by Verdha Anjum
“Ensuring
Urban-Nature Harmony Through
Mitigation Measures”
Mitigation Measures”
An Ecologial Santuary
In the northern reaches of Tallinn, Estonia, lies Paljassaare, a unique peninsular stretch where the rhythm of urban life discontinues and the quiet resilience of nature presents itself. It is a vital ecological sanctuary known for its wetlands, coastal landscapes, and diverse bird habitats. For many years, Paljasaare’s nature conservation zone has acted as a refuge, a safe habitat for many rare species, like mallard duck, Punajalg-tiller, and many more. The whispers of Reeds and the calls of the migratory birds offer a counterpoint to the life of Tallin’s city center.
The wetlands serve as the heart of this peninsula, it presents a main breeding ground and stopover point for migratory birds. The nature conservation zone overlaps with the area of Natura 2000 which is of major importance because of the presence of protected bird species and their habitats.
Empty area to future potentiality!!!!
As Tallinn is expanding and urban densification has become a socio-economic necessity, the fate of Paljasaare is also subjected to many dreams and speculations. From being portrayed as an ‘empty’ area and ‘wasteland’ in wider discussions to being framed as an area of unrealized ‘potential’, Paljassaare is subjected to be on the radar of future potentialities. Its proximity to the city made it a focus for urban planners and developers. New development projects have been planned for this area like HUNDIPEA, ECOBAY, etc.
“The main question which
arises here is How could Tallinn accommodate its
growing urban fabric while preserving the ecological treasure of Paljasaare?”
growing urban fabric while preserving the ecological treasure of Paljasaare?”
Urban densification
Urban densification, characterized by higher population densities and more intensive land use, often leads to increased pressure on nearby natural areas. These pressures put
nature-protected zones at high risk and result in habitat destruction, fragmentation, and pollution. As cities expand, ecosystems can be disrupted, causing a loss of biodiversity. The construction of high-rise buildings, roads, and other infrastructure near protected zones may lead to encroachment on fragile ecosystems. Additionally, urban densification contributes to phenomena such as the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates local climate changes. The reduction of green cover, combined with the proliferation of impervious surfaces, can lead to increased runoff and the degradation of water bodies.
Conversely, the proximity of natural areas to urban zones can significantly influence urban life. Nature provides critical ecosystem services such as air and water purification, temperature regulation, and recreational spaces that enhance urban liveability. However, poorly managed interactions between urban and natural systems can lead to conflicts, such as the spread of invasive species or increased human interaction, which can disrupt nature-protected areas.
“Conservation management plan
Environmental impact assessment”
Environmental impact assessment”
Recognizing the importance of Paljasaare ecological role, and considering the problems mentioned above, the Paljasaare conservation management plan and the environmental impact assessment play a crucial role in seeking a synergistic approach to designing urban expansion and preserving nature simultaneously.
.........A conservation management plan is developed for protected natural areas to guide their area-based protection. For the Paljassaare conservation area, the plan includes an overview of the area, protection goals, and monitoring results, as well as an assessment of species and habitat conditions. It also outlines measurable protection goals, necessary conservation actions, and the implementation plan to preserve and restore nature-protected zones.
.........Environmental impact assessment is an environmental management tool that is used in infrastructure planning, and the issuing of operating permits. The purpose of the Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to collect and analyze the information necessary to make a decision and to offer solutions to prevent or mitigate the expected significant environmental impact of Urban densification
Research question.......
"How
can urban densification be effectively planned and mitigated to reduce its
negative impact on the protected natural area of Paljasaare in the future while
ensuring the preservation and restoration of habitats?"
Site.......
The site selected for this project was recently added to the nature conservation zone and is also a potential Ecobay site.
@verdha anjum
@verdha anjum
@verdha anjum
“Future vision (synergistic approach)”
As cities continue to grow, incorporating
mitigation measures into urban planning is essential to ensure a sustainable
coexistence between the urban fabric and natural environments. This project explores
the impact of urban densification on nature and vice versa, highlights key
mitigation strategies, and underscores the importance of integrated planning
approaches to preserve and restore habitats while meeting human needs.
To project this vision of the future, a Virtual reality vision was created to experience the future of the chosen site. To mitigate the impacts of urban densification on nature and ensure a balanced relationship, several strategies were presented in the vision. Implementing these mitigation strategies inevitably changes the landscape of natural and urban areas. All of the strategies shown were designed following the environmental impact assessment of the northern district of Tallinn and the nature conservation management plan.
Future vision :
The low-rise development plan ensures that urban expansion does not overwhelm the surrounding natural landscape, doesn’t hinder the wildlife movement especially the migration of birds through Paljasaare, and maintains ecological corridors. Incorporating green-blue infrastructure like green roofs, vertical gardens, parks, and ponds fosters the biophilic environment, enhances the biodiversity within urban areas, reduces heat island effects, and manages water runoff to mimic natural hydrological processes. Less paved surfaces and water bodies within properties also add to water collection and impregnation sites. Properly maintained and mowed, parks act as recreational zones in urban spaces and take off the pressure of the nearby forest, and nature-protected areas.
The green corridor allows wildlife to migrate freely between the fragmented natural area, the mosaic of landscape, enriched with flower meadows, bush front, and rarely mowed grass reduces the habitat fragmentation, fostering ecological resilience. Deliberate buffer zones of a wooded area between wetland and new urban development act as an ecological transition space, absorbing the pressures of human activity and providing additional habitats for wildlife.
To project this vision of the future, a Virtual reality vision was created to experience the future of the chosen site. To mitigate the impacts of urban densification on nature and ensure a balanced relationship, several strategies were presented in the vision. Implementing these mitigation strategies inevitably changes the landscape of natural and urban areas. All of the strategies shown were designed following the environmental impact assessment of the northern district of Tallinn and the nature conservation management plan.
Future vision :
The low-rise development plan ensures that urban expansion does not overwhelm the surrounding natural landscape, doesn’t hinder the wildlife movement especially the migration of birds through Paljasaare, and maintains ecological corridors. Incorporating green-blue infrastructure like green roofs, vertical gardens, parks, and ponds fosters the biophilic environment, enhances the biodiversity within urban areas, reduces heat island effects, and manages water runoff to mimic natural hydrological processes. Less paved surfaces and water bodies within properties also add to water collection and impregnation sites. Properly maintained and mowed, parks act as recreational zones in urban spaces and take off the pressure of the nearby forest, and nature-protected areas.
The green corridor allows wildlife to migrate freely between the fragmented natural area, the mosaic of landscape, enriched with flower meadows, bush front, and rarely mowed grass reduces the habitat fragmentation, fostering ecological resilience. Deliberate buffer zones of a wooded area between wetland and new urban development act as an ecological transition space, absorbing the pressures of human activity and providing additional habitats for wildlife.
“Despite
these mitigation measures, the landscape still changes and urban densification
comes with many impacts so, ecological restoration becomes necessary, extending
the existing water bodies, restoration of Wetlands that had degraded over
decades, through the introduction of native vegetation and careful management
of water levels, cleaning the wetland represents the call of nature”
CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO BE DIRECTED TOWARD THE VIRTUAL REALITY DISPLAY
Cover of VR
Gallery -presentation day
Keskkonnaamet. (2019). Paljassaare hoiuala kaitsekorralduskava 2020‒2029 [Report]
Noorvee, A. & OÜ Alkranel. (2022). Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa üldplaneeringu keskkonnamõju strateegiline hindamine. In ARUANNE [Report].