The city of Râmnicu Vâlcea has attracted European funding in recent years for its transformation into a greener city. Some of the projects are the modernization of the municipal public passenger transport fleet, by acquiring 28 non-polluting buses and the rehabilitation of the ETA S.A. bus depot, the modernization of bus stations, the equipping of public transport, and the development of a center equipped with a traffic management system. Also, the city has included projects for traffic fluidity, bike lanes, park modernization, and the transformation of Capela forest into a forest park. However, reality shows that mobility is exclusively designed around cars, public transport is underused, and the use of bicycles or the extension of pedestrian areas is not on the public agenda.
Civil pressure for improving the quality of the environment in Râmnicu Vâlcea
In recent years, discussions have intensified about sustainability, with a significant component related to the state of the environment. Citizens, NGOs, and civic groups demand an accelerated (and unified) approach regarding environmental issues and increased transparency. Resolving environmental issues requires the commitment of local elected officials, but also a common approach among all relevant actors, not only of the municipality’s administration but also at the level of Vâlcea County – Romsilva and central authorities, the National Agency for Protected Natural Areas, the Environmental Guard, and the Ministry of the Environment.
About the event
We debated together with over 50 participants the (green) development vision of the city and the expectations of the wider public (youth, retirees, people with various professions). We have also analyzed the priorities of the city hall as they emerge from the development strategy and discussed about the environmental situation at the city level: we looked at indicators regarding air pollution, green spaces per inhabitant, electricity consumption and energy efficiency projects, pedestrian spaces, or bike lanes.
As a follow up, we aimed to understand how we can achieve a coordinated approach on major environmental issues at the city level. We still need more public pressure, more civic groups, and increased interest in the urban environment from the wider public. The investments designed by the local administration need to be debated and agreed upon with the local community, and a green or climate neutrality plan needs to be a priority on the local agenda.
The event is co-financed by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the European Union or the Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The European Union or the coordinating institution cannot be held responsible for them.
