Belarus to invest $13m in Green Towns project

About $13 million is to be invested in the project “Belarus’ green town – support for green urbanism in small and medium-sized towns in Belarus”, deputy head of the biological and landscape diversity department of the Nature and Environmental Protection Ministry Natalia Zharkina told reporters on 21 April, BelTA has learnt.

“Many countries pay more attention to urban environment and ways to improve it. Belarus is no exception. The country is working on the project “Belarus’ green towns – support for green urbanism in small and medium-sized towns in Belarus”, Natalia Zharkina said. According to her, the total cost of the project will make up about $13 million, of which $3.1 million will be provided by the UNDP.

Three Belarusian towns will take part in the project – Polotsk, Novopolotsk and Novogrudok. “Urban development plans are to be drafted within the framework of the project. These plans will envisage landscape and gardening, establishment of certain transport infrastructure that will help improve the air and the general environment in the towns. For example, some streets will become pedestrian; the number of bike lanes will be increased. Naturally, energy efficiency will also be in the focus,” Natalia Zharkina said.