Key information about the programme
- The programme is operated by: State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic
- The Donor Programme Partner in this programme is: Norwegian Environment Agency
- Other programme partner: Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic
- The programme’s objectives are: Improved environmental status in ecosystems & reduced adverse effects of pollution and other human activities
- The programme funding amounts to €30 million (excluding co-financing) and is funded entirely by the Norway Grants
Why is the programme needed?
A rapidly changing climate and a more vulnerable environment, with sudden weather variations, disasters and economic damages are some of the threats that need to be addressed for future generations. As such, the environment is not only one of the key sectors that has an impact on other sectors and policies but has become synonymous with the “whole world’s future”. Current environmental problems in the Czech Republic are related to the instability of ecosystems and to the adverse impact of human activities on the air and aquatic environments. Ensuring a healthy environment for the population of the Czech Republic, contributing to the efficient use of resources, while at the same time minimizing the negative impacts of human activities are, therefore, essential objectives.
In particular, the programme supports the protection of biodiversity outside the specially designated areas, implementing measures for the most endangered plant and animal species. Regarding human activities with adverse effects, the programme also addresses the issue of air pollution, and will in addition deal with challenges related to water quality and emerging pollutants. Finally, the programme aims to tackle climate change by developing mitigation and adaptation plans at local and regional level and supporting the implementation of selected pilot projects in these areas.
What will the programme achieve and who are the beneficiaries?
Measures under the Czech environment programme will address four challenges which were following stakeholder consultation: (1) improvement of the environmental status of ecosystems; (2) reduction of adverse human activities on air quality; (3) reduction of adverse human activities on water quality; and (4) climate change mitigation and adaptation, including enhanced resilience and emission reductions in selected communities. These specific areas are based on issues stemming from the European and Czech national regulations and strategies, but also through expert discussions throughout the development of the programme.
The programme will focus on a wide range of target groups; in particular, public sector, civil society and research entities. The programme is ambitious, and aims – among others – to have 100.000 inhabitants benefit from ecosystem improvement measures and improved air quality, improve the environmental status of 4 selected species and 6 habitats, as well as 30.000 inhabitants benefitting from improved water quality.
How will the programme strengthen bilateral relations?
The programme’s bilateral ambitions are based on enhancing mutual cooperation between partners and entities from Norway and the Czech Republic, both in the preparation but also on the project level during the implementation phase. This cooperation will particularly focus on expanding existing partnerships, establishing new sharing examples, and sharing best practices with other international partners on common environmental issues. In this programme, The Norwegian Environment Agency is the Donor Programme Partner, and will support the Programme Operator in particular on improving the environmental status in ecosystems, as well addressing the adverse effects of human activities on air quality.
Overall, the programme aims at creating new opportunities in all envisioned areas of environmental protection for a wide range of beneficiaries, including scientific and research institutions, NGOs, and public and regional authorities.
Availability of funding through open calls
The funding in this programme will be made available through seven open calls and four Small Grant Schemes (SGSs). An indicative timing is outlined below:
- Call 1: “Improved environmental status in ecosystems” – third quarter 2019
- Call 2A: “Adverse effects of human activities on air quality reduced” – third quarter 2019
- Call 2B – first quarter 2022
- Call 3A: “Adverse effects of human activities on water quality reduced” – first quarter 2020
- Call 3B – first quarter 2020
- Call 4A: “Enhanced climate change resilience and emissions reduction in selected communicates” – third quarter 2019
- Call 4B – second quarter 2021
- SGS 1 on “Improved environmental status in ecosystems” – third quarter 2019
- SGS 2 on “Adverse effects of human activities on air quality reduced” – first quarter 2021
- SGS 3 on “Enhanced climate change resilience and emissions reduction in selected communicates” – third quarter 2019
- SGS 4 on separate information campaigns and general public awareness – first quarter 2020
Download the full programme agreement for more detailed information about the programme.
More information can also be found on the Programme Operator’s website and on the Donor Programme Partner’s website: Norwegian Environment Agency