Changing Ecologies in Central Europe -- the Role of 'Re-wilding' in Urban Futures

Re-wilding urban environments represents a bold shift in the way we view cities, transitioning from centers of industry and commerce to havens for biodiversity, sustainability, and community resilience. This blog post explores how five Central European cities — Olomouc (Czech Republic), Landshut (Germany), Zilina (Slovakia), Uzhhorod (Ukraine), and Balti (Moldova) — can each become urban eco-centers (and thus be "rewilded") through various techniques including urban forestry, the reintroduction of local animals and plants, the operation of localized energy production, as well as the development communal insect pollinator stations, and other methods that transform urban spaces into thriving -- or at least -- more diverse and better functioning, ecosystems.

1. Olomouc, Czech Republic: Rewilding the Waterways plus Peri-Urban Forestry

Olomouc, a very old city with roots dating back to Roman times, served as a key center of the Moravian region in the Middle Ages. Located on the Morava River, its historical architecture coexists with the fertile floodplains surrounding the city. The river's presence makes it ideal for implementing urban aquatic wilding and canal rewilding projects.

Olomouc’s rewilding strategy can focus on the restoration of its riverbanks and the creation of urban wetlands. This would involve transforming the flood-prone areas along the Morava River into biodiverse wetlands that can serve as natural flood defenses while supporting diverse bird and aquatic species. A network of green corridors could connect the city’s parks with newly planted peri-urban and suburban street and roadway forests, using native tree species like oak, linden, and hornbeam to improve air quality and foster bird populations. Communal bee-hiving agencies could manage beehives integrated into green suburbs and public parks, supporting both urban agriculture and biodiversity.

The new wilds of Svatý Kopeček, close to Olomouc (near future)

Furthermore, eco-education programs could emphasize rewilding practices, teaching citizens about the local ecosystem and how to live harmoniously with nature. Green urban technology, such as solar-powered public transportation, and the pedestrianization of key areas in the city center would reduce Olomouc’s carbon footprint while promoting a more sustainable urban lifestyle.

2. Landshut, Germany: Pedestrianization, Energy Localization, and Nuclear Decommissioning

Landshut in Bavaria, sits on the Ivar river. Known for its gothic architecture and acting as a regional trading hub since the Middle Ages, Landshut's old town is a pedestrian-friendly gem, and the outer part of the city is surrounded by the woodlands of the Bavarian countryside.

Building on its pedestrian-friendly layout, Landshut can expand this by further pedestrianizing the entire old town -- right out into the countryside -- and implementing car-free zones across its residential areas. Localized energy production in Landshut could focus on solar energy panels placed on the city’s historic buildings, while decommissioning the risky nearby nuclear plants located on the same river and replacing them with a grand eco-energy powered 'Green River Museum'.

The decommissioned Ivar River Nuclear Power Plant,

converted into the 'Green River Museum' (near future)

The forests surrounding Landshut could be extended into the city via urban forestry initiatives, connecting the rural landscapes to the urban center. A “Parliament of All Beings” initiative could involve the local community in decision-making processes that take into account the perspectives of animals, plants, and other non-human entities. Landshut could also introduce nature zoning policies to preserve biodiversity corridors between urban and rural areas.

3. Zilina, Slovakia: Biophilic Design, Genetic Engineering, and Urban Agriculture

Zilina is a historically significant Slovak city nestled between the Mala Fatra mountain range and the Vah River. As a major industrial hub with strong ties to the automotive industry, Zilina faces environmental challenges, but it is also surrounded by pristine forests and river valleys.

Zilina’s re-wilding strategy could emphasize their super-advanced zero-waste eco-railway technologies, so light on the city environs, coupled with urban agriculture and urban woodlands. Integrating nature into building design, the city could adopt green roofs and vertical gardens on new developments, especially in the industrial zones. Urban agriculture could be promoted by converting unused industrial spaces into community gardens, supported by the city’s educational institutions which could offer courses on permaculture and sustainable farming.

Super-Green, zero-waste railways in Zilina (near future)

In addition, genetically engineered organisms could be introduced to bolster the city’s biodiversity. For example, climate-resilient crops and plants could be developed and planted in urban areas, helping mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and pollution. Zilina’s transportation infrastructure could be redesigned to focus on bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways, reducing emissions and fostering a healthier urban lifestyle.

4. Uzhhorod, Ukraine: Eco-Education, De-Extinction, and Urban Wetlands

Uzhhorod, located on the border between Ukraine and Slovakia, is a historic city with deep cultural connections to both Central Europe and Eastern Europe. The city lies along the Uzh River and is known for its medieval architecture and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains, which offer rich biodiversity.

Uzhhorod’s proximity to the Carpathian Mountains presents an opportunity to incorporate de-extinction projects. The city could work with scientists to reintroduce native species such as European bison or even de-extinct species like the aurochs, allowing these animals to roam designated re-wilded zones on the outskirts of the city.

Green pedestrian walkways in the Uzhhorod suburbs (near future)

Uzhhorod could also focus on pedestrian channels of transport, as well as eco-education, encouraging both young and old citizens to participate in conservation and re-wilding projects, and to walk everywhere. Urban rewilding could be established with pedestrian walkways along the Uzh River, helping to restore hydrological biodiversity and mitigate the impact of flooding in a climate-friendly manner. The city could also further invest in localized energy production, using hydropower from the river and wind energy from the nearby Carpathian ridges.

5. Balti, Moldova: Urban Wetlands and Nature Zoning

Balti, the third-largest city in Moldova, is located in the north of the country and is a key agricultural and industrial center. Known as the "Northern Capital" of Moldova, Balti has historically been a transportation hub and remains vital to the country’s economy.

Balti’s focus for rewilding could be centered on urban wetland regeneration and nature zoning, which involves the closing down of airports located nearby, both civilian and military, and their conversion into wetland parks. Via such transformations, the city could develop large-scale urban wet farm initiatives. The communal management of urban beehives could also be introduced, providing honey while helping to pollinate the city’s wetland plants.

In the future, Balti strives to live with -- rather than fight against -- the changing levels and forms of riverways and streams. This means some form of architectural adaptation to drastic water flow changes might need to be developed. Thusly, 'stilted architecture' might become common.

Low-tech stilt architecture in a suburban Balti wetland (near future).

In addition, nature zoning could be used to designate specific areas within Balti for biodiversity conservation, ensuring that natural habitats are preserved and expanded in tandem with urban growth. The city’s energy needs could be met through wind turbines and solar farms established on the flat plains surrounding the city, reducing its reliance on imported energy sources.

Conclusion / Discussion

Re-wilding Central European cities like Olomouc, Landshut, Zilina, Uzhhorod, and Balti would involve a multifaceted approach, utilizing local resources and historical contexts to create urban ecosystems that prioritize biodiversity, sustainable living, and community resilience. Through strategies like urban wetlands, green energy production, pedestrianization, and urban agriculture, these cities can become models of rewilded urban life, offering lessons in ecological restoration, innovation, and living in harmony with nature.

There are ethical issues to consider, though as well. One of the primary ethical concerns is the potential displacement of existing human communities, particularly marginalized or low-income populations. Re-wilding projects often require significant land repurposing, which can lead to the gentrification of urban areas, increasing property values and pushing vulnerable residents out of their neighborhoods. The ethical challenge lies in balancing ecological restoration with social justice, ensuring that the benefits of rewilding are equitably distributed among all urban inhabitants. Additionally, re-wilding can disrupt current livelihoods, especially in cities reliant on industry or agriculture, raising ethical questions about who bears the economic burdens of rewilding and who reaps its rewards.

Another ethical issue involves the rights of non-human entities in urban re-wilding projects. Reintroducing species into urban environments, whether through natural regeneration or human-aided de-extinction, raises questions about animal welfare, habitat suitability, and the potential conflicts between human and non-human needs. Urban spaces are complex environments where wildlife must coexist with human infrastructure and activity. Ethical re-wilding plans must consider the autonomy and well-being of the animals being introduced, ensuring that their habitats are not only sustainable but also appropriate for their natural behaviors. Furthermore, genetically engineered organisms and de-extinct species present bioethical dilemmas around the manipulation of life forms and the unforeseen consequences these interventions may have on ecosystems and public health.