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The Green Capital Citizen Assembly adopted 39 proposals on Saturday during its final meeting on the topic “How to connect Tallinn’s green areas into an inviting citywide whole?” and collectively handed them over to Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet.

(Currently only in Estonian) View the proposals here: Green Capital Citizen Assembly Proposals 4.11.2023

The majority of the proposals relate to urban landscape design. For instance, the assembly suggests that the city should introduce thematic planning for green areas, ensuring citywide coherence in detailed plans and projects, ultimately integrating it into the urban space. It is also recommended that the city preserves more mature greenery and enhances the cityscape with diverse vegetation.

According to the assembly, the design and construction of streets should prioritize the preservation and creation of greenery. Urban developers should be obligated to restore the greenery destroyed due to construction in an equivalent amount.

The assembly also desires that the city would consider people’s health and well-being more in the development of green areas and urban space. Similar goals should be taken into account in the field of mobility: the assembly supports a significant calming of car traffic throughout the city and advocates for continued development of public transport.

“The Citizen Assembly has proven to be a format that, in addition to traditional engagement forms, provides an opportunity to better understand the concerns and desires of citizens and to better consider them in our daily work. Green areas and their future are a topic that matters to many, and I am pleased that through the assembly’s proposals, we have received support for ongoing activities as well as good ideas for possible future developments,” said Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet.

“The most important message is that the majority of proposals call for a focus on people’s health and well-being, and more information sharing and collaboration—both among the city’s departments and involving residents, experts, and businesses. People want to know, discuss, and have a say in the development of their hometown,” described Maiu Lauring, the chief organizer of the Citizen Assembly.

The Green Capital Citizen Assembly took place from October 7th to November 4th. Over two weekends, assembly representatives gained knowledge from experts and interest groups, including the city of Tallinn, on biodiversity, urban nature, space, and climate change. Seventy initial proposals were formulated.

Before the last meeting, these proposals were re-evaluated in collaboration with experts and city officials, refining their wording, consolidating similar ideas. Thus, on Saturday morning, the assembly had 44 proposals on the table.

In the final vote of the assembly, 39 proposals received at least 80% support from the representatives, meaning they were accepted by the assembly and handed over to the city.

The Citizen Assembly’s proposals are disclosed on the website greentallinn.ee/citizenassembly, where the city continuously adds information on the progression of these proposals until the end of 2024.

Tallinn has formed a steering group for the Citizen Assembly, led by Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet, including leaders from various city departments, who will work through the proposals over the coming months.

The Green Capital Citizen Assembly program follows the internationally established structure. The 50-member Citizen Assembly comprises residents aged 16 and older, forming a representative cross-section of Tallinn’s residents based on socio-economic and geographical aspects.

The Citizen Assembly is a co-creation based on knowledge and discussions, where decisions are made by a mini-public representing the population. The organization of the Green Capital Citizen Assembly is advised by the Democracy Center of the DD Foundation, which develops and tests the Citizen Assembly format for sustainable development.

For more information:
Tuuli Veersalu, Green Turn Office of the Tallinn Strategy Center, tuuli.veersalu@tallinnlv.ee

Maiu Lauring, DD Foundation Democracy Center, maiu@domusdorpatensis.org

greentallinn.ee/citizenassembly

Photos: Ardo Kaljuvee