PARKS - THE GREEN UMBRELLA OF TIMISOARA

Project facts

Project promoter:
Institute of Plant Biotechnology Timisoara(RO)
Project Number:
RO-ACTIVECITIZENS-0281
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€46,067
Programme:

Description

Timisoara - also known as the City of Flowers - has 37 parks and 120 ha of green spaces, but air pollution is substantial due to the development of road traffic and the activity of economic agents, requiring interventions both from the authorities and from academia and civil society to improve the quality of environmental factors. These actions are important especially as the population is not aware of the importance for health of living in a clean environment. 
The project aims to carry out a greening of horticultural species and the elaboration of a Green Catalogue in 2 parks in Timisoara. Thus, together with the students, 1000 plant species will be identified and plaques will be made for them (200 plaques in Braille for the visually impaired), and in each park there will be a large panel with information about the history and attractions of the parks. A study will be carried out on the state of pollution in the 2 parks and a Management Plan will be drawn up to remedy its quality.
To raise awareness among students, a summer school and 20 seminars will be organized on "What is a summer school? Landscaping, Climate Change, Equal Opportunities and Volunteering in 5 high schools in Timiș county.
The beneficiaries of the project are part of the target group of the programme, young people from underserved areas, they will be involved in all the activities of the project. The direct beneficiaries are: - 20 Roma students, 20 students with disabilities (especially with visual and hearing impairments), 110 student volunteers from rural areas and 500 students from rural or small urban areas.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address two major challenges: the need to reduce air pollution and to raise awareness among young people about environmental issues. With a focus on improving air quality in the context of climate change, the project sought to make a tangible impact by creating a Green Catalogue and a Management Plan to reduce pollution in Timișoara. At the same time, it emphasized increasing the environmental awareness of 650 young people from underserved areas, highlighting the importance of their involvement in active citizenship.

A variety of activities were implemented to achieve these goals. One of the key actions was conducting an inventory of horticultural species in Rouses'' Park and The Children''s Park, leading to the development of a Green Catalogue. This initiative also included the installation of 1000 plaques for plant species, with 200 plaques designed in Braille for the visually impaired. In addition, large informational panels were placed in both parks, offering details about their history and main attractions. Another important activity was a study on pollution in the two parks, which resulted in a comprehensive Management Plan aimed at improving air quality.

Beyond addressing environmental concerns directly, the project also focused on education and community involvement. A summer school was organized for students from schools involved in the project, and 20 seminars on topics such as landscaping, climate change, equal opportunities, and volunteering were held in five high schools in Timiș County. To ensure widespread awareness, an information and promotion campaign was also conducted, which included the creation of a project website.

The project successfully achieved its objectives. The Green Catalogue and the Management Plan were developed and implemented, plaques were placed in the parks, and young people gained valuable knowledge through the seminars and campaigns. These efforts resulted in a stronger sense of environmental responsibility among the youth.

The beneficiaries of the project were primarily young people from underserved areas, including 20 Roma students, 20 students with disabilities (especially those with visual or hearing impairments), 110 volunteer students from rural areas, and 500 students from rural or small urban areas.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.