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Description
The project aims at boosting civic involvement, stimulating initiative and volunteering, changing the behaviour of the citizens of Kyustendil Municipality to improve ambient air quality. Kyustendil is among the municipalities which continue to report excessive air pollution. CO2 emissions in the air are often twice as high as the average in the country, which affect the environment, the daily life and health of the people. The main reasons for air pollution are using solid and liquid fuels for heating, transportation means and the hollow topography of the area. The project aims at setting up sustainable mechanisms of civic involvement with environment protection and improving ambient air quality in Kyustendil Municipality. The specific objectives are to build partnerships between institutions, businesses, schools and citizens for joint initiatives to improve ambient air quality, change the attitudes of the citizens and raise awareness of their personal responsibility and contribution to protection of ambient air quality in the municipality and adapt the Norwegian experience in sustainable development of local communities through active involvement of citizens (participatory development). Measures are planned to change consumer habits regarding the use of solid fuels for heating causing air pollution with fine particulate matter and serious respiratory diseases. Complementing the effort of the municipal administration to attract financing and measures for environment protection, the pro-active behaviour of citizens is of key importance for the sustainable development of the local community and better quality of life. The project outcomes will benefit all members of the local community and the guests of the city.
Summary of project results
Analysis of the policies for environment protection and clean air of the Municipality of Kyustendil for the period 2010-2018;
Survey amongst households, business and public institutions on attitudes towards the protection of the air quality and the sustainable development;
Completed ecological profile of the Municipality of Kyustendil;
Adapted good practices from Norway on citizenz’s participation for sustainable development of the community;
An awareness raising campaign on the air quality was carried out;
The International eco-forum ‘Responsible business, responsible households and responsible institutions” in Kyustendil attracted over 60 participants on 16-17.09.2021;
A Green Council was established in the Municpality of Kyustendi under the project. A study visit to Norway was organized for the members of the Council. The regulation and the strategy of the Green Council are available at the website of the Municipality - https://www.kustendil.bg/index.php?option=com _content&view=article&id=322&Itemid=273&lang=bg
Green certificate award was established by the Municipality in cooperation with ASORI for business with sustainable practices from the region.
Air quality monitoring station was installed in a central place in Kyustendil allowing the public to be informed and aware on the issue.
30 teachers were trained on how to educate their students about environment protection;
2 educational games for 4th and 6th grade were developed and piloted among 100 pupils from 20 teams;
A video on the air quality of Kyustendil was made and distributed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh2sEjbhs6c
More information - https://www.facebook.com/asoringo; https://www.asori.org/
Summary of bilateral results
In the implementation of the project, he created the organization and strengthened his partnership relations and cooperation with the Municipality of Kyustendil, HGUt, businesses and schools in the Municipality of Kyustendil.By borrowing practices from Norway, the organization''s knowledge base, training resources and practical experience in involving citizens in public policies and creating sustainable mechanisms were significantly enriched.The management and expert team of the organization and the project had the opportunity to gain significant experience, increase their expertise, knowledge and skills to fulfill their commitments.