The Second Stop of the NetZero Cities Caravan: Colina Park, Manastur

The second stop of the NetZero Cities Caravan, part of the “Blueprint for Net-Zero Apartment-block Neighborhoods” project, took place from September 26 to 29 in Colina Park, Mănăștur. 

Organized by the Urbannect Association, this event brought together community members, experts, and local administration representatives to discuss climate change challenges and potential urban solutions. Throughout the event, various activities aimed to educate and involve the community, from roundtable discussions to hands-on workshops and interactive learning experiences for children.

The Roundtable on Climate Change

A key activity of the event was the roundtable –  an open space where community members, experts, and local representatives could share their thoughts and ideas on climate change. 

Throughout the session, we explored how extreme weather events are becoming a regular part of our lives and discussed ways to anticipate and prepare for them. The importance of energy efficiency was a common theme, with everyone agreeing that small changes can lead to a big impact in making our cities more sustainable. We also tackled the challenges our urban communities face, brainstorming practical solutions and policies that could help reduce emissions and create a city that adapts effectively to the changing climate.

Alternative Urban Planning Workshop

The “Alternative Urban Planning” workshop brought out the creative side of high school students, giving participants a unique chance to reimagine their own neighborhood in Mănăștur. Each person was handed a panel with a photograph of a familiar corner of the area and a set of markers. With these simple tools, they were asked to envision ways to make the space greener, more welcoming, and better suited to the community’s needs.

For an hour, participants sketched their ideas, adding trees, benches, and other features that would make Mănăștur feel like a true urban oasis. The most imaginative and well-thought-out ideas received prizes.

Learning Hunt: An Educational Adventure for Children

Urbannect hosted a learning hunt in Colina Park, a fun and educational challenge for 200 children. As they navigated the trail, participants discovered practical tips on sustainable behaviors, from simple everyday actions to ways communities can work together for a greener future.

Those who completed the course and gathered all points were rewarded with prizes, celebrating their effort and new knowledge. This interactive journey offered a memorable way to inspire responsibility and enthusiasm for a sustainable future.

Building a Sustainable Community

Your contribution is essential in creating a more sustainable future. Events like this emphasize the importance of community involvement in developing a resilient environment. The discussions and interactive sessions allowed citizens to connect, strengthen bonds and generate valuable ideas for future projects. Together, we can build a city that adapts to climate change while ensuring a sustainable future for all.