Envisioning the resilient future of Mykolaiv with UNECE

LAND vision for the urban regeneration of Mykolaiv positions the Southern Bug River as the heart of a green-blue network, uniting the surrounding landscapes with local cultural heritage, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing climate resilience. The transformative intervention is built upon three core themes: history, identity, and freedom. The city’s post-industrial heritage serves as a foundation for modern development.

“All the green spaces in older industrial-determined cities follow a model pattern – says Andreas Kipar – they are not connected. Nature and culture remain separate.” By reconnecting existing green spaces and axes and creating new ones, LAND encourages citizens to rediscover Mykolaiv’s identity, bringing them closer to nature through social interaction and accessibility. The strategy integrates native vegetation and nature-based solutions to improve energy efficiency and provide natural protection against extreme weather events.

Moreover, incorporating natural systems into the urban fabric creates opportunities for innovation and economic development. By creating attractive, sustainable spaces, the city becomes more appealing to businesses and talent, potentially catalyzing economic growth.

By fostering permeability, soil consumption will decrease, and the city will become more walkable, encouraging residents to explore it through soft mobility. Every neighborhood will feature green spaces within walking distance, shaping what urban planners call the “15-minute city” concept.

This blend of resilience and functionality will enhance residents’ quality of life and shape the future of Mykolaiv as a NaturePositiveCity.