Opinions & Interviews

Belarus’ urban planning policy geared towards smart, green cities

MINSK, 25 June (BelTA) – The state urban planning policy in Belarus is geared towards the development of smart and green cities. A lot of work is being done to improve the relevant legislation. The statement was made by Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Boleslav Pirshtuk during the roundtable session on theory and practice of green urban planning in the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament, BelTA has learned.

According to the MP, the interest in green urban planning is on the rise in the world. Close attention is paid to the matter in Belarus as well. “Due to urbanization the pressure on cities rises. It is necessary to pool efforts in order to preserve natural riches as much as possible. It is important to study and borrow positive international experience, engage the civil society and public organizations,” he said.

In turn, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Alexandra Solovieva noted that Belarus demonstrates leadership in the region in the work on reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. The relevant strategies and programs are being worked out at the national level and the regional one.

Alexandra Solovieva said: “The assistance the UNDP provides to the government with the sustainable development of cities includes integral solutions, which combine measures to promote energy effectiveness, the usage of sources of renewable energy, waste management, and other things. At the same time these initiatives help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are ready to continue supporting joint steps towards green urban planning.”

The experience of developing green urban planning plans by Belarusian towns and cities was presented during the roundtable session as well as the experience of implementing energy-effective measures. Taking part in the meeting were members of the parliament, representatives of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry, the Architecture and Construction Ministry, the Energy Effectiveness Department of the State Standardization Committee of Belarus, representatives of the project “Belarus: Support for Green Urban Planning” of the GEF, the UNDP, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry, representatives of city administrations and public associations.

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