green roofs and living walls

14.1 General introduction and standards
a. A ‘green roof’ is a roof or deck onto which vegetation is intentionally grown or habitats
for wildlife are established. Each green roof is unique and provides a different type of
habitat, water storage capacity and energy saving potential.
b. A ‘living wall’, a ‘green façade’ or ‘vertical gardens’ refer to vegetation that grows
directly onto a building's facade or to vegetation that is grown on a separate structural
system that can be freestanding and adjacent or attached to the building’s facade.
c. A well-designed and planted green roof not only pleases the eye, it potentially doubles
the life of the roof. Green walls and roofs attenuate sound inside a building, lower
indoor and outdoor ambient temperatures in the hot season and absorb and filter
impurities in the air.
d. The historic concept of green roofs, walls and vertical gardens dates back to the
ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and other cultures. In modern times, as cities – in
most part of the world – move towards high density living, there is proportionally less
green space at ground level per person. Green roofs and walls provide impressive
aesthetic outcomes and can significantly improve local microclimates and thoroughly
mitigate urban heat island effects.
e. In modern times statute change e.g. in Germany supported the installation of green
roofs, and, by 2001, 43 % of German Local Governments provided incentives for green
roof installation. Other countries followed to support the concept of green roofs and
walls in densely populated areas.

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 f. Competent authorities shall promote the construction of green roofs and living walls in
order to support an improved inner city climate.
g. Urban planner, architects, landscape planners / architects and building contractors
should be well familiarized with the benefits of green roofs and living walls in densely
populated urban areas.
h. The vegetation layer for a grass or planted roof needs a minimum of 8 cm soil or
substrate and shall include a proper drainage function.

14.2 Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Green roofs may offer significant economic benefits, including a longer roof life
and heating and cooling energy savings.
b. Green roofs and living walls should be considered since they can provide an
opportunity for urban food production, and increasing urban biodiversity.
c. In addition to conventional roofs, the green roof serving as a protection layer for
the waterproofing in case of mechanical damage like hail, wind, vandalism, and
fireworks and should be considered to build sustainable inner cities.
d. Absorption and filtering of contaminations and dust in the air should be taken in
consideration by promoting green walls and green roofs.
e. Intensive and extensive greening sites on green roofs and living walls, should have
stretched their contractual agreements beyond the guarantee period, be made by
the garden and landscape architects who plan and supervise the work, and/or by
the contractor. These will cover maintenance under expert supervision and will set
out long-term aims and objectives.
f. Vegetation grown in planter boxes and trained on a freestanding or attached
trellis system and with mechanized watering are referred as living walls. Green or
living walls are an emerging technology that integrates vegetation into the built
environment. With the growing concern about climate change, there should be
increasing interest in using living walls as part of a sustainable strategy for the
urban environment.

14.2.1 Storm water management

a. Benefits of green roofs include the protection of waterproofing, water retention,
thermal insulation, improvement of the climatic environment as well as new
natural habitats for flora and fauna.
b. Competent authorities make sure that new industrial building constructed > than
250m² roof area and a roof angle up to 10° inclination have either a proper storm
water management on the ground or shall be grassed or planted.
c. Intensive and extensive greenings on green roofs and living walls may reduce
annual storm water run-off up to 50%, including peak runoff. One of the greatest
benefits of green roofs is their ability to combat the urban heat island effect.
d. Green roofs in some cases reduce surface temperature by 20°C and ambient
temperature by 5°C, compared to conventional roofs and may serve as climate
improvement in inner city areas.

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 e. Quality of life may be improved since the inclusion of green roofs in a city landscape
has been shown to reduce noise pollution by 2 – 8 decibels.

14.3 Operation and Maintenance

a. Designing a building with an early understanding of living walls and green roofs can
reduce maintenance costs of the building. With the exception of access and regular
watering issues, suppliers state that maintenance of a living wall and green roofs is not
work intensive.
b. Extensive green roofs not designed for public access have fewer obligations. For an
intensive roof, maintenance should be continuous, similar to a traditional garden,
because aesthetics will be more important.
c. Early weed control shall ensure that the installed plants have a chance to spread and to
minimize the opportunity for invasive weeds to take root.
d. Fertilizing - given the thin layer of growing medium - building owners or managers
might need to apply a slow release fertilizer once a year to avoid soil acidity, especially
when the plants are first establishing themselves.
e. An ideal green roof or green façade should rely on natural irrigation. However, some
green roofs might require irrigation based on local climate and the stage of plant
growth for a particular project.
f. Gutters - similar to conventional roofs shall be cleaned regularly. Clean gutters
decrease the risk of standing water and leaks.
g. Drains and gutters should be clear of plant growth to prevent blockage.
h. A well-understood maintenance regime shall be established with facilities
management personnel who greatly improve the likelihood of survival of the living
wall and green roof.

15. Urban Seedling Nursery

15.1 General introduction and standards
a. Urban Seedling Nursery for Urban agriculture and urban forest refers to
environmental protection, beautifying and farming activities including food crops and
forage for livestock production that could be carried out in an urban environment,
possibly produces fruit and flower production in an urban setting. According to the
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), urban agriculture is
defined as “...an industry that produces, processes and markets food and fuel, largely
in response to the daily demand of consumers within a town, city or metropolis, on
land and water dispersed throughout the urban and peri-urban area, applying
intensive production methods, using and reusing natural resources and urban wastes,
to yield a diversity of crops and livestock feeds”.

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 b. Improve the ecology like provision of fresh air and carbon sequestration where carbon
flow from industry is higher. The benefits of urban Nurseries are significant and
include:

 Beautifies the town by greenery coverage.

 Improved food security through provision of fruit plants.
 Alleviation of poverty by increasing disposable household income.
 Creation of employment opportunities for the urban poor.
 Contribution in recycling solid waste reducing the pressure on landfills. So the
expansion of these planting could play vital roles to maintain the balance of people
and the other biodiversity.
c. The open lands that need to be planted will not only be used for recreation and
ecological improvement but could be a harbor and habitat for birds and other wild
animals.

d. The nursery establishment and utility should be in compliance of the agro-climatic

Zone that fits to the planned seedlings of fruit, forest and vegetables.

e. Competent authorities shall encourage and enhance nursery activities in urban areas
since they contribute greatly to the job creation, urban ecology improvement,
beautification, social development and economic well-being of the community.

f. The water used to irrigate seedlings in many areas within the city could pose health
hazard unless it is cleaned and purified.

g. Water harvesting to capture the abundant rain falling during the rainy season should
be considered to successfully implement urban nursery.

h. A biological waste water treatment system should also be implemented by using

vetiver grass to ensure that the crops, fruits, vegetables and other produce supplied to
the market in the city meet health standards.

i. The most importance of vetiver grass is to protect the river bank land scouring when
high run-off is expected.

j. Vetiver will also purify the dirt water and changes the stinky place to recreational site.

15.2 Location, capacity and accessibility

a. Competent authorities shall designate land for urban nursery activities, preferable
on vacant land, below power lines, near rivers, and in the dry season on wetlands.
b. The capacity of the nursery will be determined according to the need of the
communities and riparian land to be planted.
c. Urban nursery site should be made well accessible through a network of paths
connecting to the neighbourhood.
d. It has to be gentle slope, 3-4% gradient and need to allow flowing.

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 e. Access to water should be provided.
f. The minimum land needed could be 1-1.5ha and about 50% will be used to raise
seedlings and the others used grey part.
g. Forest tree, Vetiver, grafted fruits and vegetables seedlings will be grown in the
proposed nursery to be distributed to individuals and be planted on parks, gardens,
open areas and river banks.
h. The soil used for seed bed should be light clayey and sandy type.
i. The mixing of soil for the polythene bag, we should use the ratio of 3: 2: 0.5, for normal
soil, forest soil and Compost ratio.
j. The nursery site slope has to be between 3 to 4%, this will allow better drainage and
doesn’t scour the soil during watering and raining.

15.3 Components and facilities

15.3.1 The green components
a. In the nursery, the green components include sawing seed beds, transplanting beds,
and indigenous border tree plants.
b. Nursery with green components includes; forest seedlings, vetiver plants, grafted
fruits, vegetable seedlings, and some ornamental trees.
c. Trees will be planted at the border of the nursery to protect dry winds.
d. These forest trees seedlings also taken to each household garden areas for planting to
contribute to the ecological management and plays beautification roles in the town.

15.3.2 The gray components

a. Gray components will include Pathways, store, shelter, Fence, etc.
b. All pathways shall be built within nursery to facilitate watering, shading and
weeding management for seedlings.
c. Store for nursery materials and shelter to prepare polythene tube soil package for
seedling growth, place for compost preparation, etc areas.
d. Signs shall be installed to inform the public and create awareness on the
importance and the ecological functions of nursery and natural areas.
e. Compost making site is also included.
f. Fence will be constructed with impregnated two meter height poles and
strengthened with barbed wire around the nursery. The fence will be
supplemented by live fence through planting all sides by cypresses or other similar
species.

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 15.3.3 Facilities
a. Only passive recreational facilities (walking,) shall be allowed.
b. Roads for walking, watering and weeding between each seed bed and
transplanting bed will be needed; this is assumed to be about 50% of the total
area.
c. Watering has to early morning and late afternoon for the seed bed and
transplanting bed.
d. Recreational facilities may aim at getting the public’s support for habitat
protection, restoration, and research.
e. Community could come and use it as a training or demonstration centre.
f. Mulching on the sowed bed to protect sun heat and enhances germination.
g. Shading for transplanting bed and seed bed to protect dry wind, rain and sun
heating.
h. Shading will be thinned gradually when the plant grows fully and will be zero
shade during planting in the field.
i. Nursery tools and equipments: shade, polythene tube, spade, shovel, water
tanker or canvas, watering can.

15.3.4 Storm water management

a. Storm water management should be combined in an efficient way to minimize
the run-off and maximize the production of urban nursery seedlings.
b. Storm water infiltration ditches, bio swales and rain gardens as storm water
measures installed, could be of mutual benefit for the competent authority as
well as for people engaged in seedling production and gardening.
c. In order to maximize the benefits of urban nursery seedlings facilities for
irrigation, water storage tank and water purification methods could facilitate the
work.
d. Where possible cisterns, ponds, collecting facilities for roof-top run-off (to
prevent pollutants from entering the water source, settlement methods of
suspended solids can be used) could be supported.
e. Biological methods to purify water should be used in order to contribute to good
public health. At this place the vetiver bio-engineering technology will play
significant role.
f. Scientific conservation plan is needed to bring the waste land back to utilization.

15.3.5 Composting
a. Composting making is one the best method of making natural fertilizer from the
local organic matter.
b. It is a system of balancing process in which carbon and nitrogen (nitrate) are
mixed thoroughly in a time range for plant root availability.
c. Any fruit crops that are grown by Compost get greenery certificates easily by any
country’s standards.

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 d. Compost as organic fertilizer need to get top priority. Solid and liquid type of
organic fertilizer will be prepared to mix with soil and direct leaves application for
plant use.
e. Competent authorities should facilitate or encourage composting near nursery
sites. It could be a means of income generation for the people working in urban
nurseries.
f. For compost making, cow-dung, molasses, yeast, charcoal, top and clay soil,
volcanic ash, normal wood ash, dry pulp, chopped weeds, parchment, bran
rise/wheat/teff and rain water.
g. Out of all the components 40% would be water. Every mixing time we pour much
water to make appropriate compost.
h. Preparation and mixing need professionals activities.
i. Compost can be prepared on a chosen gentle slope, dry place away from sun, rain
and strong wind.
j. It would stay 25-30 days until it reaches maturity and for continuous 10 days we
mix daily and once within 5 days for the remaining 20 days.
k. The brown colour and good odour soil will be produced in deed for nursery and
garden utility.

15.4 Operation and Maintenance

a. Nursery should be live fenced to protect from any livestock and wildlife harm
expected.
b. If necessary trees should be planted as wind breakers and to provide shade for
different seedlings.
c. Forest seeds must sought by professionals from Ethiopia Forest Research Centre
that suits to urban greenery.
d. Fruits and vegetables forage and vetiver seed sources should be consulted before
implementation.
e. Store and office building will be constructed to facilitate the activities carried in
the site.
f. Organic fertilizer for nursery and gardens is going to be prepared in the nursery.

16. Financial aspects standards

a. Competent authorities are obliged to ensure provision of a basic minimum
UGI service to all urban residents, and thus to establish effective systems for
the collection of revenue in order to financially sustain such services.
b. Capital and running expenditure required on labor, maintenance, fuel etc.
shall be calculated and included in every annual budget.
c. UGI elements and components shall be included as public assets in their
asset management plans.

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 d. Competent authorities shall put in place financial management systems that
allow for tracking and reporting of public expenditures on UGI planning,
implementation and maintenance.
e. As a cost recovery system, competent authorities may require members of
the public to pay:
 a reasonable prescribed fee to use recreational or other facilities that
are provided within public green open spaces;
 a reasonable prescribed fee for entrance to public green open spaces,
such fee to take into consideration the costs to maintain such public
green open spaces;
 a reasonable prescribed fee for the right to undertake a special event;
 a deposit prior to undertaking a prohibited activity;
 a reasonable prescribed fee for processing applications for permits.
f. Competent authorities shall ensure that collected UGI fees are used solely
for the purpose of UGI activities rather than for the financing of other public
services.
g. MUDHo shall coordinate with competent authorities in undertaking
willingness to pay surveys from a representative number of municipalities.
h. MUDHo will coordinate with competent authorities to undertake a review of
cost recovery measures within UGI elements.

17. Institutional arrangements standards

a. Institutional arrangements shall be put in place to oversee the urban green
infrastructure at city level.
b. The organizational arrangement put in place shall ensure sufficient required staff for
the planning and maintenance of UGI to be adequately executed by the competent
authority, and adequate budget shall be allocated to ensure this.
c. The level of qualification for personnel working in the field of UGI should be defined
according to the duties personnel have to fulfill. The “Ethiopian Occupational
Standard” (EOS) is clearly designed from a lower level of work a “Basic Green
Infrastructure Development and Beautification Level I” up to advanced
responsibilities in managing the UGI sector “EOS level V”.
d. All competent authorities shall have a least one designated person assigned to UGI
functions in position and working. The responsible officer(s) shall be appointed by
decree and be selected by decree and be certified with the occupational standard
‘Greenery and Beatification Development’ minimum level III.
e. The leading staff shall define the typical work duties and human resources required
according to the scope of work and to the availability of budget.
f. Category 1 and 2 cities shall constitute a UGI unit with sufficient qualified staff in position
to plan, contract-out, monitor, interface with the public and report to MoUDHo on the
progress in meeting the UGI Standards.
g. Competent authorities shall ensure that appropriate staffs are provided with appropriate
training to ensure the efficient involvement of MSEs / the private sector within UGI
activities.
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h. Training shall include, but not be limited to, the following: assessment of the city’s UGI;
identification of UGI needs; writing appropriate operational contracts for maintenance of
UGI elements; evaluating bid submissions; award of contract and monitoring of services
to ensure full compliance with service conditions.
i. Wherever possible, training should be provided through, and in compliance with, the
national occupational standards for UGI and the accompanying TVET training programs of
Ethiopia.
j. Competent authorities shall consult with the public (women, men, youth, and elderly) to
ensure their engagement in the design and implementation of UGI.
k. Competent authorities shall obtain the opinions of the public through the use of a variety
of techniques including conducting questionnaire surveys, and by listening to opinions
expressed by focus groups and neighborhood committees.
l. The public shall be informed when decisions have been made regarding UGI projects,
especially regarding the establishment of riparian buffer zones.
m. Competent authorities shall establish and maintain a public complaints system whereby
members of the public register complaints in connection with any shortcomings in the
maintenance of UGI elements. Each complaint, whether by phone, writing or in person,
shall be logged and given an exclusive identification number for ease of tracking progress.
A direct mobile phone line to report shortcomings in the urban green service could be of
help. Such a line could as well provide useful monitoring information regarding the
operation of the green services. Complaints should be tackled within the most possible
short period of time and feedback given accordingly.
n. Competent authorities shall, when designing new improved UGI elements, give
appropriate consideration to the involvement of the private sector in service delivery.
Training shall be developed and provided by MUDHo and standardized contracts, based
on national guidance, shall be developed by urban centers / local government for their
mandated areas.
o. Competent authorities shall, when designing new UGI elements, give due consideration
to the role and future involvement of NGO/CSO/CBO in both service delivery and service
monitoring and feedback.
p. MUDHo shall oversee the development and implementation of model contracts and/or
agreements for the participation of the private sector and MSEs in UGI, to be
subsequently adapted and applied by competent authorities.

Effective date
This Ethiopia national urban green infrastructure standard shall be
entered in to force as of November, 2015.

H.E Mekuria Haile

Minister for Ministry of Urban Development & Housing

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