22 march 2011
The ENPI Karelia Programme Project «Green cities and settlements – Sustainable spatial development in remote border areas» aims at encouraging the development of green cities and settlements, which are reducing environmental damage, promote a more balanced accessibility and are generated by functionality.
The project aims at promoting economic and social requirements to be met at remote border areas in harmony with its ecological and cultural functions and, ultimately, contributing to a long-term balanced spatial development.
The bottom line of green urban and rural settlements is to create the smallest possible ecological footprint, and to produce the lowest quantity of pollution possible, to efficiently use land; recycle used material or convert waste-to-energy, and thus the overall contribution to climate change will be minimal. A number of thematic workshops will be organized to present best practices and prepare practical joint proposals and plans aimed at improving the living environment and the attractiveness of the region. Mapping of local resources will be performed to prepare strategies for resource and energy use efficiency measures that will also contribute to the self-sufficiency of the region. Some of the issues to consider are resource and energy efficient living environments, with improved public and transport infrastructure. Apart from providing a pleasant living environment, green settlements protect natural resources and the natural heritage as well as utilize the cultural heritage as a factor for development. The outcome of the project will therefore promote competitive capacity and the living standard in remote border areas through utilizing cross-border best practice approaches to spatial planning based on efficient utilization of local potential and environment friendly technologies.
Partners:
- Institution of the Russian Academy of Science Karelian Research Centre of the RAS, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- Karelian regional institute of management, economics and law of PetrSU under the Gov. of Karelia, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- Lönnrot Institute, Kajaani University Consortium, University of Oulu, Finland, Kainuu
- Autonomous non-profit organization “Energy Efficiency Center”, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- Joint Authority of Kainuu Region, Finland, Kainuu
- Council of Oulu Region, Finland, Oulu Region
- Administration of the Kostomuksha, Russia, Republic of Karelia
Associates:
- North Centre, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- Administration of Kalevalskiy municipal district, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- The State Committee of the Republic of Karelia on Reforming of Housing and Communal Services, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- State Committee of the Republic of Karelia for Development of Local Self-Government, Russia, Republic of Karelia
- Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for North Karelia, Finland, North Karelia
- Regional Council of North Karelia, Finland, North Karelia