Hajnówka Od Nowa – Green Transformation

Description

Hajnówka is among 7 medium-sized cities in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, losing their socio-economic functions in the following areas: economic control, industrial, tourist, commercial, culture, access to higher education and the risk of depopulation.

The new Hajnówka Development Path will change the image of the city, its managers and residents. Development tasks are implemented through 4 directions::

• New Spatial Order - New Center of Hajnówka, 

• Make a business in Hajnówka - Diversification of business activities based on local resources and products:

• Green transformation - environment and climate not only in the Białowieża Forest

• Integration and identity for a strong community

Main design assumptions: counteracting depopulation, raising the standard of living of the city''s inhabitant, fostering the improvement of dialogue between the municipal government and its inhabitants, responding to their needs to a greater extent.

The result of the project implementation will be the creation of incentives stimulating socio-economic development based on the main potentials of the city: natural, related to the immediate vicinity of the Białowieża Forest as a UNESCO site and related to cultural heritage, local products and local authenticity. The activation of residents, leaders of social organizations and entrepreneurs in the process of implementing the New Development Path is expected, as well as the creation of new jobs, a new educational offer for secondary and primary school students, new functions will be assumed by public spaces and places for rest and recreation. Another effect of the project implementation will be the improvement of the work of the City Hall.

The partnership in the project assumes sharing experience and knowledge as well as mutual learning how to introduce changes in the city in order to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants.

Summary of project results

The project “Hajnówka Renewal - Green Transformation” responds to a number of challenges affecting the city of Hajnówka, located near the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Striving for sustainable development, improving the quality of life of residents, and social and economic integration have become the main priorities of this initiative. The project involves a broad transformation of the city, which includes four key areas: urban space, local economy, environmental protection and social integration. The goal is to create a harmonious space that combines the potential of nature with modern development, involving residents in decision-making processes and jointly creating the future of Hajnówka.Problemy i wyzwania stojące przed Hajnówką

The city of Hajnówka was facing a number of problems that were slowing down its development and limiting its potential. The pre-project diagnosis identified key challenges that needed to be addressed for the city to move forward:

1. Inappropriate spatial structure of the city
   Hajnówka did not have a classic town centre that could function as the heart of the city, combining a variety of social, cultural and economic functions. Instead of a traditional market square and public spaces, Hajnówka was a town dominated by the timber industry, which had shaped the urban space for years. Residents, although attached to their town, lacked a designated central point that could provide a place for meetings and social activities. Tourists, on the other hand, lacked a vivid place that would attract them to the city for longer. The sense of being lost in space, the lack of signs and the unattractive urban areas did not support the impression that Hajnówka had something special to offer.
2. Lack of use of local resources
   Hajnówka, as a city with strong traditions linked to the timber industry, was not making the most of its potential. Local products such as linden honey, the famous marcinek cake or cheese products from the Białowieża Forest, although highly appreciated by tourists, were not sufficiently promoted or used in the daily lives of the inhabitants. Hajnówka''s economy was dominated by industry rather than relying on local resources, which limited its diversity. There was also a lack of education and support for local entrepreneurs, resulting in poor business activity in the city.
3. Insufficient concern for the environment
   Although Hajnówka is located close to the Białowieża Forest, which is one of the most valuable natural areas in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was not taking sufficient measures to protect its environment. An increase in the number of cars, a lack of sufficient green spaces, neglected areas and poor air quality were daily problems faced by residents. There was a lack of infrastructure to encourage sustainable development - such as pocket parks, rain gardens or green roofs. As a result, Hajnówka was not fully using its ecological potential.
4. Social problems and lack of integration
   Hajnówka also struggled with social problems, such as the social exclusion of many groups of residents, especially seniors and youth. The city, which had been associated with the timber industry for many years, struggled with difficulty adapting to new economic and social realities. Many residents, especially young ones, left for larger cities in search of work, which led to the depopulation of Hajnówka. As a result, the city lost its human capital, and integration and cooperation in the community were at a low level.
5. Four main areas of development in the project

In response to these challenges, the “Hajnówka Renewal - Green Transformation” project focused on four key areas that aimed to create a modern, sustainable city that would be more friendly to its residents and tourists.

1. New City Center: Revitalization of space and social integration

Hajnówka, as mentioned, did not have a clearly separated center. The historical development of the city, related to the timber industry, meant that no space was created that would fulfill a public and integration function. The project assumed the creation of a New City Center, which would become a place for meetings, social interactions and the development of culture and tourism. The key element was to be the Academy of Nature - an educational space where residents and tourists could interact with nature. The Academy was not only to educate, but also inspire outdoor activities, bringing residents closer to the Białowieża Forest and teaching them how to use its resources sustainably.

2. Local Economy Development: Using Regional Potential

An important aim of the project was to revitalise the local economy and strengthen entrepreneurship. Hajnówka has great potential for the production of local specialities such as honey, cheese and handicrafts, but their potential was not being fully used. The project involved the creation of a Local Product Centre to support local producers, helping them to promote their products and win new markets. The Centre was also to offer training and advice on formal, legal, tax and sanitary requirements to help local producers develop their businesses.

In addition, the project involved entrepreneurship education among young people by adapting secondary school programmes to the needs of the labour market. Younger generations were to be encouraged to set up their own businesses based on local resources to help keep young people in the city and create new jobs.

3. Environmental protection and sustainable development: Green transformation of Hajnówka

Hajnówka, despite its proximity to the Białowieża Forest, was not taking sufficient measures to protect the environment. The ‘Green Transformation’ project aimed to improve air quality, create green spaces and promote renewable energy sources (RES). Key elements included green bus stops, pocket parks, rain gardens, honey meadows and insect houses to improve the city''s aesthetics, air quality and biodiversity. In addition, the project included the construction of a RES Demonstrator to show residents how to incorporate green technologies into their homes and businesses.

The city was also to promote environmental education by organising workshops, trainings and events to raise residents'' environmental awareness.

4. Social integration and local identity: Community of Hajnówka

In terms of social integration, the project focused on strengthening the bonds between residents and their sense of local identity. The aim was to create a community based on cooperation, in which every resident would have a sense of belonging. A key element of this strategy was to involve residents in co-creating the urban space, organising community meetings, workshops and cultural events to bring people together.

Measures were also taken to increase citizen participation, especially among those at risk of social exclusion, such as the elderly, young people. These activities were aimed at improving the quality of life of the residents, as well as strengthening their sense of belonging to the community.

The project “Hajnówka Renewal - Green Transformation” aimed to transform the city into a modern, sustainable space that combines environmental protection, economic development and social integration. By creating a new city centre, supporting local entrepreneurs, implementing environmental protection measures and promoting social activity, the project aimed to build a new identity for Hajnówka - a city that harmoniously combines tradition and modernity.

“Hajnówka ReNewal - Green Transformation” carried out a number of activities for the sustainable development of the city, the improvement of infrastructure, the quality of life of the inhabitants and the promotion of Hajnówka as a friendly and ecological place. The project also aimed to strengthen social and cultural ties. Below are the main achievements of the project in four areas: urban, economic, ecological and social.

1. New Urban Order - New Centre of Hajnówka

Within this area, activities related to upgrading the urban space and improving accessibility were implemented. Here are the key activities:

• - Architectural competitions: competitions were held for the development of the area in the vicinity of the former railway station (now Hajnówka Central - Cultural Station) and for the design of a pocket park. Thes initiatives resulted in development plans that made the city more modern and functional.
• Construction of the Academy of Nature: A state-of-the-art educational centre to promote ecology was created, offering workshops, lectures and field activities. The first phase of the project included the construction of a building with accommodation and a workshop room.
• Infrastructure modernisation: The surroundings of the Cultural Station building were upgraded, including a covered ramp for people with disabilities, walkways and entrance doors. A refurbishment of the town hall was also carried out, including the construction of a lift and the adaptation of rooms for people with reduced mobility.
• Pompik the Bison Glade: A space dedicated to children was created in the City Park, with bison figures, educational boards and fitness equipment. This place combines nature education with physical activity.
• Local Activity Places: Rooms in two buildings were transformed into activity spaces for young people and seniors.2. Zrób biznes w Hajnówce – Dywersyfikacja działalności gospodarczej oparta na zasobach lokalnych

The project supported the development of local entrepreneurship, including through youth education and the organisation of meetings for entrepreneurs:

• Business competitions: Two competitions for secondary school students were organised: ‘My business idea in Hajnówka’ and “Business in my neighbourhood”, in which young people created business plans and promoted local companies.
• Youth Business Academy: The competition included meetings with local entrepreneurs who shared their experience of marketing, advertising and the difficulties of running a business.
• Business breakfasts and workshops: Regular meetings for entrepreneurs enabled them to share their experiences and plan activities to develop the local economy. Workshops on social media advertising and product photography were also organised.
• 3. Green transformation - Environment and climate

The project placed a strong emphasis on environmental activities, supporting residents in caring for the environment:

• Environmental education: as part of the ‘Plant a plant for your grandchildren’ campaign, kindergarten children and their families planted plants. In addition, plantings of indigenous shrubs and trees were carried out.
• Energy advice: At the Renewable Energy Centre, residents were able to get advice on replacing heat sources and on funding opportunities for renewable energy investments.
• Pocket park: A park was created on a housing estate away from the Białowieża Forest and integrated into the city''s recreational space. Benches, a swing and a bridge over the river were installed, and the area was greened with indigenous trees and shrubs.
• Wellbeing zone: A relaxation area has been created in the City Park, with benches, deckchairs, an exercise platform and a nature trail. Vegetation has also been taken care of, including a flower meadow and insect houses.
• Renewable energy workshop at the Vocational School Complex: A state-of-the-art workshop has been created where students can learn practical skills related to renewable energy sources.
• Ecological planting: New plantings have appeared in various parts of the city, improving the aesthetics of public spaces.

4. Integration and identity for a strong community

The project encouraged the integration of residents, promoting local culture and traditions:

• Festivals and cultural events: A number of events were organised to integrate residents and attract tourists, including:

- Wierobieja Street Day: An event that explored the history of one of the oldest streets in the city, with performances, walks and games.

- House party on Wierobieja Street: A nostalgic and inclusive event that reinforced local identity.

- Festival of Borderland Dialects: A festival dedicated to the local dialect, which helped preserve regional heritage and dispelled the myth that dialect is something shameful.

- Sound Vernissage: A festival of young artists showing their passions and interests in various areas including music, theatre and drawing.

• Women''s workshops: Workshops were organised to develop women''s skills, such as artistic improvisation, yoga, creative writing and storytelling.
• Route of Hajnówka Murals: Three murals were created to decorate the city and promote local nature and culture. The murals were created in cooperation with local residents, who were involved in their creation and choice of subject matter.
• Developing the skills of children, young people and teachers: In primary schools, quiet zones were created in cooperation with pupils and teachers and language labs were equipped. Training courses for teachers were also organised, which covered various areas of professional development, including teaching methodology, working with pupils with special educational needs, and aspects of cooperation within the teaching team.

The ‘Hajnówka OdNowa - Green Transformation’ project has brought real results in terms of improving the quality of life of Hajnówka residents. Thanks to comprehensive measures in the areas of infrastructure, ecology, entrepreneurship and culture, the city has become more friendly to residents, tourists and entrepreneurs. The project implemented measures for the development of public spaces, the promotion of sustainable development and social integration, as well as ecological and entrepreneurial education. By investing in green transformation, promoting local culture and strengthening social ties, Hajnówka has become a more modern place, adapted to the needs of its contemporary inhabitants.

The ‘Hajnówka ReNewal - Green Transformation’ project was a project implemented with the sustainable development of the city of Hajnówka in mind. Its aim was to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants, economic, social and environmental development, as well as to promote Hajnówka as a place friendly to both the local community and tourists. The implementation of the project produced a number of positive results that had a direct impact on residents, entrepreneurs, young people and tourists.

1. Spatial and infrastructural results

a) Modern public space and increased accessibility

One of the key results of the project was the improvement of public spaces in Hajnówka, which affected the aesthetics of the city and the living comfort of its residents. As a result of the project, residents gained modern and functional recreational and public spaces, such as:

• The Academy of Nature: An educational centre to promote ecology, which has become a place of social and educational activity. Modern buildings with accommodation and space for workshops and meetings have been created, allowing residents and tourists to learn more about the region''s natural values.
• Pompik the Bison Glade: An educational and recreational space for children has been created in the City Park with bison figures and playing equipment, as well as educational boards and elements related to children''s literature.

Beneficiaries:

• Hajnówka residents - improved quality of life through better space for leisure, culture and activity.
• People with disabilities - the project has improved the accessibility of public buildings such as the Municipal Office and the former railway station building, which is now home to the Hajnówka Central Cultural Station.
• Tourists - modern attractions attracting tourists, such as the Academy of Nature and the Pompik  the Bison Glade.

b) Modernisation of public buildings and urban spacesThe project also included the modernisation of existing municipal facilities, which has had an impact on the comfort of everyday life. Among the most important developments are:

• Renovation of the Municipal Office – adapting the building to the needs of people with disabilities, by building an elevator and adapting bathrooms. Thanks to these works, the Municipal Office will become more accessible, and working there will become more comfortable.
• Local Activity Places – designating rooms in two buildings as spaces for young people and seniors. Places were created where various types of meetings, workshops and other forms of social activation can take place.

Beneficiaries:

• Residents – especially the elderly and people with limited mobility, who have gained better access to public services.
• Youth and seniors – creating places where they can spend time, participate in activities and develop their passions.

2. Results in the economic area - supporting entrepreneurship and employment

a) Development of local entrepreneurship and business educationThe project ‘Hajnówka ReNewal - Green Transformation’ carried out a number of activities aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and developing entrepreneurship. As part of these activities:

• Business competitions – organization of competitions for young people, such as “My idea for a business in Hajnówka” and “Business in my neighborhood”, aimed to identify and support new business ideas among young people.
• Youth Business Academy – young people participated in meetings with local entrepreneurs, where they learned, among other things, how to introduce a new product to the market and how to promote a business.
• Workshops and training for entrepreneurs – training was organized in the field of internet marketing (including “Social media without secrets”), advertising in social media and free Google tools, which allowed entrepreneurs to develop their business, especially in the tourism sector.

Beneficiaries:

• Youth – people taking part in competitions and workshops who could gain practical knowledge about entrepreneurship.
• Local entrepreneurs – business owners who gained support in marketing and promoting their business, which helped them acquire customers and develop their companies.
• New entrepreneurs – the younger generation who could gain inspiration and knowledge to start their own businesses.

b) Social integration of entrepreneurs

• Business breakfasts – regularly organized meetings for entrepreneurs, which encouraged integration, exchange of experiences and joint planning of activities for the development of the local economy. The meetings also enabled the exchange of knowledge and joint problem solving.

Beneficiaries:

• Local entrepreneurs – gained a platform for cooperation and mutual support in the development of their businesses.

3. Results in the ecological area – sustainable development and ecological education

a) Increasing ecological awarenessThe project supported the development of pro-ecological attitudes, especially among children and youth, by organizing numerous educational events:

• “Plant a plant for your grandchildren” event – in which children, together with their families, planted plants, additionally learning about environmental protection.
• Education at the Academy of Nature – an ecological center that organized workshops and lectures, taught children and adults how to care for the natural environment.

b) Support for renewable energy sources and environmental protection

• Energy consulting – The Renewable Energy Centre supported residents in replacing heat sources and subsidising renewable energy installations, which aimed to reduce  emissions and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
• Pocket parks and green plantings – New green spaces were created in the city, such as a pocket park, a well-being zone and green stops, which improved air quality and provided a place for relaxation and outdoor activity.

Beneficiaries:

• Residents of Hajnówka – gained space for rest and better air quality thanks to new plants and renewable energy installations.
• Students and children – participants of educational workshops that increased their ecological awareness and responsibility for the environment.

4. Results in the social area – integration and development of local identity

a) Cultural and integration eventsThe project contributed to the development of cultural life in Hajnówka by organizing numerous events:

• Festival of Borderland Dialects – an event that promoted the local dialect and identity, showing that the dialect is an important element of cultural heritage.

• Wierobieja Street Day and House party on Wierobieja Street – events integrating residents and presenting local history and culture.
• Sound Vernissage – an event integrating young residents of Hajnówka, presenting their passions and interests in various areas, including music, theatre and drawing.

b) Workshops and training for residents

• Artistic, creative and women''s workshops – a number of events were organised to develop soft skills, such as artistic improvisation, yoga, storytelling and creative writing, which enabled the residents of Hajnówka to develop personally and integrate.

Beneficiaries:

• Residents of Hajnówka – especially those who took part in workshops, festivals and other cultural events that supported social integration.
• Women – participants of workshops who had the opportunity for personal development and professional activation.

c) development of competences of children, youth and teachers

• Zones of calm thoughts in primary schoolsThese specially designed spaces were intended to support students'' mental health and create conditions of calmness and relaxation. These zones were equipped with comfortable furniture, plants and elements for concentration and rest, such as comfortable pillows, sofas and books. Their main goal was to create a space where students can calm down, relax or simply take a break from school duties and stress, which had a positive effect on their concentration and well-being.
• Equipment for language labsModern equipment was purchased, including computers, headphones, multimedia boards and educational software, which allowed for the improvement of the quality of foreign language teaching. As part of these activities, schools gained modern tools enabling more interactive and effective teaching, including the use of online educational resources, language games and multimedia teaching materials. The equipment of language labs created better conditions for learning, especially in the context of the growing role of technology in education.
• Workshops for teachersThe training courses organized covered various areas of professional development, including teaching methodology, working with students with special educational needs, and aspects of cooperation in a teaching team. The training program focused on cooperation skills, organizing group work, and methods of dealing with difficult situations in the classroom, especially in the context of the challenges related to the pandemic and distance learning. These training courses aimed to increase teachers’ work efficiency, improve the atmosphere in schools, and strengthen cooperation between teachers and other school staff. Thanks to these activities, teachers gained new tools for work that helped them better respond to students’ needs and support their development.

Beneficiaries:

• Students – gained a space for rest, which helped them manage stress and improve their mental health; had access to modern tools that supported learning foreign languages ​​and allowed them to develop communication skills in a more engaging way;
• Teachers – gained tools to support students'' mental health, which allowed them to better adapt their work in the classroom to the needs of students; gained modern teaching materials and equipment, which allowed them to better implement the curriculum and enrich language classes; gained new knowledge and skills.

Summary of bilateral results

The cooperation with the partner city Alta turned out to be a great success. First of all, the cities were perfectly matched in terms of similarities. During the period of bilateral cooperation, 2 study visits were held in Hajnówka. The partner from Alta visited in May 2023 and March 2024 . 3 study visits were held in Alta: in September 2022 , March 2023 and August 2023 . Within the framework of bilateral cooperation, the following issues were planned and successfully implemented:• Establishment of the Academy of Nature as a center for ecological education• Designation of the New Center of Hajnówka• Local administrationAs part of the cooperation and study visits, it was possible to additionally start cooperation and obtain advisory support in the following activities:• Erasmus program - youth exchange (Alta-Hajnówka)• Waste management system - innovations• Local Activity Places - youth involvement• Volunteering stages• Cultural events based on local heritage• Protection of local micro-languages and national minoritiesThe cooperation with the city of Alta was carried out fluently, cooperation with the partner from Alta will be continued in the implementation of the ERASMUS programme - intergenerational exchange.