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TitleReflection on the achievements and lessons from the SWITCH urban water management initiative in Lodz, Poland
Publication TypeMiscellaneous
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsWagner, I, C. Wells, DSilva, Butterworth, J, Dziegielewska-Geitz, M
Pagination40 p.; 1 fig.; 1 tab.; 15 boxes
Date Published2010-12-07
PublisherS.n.
Place PublishedS.l.
Keywordspoland, urban communities, water management, water resources, water resources management
Abstract

The presence of 18 waterways has been a key factor in the history of Lodz, a city whose very name means boat. These water resources were part of the reason why Lodz, located right in the centre of Poland, transformed itself from a provincial town to major manufacturing centre. Rapid industrialisation and the growth of the textile industry in the 19th century led to the city becoming known as ‘the Polish Manchester’. However, the 1930s depression and transformations of the East-European economy in the 1980s twice decimated the markets for the city’s textiles. None of the major textile enterprises are left and recently the population fell to reaching fewer than 800,000 inhabitants. Efforts to revitalise the city are again looking to water to provide inspiration. Streams polluted with sewage, that were once canalised and buried underground, are being restored. The city is once again searching for its rivers. An alliance of city managers, academics, activists, media and investors are aiming to unleash the power of these restored rivers as an attractive element for new urban development. Ecologically-focused restoration of rivers and associated green spaces contributes to a better quality of life and health for Lodz inhabitants, and reduces the risks of flooding, improves the water quality of streams and aquatic habitat, and spurs sustainable development and adaptation to climate change. [authors abstract]

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