Masterplan Series: Urban Rivers Lead Mykolaiv's Green Recovery

As part of UNECE's UN4UkrainianCities project, a transformative vision is taking shape for Mykolaiv's urban landscape, with water and nature at its heart. In a detailed conversation with Andreas Kipar, CEO and Co-Founder of LAND, we explore how this Ukrainian city is reimagining its relationship with its natural assets, particularly its rivers, as it builds towards a resilient future.

Reimagining Mykolaiv's Natural Heritage

Today, many of Mykolaiv's waterfront areas lie hidden behind residential blocks and industrial developments, their potential locked away from public enjoyment. Through carefully planned improvements and preservation efforts, these waterways are set to become the lifeblood of a revitalized city.

The transformation isn't just about aesthetics. The city's canal system, both natural and artificial, will form the backbone of an integrated ecological network. Imagine walking along vibrant waterfronts, stopping at panoramic viewpoints, or spending an afternoon at a new marina. These aren't just dreams - they're part of a comprehensive plan to reconnect citizens with their waterways.

The story of this transformation is rooted in three powerful themes: history, identity, and freedom. The city's post-industrial heritage serves as a foundation for modern development. Its identity as the "City on the Wave" is being restored through renewed connections with water. And perhaps most importantly, the plan creates flexible spaces that can evolve with society's needs.

LAND's approach to Mykolaiv's transformation is built on three foundational pillars. First, nature infiltration brings existing green and blue features into the urban fabric, integrating Victory Park, the wetland system of the Inhul River, and surrounding green spaces. Second, strategic green connections link the city's natural features through carefully planned corridors, particularly focusing on the east-west connection between rivers. Finally, cityscape enhancement focuses on creating vibrant open spaces within the city, starting with key urban catalysts.

Creating an Integrated Green Network

"All the green spaces in older industrial-determined cities follow a model pattern - they are not joined together. Nature and culture stay separate," Kipar observes. But this separation is about to end. Through what he calls a "horizontal interpretation of the city," green spaces will become seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Imagine 180 kilometers of new green routes connecting parks and gardens across the city. Tree-lined streets will lead to verdant squares, and parks will open their arms to surrounding neighborhoods. As Kipar puts it, these aren't just green spaces - they're "well-being functions" that enhance urban life.

The Innovation District serves as a prime example of this integrated approach. Here, three distinct but interconnected systems - hydrographic, urban green space, and urban space - work together to create a model for sustainable urban development. The district showcases how natural and built environments can coexist harmoniously while serving the needs of a modern city.

The integration of natural systems into the urban fabric creates opportunities for innovation and economic development. By creating attractive, sustainable spaces, the city becomes more appealing to businesses and talent, potentially catalyzing economic growth. Every neighborhood will have green spaces within walking distance, creating what urban planners call the "15-minute city" concept.

Building Climate Resilience and Community Well-being

In Kipar's vision, every tree and green space serves multiple purposes. "We need to think in terms of hierarchy," he emphasizes. "We know very well where the hot areas are, where cooling areas are, where water comes in, where wind comes in. And these axes, we need to emphasize."

The strategy employs native vegetation and nature-based solutions to improve energy efficiency and provide natural protection against extreme weather events. "Three or four degrees makes a difference," notes Kipar, referring to the cooling effect of well-designed green spaces. This temperature difference isn't just about comfort - it translates into significant energy savings for residents and businesses by reducing cooling needs in nearby buildings.

The transformation of Mykolaiv's natural spaces goes hand in hand with social development. New green corridors don't just connect physical spaces - they create opportunities for community interaction and outdoor recreation. The plan includes spaces for various activities, from quiet contemplation to active recreation, ensuring that all residents can find their place in the renewed city landscape.

“The future will be the result of all our actions now. Of all our thoughts now. Of all our ideas and creative thoughts.”

— Andreas Kipar, CEO and Co-Founder of LAND

Through UNECE's UN4UkrainianCities project, Mykolaiv is writing a new chapter in its history, one where nature and urban life exist in perfect balance. The rivers that once powered industry will now nurture community life, while green spaces will bring people together in ways never before possible.

In Mykolaiv, that future is taking shape along the banks of its rivers, in its growing network of green spaces, and in the vision of a city where nature and urban life flow together as one.