Tartu aims to create sustainable urban development by bringing together different stakeholders

The engagement initiative included three workshops, each with distinct formats and goals: a biodiversity online workshop on February 28, 2024, a human-centric on-location workshop on March 13, 2024, and a water management workshop in Tartu Veevärk on March 28, 2024. These workshops aimed to address specific environmental and community concerns through collaborative efforts and diverse perspectives.

The biodiversity workshop, held online, focused on the current state of biodiversity in the Tartu pilot area. Key discussions included the identification of valuable vegetation, the status of invasive species, and the types of habitats available and needed. Participants explored scenarios for enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions (NBS) and specific testbeds for urban biodiversity such as wetlands and drought-resistant areas. The workshop also emphasized improving the three vegetation frontiers: low, mid, and high levels.

The human-centric workshop took place on-site at the Sadamaraudtee corridor, involving an experiential and ideation walk. The primary objective was to understand the human-focused aspects of the area, identifying benefits, deficiencies, and unused potentials. Discussions revolved around repurposing existing materials, enhancing human comfort through shade, and engaging with pedestrians to gather feedback on current usage. This workshop aimed to integrate community insights into the development of the area, ensuring it meets human needs effectively.

The third workshop, centered on water management, brought together the utility company Tartu Veevärk and the project team. The session aimed to align water management goals with the planned technical solutions and investment tempos for building a stormwater drainage system. The workshop also considered extreme weather conditions based on the utility company’s experiences and gathered feedback on human and biodiversity scenarios from previous workshops. Coordination between Tartu Veevärk and the City Blues project team was discussed to ensure cohesive planning and implementation in 2024 and 2025.

Stakeholder engagement was a crucial element, achieved through direct interactions and mapping efforts. This approach facilitated meaningful contributions and collaboration, ultimately enhancing the project’s ability to address the multifaceted challenges of biodiversity, human-centric design, and water management in the pilot area.

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