On May 23, the new Agenda 21 of Nice Côte d’Azur (NCA) will be submitted for final adoption to the community council. Its primary ambition is to make Nice the green metropolis of the Mediterranean. A look back at its action plan.
The goal of the new Agenda 21 is to equip the NCA territory with a clear strategy for sustainable development within the framework of creating the Metropolis. This agenda outlines 17 goals and a plan of 50 concrete actions covering the areas of environment, social, and economy for the period 2011-2016. Its innovative character lies in the community synergy it establishes by embracing the competencies of NCA and those of the municipalities. It thus emphasizes the principles of solidarity and complementarity.
The new Agenda 21 has 5 main objectives: combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, environments, and resources, social cohesion and solidarity between territories and generations, the well-being of all living beings, and finally, promoting development dynamics based on responsible production and consumption methods.
Environmental Pillar of Sustainable Development
Initially, the creation of the Metropolis aims to manage the entire water cycle within its territory, thus ensuring the preservation of river waters. This involves upgrading all treatment plants and networks.
Another objective is air quality. Indeed, coastal pollution can affect the hinterland (such as ozone in Mercantour). The creation of ZAPA, priority action zones for air, is part of a policy to combat pollution.
Thirdly, the Agenda focuses on biodiversity. From the seabed to the peaks of Mercantour, the richness of fauna and flora is extraordinary. It is therefore crucial to gather, compare the knowledge, experiences, and expertise from the Mercantour national park, the upcoming national nature park, and all 45 municipalities.
Finally, the energy sector is not overlooked. Agenda 21 emphasizes hydroelectricity and marine energy as well as biomass and geothermal projects.
Social Pillar of Sustainable Development
The social aspect of the NCA Agenda 21 is revealed in the implementation of the local employment insertion program (PLIE) for people facing difficulties, particularly in the “wood” sector of the hinterland.
It also involves the establishment of sustainable mobility with the €1 ticket, a policy of gentle mobility with Autobleue and Vélo bleu. The Mobil’Azur service also does a lot to enable people with reduced mobility to get around.
Moreover, health is taken seriously into account, as well as the development of a risk culture and the continued securing of sites within infrastructure projects.
Economic Pillar of Sustainable Development
Agenda 21 plans to create 50,000 jobs over 20 years around the development of sustainable high-tech technologies, renewable economies, health, biotechnology, and green tourism.
Furthermore, companies that are setting up are encouraged to engage in eco-friendly practices.
In conclusion, one can say that Agenda 21 offers the inhabitants of Nice Côte d’Azur a better quality of life. According to Christian Estrosi, it is “the desire to create a metropolis, a tool of local solidarity and spearheading a global ambition.”
