Published on: 2026-09-07
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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Scientists from more than 25 countries will come to Moscow to participate in the 5th International Conference “Smart and Sustainable Cities” (SSC 2026), which will be held from September 9 to 12. The organizers of the event are the capital’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the Patrice Lumumba Russian University of Peoples’ Friendship. This year’s theme is “Nature-based Solutions for a Healthy City.”
One of the main topics for discussion will be the transformation of the approach to urban greenery. Experts will consider shifting the focus from simply accounting for the area and quantity of green plantings to a comprehensive assessment of their ecosystem functions. This concerns the ability of green infrastructure to regulate microclimate and water balance, reduce air pollution levels, support biodiversity, and ultimately create a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
“Balanced development of a metropolis is impossible without the implementation of scientifically based natural solutions. The SSC 2026 conference will serve as a platform for dialogue between scientists and practitioners, where new approaches to creating a balanced urban environment will be developed. Moscow is open to international cooperation and ready to promote the best environmental practices that meet modern challenges and the expectations of metropolis residents. Participation of scientists from more than 25 countries indicates a high level of interest in our work,” noted
Yulia Urozhaeva, the head of the capital’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
The scientific program will include five thematic sections. Among them are ecosystem functions and services of green infrastructure, water management and water-green infrastructure, climate adaptation and air quality, anthropogenic urban soils, and green infrastructure of Arctic cities.
“For me, the main outcome of SSC is a genuine dialogue between the city, scientists, and the professional community. If the research developments are continued in environmental policy, new approaches to monitoring, or the design of specific territories, it will mean that the conference was successful not only as a scientific but also as a practical event,” emphasized Elvira Dovletyarova, Director of the Agro-Technological Institute of the Patrice Lumumba Russian University of Peoples’ Friendship.
The geography of the research covers territories with different natural and climatic conditions — from Moscow and southern cities of Russia to the Murmansk region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Spitsbergen, and Chukotka.
A special place in the program will be occupied by four practice-oriented round tables.
On September 9, a round table titled “Green Standard: a new approach to functional landscaping and improvement of Moscow’s residential construction sites” will take place. Participants will discuss how to consider the ability of green infrastructure to reduce overheating, manage surface runoff, support biodiversity, and improve the microclimate of residential developments already at the design stage.
On the same day, there will be a discussion titled “From Pollution Control to Natural Capital Assessment: Ecological Monitoring of Urban Greening as a Nature-Climate Project.” The focus will be on the transition from recording the state of the environment to assessing the measurable impact of green spaces on the city.
On September 10, the participants of the Tree Management Plan roundtable will discuss the long-term management of the tree resource — from inventory and diagnostics to planning its condition for years ahead.
On September 11, a round table on the application of artificial intelligence in architectural and urban planning design will be held. Special attention will be paid to its use in environmental planning and control, as well as issues of professional responsibility.
SSC has been held since 2018 and is now developing as a platform where scientific data is discussed along with the possibilities of their practical application.
On the mos.ru portal appeared large-scale special project, dedicated to the development of key sectors of Moscow. Among them are transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and the construction sector. The special project helps to learn how the capital has changed in recent years, what initiatives, aimed at making life even more comfortable for the residents, are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its inhabitants in the near future.
On the project page “Ecology” you can learn about how the capital is renewing its green spaces and expanding environmental education, as well as preparing to make eco-friendly solutions part of everyday life.
Get the main news quickly on the official Moscow city channels in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
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