Local sustainability

Since its creation, in 1969, the Urban Community of Dunkerque relies on the culture of cooperation existing between the different protagonists and the proud united population in the territory to promote well-being and solidarity hand in hand with industrial and sea port development.

When the chantiers de France closed down at the end of the 80's, Dunkerque was confronted with a major economic crisis that had deep repercussions within the urban and social fabric of its territory. Dunkerque seized it as an opportunity to prepare a brighter and more perennial future, making the choice of preserving its industrial vocation while resolutely choosing to follow the path of sustainable development, with the latter acting as a lever for boosting regional attractiveness.

By signing the Aalborg Sustainable European Cities Charter in 1996, the UCD was launching a long term dynamic strategy. Increased financial means, resulting from economic growth, and the UCD’s wider range of competencies helped focus this strategy on innovation.

In the same year, the Urban Community was awarded the first European prize for sustainable cities as a reward for the long term efforts that were undertaken:  the Urban Community of Dunkerque was the first to set up a rubbish recycling scheme (1989) and an air pollution surveillance network (1976), and was also the first to agree to the installation of, what was at the time, the most powerful wind farm (1996)…

The Urban Community of Dunkerque is simultaneously working on an Industrial Environmental Management Scheme (SEI), in agreement with local companies. An Industrial Pollution Watch Department (SPPPI) was created in 1990, and a pilot programme for industrial ecology was set up at the beginning of 2000. Social authorities and local democracy are also involved, through urban regeneration schemes (since 1977), and the cooperation of local citizens in town planning. The Sustainable Development Council, which includes the representatives of civil society, is responsible for organizing debates on important issues for the territory.

Sustainable development is progressively becoming the guiding principle governing the interventions of the Urban Community. Its wider range of competencies confirms its role as a governing body which exercises its authority with the following perspective in mind: every strategic document must now take into account sustainable development. This sustainable development must include everyone and be based on the shared vision of the different towns, partners and local citizens.

The efforts of the Urban Community of Dunkerque are focused on turning the nearby sea into an asset: sea port and tourist activities, green energy and transport, intercultural events… The ambassador of sea port and sustainable industrial development, the Urban Community of Dunkerque also strongly relies on innovation, the quality of environment and the diversification of local businesses to keep afloat and follow the trend of the global economy. Its cross-border location helps fulfil this objective.

Within a European context of territorial competitiveness, the Urban Community aims to strengthen its attractiveness through individual fulfilment: urban and cultural policies are there to serve social cohesion, creativity is stimulated, and human activities are integrated within their natural environment.

For the Urban Community of Dunkerque, opting for sustainable development, consists in placing human beings and their environment at the heart of every project and, when making a decision, posing the question of its short, medium and long-term impact on the territory and, in a wider context, on the planet. By signing the Aalborg Commitments in 2009, the Urban Community of Dunkerque goes on working towards a future where quality of life, economic growth, and preserving the environment are key issues.