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Description
Gemer is a Slovak region with a very high unemployment rate. There is a flight of young people from this area, no strategic investors are coming, no infrastructure is being innovated. After the decline in mining, environmental burdens remain unresolved. These regional manifestations are multiplied by the global threat of climate change due to environmental pollution.
The project aims to point out the current global situation associated with the impact of climate change in the chosen region. The impact of these changes on the population is more sensitively perceived in the context of their definition in their immediate surroundings. The project aims to find ways in which individuals/citizens, local government representatives, local organizations, with the help of experts, experiences and examples of good practice from abroad, can contribute from their position in their city/municipality to reduce carbon footprint and mitigate negative environmental impacts.
As part of the project, the Norwegian partner will participate in an introductory conference with a contribution to the topic in Norway and the procedures for its solution. In cooperation with the applicant and other experts, it will prepare a study comparing the impact of climate change on both countries (Norway and Slovakia) and the implemented/proposed steps to mitigate it. Its task is to consult the planned activities, transfer know-how and analyze the topic together with the applicant. At the final conference, he will present his study and his observations, as well as best practice from Norway.
The project will benefit the public in general, citizens, local communities, but also children and youth in the form of education in the field of environmental protection and climate crisis.
Summary of project results
The project implementers pointed to the current global situation associated with the impact of climate change in Gemer. The impact of these changes on the population is more sensitively perceived in the context of their definition in their immediate surroundings. The importance of this issue is underlined by the rapidly deteriorating situation and the escalating consequences of the negative effects of climate change. In collaboration with experts, the organization has contributed from its level in the selected region to raising awareness, educating and launching a debate to reduce the carbon footprint and mitigate the negative impact on the environment. Within the individual activities, an introductory conference was held with the participation of experts, where the situation in Slovakia was discussed and solutions to this situation were sought.
The project implementers conducted a questionnaire survey of the perception of climate change by the citizens of the Gemer region and presented the results of the survey through several channels, as well as at the final conference of the project. The organization has also developed educational materials - 7 educational videos and 2 infographics - have met with positive feedback and are still being watched on youTube channels by CUE Gemer. In cooperation with a Norwegian partner, a study was created in English entitled "Climate change an issue of Democracy and relationship". It contains valuable examples of civic activities in Norway, which can serve as an example for Slovakia. The study is also translated into Slovak and available to the general public. In November 2021, the final conference of the project took place, a lot of expert information, observations, research on the topic of climate change was heard. The project lasted 15 months, during which 10 online events were realized, 7 short video films were made, two infographics and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 332 respondents.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation with the Norwegian partner consisted of regular video meetings, during which the project implementers together with the partner clarified the needs in the project in terms of meeting its goal and selected indicators and sought a common way of project implementation. As part of this cooperation, a study entitled "Climate change - the problem of democracy and relations?" Unfortunately, the Norwegian partner did not attend the conferences in person due to the pandemic situation. Both collaborating partners Sturla Bjrkaker and Kirsten Paaby attended both conferences with presentations. Cooperation with them significantly helped to realize the goals of the project. As part of the cooperation, there was also a mutual exchange of examples of good practice. The Slovak organization received valuable advice on how to conduct a questionnaire survey, and each meeting was beneficial on a project and personal level.