Ilsur Metshin on sustainable development: «This approach gives a result for decades to come – for us, the city, the country and the entire environment»

Ilsur Metshin on sustainable development: «This approach gives a result for decades to come – for us, the city, the country and the entire environment»

<p> A session on sustainable urban development took place at the Kazanysh International Architectural and Construction Forum. Ilsur Metshin spoke about the ongoing urban initiatives related to the sustainable development agenda. </p> <p> The Mayor noted that 8 billion people live in cities. Current urbanization trends indicate that by 2050, another 3 billion people will live in cities, increasing the urban share of the global population to two-thirds. </p> <p> «Kazan is not an exception. We see that in recent years, the population of our hospitable, beautiful, culturally rich, dynamic, and comfortable city has grown. No doubt, we are happy about this. At the same time, it also means an additional strain on many city systems», – the Mayor noted. </p> <p> He added that such a level of urbanization requires a sustainable approach to urban development, therefore, it is essential to develop strategies that take into account socio-economic and environmental factors. </p> <p> Therefore, in 2024, Kazan team together with experts and local communities began to develop a 2030 strategy for sustainable development, with a vision of 2040 in mind. </p> <p> The Mayor drew attention to the fact that a separate waste collection system is being implemented in Kazan, alongside with the creation of landscaping objects from recycled plastic. One of Russia's most technologically advanced wastewater treatment plants operates here.  </p> <p> A session on sustainable urban development took place at the Kazanysh International Architectural and Construction Forum. Ilsur Metshin spoke about the ongoing urban initiatives related to the sustainable development agenda. </p> <p> The Mayor noted that 8 billion people live in cities. Current urbanization trends indicate that by 2050, another 3 billion people will live in cities, increasing the urban share of the global population to two-thirds. </p> <p> «Kazan is not an exception. We see that in recent years, the population of our hospitable, beautiful, culturally rich, dynamic, and comfortable city has grown. No doubt, we are happy about this. At the same time, it also means an additional strain on many city systems», – the Mayor noted. </p> <p> He added that such a level of urbanization requires a sustainable approach to urban development, therefore, it is essential to develop strategies that take into account socio-economic and environmental factors. </p> <p> Therefore, in 2024, Kazan team together with experts and local communities began to develop a 2030 strategy for sustainable development, with a vision of 2040 in mind. </p> <p> The Mayor drew attention to the fact that a separate waste collection system is being implemented in Kazan, alongside with the creation of landscaping objects from recycled plastic. One of Russia's most technologically advanced wastewater treatment plants operates here. Thanks to thermomechanical treatment technology, sludge is transformed into granules. </p> <p> Principles of sustainable development are also successfully implemented in the renovation of yards and public spaces. </p> <p> «The active participation of citizens is also important. The involvement of residents in environmental initiatives greatly enhances the impact of ongoing activities. We have a challenging goal to change the mindset and behavior of citizens, and our first helpers in this task are children», – emphasized the Mayor. </p> <p> Valeria Marshalova, director of the KOMANDA Strategic Management Agency, identified three main areas that Kazan focuses on - environmental well-being, people and communities, and economics and management. </p> <p> She cited results from a 2024 survey: 79% of residents believe their contribution to the city's ecology is important and their actions influence the situation. </p>

2025-02-07T14:49:00+0300