The design and planning of cities, public spaces and surrounding environments, whether urban or suburban, can affect people´s health and well-being. In some cities around the world, according to the strength of the urban health inequalities, life expectancy can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. In St. Petersburg, the second biggest Russian city, with a population of arround 5 million people, there are numerous historical parks and gardens like the Summer or Alexander garden. Furthermore compared to the more central areas, of the city with its very dense built infrastructure, districts that were created later during the Soviet era have quite a high amount of green area. But after years of lacking effective management of these green areas, they are in need of extensive repair and improvements. However the biggest problem are new residential areas constructed which are often lacking any greening.

Not everyone thinks like Polina, instead many people in Russia still think about sustainable development just in terms of economics. However, it is more than just economics and we need an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability. A lot of people write or talk about it, but they do not really understand what it is claims Dr. Irina Shmeleva, Head of the Institute of Sustainable Development and Strategy. Green urban spaces have a very positive impact on the health and mood of people . The distruction of ecosystems proceeds continously and forests make way for new buildings and streets. Prof. Valery Nefedov wonders why many people still don´t want to make the city better.

"Sustainability is the relationship between three pillars. In which both economy and society are constrained by environmental limits."

After all there are some people organized in communities that are strongly commited in various environmental actions in St.Petersburg. One of these groups is named "Neva Bee", a small group of around 30 activists, but very successful in what they are doing. Their actions include petitions, protests and articles. Local habitants like Anna Denisova, Sanika Musatova engage in various initiatives for a greener city. Vadim Kuzmitzky, a graduate of the journalistic department of the Saint Petersburg State University and working as a journalist and activist now, is the founder of the group. He writes for the russian newspaper "Vedomosti" and his articles on environmental topics are well - known. The members of "Neva Bee" engage in projects like stoping the felling of trees in the Semenov garden. Another interesting project last year was to create an art space nearby the Gulf of Finland as part of a rooftop garden. However the story had a sad ending and after putting much effort in advertising the project, suddenly it failed because of insufficient funds. But there is hope, if Sustainable Development becomes an important part of education, as Dr. Irina Shmeleva puts it. Schools and universities should allow every human being to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future.

Experts like Prof. Valery A. Nefedov and Dr. Irina Shmeleva or people like Polina and Vadim understand the importance of green urban spaces in St. Petersburg. In the future our understanding of cities both in theory and practice, is at a turning point. Urban areas worldwide, also in St. Petersburg face complex and rapidly evolving challenges. What shape should a city that inspires and engages citizens, governments and the public sector and private sectors to work together actually take? By promoting a more sustainable urban form and function, cities become healthier and viable communities for citizens. Efficient urban forms also help to protect the hinterland ecosystems that cities depend on. In many ways, the advantages to sustainable communities are underlined in the characteristics and definitions of urban sustainability – a good quality of life, natural open spaces, reduced waste, a sense of community, clean air, are just a few beneficial characteristics.

The island "New Holland" is the last place of our journey after we have seen an old heating station sourrounded by trees not looking healthy at all. We hope to find green areas here. What we find, is a big construction side and a big sign indicating that it is forbidden to enter the island. Anyway we are optimistic and think it could be a promising new green urban space in St.Petersburg and thus role model for following projects, where creativity, environmental and social action converge.