Originally from the United States, Brian Webster grew up in Great Britain before moving to Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1974. After many years teaching English and working as a translator, Brian has recently taken on a new role as a Citizen Science Scheme Volunteer in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
What is this Scheme all about?
This Scheme was created in 2013 to monitor and conserve the biological diversity in Vitoria-Gasteiz by promoting and educating the public on biodiversity and wildlife in the city and its surroundings. It does so by involving the public in raising awareness and monitoring the natural environment, as well as encouraging citizen collaboration in conservation initiatives.
Brian sees his volunteering activities as his key role as a European Green Capital citizen:
“My main role as a European Capital citizen is my work as a volunteer in the Citizen Science Scheme. I take part in studies on orchids, butterflies and moths, dragonflies and birds, managed by Ataria, the Salburua Wetlands Interpretation Centre.”
Remarkably, that’s not all Brian is busy doing in Vitoria-Gasteiz. He is also the President of the Nature Institute of Alava (Instituto Alavés de la Naturaleza) and has been involved in organising birdsong courses for their members. Brian also runs courses on bird identification, bird boxes and feeders in several centres for people with mental disabilities and adults with autism as well as in the regional psychiatric hospital and a number of schools. He also volunteers at the provincial prison where he teaches a group of inmates about birds.
Brian has seen great social benefits of doing so: “We believe that by increasing people’s awareness of nature and their enjoyment of birdsong this will have a positive effect on their well-being.”
While he’s not volunteering at the Nature Institute of Alava and the Citizen Science Scheme helping the local community, he’s also contributing sustainably to Vitoria-Gasteiz through his day-to-day living. He says,
“I try to play my part by driving as little as possible in the city centre. It really isn’t necessary to use as the bus and tram services are more than adequate – and I’ve been doing so for more than 20 years. Another way I contribute is by sorting the waste I produce and making use of the excellent waste sorting system that the City Hall has put in place throughout the city.”
As you can see, you do not need to be a full-time volunteer to contribute to greening your city. Even small gestures and contributions matter. Brian agrees and explains how he believes that everyone can play their part: “I think the best way that we citizens can make our cities green is by respecting the regulations regarding rubbish disposal, by recycling plastics, glass and organic waste and keeping our streets clean. We should also all help maintain pollution at reasonable levels, both in terms of the air quality and noise. Another way we can do this is by respecting nature, not only in the surrounding countryside, but also in the city’s parks and green spaces, for the benefit of all inhabitants.”
When we each play our part, there is huge benefit for all, as Brian affirms, “If we can contribute sustainably we can improve the health and well-being of all the inhabitants of the city.”
Brian has seen the changes that Vitoria-Gasteiz has undergone over the last 30 years, making it one of the most advanced eco-friendly cities in Europe. For instance, improved access to quality green spaces has provided the city’s inhabitants with a greater connection to nature. Reflecting on Vitoria-Gasteiz’s year as a European Green Capital, Brian considers the lasting benefits for its citizens: “On the whole, I think the quality of the air and the proximity of green spaces to the city, as well as the large number of private and public sports facilities has helped make Vitoria-Gasteiz a very attractive place to live in. I also love that it only takes me 10-15 minutes to get to the countryside and the fact that the large number of parks and green spaces provide a greater connectivity to wildlife.”
When asked why people should visit Vitoria-Gasteiz, Brian gave us a long list of compelling reasons:
“Vitoria-Gasteiz offers a great deal to visitors: its historical buildings, the Medieval Quarter and of course, the Salburua Wetlands situated in the South-Eastern part of the city. The Salburua Wetlands project has been a great success and is very popular with visitors, not only because of the fauna it has attracted, but also due to the large numbers of people that use this urban space for recreational purposes. The old part of the city also maintains its medieval ambience and is largely traffic-free, enhancing the pleasure of walking through its streets and squares.”
As a former European Green Capital, a visit to Vitoria-Gasteiz continues to inspire. It is a city that still acts as a role model for others.
For more information about Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Citizen Science Scheme, you can check out their website here.