In mid-January, when travel was still open and safe, a delegation from the City of Pitesti (Romania) visited Trujillo (Peru) to work together towards sustainable urban development. Topics such as maintenance and promotion of their historic centres; maintenance of coastal areas against erosion; and water and waste treatment were all discussed.

The exchange visit was highly fruitful. The delegations – which included both cities' mayors – were able to delve into challenges, tested solutions, and possible next steps to bolster local sustainable urban development. In addition, Trujillo honoured their guests, offering the Mayor of Pitesti with the medal of the city in recognition of his work in the service of his territory.

The delegations learned from field visits to the Huaico route, which included an ascent to the upper part of the stream, the urban area of El Porvenir and final arrival at the Victor Larco district to analyse protection against coastal erosion. A visit to San Ildefonso, which suffered major flooding in 2017, served as a backdrop in front of which civil defence officials could explain mitigation measures to prevent future damage from flooding.

The Trujillo delegation also accompanied Pitesti to visits to institutions that face major urban challenges with respect to water treatment and air quality, together with the transport management department.

On the last day of the visit, experts from the municipalities of Trujillo and Pitesti discussed and defined the main areas of cooperation in which they will continue to work in the coming months, as: water and waste management and sustainable mobility.

The Trujillo delegation will next visit Pitesti, where both teams will continue to work in the identified areas of interest.

Header image courtesy of IUC-LAC.