The first urban eco-route in Vitebsk has been presented to the public at the city anti-cafe "7 Komnat" (7 Rooms), reports BELTA correspondent.
The first urban eco-route in Vitebsk has been presented to the public at the city anti-cafe "7 Komnat" (7 Rooms), reports BELTA correspondent.
"Scientists have proven that at the current rate of energy consumption, the atmospheric temperature will rise by 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, which could fundamentally change the established way of life. To survive on the planet, humanity must already take all possible measures to preserve the climate. Belarusian ecologists are actively supporting the global movement 'Climate, Stay!' through performances, campaigns, quests, and intellectual projects. In Vitebsk, the non-profit organization 'Prastora' and the Centre for Urban Projects and Initiatives have joined this movement. They have gathered a group of like-minded individuals, the first initiative of which is the urban eco-route," explained Oksana Kuzina, Director of the NGO 'Prastora'.
"Zelenaya Liniya" (Green Line) is a pedestrian urban route, most of which runs along the alleys of Victory Park, and along Kalinin Street. The main focus of the eco-excursion is urban trees and shrubs. The consultant on urban dendrology was Leonard Merzhvinsky, Head of the Department of Botany, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Botany of Vitebsk State University named after P. Masherov. During the preparation of the route, he and other specialists from the department studied this area, identifying the trees and shrubs that grow there and their biological characteristics.
Additionally, 300 pocket-sized mini-maps have been published for citizens. Those interested can obtain them free of charge from November 25th from the project partners: the Regional Scientific and Technical Library, the tour agency "Ilva", the Department of Botany of VSU, the anti-cafe "7 Komnat", the art space VZAP, and the city portal Gorodvitebsk.by. By the spring of 2017, branded pictograms will be placed along the entire route, and the excursion text will be available for download on one of the city's information portals. This will allow individuals to walk the route independently and learn new facts about our green neighbours, who do so much to purify the air.
"It is symbolic that the presentation took place shortly after the Paris Agreement on climate entered into force (November 4, 2016). Belarus is among the first 55 countries that have committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 28% by 2030. The rejection of hydrocarbon raw materials will also change the face of the city: from industrial to a city for living, with developed public spaces. Their formation is part of the climate strategy," noted Oksana Kuzina.