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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
The project “For Clean Air in Kyustendil” aims to increase civic engagement, encourage initiative and volunteerism, and change behavioral patterns among the residents of Kyustendil Municipality to improve air quality.
Kyustendil is among the municipalities that continue to report extremely high levels of air pollution. Carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere are often more than twice the national average, impacting the environment, daily life, and public health. The main sources of pollution include solid and liquid fuel heating, transportation, and the basin-like topography of the region.
The goal of the project is to establish sustainable mechanisms for civic participation in environmental protection and to improve air quality in Kyustendil Municipality.
With the project, an Analysis of the policies for environment protection and clean air of the Municipality of Kyustendil for the period 2010-2018 was created. The project activities included also:
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/
Through the implemented activities, the project successfully achieved:
- Increased awareness of the consequences of poor air quality and ways to address the issue.
- Enhanced civic engagement, initiative, and volunteerism among the residents of Kyustendil Municipality to improve air quality.
- Behavioral change, fostering a sense of personal responsibility for the quality of the surrounding environment.
The establishment of a Green Council is an innovative mechanism for stakeholder engagement, inspired by Norwegian practices and newly introduced in Bulgaria.
With the active participation of its elected members, Kyustendil Municipality will work towards consolidating the Green Council as a functional and sustainable mechanism for cooperation between citizens and the administration in the field of environmental protection.
Summary of bilateral results
As part of the project implementation, the organization established and strengthened partnerships and cooperation with Kyustendil Municipality, HGUt, businesses, and schools within the municipality. By adopting best practices from Norway, the organization significantly enriched its knowledge base, training resources, and practical experience in engaging citizens in public policies and developing sustainable mechanisms for participation. The management and expert teams of both the organization and the project gained valuable experience, enhancing their expertise, knowledge, and skills for fulfilling their commitments effectively.