During a two-day conference on the priorities of Poland’s Presidency in the EU Council, Dimitris Kafantaris, Secretary-General of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), highlighted the essential role of green cities in fostering a sustainable future.
“Green cities are not a luxury but a necessity for the future, and local authorities have a key role in the transition towards a more sustainable urban environment. Through targeted policies, investments in green infrastructure and active participation of citizens, they can shape cities that are friendly to the environment and people.“
Speaking at the event held on March 29-30 in Megalopolis, he emphasized that eco-friendly urban environments are no longer an option but a responsibility.
Kafantaris pointed out that the concept of a green city extends beyond parks and trees. It involves comprehensive urban planning aimed at reducing environmental impact while improving the quality of life for residents. Key features of such cities include:
- Expanding urban green spaces.
- Promoting sustainable methods of transportation.
- Encouraging renewable energy use.
- Advancing principles of circular economy.
- Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.
The Role of Local Authorities
Kafantaris stressed that local authorities are pivotal in developing sustainable cities. With the ability to design and implement environmental policies, manage local resources, and engage the community, the local governments are the primary lever for driving change. Their responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing green infrastructure: Investing in networks that integrate natural ecosystems with urban areas.
- Promoting sustainable mobility: Encouraging walking, cycling, and public transit.
- Managing waste and increasing recycling efforts: Adopting policies to minimize landfill waste and emphasize reuse.
- Strengthening renewable energy adoption: Facilitating local projects for clean energy sources such as solar and wind.
- Raising awareness and involving citizens: Partnering with communities to align development goals and foster collaboration.
Overcoming Barriers to Development
Despite the critical role played by local government, Kafantaris acknowledged several challenges hindering progress toward green cities:
- Funding shortages: Eco-projects require substantial investment, often surpassing municipal budgets.
- Bureaucratic hurdles: Long approval times and complex procedures delay initiatives.
- Lack of expertise: Many municipalities struggle due to limited technical knowledge or trained personnel.
- Public resistance: Community opposition to projects like pedestrian zones and bike paths often slows implementation.
To address these obstacles, Kafantaris proposed that local authorities look to successful examples from other cities for guidance. He concluded by emphasizing that the transition to sustainable urban centers requires strong political commitment, effective partnerships, and access to financial resources. “Building green cities is an ongoing process,” he stated, “and it demands determination and a clear vision for the future.”
