The challenge
Daye city in China is heavily polluted and needs to restore its environment and transition to a sustainable future.
Daye city in China is heavily polluted and needs to restore its environment and transition to a sustainable future.
Arcadis, in collaboration with a local Chinese team, is conducting a feasibility study to secure a €100 million loan for the restoration works.
The project will promote sustainable urban development while highlighting Daye's industrial heritage and supporting its revitalization.
Daye, which literally means "grand foundry" in Chinese, is a historically significant mining city in Hubei province, located near Wuhan along the Yangtze River. It stands at a critical juncture in its development. Once famed for its robust mining industry, Daye is now heavily polluted by mining activities and grapples with the imperative of transitioning towards a sustainable and resilient future. Financial assistance and international expertise are crucial to addressing pollution and restoring its natural environment.
Experts from Arcadis France, China, and Belgium, specializing in urbanism, ecology, water, and mine remediation, in partnership with a local Chinese team, are aiding Daye in conducting a comprehensive feasibility study. The objective is to secure a €100 million loan from the French Development Agency for mine remediation, restoration of wetlands, forests, and watersheds in Daye's urban area, and the creation of a green belt around the lake with pleasant public spaces. This initiative aims to address severe environmental degradation and transform the landscape into a thriving ecological and recreational zone, serving as a green lung for the city.
The feasibility study will pave the way for funding a transformative project that champions sustainable urban development, enhances urban ecology, and elevates the quality of life for Daye’s residents. Beyond environmental restoration, the project will spotlight Daye's industrial heritage, reinforcing its unique identity and contributing significantly to the city's holistic revitalization. By integrating environmental, economic, and cultural dimensions, this initiative aims to create a model for sustainable development in historically industrial regions.