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Description
The necessity of the project results from periods of drought and heavy rain caused by climate change as well as degradation of green areas and the need for improvement of water management (including rainwater). The aims of the project are to increase green areas, improve water management and raise Twardogóra’s citizens awareness of adaptation to climate change. In Poland in 2019, there were 1 500 m3 of water per person. Long-lasting warmer weather conditions will worsen the situation.
14 coherent and mutual connected activities are planned which include: building a fountain in the park, a playground, green buildings’walls, green communication routes and green carparks, the management of a yard and an escarp towards better retention, a sensory garden next to school, insect hotels, rainwater tanks, an electric car charging station and new, fitting plants next to roads. There will be also educational activities addressed to the direct group of recipients.
Increasing the number of green areas and biodiversity in Twardogóra, raising awareness related to biodiversity, retention, urban greenery and climate change among project’s recipients.
Twardogóra and Powiat Oleśnicki citizens, Partners’ students. Citizens: new eco-friendly infrastructure they can use and live in, students: taking part in project’s implementation, knowledge exchange.
Summary of project results
As a result of the inflationary price increase that intensified as a result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine (with dynamics unseen for decades), and, consequently, the costs of the investment in question, we were forced to take immediate actions to maintain the current scope of the project. The inflationary price increase (and, consequently, the increase in costs) that started during the implementation of the task in question was absolutely impossible to assume at the stage of designing and constructing the project budget in 2020.
The period of pandemic restrictions related to COVID-19 has caused a kind of hibernation of economic activity in our commune, related not only to the limitation of the activities of companies and institutions, but also to the noticeable sickness absence of employees.
As a result, there was a risk of postponing many ongoing and initiated activities or projects.
The redevelopment of inner-city courtyards and the Old Town escarpment included:
- The area between the Market Square and Dąbrowskiego Street, along with the adjacent escarpment.
- The block between Krótka Street, Ratuszowa Street, Piastów Square, and the Market Square in Twardogóra.
Implemented actions: greening of building walls, new plantings, installation of small architectural elements, construction of lighting, pedestrian pathways, and parking spaces, maintenance of existing greenery, creation of green communication pathways, development of courtyards and escarpments to enhance water retention, including rainwater management and small retention systems (e.g., rain barrels), increasing biodiversity in community gardens.
A significant part of the investment focused on greening one of the city''s main arteries, Wielkopolska Street, as well as the central segment of Wrocławska Street in Twardogóra. These areas saw new plantings of tall, medium, and low greenery along the roadway and in its immediate vicinity.
Additional revitalizations: the area along the Skorynia River, a nature and educational trail in the ravine near the education and sports center in Twardogóra.
At Primary School No. 2, named after John Paul II, on Batorego Street, a sensory garden was established with zones designed for visual, auditory, and tactile experiences. Additionally, the garden lighting was upgraded to eco-friendly options.
A charging station for electric cars was installed in the block bordered by Krótka Street, Ratuszowa Street, Piastów Square, and the Market Square in Twardogóra.
A total of 16 actions were carried out: 10 adaptive and 6 mitigative. Moreover, a media campaign and various educational activities were conducted (including a website, printed materials, competitions, eco-picnics with workshops for residents) to raise public awareness about climate change adaptation and mitigation.
As a result of the redevelopment of inner-city courtyards, residents have gained new green spaces, parking areas, rainwater tanks, bicycle racks, new lighting, and benches. It is both functional and environmentally friendly. Impermeable surfaces that caused water stagnation and puddles have been eliminated. All hardened areas allow for free water flow into the ground, and any excess rainwater is collected in dedicated barrels and directed to plant beds and the slope next to the courtyard. The slope has been planted with greenery and includes so-called insect hotels.
The greening and redevelopment of Wielkopolska Street and the inner-city section of Wrocławska Street have significantly improved safety for users of these thoroughfares, particularly vulnerable groups such as students from nearby schools and seniors living in adjacent housing estates.
The sensory garden near the school is used not only by students and preschoolers but also by people with impaired sensory perception, such as those who are visually or hearing impaired.
Inner-city courtyards have become charming green oases in the heart of the city. The aesthetics and safety of key urban arteries have improved, and two central roads have gained green buffers that enhance the city''s appearance.
The installation of electric vehicle charging stations supports the use of next-generation vehicles. Small-scale water retention systems have led to noticeable savings in water and sewage costs, while modernized lighting in the sensory garden has reduced electricity costs.
The revitalized paths (along the Skorynia River and in the ravine) have opened up more opportunities for residents and visitors to spend their leisure time surrounded by greenery, leveraging the local natural environment and fostering eco-education initiatives.
Summary of bilateral results
The inclusion of a partner proved instrumental in achieving the project''s goals. The partner’s presentations enhanced local understanding of the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance. Participants gained insights into effective strategies for protecting and promoting biodiversity in urban and rural settings. The presentations highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of composting, including waste reduction and the production of nutrient-rich soil. This encouraged local communities to adopt composting practices. Discussions around water retention introduced innovative techniques to manage water sustainably, such as rainwater harvesting and natural retention ponds, which are critical for climate resilience. The local project team benefited from the partner’s insights into best practices, enabling a deeper understanding of effective environmental management strategies. The partner’s visits and interactions fostered closer bilateral ties, demonstrating the benefits of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. The main results from a bilateral level: Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building, Strengthened Relationship and Networking, Enhanced Project Visibility, Model for Replication, Mutual Cultural ExchangeThe cooperation between the partners went very well. It has already finished at the stage of this project but it might continue during other new projects.