CIVITAS network grows again
Seven cities recently signed the CIVITAS Declaration to become part of the largest sustainable transport network in Europe. The latest members of the CIVITAS Initiative are Villach (Austria), Aveiro (Portugal), the City of London (UK), Grevena and Thessaloniki (Greece), and Friesach and Klagenfurt (Austria).
The city of Aveiro is currently preparing its Mobility Plan and welcomes the opportunity to exchange experiences with other network members. As Ms Rosa Geraldo, a representative of the municipality’s Economic Development and Structural Funds Office, explained, access to information about other CIVITAS projects can be hugely beneficial when planning the implementation of innovative measures in the city. Located on the Drava River in Austria Villach is the second largest city in Carinthia, and is an important transportation hub in Austria and the whole Alpe-Adria region. Asked why Villach has chosen to join the CIVITAS Forum Network, Dr.in Claudia Klatil from the Association of Cities and Towns and European Affairs, explained: Villach joined the CIVITAS initiative to learn from other cities and to have a platform to present its own activities within the field of sustainable mobility. Following the example of the boroughs of Bromley, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Sutton, the City of London has also made the commitment to join the CIVITAS family. The Greek cities of Grevena and Thessaloniki share the common goal of achieving a more sustainable future through the introduction of innovative measures such as city bike schemes, cycling lanes and downtown pedestrian zones. As the experience of CIVITAS member cities shows, better air quality and lower levels of noise pollution will improve overall quality of life for residents of both cities.The historical city of Freisach in the Austrian region of Carinthia is aiming to strengthen its economic development by boosting tourism. With the support of the CIVITAS network, the city hopes to attract greater numbers of visitors while at the same time safeguarding quality of life in the city centre. In the same region, the new CIVITAS city Klagenfurt is already introducing more innovative modes of transport, including electric vehicles, and is participating in EU projects aimed at improving air quality by decreasing emissions of pollutants. For further information about joining the CIVITAS Initiative, please click here.
Author: CIVITAS Secretariat
