Stakeholders from the Public and Private Sector as well as Nicosia Non-Profit Organizations participated in 28-30 November at the opening workshop of the project 'Sustainable Historic Districts' (SUSHI) EIT Climate-KIC for the sustainable development of historical areas. Workshop was attended by more than 60 people from Local Authorities, Enterprise and Research, and other social organizations and organizations, representing 8 different cities.
This project adopts a holistic approach to addressing common challenges in historical 6 cities from 5 European Mediterranean countries: Nicosia, Lisbon (Portugal), Valletta (Malta), Sassari (Italy), Savona (Italy) and Putumi (Slovenia) . The objective of the project is to demonstrate how the multidisciplinary approach to integrated actions will provide innovative solutions for the transition to sustainable development, adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
The inaugural workshop was held in Malta and specifically in the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Valletta, and its purpose was to provide all the necessary equipment to each group to create the Action Plan for its own city. For this reason, the workshop was designed to contribute to the efforts of each region to move towards sustainable development and to create a healthy community. In addition to 6 cities participating in the project, representatives of 2 cities in Croatia, Sibenik and Zadar also participated in Valletta, which may be included in the project in a later phase.
The city of Nicosia was represented by 2 people of our Agency (which is also the official partner for Cyprus under the project), together with a team of experts composed of people from the Municipality of Nicosia, the University of Cyprus (Department of Architecture), the Federation of Cyprus Environmental Organizations, Cyclists Across Barriers and Nicosia Tourism Board. The contribution of each member of the Group was crucial to the results of the workshop.
Within the framework of the workshop, issues such as sustainable development and mobility, sustainable tourism, 'reactivation' of cultural heritage buildings and the creation of - open-space public spaces in historical centers were discussed. Suggestions were also presented on business models that can be used and actions that can be taken in the next few years to achieve the objectives of each city and to ensure the corresponding funding.
In particular, through various interactive activities, each city created its first Action Plan, which presented 3η laboratory day. This Plan will be used for the next 2 years within the project, as a basis for each group - city. These Plans will be essential to secure funding for projects in the territory of the historic areas in 2019 and 2020, but also to determine additional funding proposals.
The vision for Nicosia of 2030 as defined through the works of the laboratory:
"Nicosia, an upgraded city, without exclusions, accessible, with safe and sustainable energy"
Values established for the historic city center:
- Sustainable - Zero Emissions [Sustainable - CO2 Neutral]
- Prosperous [Prosperous]
- Accessible [Accessible]
- Non-Exclusive [Inclusive]
- Resilience
Thematic axes for the possible actions identified:
- Sustainable mobility & accessibility
- Urban reform
- Reset and Upgraded Structured Environment
- Effective Governance
- Financial and Operational Models
The main drivers that will lead to the transition:
- Active participation of the Municipality / Local Authority
- Active community engagement
- Enable investment and funding
- Enable smart management / governance systems
Finally, the main stakeholders for the project were identified and consequently for the actions that will be carried out, taking into account the degree of interest, influence and involvement of each. A total of 37 stakeholders were identified, from 3 categories (Public / Governmental Authorities, Businesses and Non-Governmental Organizations / Civil Society Organizations), throughout the territory of the historic center of Nicosia.
In the next steps of the project, meetings will take place in Nicosia within the walls with invited stakeholders to discuss the next steps and to hear additional suggestions, ideas and concerns about the historic center.
For more information about cities participating in the project, tap here.
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