Kyiv region can become a pilot for participation in the European Union's initiative on the "green" reconstruction of the "Phoenix" cities.
This was discussed at a meeting between the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Ruslan Strilets, and the EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginius Sinkavichyus, with the local authorities of Buchi, Irpen, Brovary, Boryspil, Fastov, and Borodyanka, the department's press service reports.
They discussed plans and priority projects for the green reconstruction of cities. It is worth noting that Kyiv became one of the first regions to suffer from a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation. In Irpen alone, 70% of the city was destroyed and damaged due to hostilities.
"Certainly, the reconstruction of cities should be green. And here it is about everything – from reconstruction design to solar panels and paints used during restoration and construction works. Communication with heads of communities once again convinced that Kyiv Oblast is ready to implement qualitative changes in its territories and solve existing problems. Mayors understand what steps to take and where to go. And there are already certain results. Cities are gradually being restored," said Strilets.
According to the heads of communities, the extremely important and first projects for the reconstruction of cities should be:
- creation of a modern waste management system,
- energy efficiency,
- quality water supply and wastewater treatment.
Due to constant Russian attacks, 144,000 tons of destruction waste were generated in Kyiv region alone. And it was the Kyiv region that was the first in Ukraine to start solving this problem qualitatively.
Strelets emphasized to the city leaders that they must use such a unique opportunity from the EU and submit their reconstruction projects for participation in the competition within the framework of the "Phoenix" initiative.
As EcoPolitic reported earlier, Dixi Group experts previously explained why the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine must be green.
At the end of January, photo results appeared, as in Irpen restored the first houses destroyed by the war.