{"id":32252,"date":"2022-12-09T13:57:47","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T07:57:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/esgrs.org\/?p=32252"},"modified":"2022-12-09T13:59:57","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T07:59:57","slug":"almatys-green-city-action-plan-a-plan-for-destructive-creation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/?p=32252","title":{"rendered":"Almaty\u2019s Green City Action Plan: a plan for destructive creation?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style type=\"text\/css\"><\/style><p><em><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-32234\" src=\"http:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123-580x387.jpg 580w, https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123-820x547.jpg 820w, https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u0442123.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>The Kazakh city of Almaty joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)\u2019s Green Cities initiative in 2019. How does the first Green City Action Plan in Central Asia reflect public participation?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Kazakh city of Almaty joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebrdgreencities.com\/\">Green Cities initiative<\/a>\u00a0in 2019. In November 2022, Almaty became the first city in Central Asia to approve its Green City Action Plan (GCAP). Bankwatch and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/home%20-%20greensalvation%20%28esgrs.org%29\/\">Green Salvation<\/a>\u00a0have called on the EBRD and local authorities to ensure\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bankwatch.org\/blog\/towards-a-people-powered-green-transformation-in-almaty\">public participation<\/a>\u00a0during the implementation of both the GCAP and some of the more controversial urban development\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bankwatch.org\/blog\/the-dark-side-of-ebrd-s-green-cities\">projects<\/a>\u00a0in the city. So far, this call has fallen on deaf ears.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This article was written by Green Salvation, Bankwatch\u2019s partner organisation based in Almaty.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\"><a href=\"http:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-32235\" src=\"http:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234-580x387.jpg 580w, https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234-820x547.jpg 820w, https:\/\/esgrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/\u0410\u044d\u0440\u043e\u043f\u043e\u0440\u04421234.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>On\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">4<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">November\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">2022<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">supposed<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0relocation of\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">Almaty\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">airport building, built in 1947, began. But\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">nstead<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0of being moved<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0420\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW188406496 BCX8\">met<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW188406496 BCX8\">res<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0to the southeast, as stipulated by a\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW188406496 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/online.zakon.kz\/Document\/?doc_id=32262073\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW188406496 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">decree from the head of the local government<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0\u2013 the Akim of Almaty \u2013<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest PointComment CommentHighlightRest SCXW188406496 BCX8\"><a href=\"http:\/\/esgrs.org\/?p=32230\">\u00a0dated 11 November 2020<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">the building was moved to the scrapheap<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0Excavators and bulldozers\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">paid little heed to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u2018<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">integrity and safety of the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">monument<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u2019<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0as it was cleared to make way for the construction\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">of a new airport terminal,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">which proponents say<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0the city<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0badly needs<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW188406496 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The participants and investors involved in the old airport\u2019s demolition were the local government, the Akimat and several other stakeholders. This is despite the fact that the building is still included in the current state list of historical and cultural monuments of local importance in Almaty, a list approved by the very same\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adilet.zan.kz\/rus\/docs\/V21R0001693#z3\">Akim.<\/a><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is not the first time the city authorities have taken such a destructive approach to creation. Locals recall the demolition of the Palace of Pioneers and the Alatau cinema, several kindergartens being destroyed, the foothills around the city built up with villas and cottages, and thousands of hectares of apple orchards being cut down. Writing down a complete list of \u2018reconstruction projects\u2019 like this would take more than a dozen pages. And then there\u2019s the destruction cause by developers within the Ile-Alatau National Park and the Medeu Regional Nature Park.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Behind the smokescreen of public hearings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How can these projects possibly comply with the law that \u2018recognizes and guarantees\u2019 public participation in the decision-making process, consideration of \u2018public interests\u2019 and respect for human rights? After all, many citizens publicly opposed the demolition of the old airport building; even the Akim of Almaty had made a resolution to protect it. If this can still happen, what do the dozens of agencies responsible for keeping order and ensuring the rule of law actually look out for?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to \u2018highbrow\u2019 scientists, experts and bureaucrats within the city, members of the public don\u2019t understand enough to participate in these processes. One has to wonder what special knowledge is needed to understand that in a state governed by the rule of law, the law must be strictly observed. Still, the city\u2019s experts seem to believe that public opinion can be ignored at the earliest stage of decision-making.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It seems that their approach is to create a smokescreen of public hearings while never actually making any obligations to the opinion of the people. And from there it is a very simple algorithm: we tear it down, build it, grow it or cut it down, depending on what the investment requires. But the investment\u2019s needs always come first.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Only in very rare cases does the public manage to preserve natural landscapes, individual city streets, houses and trees. But this is only a drop in the sea of destructive creation that has engulfed the country.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All of this is already known. What is new in the case described above is that the airport\u2019s destruction was financed by the EBRD. And the bank, together with the city\u2019s leadership, has grand plans.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On 12 October 2022, the fourth consultation workshop with the interested parties was held in Almaty. The local government gave an advance presentation of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1QRfQJQIWruWIq9fJcB0OfuKZcxPjaHQU\">Almaty\u2019s GCAP<\/a>. The initiative is part of the Green Cities programme implemented by the EBRD and funded by the Federal Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Austria.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After reading the GCAP, Green Salvation has come to the following conclusions, which we have sent to the authors of the document. No response has yet been received.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The document does not clearly explain how public opinion was taken into account in its preparation. There is no quantitative and qualitative data that could confirm the public\u2019s participation of the public and its effectiveness.<br \/>\n<\/span>It talks about the need to involve citizens, consumers and the public early in the processes (pp. 24, 41, 101, 109, 118, 126, 133, 134, 137, 144, 155), but there is no clear statement of how this was achieved. This once again confirms that public participation in the preparation of the plan was and apparently will continue to be reduced to formal participation in workshops and conferences during the project\u2019s implementation.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The document lacks a detailed analysis of the legal framework for the implementation of the GCAP and specific analysis of the obstacles that may arise. These potential roadblocks could include the high degree of corruption in the country, legal chaos, limited access to information and poor work by government agencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One gets the impression that in developing the document, its authors did not use all available sources and data. This indicates that the GCAP was poorly prepared (see appendix for specific comments).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What can we expect from the EBRD\u2019s activities after such a tumultuous start and a long-awaited but poorly prepared action plan? The question is rhetorical, but apparently both officials and bankers are satisfied with everything they\u2019ve done so far.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559731&quot;:709,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Comments about the GCAP, Almaty 2022<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Green Salvation submitted the following comments regarding selected actions within the GCAP:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:200,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 10: Transit-oriented design \u2013 application of transit-oriented design in the development of satellite cities.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan does not indicate whether new expansion of the city\u2019s boundaries is anticipated.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not address the need to move industrial facilities beyond the city limits or to move motor vehicle depots away from residential areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 16: Develop a citywide blue-green strategy and implementation plan.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan does not indicate when the 2030 Green Space Strategy was adopted or where the public can read it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not analyse the condition of the city\u2019s green fund (it does not indicate the percentage of trees that have taken root, diseased trees and the financial costs of replanting).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is not clear what is meant by \u2018withdrawal of lands due to their location in specially protected natural areas of the region\u2019.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not take into account that Ile-Alatau National Park is included on Kazakhstan\u2019s preliminary list for nomination to the List of the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not mention the creation of a structure for the unified management of the city\u2019s green fund.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 18: Increase the water permeability of the city of Almaty.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan does not mention the need to upgrade the \u2018<a href=\"http:\/\/www.walkingalmaty.com\/aryks.html\">aryk<\/a>\u2019 system of irrigation ditches, which prevents soil from absorbing moisture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not consider what measures need to be taken against spot and compressive development that reduces the amount of open space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 19: Prevent and address landslide emergencies.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan does not analyse the legal causes of landslide hazards.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Existing landslide hazard maps and studies have not been taken into account in the development of the plan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not take into account that the violation of architectural and urban planning laws is one of the most serious legal problems in Kazakhstan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 21: Develop a comprehensive waste management strategy.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Local governments do not have sufficient authority to develop their own waste management strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 22: Establish a construction and demolition waste recycling facility.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan does not address the issue of reducing waste production by reducing the destruction and demolition of existing facilities, including those already built during independence and illegally built facilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not consider the possibility of reconstructing exploitable facilities instead of demolishing them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not take into account that the inexpedient \u2018relocation\u2019 (and in fact demolition) of the old airport building (which is a GCAP project) will be a source of construction and demolition waste.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It fails to consider that one source of construction and demolition waste is substandard construction and outdated technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Action 27: Develop a water conservation plan.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The plan does not take into account that water loss occurs in large part due to the destruction of watersheds, forests and air pollution over mountain ranges.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It does not take into account that water resource shortages are increasing due to spontaneous urban growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em><strong>Translation into English &#8212; CEE Bankwatch Network:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bankwatch.org\/blog\/almaty-s-green-city-action-plan-a-plan-for-destructive-creation\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/bankwatch.org\/blog\/almaty-s-green-city-action-plan-a-plan-for-destructive-creation<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kazakh city of Almaty joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)\u2019s Green Cities initiative in 2019. How does the first Green City Action Plan in Central Asia&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32234,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[143,946],"tags":[220,1389,1565,1647,1387],"class_list":["post-32252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-projects","tag-almaty","tag-ebrd-en","tag-green-city-action-plan-en","tag-green-city-action-plan-almaty","tag-green-city-action-plan-for-almaty-city"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=32252"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32257,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32252\/revisions\/32257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/32234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=32252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=32252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esgrs.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=32252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}