Caring for the state of the natural environment in the immediate vicinity is also the domain of public authorities, especially those at the local government level. Ecological transport, well-organised waste collection network, restoring degraded post-industrial areas to cities.... All these activities make cities not only greener, but also more friendly for all of us.
Green spot on the map of Szczecin
Szczecin ecopoints, i.e. municipal waste collection points, have already become part of the city's panorama and the everyday life of its residents. Now the officials from the city hall are facing a new challenge – expansion of the already existing network.
In September 2017, a completely new Green Ecoport was launched in Szczecin.What makes it different from the others?It is even more environmentally friendly!It generates electricity from solar batteries installed on the roof of one of the buildings, and water - from precipitation collected in special underground tanks.In addition, part of the structure has been designed so that climbing plants can grow on it.In addition, Green Ecoport is equipped with an educational room, which is a place of ecology lessons or training, and on weekends it serves as a common room for children.
Of course, Szczecin residents can return the same types of waste to Green Ecoport as in other facilities without any obstacles or additional charges.
Beneficiary: City of Szczecin gmina
Project: Expansion of the network of ECOPORTS together with equipment and improvement of the service system for the residents of the City of Szczecin gmina
Total project value: 5,48 mln PLN
EU contribution (Infrastructure and Environment Programme): 2,67 mln PLN
Green lungs of the city
The sugar factory in Pelplin, Pomerania, was established in the 19th century - once a thriving industrial plant with its own railway line, began to decline at the end of the 20th century to be finally shut down.Its warehouses have been renovated and a shopping centre has been opened there.However, the remaining factory grounds and ruins of old buildings effectively spoil the pleasure of shopping for Pelplin residents.
The lunar landscape that haunts the city today will soon become its green lungs.On 12 hectares of post-industrial, devastated land, city authorities plan to restore the environment to its original state from the times before the sugar factory was launched.Elimination of pollution and environmental risks will be accompanied by adaptation of the area to make it as attractive as possible for the residents.Sports fields, outdoor gym, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking and cycling paths will soon be within everyone’s reach.What is important, all elements of the new infrastructure will be adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
Beneficiary: Pelplin gmina
Project: Reclamation and remediation of degraded sugar factory site in Pelplin
Total project value: 11,17 mln PLN
EU contribution (Infrastructure and Environment Programme): 9,49 mln PLN
New city park
A playground with an outdoor gym, a sports field, walking and cycling paths – all this will soon be located on a city hill in Wieliczka near Krakow.The area extending for over 12 hectares – dilapidated and unfriendly as it is today – will soon become a new city park.It will also be well lit and fenced to make everyone feel safe.
At the foot of Stok Pod Baranem, a charming water pond with a recreational area around will be created.The development of the upper part of the hill will be consulted with the residents of Wieliczka.
Beneficiary: Wieliczka gmina
Project: Development of the "Stok pod Baranem" area for recreation purposes
Total project value: 4,94 mln PLN
EU contribution (Infrastructure and Environment Programme): 4,94 mln PLN
Bringing the reservoir back to the residents
The surroundings of the Blachownia reservoir, which was artificially created in the 1840s on the Stradomka River for the needs of the local metalworks, is extremely picturesque and environmentally valuable.These areas are a refuge for birds, animals and rare plants.Years ago, it used to be a popular suburban bathing place, often visited by the residents of nearby Częstochowa.With time, the increasingly polluted reservoir began to decline.For a long time swimming there was banned due to the cyanobacteria at the bottom.
The authorities of the Blachownia gmina, where the reservoir is located, decided to change this situation.In the spring of this year, a cutter suction dredger appeared in the reservoir, removing mud and purifying the bottom of the reservoir in such a way as not to disturb its rich ecosystem and restore its biological balance.The surrounding areas will also be developed.Extension of the beach and construction of new piers is planned.A set of illuminated fountains will also become an attraction of the renovated reservoir. Interestingly, they will supply the water with oxygen, the lack of which is conducive to the proliferation of cyanobacteria.
The whole area could be admired from the four lookout towers. With new paths, benches and footbridges, residents will soon be able to fully enjoy this beautiful green area.
Beneficiary: Blachownia gmina
Project: Reclamation of the downtown Blachownia reservoir together with the development of its surroundings
Total project value: 14,26 mln PLN
EU contribution (Infrastructure and Environment Programme): 12,12 mln PLN
Former coking plant gains a new life
Orzegów is a district of Ruda Śląska, whose integral part for years was a coking plant that had been shut down. Once a valuable industrial plant in the region, it is now a haunting ruin. It is not only a matter of aesthetics – strong pollution of the area poses a threat to the residents of Orzegów, tourists and the local fauna and flora.
This can be remedied by the plan of the city authorities to redevelop this area, where.... a city park with playgrounds, benches and paths will be built. Of course, all pollution, both of soil and groundwater, will be removed first. However, the former coking plant will not be forgotten. The plans include the construction of an educational trail containing information about its history and securing the ruins of plant buildings.
Beneficiary: City of Ruda Śląska
Project: Reclamation and remediation of the former Orzegów coking plant
Total project value: 21,18 mln PLN
EU contribution (Infrastructure and Environment Programme): 18 mln PLN
Environmentally friendly and accessible city transport
Since spring this year, the residents of Świnoujście have had access to more ecological public transport.And all this thanks to six new buses purchased by Komunikacja Autobusowa.
In April, the first three of them – diesel buses, which meet the EURO 6 emission requirements (concerning the level of pollution emitted by light motor vehicles) – appeared in the streets of the seaside "cities of the islands".In the summer, three more arrived, this time with a hybrid drive.However, this is not all!In order to meet the needs of passengers, USB ports have been installed in the vehicles, allowing passengers to charge their mobile phones.
The new low-floor buses can be used without hindrance by people with disabilities, seniors or parents of small children.
Beneficiary: Komunikacja Autobusowa sp. z o.o. in Świnoujście
Project: Purchase of 6 environmentally friendly buses
Total project value: 8,96 mln PLN
EU contribution (Infrastructure and Environment Programme): 3,57 mln PLN