Our LIFE project entitled Green-Go! Local initiatives for deployment of green infrastructure within Natura 2000 areas in the Carpathians, implemented since September 2017, has come to an end.

This makes for a good opportunity to summarize what we have achieved. Following are the main activities that we have carried out over the course of over 4 years of the Project and their results:

· Analysis of the conditions for shaping ecological connectivity in the Carpathians – we have performed a detailed spatial analysis using GIS tools and thematic data (taking into account, among others, habitat fragmentation, existing buildings and local spatial planning documents). We discussed the results of the analysis with relevant key stakeholders at 3 consultation seminars, and prepared GIS data layers (“packages”) for nature protection institutions. They were also posted and visualized – along with other data relevant to the shaping of green infrastructure in the Carpathians – on a special geoportal accessed via this Project website.

· Knowledge base – e–learning course – tangible Project outputs were placed in the digital Knowledge Base developed on the e-learning platform. It contains a wide spectrum of multimedia materials regarding green infrastructure – from films (including film sequences in virtual reality – VR –technology) and presentations, through thematic animations, to strategic documents or other publications and information materials on the subject.

· Series of workshops for representatives of local self-government authorities and other stakeholders. We conducted a series of 15 trainings devoted to the dissemination of knowledge about the role and importance of green infrastructure as well as legal and administrative conditions for its shaping, enhancing competences in the use of geoinformation tools, etc.

· Competition for a local case study and action plan related to the development of green infrastructure. We organized a competition for local cooperation networks created for this purpose by local governments, their unions or associations and by other organizations. We financially supported selected elements of 5 winning competition entries, including a nature inventory of an oxbow lake; purchasing devices for water (river) quality monitoring, two nature films, thematic monograph on traditional land use in Little Beskid, an educational booth, planting of native tree species, or a photo competition on the role of trees as elements of green infrastructure. An additional prize for all participants of the competition were the thematic map boards which we developed and produced.

· Project publication – we have developed and published a publication entitled Guide to the development of green infrastructure in the Carpathians. It has been prepared for dissemination in two language versions: Polish (in print and digital format) and English (in digital format).

· Survey on changes in the level of awareness, attitudes and commitment – we commissioned a professional, multi-stage study of changes in attitudes, interests and the level of public awareness about the role and importance of green infrastructure in maintaining biodiversity and for sustainable local development;

· Information and promotion – we developed and maintained this website where you can find more information about the above-mentioned results and effects of the Project, as well as profiles in social media. We also took part in many local events, created a promotional leaflet on green infrastructure and the Project, published several articles in thematic and regional media, took part in a number of networking meetings and conferences (stationary and on-line). We organized a high-profile Project final event back to back with the meeting of the international Carpathian Convention Steering Committee. During its implementation, we networked and cooperated with the Secretariat of the Convention in Vienna, the Polish National Contact Office of the Convention at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, as well as many other institutions dealing with the protection of biodiversity in the Carpathians, such as regional directorates for environmental protection and water management, marshal offices or landscape park authorities of all three Carpathian voivodships: Śląskie, Małopolskie and Podkarpackie.

We would like to thank everyone with whom we had the pleasure to work over the course of Project implementation: members of the Project Steering Committee, local government officials, environmental activists, subcontractors of tasks and all members of Project target groups – addressees of our educational and promotional activities.

The project was co-financed by the European Commission under the LIFE Programme and by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

Cover photo: Krzysztof Haase

Consultation seminar at Kielnarowa. Source: UNEP/GRID-Warsaw Centre

International conference in Coltesti, Romania, devoted to the protection and monitoring of large carnivores in the Carpathians, connected with a meeting of the Carpathian Convention Working Group on Biodiversity. Photo: Piotr Mikołajczyk, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw Centre

Educationa booth in Bielsko-Biała – the main Laureate prize for "Bielsko-Biała" Team in the competition on a local case study and action plan on the development of green infrastructure. Photo: „Bielsko-Biała” competition Team

Equipment for the analysis and monitoring of quality of Surface waters - the main Laureate prize for "Ochotnica Dolna" Team in the competition on a local case study and action plan on the development of green infrastructure. Photo: „Ochotnica Dolna” competition Team

Thematic map board in Uście Gorlickie – awarded for the participation in the competition on a local case study and action plan on the development of green infrastructure. Photo: „Uście Gorlickie” competition Team

Local „Trout Festival” in Ochotnica Dolna municipality – Project booth devoted to green infrastructure. Photo: Piotr Mikołajczyk, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw Centre

Local event “Sunny Days in Jasło” – Project booth devoted to green infrastructure. Photo: Piotr Mikołajczyk, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw Centre

 

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