Discovering Small Rivers Together: Vinnytsia City Council Approved the Concept for the Development of Small Rivers of Vinnytsia until 2035

According to Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov, there are more than 64 small rivers in Vinnytsia and they should be integrated into the urban space. To achieve this, it is crucial to change approaches to water use.

“The total length of small rivers in Vinnytsia is over 100 kilometres. The Pivdennyi Buh is almost 15 kilometres long within the city limits, and it is only logical that a considerable amount of water comes here from small rivers. Our goal is to comprehensively address the issue of water management in the city. The Concept for the Development of Small Rivers is one of the measures of our roadmap for the Vinnytsia Green Deal until 2030 and it is in line with the strategic goals, objectives and visions of Vinnytsia's effective development. I am convinced that in the future there will be a corresponding comprehensive programme across the country,” said Serhii Morhunov.

The Concept for the Development of Small Rivers of Vinnytsia was elaborated by the specialists from the Institute of Urban Development. Nazar Kovalenko, its director, noted that the approach to dealing with small rivers will be based on four aspects: environmental, social, spatial and administrative.

“Essentially, this document is an instruction manual on why small rivers are important for the city, where they are located, and how to preserve or restore them so that they perform their functions. It is important to understand that this instruction is not only for the municipality of our city, but also for all city residents, because each of us can contribute our small part to the preservation of the city's water resource,” said Nazar Kovalenko.

Currently, the Institute of Urban Development organises various leisure activities, clean-ups and excursions along small rivers for the citizens to help more Vinnytsia residents and visitors learn about the bioresources of the city and simply spend time outdoors.