Mykolaiv develops post-war reconstruction plan based on blue economy with support of UNDP, Denmark
The relevant statement was made during the Blue Summit event in Mykolaiv, involving maritime, engineering, shipbuilding professionals, the representatives of European maritime initiatives and city authorities, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Mykolaiv was the first city in Ukraine to synchronize its economic development with the European blue economy course – a sustainable use of water and marine resources for economic growth, improvement of living conditions and creation of jobs while preserving ecosystems. As hostilities end, the country will need new strategies. We are working on plans to develop our city’s economy based on the principles of blue economy, because our city can be a leader in this area,” Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych told.
In his words, a number of joint infrastructure projects have been prepared in cooperation with European partners that will give an impetus to the post-war economic development of Mykolaiv. They include the Industrial Park and the Water Palace educational space, which are now seeking investors.
Additionally, seven Mykolaiv-based enterprises that submitted the best development initiatives in this area received USD 10,000 each for their implementation. The projects include the construction of a digital greenhouse, the production of boats from high-density polyethylene, the use of solar energy to repair gantry cranes, the implementation of environmentally friendly water treatment technologies, the production of refrigerators using natural refrigerants, construction innovations for coastal infrastructure facilities, etc.
In particular, one of Mykolaiv-based enterprises, involved in the production of small vessels from high-density polyethylene, will receive an investment to support the revival of Ukraine’s small fleet.
Meanwhile, a company, which is one of the national leaders in the production of industrial refrigeration equipment, is planning to develop an Innovation Challenge concept, making the use of refrigerators on ships, in enterprises and in retail more environmentally friendly. It aims to develop technical documentation for units in a protective housing that operate on natural refrigerants.
Another project is an innovative greenhouse that is controlled from a smartphone via a special app and autonomously, without human intervention, regulates watering, heating, light, and humidity. The smart greenhouse’s sensors help to pour out as much water as the plants need, which reduces its consumption by 50%.
According to Head of the Ukrainian Association ‘Business Support Center’ Artem Vashchylenko, Mykolaiv residents are also introduced to the principles of blue economy through educational work among young people. In particular, the Center launched the Blue Economy Laboratory.
“This is a unique space where young people can get acquainted with advanced approaches to sustainable development of coastal areas. Our goal is to show that this is a real development prospect for Mykolaiv. And that it is within this economy that current schoolchildren and students can find a future profession,” Vashchylenko explained.
All Mykolaiv-based joint projects with the EU are aimed at transitioning small and medium-sized enterprises to blue economy activities, involving the sustainable development of entrepreneurship with the use of water resources without harm to the environment.
The Blue Summit was held as part of the Supporting the Sustainable Transformation of Mykolaiv for Transition to the Blue Economy project, which is implemented under the Mayors for Economic Growth initiative and funded by the European Union and the Kingdom of Denmark. The projects are implemented by the UNDP. The partner of the event was the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster.
Photo: Olena Horiacheva
