Along the stream

Project facts

Project promoter:
Macaia Association(RO)
Project Number:
RO-ACTIVECITIZENS-0292
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€44,150
Other Project Partners
Urban Lab Jiu Valley(RO)
Programme:

Description

In the past years there has been an increasing emphasis on environmental protection and the identification of anthropogenic problems that have led to the creation of imbalances. All life forms on this planet depend on water to survive. It is estimated that by 2050 will have more plastic than fish in the Danube, to which are added other types of waste such as construction materials, household waste discharged directly into riverbeds, plus other hazardous substances. Most watercourses in Romania flow into the Danube, thus contributing to increasing the degree of pollution. Everything it throw in the mountains ends up in the plain. Most problems arise due to the fact that people are not aware of the importance and value of watercourses in the development of a community, both in terms of health and socially, aesthetically. Thus, the aim of the project is to increase the awareness and sense of responsibility of the local community regarding the watercourses in the Jiu Valley and their importance, through the active involvement of people in the case study conducted on one of the tributaries of the Jiu River. The aim is to raise awareness and sensitize the local community about the effects of climate change, increase information and the level of environmental education, promote a lifestyle to maintain environmental health by encouraging and actively involving the inhabitants of the Jiu Valley, especially the young people, in actions that generate a positive impact in terms of capitalization of natural water resources, actions such as trips to identify fauna and flora, greening, workshops with specific themes, exhibitions, temporary activations through the active involvement of 327 pupils, students and young people aged between 14-35 years from Petroșani Municipality.

Summary of project results

Pollution is a phenomenon that has become a global problem. In close connection with the measures proposed to limit the effect of pollution, an essential factor in the implementation of environmental protection policies is the awareness of the population. The main objective of the project "Pe firul apei" was to make society responsible for regional pollution problems.

An active dialogue with civil society was carried out throughout the implementation. Another important factor is the opening of dialogue between decision-makers and civil society in solving environmental problems. The visibility of the project generated a pro-active response from society benefiting from a number of volunteers who got involved in the activities. The graphic design of the materials managed to open communication with the target group, civil society and authorities. Another important factor is the involvement of citizens, regardless of age, which represents a success of the project. Changing the urban space through an attractive functional construction that responds to the need for a clean, green space, symbiosis between ecological materials and plants in a model of urban ecology. Each activity benefited from a very good dissemination either through seminars, meetings or representations in the local media.

The project also demonstrated its traceability as a result of a very good mediation. There are counties in the country that want to know the details and implement this concept at the local level. The educational tool project for children and young people benefited from the participation of 327 people. In March 2023, the seminar was organized with the theme "Ecological Corridors in the Valea Jiului" with a specialist from Germany as the guest of honor. Participated: local authorities, NGOs, civil society in total 20 people. The success of the project is represented by the symbiosis between the power of art to change attitudes and the concrete response of civil society.

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.