Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Tarusa, a city in the Kaluga Region of Russia, has become the first Russian community to join Bioregional’s One Planet Cities initiative, which aims to promote sustainable growth and enhance the well-being of residents. The city faced the challenge of balancing economic growth with the preservation of its natural capital, as eco-tourism was rapidly increasing. Tarusa's leaders sought a comprehensive sustainability strategy that would allow them to develop economically while safeguarding their environment, including its heritage of wooden houses, picturesque river, and pristine forests.

To address these niche issues, Bioregional, in partnership with Planet 2030 Ltd and Russia’s National Agency for Sustainable Development (NASD), provided the One Planet Living framework. This framework is designed to facilitate the creation of a citywide sustainability strategy that integrates local initiatives with a focus on reducing ecological footprints. The collaboration aims to create better living conditions for residents while ensuring the preservation of Tarusa's unique environmental and cultural heritage.

As a result of this initiative, Tarusa is now connected with other global communities committed to sustainable living, allowing for the exchange of ideas and best practices. The city administration expressed pride in this connection, highlighting the potential for collaboration with schools in other countries to explore transport solutions and local purchasing strategies. The involvement in the One Planet Cities project is supported by a grant from the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office, emphasizing the international commitment to fostering sustainable communities through collaboration.