Moscow Urban Forum 2019

The Moscow Urban Forum is a large-scale congress dedicated to the development of megacities. It is held for nine years, since 2011, it has been gathering representatives of the administrations of large cities, as well as architects, investors, economists and all interested in the Russian capital.

This time dozens of events took place in Park Zaryadye from 4 to 7 July, which were attended by three hundred speakers from different countries. Interviews, discussions, round tables - the Forum program was once again saturated. For the first time, the Urban Health Congress was held within its framework, which was dedicated to the implementation of various aspects of health in urban development projects.

Moscow Urban Forum 2019, photo © mosurbanforum

The forum was held under the slogan "Quality of life. Projects that change cities", and determined that the creation of conditions for the well-being of citizens is one of the main tasks of politicians and managers. The head of the Environmental Management and Environmental Protection Department, Anton Kulbachevsky, told us about sustainable development programs of Moscow, how it solves environmental problems, and how it still integrates the principles of healthy life in all areas of urban infrastructure.

Striving to achieve the global sustainable development goals identified by the UN, Moscow implements projects of responsible consumption and production, struggles within its capabilities against climate change and ensures the environmental safety of citizens' lives. Reduction of environmental pollution has become one of the priority tasks of city authorities, and for its solution new projects have already been launched and continue to be implemented.

Anton Kulbachevsky at Moscow Urban Forum 2019, photo WEB

In 2010, the capital switched to the program method of development, and from the 14 programs adopted during this period, every second is eco-oriented. Five years ago the principles of the city's eco-policy were documented, and today it can be argued that the measures taken have significantly reduced the level of environmental pollution - as of 2019, it does not exceed the standard values.

For example, city eco-monitoring system was launched in Moscow, consisting of fifty automatic stations. Five dozen large enterprises carry out automated control over the volume of industrial emissions, while the modernization of the Moscow Oil Refinery reduced its environmental impact by half.

Eco-monitoring system in Moscow, photo © mosecomonitoring

Heat-and-power engineering objects gradually master steam-gas technologies, which allow to increase power generation without increasing the amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. In addition, in recent years, more than 55 million m2 of real estate have been commissioned without increasing heat generation and gas consumption. These and other measures made it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the capital by 18% compared with 1990. And this is despite the fact that the volume of production and population is constantly growing.

Other systemic solutions also speak in favor of the sustainable development of territories. Today, almost half of Moscow’s area is occupied by greenery. Within the city, there are 17 thousand hectares of protected areas, where conditions for comfortable recreation and various sports are created for citizens (including for people with disabilities). As part of the Million Trees campaign, over the past six years, 100,000 trees and more than 2 million shrubs have been planted. Urban areas cleaning, reconstruction of wastewater treatment plants, reduction of petroleum products allowed to improve the quality of water in the Moscow River - today it fits cultural and living standards.

100,000 trees were planted during the "Million Trees" campaign, photo WEB

In addition to the production's modernization, the urban transport is essential in improving the environment. Due to the increased availability and comfort of transport infrastructure, today more and more Muscovites prefer municipal transport to their personal, thus reducing the burden on the environment. Also for 10 years, fuel consumption by urban transport has been reduced by 20%, and the bus depot has been replaced by buses of the 4th and 5th eco-classes. In addition, quality control of the sold fuel is carried out and work is underway to create an infrastructure for charging electric vehicles.

For the period from 2010 to 2018, the total emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere decreased by almost 22%. Emissions from motor vehicles during this period decreased from 1 million tons to 780 thousand tons. Considering that, according to expert estimates, the contribution of the state of atmospheric air to the incidence of about 20% is a direct effect on public health.

All city authorities are engaged in the implementation of environmentally oriented projects, which contributes to the maintenance of the concept of sustainable development in all spheres. In addition, Moscow actively participates in international projects and supports global eco-initiatives.

Timofeeva Julia, Russia, Moscow, based on materials from the Department of Nature Management and environmental protection in Moscow

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