Krasnoyarsk's Aspen Poplar Tree Dilemma: Striking a Balance Between Development and Greenery
Experts in Krasnoyarsk protest against mass felling of aspen trees.
In Krasnoyarsk, a roundtable discussion centered around the contested issue of Aspen Poplar tree felling took place. These trees account for nearly a third of the city's green plantings. Moscow experts argue for the removal of this species, but local scholars and deputies caution: without Aspen Poplar, Krasnoyarsk could lose a significant portion of its green cover.
Deputy of the Krasnoyarsk City Council, leader of the LDPR faction Semen Senderskiy stated:
"Krasnoyarsk's situation differs substantially from Moscow's. We lack the resources and infrastructure to replace Aspen Poplar trees with others. If we begin mass fellings, the city will simply be left barren of green vegetation."
Specialists noted that Aspen Poplar trees thrive in areas where other species struggle. As Maria Kirienko, leading specialist at the Institute of Forestry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained, new plantings often fail due to lack of care, and the survival rate of saplings does not exceed 40%. Trees are frequently felled for construction or advertisement purposes, leaving no adequate replacement.
Ultimately, the roundtable participants concluded: as long as the city is not prepared for a full abandonment of Aspen Poplar trees.
Authorities were advised not to plant new Aspen Poplar trees unless necessary, but also not to indiscriminately cut down existing ones without solid reasons, with a primary focus on establishing a maintenance system for green plantings.
A Closer Look at the Aspen Poplar Trees
- Ecological Role and Significance: Aspen Poplar trees play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem equilibrium and enhancing urban aesthetics. Their removal can lead to reduced air quality, diminished noise reduction, and loss of biodiversity.
As the city grapples with this contentious issue, implementing sustainable urban forestry practices can help preserve the city's vibrant greenery. These policies could include tree replanting initiatives, prioritizing resilient species that support biodiversity, and engaging the local community in decision-making processes. Education and awareness campaigns could also be instrumental in emphasizing the importance of urban forests for health, aesthetics, and the environment. By doing so, Krasnoyarsk can strike a balance between development and preserving its vital green infrastructure.
[Image source: DELA, city council]
- The Aspen Poplar trees of Krasnoyarsk, making up nearly a third of its green plantings, are being debated in a roundtable discussion due to proposed felling.
- Deputy Semen Senderskiy of the Krasnoyarsk City Council warns that mass tree removal could leave the city void of green vegetation, given the city's resource constraints.
- Specialists like Maria Kirienko, from the Institute of Forestry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, note that Aspen Poplar trees thrive where other species struggle, and new plantings often fail.
- Roundtable participants agreed that Krasnoyarsk should not abandon Aspen Poplar trees altogether, emphasizing the need for a maintenance system for its green plantings.
- To address this issue, implementing sustainable urban forestry techniques, such as tree replanting initiatives, resilient species prioritization, and community involvement, along with education and awareness campaigns, could help preserve Krasnoyarsk's vibrant greenery, ensuring a balance between development and greenery.
