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Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen social and economic cohesion by increasing the quality of life for all residents, tourists and users (including disadvantaged groups), in particular by launching an active environmental, participatory and social policy, which is part of the city''s economic recovery based on the activity of residents, creativity and commitment to tradition.
The result of the project implementation will be: improvement of the quality of life and the image of the city; revitalizing the city center using endogenous resources; economic development and increasing the city''s competitiveness; creating mechanisms that adapt the city to climate change; improvement of air quality through an active policy of increasing green areas and enhancing the importance of renewable energy sources; limiting the urban heat island phenomenon; creating time-spending zones outdoor; improving the quality of life and the aesthetics of the city; enhancing the recreational and tourist values of the city; disseminating the idea of a circular economy; increasing the accessibility and making the city''s resources available by adapting to the needs and expectations of residents; limiting architectural, urban and digital barriers of the city; involving the local community in planning, joint designing and ultimately co-managing the city''s public space; increasing the use of the city''s values and tourist attractiveness; improving the mobility of the inhabitants of Cieszyn; strengthening the mechanisms of social participation in the city management process as well as increasing the competences of employees working in the City of Cieszyn, implemented, inter alia, by by means of a series of trainings, study visits and an internship program; more efficient use of energy; implementation of public tasks using the potential of the public sector through the use of Public-Private Partnership.
Summary of project results
Cieszyn is the administrative capital of a large region, but also the spiritual and historical capital of a large part of the Beskid agglomeration. The city has a strong cultural and historical heritage, a strong secondary education sector and institutions with a nationwide reach, e.g. Cieszyn Castle. However, despite its obvious potential, the city has been stagnating for years.
The Local Development Program was an ambitious plan of the Cieszyn local government to get out of the ongoing stagnation. The effects of this stagnation were visible in almost every area:
1. Social area: Cieszyn residents were less active with each passing year.
2. Economic area: the city of Cieszyn did not have a clear development path or long-term policy in this area.
3. Area of Natural Environment: there was a lack of environmental policy, ecological education, some of the city''s green areas had been neglected for years.
4. Area of Public Space: part of the public space was degraded - it was only a shadow of the former glory of the proud capital of Cieszyn Silesia.
5. Area of Culture and cultural heritage: despite many activities undertaken in this area, a modern urban identity of Cieszyn has not been built.
6. Area of Smart city management: lack of plans, lack of coherent and necessary actions.
According to the philosophy adopted in the Local Development Program for the City of Cieszyn, the key to the success of changes are the city''s residents, each person, each resident, can take actions aimed at improving the well-being of Cieszyn.
The main goal of the Cieszyn local government was to strengthen the social and economic cohesion of the city. The city authorities, together with the residents, wanted to rebuild the position and rank of the city in which they live, develop and work.
The project "Cieszyn - a self-sufficient city" aimed to introduce an active ecological, social policy and civic participation to the city. A key aspect was to include residents in the process of city management through:
- designing and building modern green space that has a positive impact on the environment,
- building new connections between important public spaces and individual districts, including the implementation of full accessibility of important public spaces.
- implementation of activities to adapt the city to climate change.
Planned goals to be achieved:
Intergenerational community:
1. By supporting seniors and marginalized communities, the quality of life and image of this part of the city, which is key to the development of creative and tourist functions, will be improved.
2. Limiting the gentrification process through planned management of the city''s urban resources.
3. Revitalization of the city center through the use of endogenous resources.
Creative community:
1. Economic development of the city based on local tradition and the education system.
2. Increasing the city''s competitiveness - making Cieszyn a branded center for the incubation and development of creative activity and a place particularly friendly to the creative class.
Sustainable community:
1. Establishing mechanisms for the city''s adaptation to climate change.
2. Improving air quality through an active policy of increasing green areas and strengthening the role of renewable energy sources (RES) in Cieszyn''s energy balance.
3. Mitigating the urban heat island effect.
4. Creating outdoor recreation areas for all residents.
5. Improving the quality of life and aesthetics of the city.
6. Strengthening the recreational and tourist values of the city.
7. Promoting the concept of a circular economy.
Public social space:
1. Increasing accessibility and making the city''s resources available by adapting them to the needs and expectations of residents.
2. Reducing architectural, urban and digital barriers in the city.
3. Engaging the local community in planning, co-designing and ultimately co-managing the city.
4. Increasing the use of tourist assets and the attractiveness of the city.
5. Improving the mobility of Cieszyn residents.
As part of the project, the following initiatives were implemented:
Craft SchoolActivities focused on teaching traditional craft techniques (basket weaving, Koniaków lace-making, woodcarving, gunsmithing, wool processing, bookbinding) and sharing knowledge on how to bring craft products to the market. The training lasted 10 months. The initiative included: an inventory of regional craft resources; the development of the Craft School service concept and structure; the preparation of the school''s action and communication strategy; the purchase of equipment for the workshop and lecture rooms, along with tools and materials for classes; and organizing summer day camps for children on the theme of crafts.
Green Cieszyn! Protecting and Enjoying NatureThe initiative involved preparing project documentation and conducting construction work to improve the condition of municipal infrastructure within areas under nature conservation. New paths and balustrades were built, and existing stairs underwent renovation. Measures were taken to manage rainwater drainage and introduce small retention elements to slow down runoff. Small architectural elements were installed, and new trees, shrubs, and perennials were planted, with dead trees removed. As a result, recreational and leisure areas were made accessible to residents and visitors, with regulated and guided movement in protected areas, while preserving and protecting the natural values and biodiversity of these spaces.
Creating a System of Public Green Spaces in Downtown CieszynConstruction work was carried out in selected locations:
- Park near the Holy Trinity Church: Modernization of the existing park, including the creation of resin-mineral paths, a stone culvert, and sandstone stairs with railings. The park was equipped with small architectural elements such as benches, trash bins, park lamps, information boards, and bike racks. New trees, shrubs, and perennials were planted, a rain garden was established, and existing greenery was maintained, including tree trimming and removal.
- New Square at the Intersection of Wyższa Brama and Bielska Streets: Surfaces were paved using Vjetra concrete blocks to maintain 69% biologically active areas. Steps with railings were added, and small architectural elements such as benches, trash bins, park lamps, drinking fountains, and planters with trellises were installed. New plantings included trees, shrubs, and perennials, and maintenance was carried out. Flower beds were mulched, slopes were covered with coconut mats, and a lawn with perennial flowers was sown.
- Pocket Park at the Intersection of Wyższa Brama Street and Kościelny Square: Grey split granite pavement was installed. The micro-green space was equipped with a bench with a backrest, a trash bin, a park lamp, and a drinking fountain. New trees, shrubs, and perennials were planted, and maintenance was performed.
- Green Belts along Bielska Street: New plantings of perennials and shrubs, a perennial flower lawn, and maintenance of existing trees were completed. Small architectural elements, including benches and trash bins, were installed.
Cieszyn School of Eco-ThinkingThis initiative involved informal educational activities (open lectures, walks, meetings, and workshops) providing general knowledge on contemporary challenges such as the impacts of climate change, the need for mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity loss, and the importance of green areas. Topics included waste management, "zero waste" principles, circular economy, energy efficiency, and energy transition. Educational activities targeted various age groups.
Green NeighborhoodsPart of the “Urban Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Cieszyn until 2030,” this project was linked to the "Education for Climate" and "Schools and Kindergartens for Climate" programs. It encouraged grassroots ecological actions, such as providing support for purchasing seeds, soil, rainwater tanks, and gardening tools. The result was the creation of six green spaces on municipal land and six educational gardens at schools and preschools. The initiative also produced a set of guidelines for creating green spaces in the city, developed through promotional campaigns, consultations with residents, and accompanying events.
Self-Sufficient Błogocka–Mickiewicza District: Green Investments and Public Space DevelopmentConstruction work included:
- Development of "Chestnut Park" with resin-mineral, wooden (elevated paths), and gravel surfaces.
- Building and equipping a playground and a youth area.
- Creating two rain gardens in concrete containers.
- Fencing off playgrounds and flower beds.
- Constructing a park gazebo and stairs with railings.
- Adding small architectural elements like benches, picnic tables, trash bins, dog waste bins, bike racks, park lamps, cameras, insect hotels, hedgehog shelters, nesting boxes, and bird feeders.
- Planting trees, shrubs, and perennials, along with maintenance.
Self-Sufficient Marklowice District: Green Investments and Public Space Development
- Building a wooden picnic shelter and equipping the area with benches, tables, trash bins, bike racks, solar lamps, and cameras.
- Planting trees, shrubs, and perennials, replacing soil where necessary, and completing maintenance.
- Creating paved surfaces with concrete blocks, resulting in a community integration area for active recreation.
Self-Sufficient Podgórze District: Green Investments and Public Space DevelopmentConstruction included:
- Creating mineral, resin-mineral, and concrete-block paths, along with stairs and steel railings. A dog park was built and equipped. Two rain gardens were established as infiltration basins. Small architectural elements like benches, swings, hammocks, insect hotels, hedgehog shelters, and bird feeders were added. Sandboxes for insects and willow shelters were also installed. Maintenance of existing trees and new plantings of trees, shrubs, and perennials were conducted.
- In November 2023, the first "pocket forest" in Cieszyn was planted in this district using the Miyawaki method (approximately 150 m², with 458 trees and shrubs of 29 native species).
Accessibility of Castle HillThis project included: installing a rotating camera on the Piast Tower and the Rotunda; purchasing a monitor, cables, software, and equipment to enable live streaming; creating a Castle Hill model; preparing project documentation for two sidewalks; and marking a trail for visitors with special needs using three "To Tu Points."
Let’s Talk About Cieszyn Together – A New Social Participation Model - The aim was to develop a new social participation model and involve residents in co-managing the city.
Public-Private Partnership as a New Tool for City Tasks - The project focused on equipping city employees with skills to prepare and execute public-private partnerships, including completing the city''s first PPP procedure.
Implementing Best Practices in the Cieszyn City Hall: Study Visits and TrainingFive study trips were organized for selected teams of employees in areas such as municipal waste management, public procurement systems, blue-green infrastructure, sports facility management, and energy efficiency projects in collaboration with private partners.
Cieszyn Leaders School
The School of Leaders of the City of Cieszyn (SLM) was an initiative aimed at creating a community of local leaders by developing leadership skills among 45 individuals from three sectors (administration, business, NGOs). During the recruitment process, efforts were made to form a diverse group in terms of sectors, gender, age, education, political options, and worldviews.
SLM was based on the premise that leadership in the city is in many hands – it is therefore worth appreciating, strengthening, and connecting leaders into a network engaged in the city’s development across different sectors. The training scope was identical for participants in all three editions and consisted of four sessions (one off-site and three stationary), during which participants explored the following topics:
- Leadership Development – a series of leadership competency training sessions, including the Extended DISC analysis,
- Understanding the City – discovering the identity of Cieszyn, what it is, and the reasons behind its current state,
- Change in the City – participants, working in small groups, tackled a selected city challenge, conducted a diagnosis, and developed a proposed solution,
- City Network – networking individuals from various backgrounds and the three editions to influence the vision and future of Cieszyn.
Participants of each edition developed recommendations for city authorities on selected issues, which they later presented to the Mayor of Cieszyn and invited guests:
- 1st edition: Attractive and safe green areas for children and youth (along with initiatives to prevent the outflow of young residents from the city), tourism in Cieszyn, and personal development for children and youth.
- 2nd edition: Establishing the Cieszyn Intergenerational Activity Center, the Center for Supporting Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Initiatives, and tourism in Cieszyn.
- 3rd edition: Establishing a Cross-Border Cooperation Center, an Interactive Catalog of Non-Governmental Organizations in Cieszyn, and tourism in Cieszyn.
A Monitoring And Management System For Energy And Water Use In Cieszyn’s Municipal Facilities Was Introduced.
The project consisted in creating a system enabling remote monitoring and control of the operation of central heating installations and real-time monitoring of media consumption in 10 city facilities. Measuring and executive devices necessary to manage (control) energy consumption in selected buildings were installed. The prepared tool consists of four components regarding: electricity, gas, district heating, water and sewage, used to enter and analyze data on the consumption of the indicated utilities.
The Local Development Programme aimed to address the long-standing stagnation in Cieszyn, which spanned social, economic, environmental, cultural, and administrative domains. The results of this initiative are both comprehensive and multifaceted, impacting diverse groups of beneficiaries.
Results and Effects
1. Strengthened Social Cohesion
The programme fostered a more engaged, collaborative, and inclusive community by:
Supporting Seniors and Marginalized Communities: Revitalization projects in these areas improved living standards and reduced gentrification.
Cieszyn Leaders School: Leadership training was provided to 45 individuals, enhancing intersectoral collaboration and creating actionable plans for local challenges.
Let’s Talk About Cieszyn Together: A new social participation model was implemented to involve residents in city management.
Beneficiaries: Seniors, marginalized groups, youth, community leaders, and the public.
2. Revitalized Urban Spaces
The transformation of public spaces into accessible, green, and multifunctional areas included:
Renovations at locations like the park near the Holy Trinity Church and pocket parks.
Construction of recreational zones and implementation of rain gardens.
Enhanced infrastructure to reduce urban heat islands and promote ecological practices.
Beneficiaries: Residents, families, tourists, and businesses near these revitalized areas.
3. Sustainable Environmental Management
A range of ecological initiatives addressed environmental degradation:
Green Cieszyn Projects: Expansion of urban greenery, better rainwater management, and introduction of biodiversity-friendly elements.
Cieszyn School of Eco-Thinking: Educational programs on climate adaptation, biodiversity, and circular economy principles.
Creation of "pocket forests" using the Miyawaki method to enhance biodiversity and reduce pollution.
Beneficiaries: Residents, students, and the natural ecosystem.
4. Economic Development and Local Creativity
The focus on leveraging local traditions and innovation included:
Establishing the Craft School to revive traditional crafts, provide market skills, and engage youth through creative workshops.
Positioning Cieszyn as a hub for creative activities and entrepreneurship.
Beneficiaries: Artisans, entrepreneurs, students, and the creative community.
5. Improved Mobility and Accessibility
Efforts were made to reduce physical, urban, and digital barriers:
Infrastructure development around Castle Hill and other public spaces.
Introduction of digital tools like live streaming for enhanced accessibility.
Beneficiaries: Individuals with disabilities, tourists, and residents.
6. Energy and Resource Efficiency
A city-wide system for monitoring energy and water use was introduced, enabling:
Real-time tracking and better management of municipal resources.
Reduced energy and water wastage in 10 key facilities.
Beneficiaries: City authorities, municipal employees, and local taxpayers.
7. Enhanced Cross-Sectoral Cooperation
Study visits and training enhanced municipal staff''s capabilities, including:
Knowledge sharing on waste management, sports facilities, and public-private partnerships (PPP).
Execution of Cieszyn’s first PPP project.
Beneficiaries: City administration, private partners, and service beneficiaries.
Key Initiatives and Their Impact
Craft School
Impact: Revived traditional crafts, trained locals in marketable skills, and engaged the youth.
Beneficiaries: Artisans, students, and craft enthusiasts.
Green Neighborhoods
Impact: Created green spaces and educational gardens, promoting grassroots ecological actions.
Beneficiaries: Schools, community groups, and environmentally conscious residents.
Public Green Spaces
Impact: Improved recreational areas and increased biodiversity in urban settings.
Beneficiaries: Families, children, and tourists.
Self-Sufficient Districts
Impact: Development of community parks, playgrounds, and rain gardens enhanced local self-reliance.
Beneficiaries: Residents of Błogocka–Mickiewicza, Marklowice, and Podgórze districts.
Energy and Water Management System
Impact: Improved sustainability in municipal buildings and reduced operational costs.
Beneficiaries: City authorities and residents.
Broader Outcomes
Social Activation: Increased community engagement through participatory urban management.
Economic Revival: Promotion of tourism and creative industries boosted local revenues.
Ecological Benefits: Improved air quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
Cultural Reinforcement: Heritage and traditions served as foundations for modern urban identity.
Institutional Development: Better-equipped municipal staff and leaders to manage complex challenges.
Conclusion
The Local Development Programme in Cieszyn marked a significant turning point, transitioning the city from stagnation to revitalization. By addressing long-term challenges in an inclusive and holistic manner, it brought tangible benefits to diverse groups, including residents, businesses, tourists, and future generations.
Summary of bilateral results
During the implementation of the project, a partnership agreement was signed with the city of Halden, and a series of study visits were conducted. During these visits, representatives from Cieszyn became acquainted with best practices implemented by the Norwegian partner in the following thematic areas:1.Circular economy, air quality, food waste reduction, water management.2.Cross-sector cooperation, leveraging the potential of non-governmental organizations, collaboration with universities and secondary schools.3.Housing policy, social participation.4.City management.Representatives from the city of Halden also visited Cieszyn.During all visits, participants were able to understand the specificity and scope of operations of both local governments. The study visits were an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices between the partners. During the visits, participants focused on the following issues:1.The operation of the municipal waste management system in Halden. One of the outcomes of the visit is the need to reconsider implementing in Cieszyn a system for identifying mixed municipal waste containers using RFID technology.2.The presence of a separate department/office within Halden City Hall responsible for preparing various innovative or developmental projects and initiatives (including conceptual work, functional and utility programs, feasibility studies, project documentation, and application proposals).3.Cross-border cooperation between Cieszyn and Halden is necessary; however, the partners concluded that Cieszyn and Český Těšín have significantly greater experience in implementing joint projects, which could serve as a basis for future collaboration and experience-sharing between the partners.