Stretching City Limits - Publications

AUSTRIA
The REC
The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is an
international organisation with a mission to assist in solving environmental problems.
Among other activities, the REC supports civil society organisations (CSOs) to be more
effective in their crucial role in the democratic process. The REC supports CSOs through
grants programmes, building capacities and organisational viability, and strengthening
networking. During its 19 years, the REC has distributed more than EUR 12 million in
5,500 grants to environmental CSOs. In South Eastern Europe, regional and national
grants schemes — including those carried out under the SECTOR project — have been
used successfully to support scores of CSOs during the last five years.
Grants in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
HUNGARY
The Macedonian part of the scheme resulted in the awarding of 24 project grants totalling
EUR 172,550. Activities were grouped into the following areas:
SLOVENIA
ROMANIA
C ROAT I A
BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA
REC HEAD OFFICE: Tel: (36-26) 504-000 l Fax: (36-26) 311-294 l Web: www.rec.org l
REC Country Office fYR Macedonia l E-mail: [email protected] l Tel: (389-02) 3088-196 or
3090-135 l Country Office web: rec.org.mk
Land use and urban planning: Twenty-five percent of the funded projects, receiving a total
of EUR 48,500, were in this area. Activities included cleaning up illegal dump sites and
reclaiming abandoned lots for use as playgrounds and places for recreation and relaxation.
A plot of land on Ohrid Lake was turned into a tourist zone and another area was made into
a natural park where students can learn about subjects such as dendrology.
SERBIA
The SECTOR project
April 2006 marked the launch of the framework programme SECTOR (Supporting
Environmental Civil Society Organisations in South Eastern Europe), which helps
grassroots groups perform their roles as important drivers of community development in
the field of environmental protection. In promoting civil society, SECTOR aims to push
society toward more sustainable development and improved living conditions in cities.
Its beneficiary area covers Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (as defined by UNSCR 1244).
Running from April 2006 to April 2010, it has an overall budget of EUR 3.7 million,
provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Results
of an assessment survey, based on a questionnaire completed by groups in the region,
stakeholder interviews and background data, were presented in an updated directory of
environmental CSOs. The identified development needs were then addressed through
Mediterranean
activities falling under the other three core project components:
Sea
●● Organisational viability: The REC developed an organisational assessment and
development planning tool which was used by 58 CSOs. It helped them to better
organise, and get better results from, their activities; become more sustainable; and
better address the concerns of their communities. Thirty-five groups received seed
money to implement selected components of their development plans.
●● Project support (grants): This granting scheme identified and supported projects
initiated by CSOs in the target countries at the national and regional levels.
●● Networking assistance and training: The Master Class training series assisted
188 students in strengthening capacities in environmental lobbying, working with
independent media, facilitating public participation, doing advocacy work and
monitoring government and industry. Two regional CSO networks received grants
to begin realising their organisational development plans.
M O N T E N E G RO
KOSOVO
(as defined
by UNSCR 1244)
Waste management: Forty-one percent of the projects, receiving a total of EUR
86,855, focused on waste issues. The majority were initiatives aimed at changing people’s
behaviour in accordance with new laws. Projects involved recycling, composting and the
cleaning up of illegal dump sites.
BULGARIA
Transport and energy conservation: Each of these two categories covered 17 percent
of the projects. Transport initiatives garnered EUR 33,500 in funding and energy
conservation EUR 36,000. Work in both areas raised awareness of how more sustainable
approaches reduce air pollution and conserve natural resources. Classes were held, public
debates organised and printed materials disseminated. Bicycle racks were installed and
sustainable urban transport plans adopted. Energy conservation activities included
demonstration projects on energy-efficient lighting and the use of solar collectors.
Lessons learnt
Adriatic
Sea
I TA LY
FYR
MACEDONIA
●● The CSOs that carried out the projects demonstrated great dedication in providing
all relevant information for promoting their activities. They worked on improving
collaboration between stakeholders of all types by enticing them to get involved in
environmental decision making at the national and local levels.
ALBANIA
0
100
200
●● It is evident that local populations are willing to contribute to the improvement of
TURKEY
urban environments.
They participated in public hearings and debates and attended
educational programmes. They also volunteered their time for project activities.
GREECE
kilometres
National SECTOR grants
The national grants were distributed in three rounds and supported 109 projects in
total. Announcements ran from 2006 to 2010, with a total of EUR 550,608 distributed.
The major themes of the projects included waste management, energy consumption,
sanitation, urban greening and urban transport.
By theme, the biggest share of projects — 40 percent — addressed waste-related issues, as
this was identified by most of the countries as the most pressing urban problem. Project
activities focused on awareness raising and education to influence citizens’ behaviour
and attitude. Along with campaigns on the classic topics of recycling and reusing
containers and other products, many CSOs tried innovative approaches such as urging
shop owners to consider reusable shopping bags, teaching householders to reduce water
consumption and educating members of the Roma community on waste collection.
Thirty-seven percent of the projects focused on awareness-raising activities aiming to
make cities more green and promote community involvement in development decisions.
The CSO activities ranged from removing illegal dumps near waterways to establishing
“green zones” and giving practical education in the field.
●● Confidence was strengthened between partners during the implementation of the
projects, particularly between CSOs and city governments. This bodes well for
further cooperation in follow-up project activities.
●● The implementation of the SECTOR National Grants Programme strengthened
CSO capacities, particularly in the preparation of project proposals and financial and
narrative reports. This boosts their funding prospects with other donors.
DISTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL GRANTS PROJECTS BY THEME
All countries’ projects
Greening cities
and urban planning 37%
Water and wastewater
management 6%
Transport and
its impacts 9%
Energy consumption 8%
Waste management 40%
FYR Macedonia’s projects
Waste management 45%
Greening cities
and urban planning
20%
Water and wastewater
management 0%
Stretching City Limits
National Grants Help Environmental
Groups Improve Urban Life in the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Energy consumption 15%
Transport and its impacts 20%
SECTOR
Setting an example worth recycling
Trees of knowledge
The Civil Environmental Forum carried out a project with EUR 9,130 in funding to institute sustainable
waste management by the Municipality of Gjorce Petrov. The basic aim was to decrease the quantity of
waste generated and waste going to landfill.
A project granted EUR 9,500 raised awareness and encouraged different groups to take responsibility
for improving their community (students, citizens, local self-governments, scientific and educational
institutions) by means of greening the city.
In one activity, a roundtable was organised at which students of three primary schools in Gjorce Petrov
were instructed on how to handle waste material and how to separate waste. Four collection yards for
the receipt and sorting of separated waste were established in the city. Four metal-wire containers for the
collection of PET packaging waste were constructed and placed at different primary schools.
The project resulted in the creation of Dendro Park, a green area measuring about 1,000 square metres
on the grounds of the Faculty of Forestry and Faculty of Agriculture and Food of Stull University.
To promote Dendro Park, an education team was established to explain the park’s significance to various
audiences. The team designed a programme for the park’s promotion and initiated activities for its
protection. Three trainers were involved, all professors of the two faculties.
A plan and programme for integrated solid waste management for Gjorce Petrov was prepared. This
document now stands as a basis upon which every city in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
must prepare its plan and programme. The national Law on Waste Management has made the adoption
of this document compulsory for municipalities.
Ten members of the Association of Students of the Faculty of Forestry (DREN) were trained on how
to share their knowledge with high school and primary school students. More then 590 classes were
organised on a voluntary basis. Dendro Park was presented to the students of the Faculty of Forestry,
who attended a class held outdoors.
For the purpose of preparation of the plan and programme, site visits at various locations within the
municipality were organised for representatives of 10 companies, four primary schools and seven smaller
communities.
For the purpose of maintaining Dendro-Park, continuous activities for the protection of its 230 endemic
tree species must be carried out. With this in mind, a declaration for initiating such a programme was
signed by representatives of the faculties of Forestry and Agriculture and Food and the Municipality of
Gazi Baba. To ensure the initiative’s sustainability, a coordination body composed of representatives of
the two faculties was established to maintain the park.
Twenty composting bins were built, most of them given to households in the village of Orman and three
installed in the yards of three primary schools in Gjorce Petrov. To encourage the creation of high-quality
compost, 4,000 informational leaflets were printed out on home composting. The Civil Environmental
Forum is committed to monitoring the implementation of home-composting project activities.
An educational brochure was prepared on the values and importance of having the park within the
urban area and its connection to urban green spaces. One thousand copies were printed in Macedonian,
Albanian and English.
Due to the high level of interest among the public in home composting, the CSO foresees the delivery
of an additional 20 composting bins.
The project’s success has made it an ideal model for home-composting activities in other cities throughout
the country.
Contact: Cvetan Nikolovski l Civil Environmental Forum (GEF) l Str. Orce Nikolov 20a,
1000 Skopje, FYR Macedonia l Tel/Fax: (389-02) 3298-231 l E-mail: [email protected]
Racks ratchet up cycling levels
In order to make Skopje’s transport system more sustainable, a EUR 8,985 project was carried out to
promote the bicycle as a means of transport on equal footing with more common modes. Activities
focused on providing suitable riding conditions, thereby increasing the number of those who use their
bicycles not only for recreation but also for transport. The ultimate aim of the measure is to encourage a
more sustainable use of energy resources and improve city air quality.
The main thrust of the project was the creation of new parking racks. Conceptual designers were invited to
participate in a tender and beforehand were given the opportunity to attend two informational events.
Project plumbs economics of plastic
The trained students will continue giving the classes to emphasise the park’s importance as a fundamental
element of the urban environment. There have been proposals to extend the area where classes are
organised and some new scientific and educational institutions in the city of Skopje, and the Macedonian
national government are to be involved in this educational programme. There has been a proposal that
Dendro Park be included within the new Detailed Physical Plan of the Municipality of Gazi Baba.
A project funded with EUR 9,080 promoted sustainable environmental and economic urban
development through education and the implementation of a practical programme for reducing and
recycling solid waste.
The project has been running for a long time and seems to have momentum. The inclusion of Dendro
Park on the map of attractions of Skopje will help sustain the project. As a visitors attraction, Dendro
Park could contribute to the community’s tourism.
On the education side, working groups of students and teachers were established at several high schools
to coordinate project implementation. A total of 19 students and seven professors were trained in
workshops on how to carry out project activities involving selective waste collection.
This project could be replicated anywhere, assisting in the education of students on urban green spaces
and dendrology.
During the course of the project, 7,000 students received brochures on separate waste collection and
more than 5,000 students attended elective classes on the subject. In turn, 15,000 parents were educated
indirectly through children who attended the classes or learned about the project via the Internet or
printed or electronic media.
Contact: Bojan Simovski l Association of Students of the Faculty of Forestry — DREN l
Bul. Aleksandar Makedonski bb, 1000 Skopje, FYR Macedonia l Tel: (+389) 2-3135-033, ext. 143 l
Fax: (389-02) 3164-560 l E-mail: [email protected]
●●
A creative workshop was held in which more then 50 participants were instructed on how to put
together conceptual designs and what parameters to bear in mind to satisfy users’ needs. Eventually,
15 conceptual designs were submitted, of which six were selected for implementation.
Collection of PET plastics and other recyclables was launched at 11 high schools and three primary
schools across the country. The schools’ directors signed a pledge that the equipment and materials
received through the project would be used exclusively for the recycling programmes at their schools.
●●
A public hearing was organised at which participants learned about ways to contribute to the
improvement of air quality.
During the implementation of this project, 1,470 kilogrammes of PET packaging waste was returned to
the production process. This quantity saved 48 cubic metres of space in the landfill and enough energy to
illuminate 40,000 60-watt lightbulbs for six hours.
Bike-rack design guidelines were drafted and 300 copies distributed to several recipients in Skopje
and other settlements that expressed interest in promoting transport cycling. The guidelines outlined
construction standards and contained proposed conceptual designs for the making and installation of
parking racks.
The work resulted in an increased number of parking areas for bicycles. In total, 63 racks with capacity
for 126 bicycles were installed at eight locations in Skopje.
Responsibility for maintenance of the racks was accepted by the municipal authorities of Skopje and
Karpos and the necessary service contracts were drafted and signed.
The Coalition for Sustainable Development continues to work on the initiative in the belief that
increasing the number of bike racks is key to supporting the usage of the bicycle as a transport vehicle.
At present, the coalition is preparing the new complementary initiative “Go to Work by Bicycle!”
Contact: Sonja Damcevska l Coalition for Sustainable Development l France Presern 227,
1000 Skopje, FYR Macedonia l Tel: (389-02) 3122-546 l Mob: (389-70) 365 828 l
E-mail: [email protected]
A contract for the continuous purchasing of collected PET was signed with private company EkoPET.
A teacher at a school in Gostivar initiated recycling of PET packaging waste as part of the regular
practical curriculum of the high school. To ensure the sustainability of the project, it was proposed that
the selective waste programme be expanded to include other waste materials such as paper and CDs.
Thanks to the project’s webpage, 14 schools in 11 communities followed suit by starting their own
selective waste projects.
A few lessons were learned. For instance, because companies that deal with secondary raw materials
are not well equipped (i.e., they don’t have proper vehicles to transport recyclables), it is advisable to
require that the transportation be handled by purchasing companies. A project that might follow the
pilot may involve contracting a transport firm that operates at the regional level. This would ensure that
the companies dealing with secondary raw materials obtain high-quality, clean recyclables that are ready
to enter production processes. The higher price that the material would fetch would justify such efforts.
Contact: Iskra Stojkovska l FRONT 21/42 l Str. Vladimir Komarov Street 13/22, 1000 Skopje,
FYR Macedonia l Tel/Fax: (389-02) 3122-546 l E-mail: [email protected]
Cities and Civil Society Get a Boost in FYR Macedonia
AUSTRIA
The REC
The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is an
international organisation with a mission to assist in solving environmental problems.
Among other activities, the REC supports civil society organisations (CSOs) to be more
effective in their crucial role in the democratic process. The REC supports CSOs through
grants programmes, building capacities and organisational viability, and strengthening
networking. During its 19 years, the REC has distributed more than EUR 12 million in
5,500 grants to environmental CSOs. In South Eastern Europe, regional and national
grants schemes — including those carried out under the SECTOR project — have been
used successfully to support scores of CSOs during the last five years.
Grants in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
HUNGARY
The Macedonian part of the scheme resulted in the awarding of 24 project grants totalling
EUR 172,550. Activities were grouped into the following areas:
SLOVENIA
ROMANIA
C ROAT I A
BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA
REC HEAD OFFICE: Tel: (36-26) 504-000 l Fax: (36-26) 311-294 l Web: www.rec.org l
REC Country Office fYR Macedonia l E-mail: [email protected] l Tel: (389-02) 3088-196 or
3090-135 l Country Office web: rec.org.mk
Land use and urban planning: Twenty-five percent of the funded projects, receiving a total
of EUR 48,500, were in this area. Activities included cleaning up illegal dump sites and
reclaiming abandoned lots for use as playgrounds and places for recreation and relaxation.
A plot of land on Ohrid Lake was turned into a tourist zone and another area was made into
a natural park where students can learn about subjects such as dendrology.
SERBIA
The SECTOR project
April 2006 marked the launch of the framework programme SECTOR (Supporting
Environmental Civil Society Organisations in South Eastern Europe), which helps
grassroots groups perform their roles as important drivers of community development in
the field of environmental protection. In promoting civil society, SECTOR aims to push
society toward more sustainable development and improved living conditions in cities.
Its beneficiary area covers Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo (as defined by UNSCR 1244).
Running from April 2006 to April 2010, it has an overall budget of EUR 3.7 million,
provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Results
of an assessment survey, based on a questionnaire completed by groups in the region,
stakeholder interviews and background data, were presented in an updated directory of
environmental CSOs. The identified development needs were then addressed through
Mediterranean
activities falling under the other three core project components:
Sea
●● Organisational viability: The REC developed an organisational assessment and
development planning tool which was used by 58 CSOs. It helped them to better
organise, and get better results from, their activities; become more sustainable; and
better address the concerns of their communities. Thirty-five groups received seed
money to implement selected components of their development plans.
●● Project support (grants): This granting scheme identified and supported projects
initiated by CSOs in the target countries at the national and regional levels.
●● Networking assistance and training: The Master Class training series assisted
188 students in strengthening capacities in environmental lobbying, working with
independent media, facilitating public participation, doing advocacy work and
monitoring government and industry. Two regional CSO networks received grants
to begin realising their organisational development plans.
M O N T E N E G RO
KOSOVO
(as defined
by UNSCR 1244)
Waste management: Forty-one percent of the projects, receiving a total of EUR
86,855, focused on waste issues. The majority were initiatives aimed at changing people’s
behaviour in accordance with new laws. Projects involved recycling, composting and the
cleaning up of illegal dump sites.
BULGARIA
Transport and energy conservation: Each of these two categories covered 17 percent
of the projects. Transport initiatives garnered EUR 33,500 in funding and energy
conservation EUR 36,000. Work in both areas raised awareness of how more sustainable
approaches reduce air pollution and conserve natural resources. Classes were held, public
debates organised and printed materials disseminated. Bicycle racks were installed and
sustainable urban transport plans adopted. Energy conservation activities included
demonstration projects on energy-efficient lighting and the use of solar collectors.
Lessons learnt
Adriatic
Sea
I TA LY
FYR
MACEDONIA
●● The CSOs that carried out the projects demonstrated great dedication in providing
all relevant information for promoting their activities. They worked on improving
collaboration between stakeholders of all types by enticing them to get involved in
environmental decision making at the national and local levels.
ALBANIA
0
100
200
●● It is evident that local populations are willing to contribute to the improvement of
TURKEY
urban environments.
They participated in public hearings and debates and attended
educational programmes. They also volunteered their time for project activities.
GREECE
kilometres
National SECTOR grants
The national grants were distributed in three rounds and supported 109 projects in
total. Announcements ran from 2006 to 2010, with a total of EUR 550,608 distributed.
The major themes of the projects included waste management, energy consumption,
sanitation, urban greening and urban transport.
By theme, the biggest share of projects — 40 percent — addressed waste-related issues, as
this was identified by most of the countries as the most pressing urban problem. Project
activities focused on awareness raising and education to influence citizens’ behaviour
and attitude. Along with campaigns on the classic topics of recycling and reusing
containers and other products, many CSOs tried innovative approaches such as urging
shop owners to consider reusable shopping bags, teaching householders to reduce water
consumption and educating members of the Roma community on waste collection.
Thirty-seven percent of the projects focused on awareness-raising activities aiming to
make cities more green and promote community involvement in development decisions.
The CSO activities ranged from removing illegal dumps near waterways to establishing
“green zones” and giving practical education in the field.
●● Confidence was strengthened between partners during the implementation of the
projects, particularly between CSOs and city governments. This bodes well for
further cooperation in follow-up project activities.
●● The implementation of the SECTOR National Grants Programme strengthened
CSO capacities, particularly in the preparation of project proposals and financial and
narrative reports. This boosts their funding prospects with other donors.
DISTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL GRANTS PROJECTS BY THEME
All countries’ projects
Greening cities
and urban planning 37%
Water and wastewater
management 6%
Transport and
its impacts 9%
Energy consumption 8%
Waste management 40%
FYR Macedonia’s projects
Waste management 45%
Greening cities
and urban planning
20%
Water and wastewater
management 0%
Stretching City Limits
National Grants Help Environmental
Groups Improve Urban Life in the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Energy consumption 15%
Transport and its impacts 20%
SECTOR