report on the study tour

Report on a study tour of the Norwegian delegation to the Czech Republic
15. – 20.8.2011
Delegation from Norway that consisted of 10 members visited the Czech Republic from 15. to 20.8.2011. The
purpose of the study trip was to transfer the know-how and good practice examples in the field of environmental
education. The study tour was one of the activities of the project "Good Practice - environmental education in public
administration - a partnership between Norway and the Czech Republic", which was organized by the company
MCN, o.p.s. The project was supported within the Block Grant “Technical Assistance Fund”, Financial mechanism of
EEA/Norway.
Program for the Norwegian delegation was prepared in collaboration with the participants of a study tour to
Norway, which was part of the very same project. Participants of the study tour completed an evaluation form at the
end of each day (good practice examples, suggestions).
Organizer of the study tour would like to thank all experts who welcomed Norwegian delegation in Czech republic,
Norwegian delegation members, who showed interest in the study trip, interpreter Mgr. Jan Kratzer and bus driver
Mr. Miroslav Mouček for a very pleasant cooperation.
Participants of a study tour:
Jon Bakke
Norges Miljøvernforbund
[email protected]
NMF lawyer
Arild Traa
Odda kommune
[email protected]
department of cultural monuments care
Gunnbjørg Nåvik
KS Oslo
[email protected]
Sven Pedersen
Granvin kommune
[email protected]
Anne Gerd Djønne
Ullevansvang herad
[email protected]
secretary
Rune Kloster Tvedt
KS Rogaland
[email protected]
consultant KS
Arna Leidland
Utsira kommune
[email protected]
secretary
Arvid Helgesen
Utsira kommune
[email protected]
Jarle Nilsen
Utsira kommune
[email protected]
Mayor
Ommund Vareberg
Rennesøy kommune
[email protected]
Mayor
consultant KS
consultant for sustainable development
department for sustainable development
Program of the study tour, good practice examples and suggestions
Monday, August 15, 2011
Norwegian delegation was welcomed by the MCN, o.p.s. company representatives and checked in a Dolce Villa hotel
in Nebušice. Despite the bad weather, the delegation took a historic tour around Prague.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
8:20
9:00
14:00
16:00
17:40
18:00
departure from the hotel
PLA Český kras field trip - St. Jan pod Skalou, nature trail, visit of the Solvayovy quarries area
Koněpruské caves field trip
acceptance at Dobříš town hall – fair presentation
arrival to the hotel Všetice – Check-in
workshop with the Icelandic delegation
PLA Český Kras
Delegation was welcomed by:
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Ing. Michal Slezák, Head of administration PLA Český Kras
Mgr. Tomáš Tichý, botanist of PLA Český Kras
Field trip started at the monastery in St. Jan pod Skalou, continued by a nature trail „Svatojánský okruh“ over the top
of Svatojánská rock with a stunning view „U kříže“, further into Solvayovy quarries folk museum and the Propadlé
vody ravines, then back to town. During the hike there were several breaks that were devoted to PLA administration,
fauna and flora, the region's history, forestry, mining of limestone and its impact on the environment and local
culture, delegation looked at the new geopark and the historic train, with which the Barbora company is building a
new railway through the Solvayovy quarries folk museum. Excursion was significant with dense fog, which rose from
the valley around noon. Reclamation of quarries was an interesting topic of discussion. Those that the delegation
visited in Český Kras PLA, were left to natural development, and today they represent a thermopile location with rich
communities of flora and insects. Nature trail was very positively evaluated, on the other hand suggestion for
improvement was saying at least basic information in English.
Good practice examples (+), suggestion for improvement (-):
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engaged society which take care about preserving the local traditions and history (mining, quarrying) by
volunteering- Barbora association- Solvayovy quarries folk museum
Koněpruské caves are very accessible, guides with text in English, an interesting explanation for the public
Nature trail in PLA Český Kras – raises awareness about nature
PLA Český Kras administration representatives – nice manners, great professional knowledge
better adjustment for foreigners - information board in English (at least an abstract)
better awareness of what is allowed and what is not allowed in PLA
Photo documentation:
Mgr. Tomáš Tichý, PLA administration Český Kras botanist (second from the left) with the Norwegian delegation in Český
Kras PLA
Ing. Michal Slezák, Head of administrative of Český Kras PLA (in the front) in Solvayovy quarry
Dobříš
The delegation was welcomed by following people:
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Mgr. Jaroslav Melša, Mayor of Dobříš
Eva Marvanová, deputy of Mayor Dobříš
Mgr. Lenka Mašková, project manager
Ing. Dagmar Smrčinová, Ph.D., project manager
Ing. Kristýna Weigertová, project manager
The Norwegian delegation was welcomed at the Dobříš town hall. The purpose of the visit was to transfer the
know-how in organizing local fairs, where regional products are sold by not only business owners or
entrepreneurs, but also people without a license. The delegation was welcomed by the Mayor Mgr. Jaroslav
Melša, fairs were introduced by a project manager Mgr. Lenka Mašková. The content of the presentation were
following topics: when the idea of organizing fairs came from, what is the meaning and specifics of the fair,
kinds of obstacles that need to be taken in account, how the methodology is prepared and what is the added
value of the fairs. The implementation of Local Agenda 21 was presented to the practical extent, that is not
common in neither Czech nor Norwegian municipalities. Norwegians appreciated the idea of supporting local
people and local products, which is one of the cornerstones of a sustainable development. Not only the program
but the whole meeting was very well prepared (food from regional products, gifts).
Good practice examples:
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selling local products at local market
the way of welcoming the foreign delegation – professional, very friendly manners of Dobříš representatives,
well prepared presentation, very nice gifts, delicious food from local products
idea of sustainable development put into practice
strict compliance with the rules by sellers (only local sources)
indicating trends, setting goals and their compliance (hygienist’s visits, etc.)
a total of five people took care of receiving a delegation, the atmosphere was very pleasant
Photo documentation:
At the Dobříš town hall: from the left: Mgr. Jan Kratzer, interpreter; Mgr. Jaroslav Melša, Mayor of Dobříš; Eva Marvanová,
deputy Mayor of Dobříš, Ing. Dagmar Smrčinová, Ph.D., project manager; Mgr. Lenka Mašková, project manager; in the
background: Ing. Kristýna Weigertová, project manager.
Norwegian delegation at Dobříš town hall
August 17, 2011
9:00
11:30
13.30
15.15
15.30
17:00
18:00
departure from the hotel
arrival to Český Krumlov, welcome at the town hall
visit of the Castle museum
relocation to Chabičovice
visit and the tour of Chabičovice biogas station
departure from Český Krumlov
arrival to the hotel České Žleby – check in
The delegation was welcomed by following people:
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Mgr. Dalibor Carda, Mayor of Český Krumlov
Ing. Vendula Nováková, assistant for external relations department of the Český Krumlov city Mayor's office
Mgr. Lukáš Štětina, guide of the Castle museum exhibition
PhDr. Pavel Slavko, warden of the state castle and chateau Český Krumlov
Milan Antoš, operation manager of the state castle and chateau Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov town attracted the Norwegian delegation by the beauty of its historic city center. At a joint lunch with
the Mayor, Mgr. Dalibor Carda, city was briefly introduced from historical and demographic point of view, priorities
in the field of environmental protection (reconstruction of historic gardens and urban green areas, construction of
flood control measures, traffic measures) were introduced along with the tourism development and grant
management. The delegation was very interested in the benefits and pitfalls that come from adding the historical
center of Český Krumlov, including the entire area of the castle and the chateau to UNESCO World Heritage Holds in
1992. The presentation was completed in the ceremonial hall of Český Krumlov town hall, where the gift bags with
books were prepared for Norwegian delegation.
The exposition Museum of state castle and chateau Český Krumlov was placed to the previously unused buildings of
castle on the II. courtyard. Castle Museum Project, prepared by the National Heritage institute, regional expert office
in České Budějovice, was supported by a grant from Norway through the Financial mechanism EEA/Norway in
December 2008, and it was successfully implemented in the years 2009 - 2010. Castle Museum opened to the public
till then unknown interiors in January 2011. Norwegians had the opportunity to assess the reconstruction based on
photographs from 2009. Participants were pleased that the funds of Financial mechanism EEA/Norway were used for
such beneficial projects.
Good practice examples (+), suggestions for improvement (-):
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maintaining the uniform character of the medieval town (houses, streets, green areas, restaurants)
repair the castle and the establishment of a Museum from a financial support of the FM EEA/Norway
implementation of measures that are necessary for keeping the list of cultural heritage UNESCO
adapting the city for handling the large number of tourists
reconstruction of the original city green
facing problems that go hand in hand with the requirements of UNESCO and a very busy tourism
way of receiving a delegation of the Mayor - a friendly manners
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in Norway there is better access to state financing the repairs of such important monuments as the castle in
Český Krumlov, which was completely destroyed a few years ago
since Český Krumlov is a tourist destination, the practical information in should be given English (marking the
low ceiling, the steep stairs, etc.)
it is very difficult to find a balance between the lifelike historical city and a ghost city – there should not be
so many vehicles in the historic part of town, yet reducing traffic goes hand in hand with displacement of the
center
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Photo documentation:
Norwegian delegation on a tour through Český Krumlov with the Mayor Mgr. Dalibor Carda (in the center)
Mgr. Dalibor Carda, Mayor of Český Krumlov, during the city presentation
Castle museum was repaired from FM EEA/Norway fund money
Biogas station Chabičovice
The delegation was welcomed by:
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František Kmoch, co-owner of the biogas station Chabičovice
Last but not least stop, was an excursions to agricultural biogas station in Chabičovice, which was newly built and
opened in 2011. Tour began with containers for the input material, where the difference between agricultural,
municipal and industrial BGS was explained and where it was described how the device uses energy-using manure
(manure, corn silage, hay) and biomass (annual amount of 16,675 tons).
Excursions also led to the fermenter, where the biogas is produced by anaerobic fermentation process. The tour of
the concrete storage tank for stabilized digestate was also very alluring. The delegation also visited the hall for a
cogeneration unit to produce electricity and heat generated by burning biogas. Excursion was finished by a summary
of financial and operational aspects.
The topic of the discussion was the impact of transport associated with the importing of agricultural crops on the
environment in the village, the consequences of using the agricultural land for growing energy crops or different
ways of generating energy from renewable sources in the Czech Republic and Norway.
Good practice examples:
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renewable energy - a responsible attitude towards the environment
an interesting combination of cattle with energy producing
very interesting way of a tour guiding
Photo documentation:
On BGS Chabičovice excursion with Mr. František Kmoch (second from the left)
Norwegian delegation on BGS Chabičovice excursion
August 18, 2011
7:50
9:00
11:30
12:15
13:15
15:30
17:00
18:00
departure from the hotel
SEV Kašperské Hory – welcome, refreshment, presentation of the implementation of environmental
education in the National park Šumava, tour of the resort - indoor/outdoor exposure, experience trail
Vydra river
Kvilda
Chalupská slať, IS Svinná Lada
České Žleby – visit of the forest, I. zone of NP
IS a SEV Stožec – tour of the IS and SEV, examples of educational programs, geopark
arrival to the České Žleby hotel
The delegation was welcomed by the following people:
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Mgr. Jiří Mánek, deputy director Administration of NP and PLA Šumava
Bc. Martina Kučerová, Department of public relations and IS, Administration of NP and PLA Šumava
Ing. Miroslava Michnová, Head of IS Kašperské Hory, Administration of NP and PLA Šumava
Bc. Pavlína Krupková, Head of IS and SEV Stožec, Administration of NP and PLA Šumava
Ing. Aleš Kučera, Head of the Department of conservation and research, Administration of NP and PLA
Šumava
Ing. Miroslav Černý, Department of forest ecology, Administration of NP and PLA Šumava
The excursion was dedicated to conservation, environmental education but mainly to public information centers (IS)
and environmental education centers (SEV) in the NP and PLA Šumava. The Norwegian delegation was welcomed by
Mgr. Jiří Mánek, deputy director of the NP and PLA Šumava in the IS and SEV Kašperské hory, and his colleagues Bc.
Martina Kučerová and Ing. Miroslava Michnová, who accompanied the delegation through the whole day. In the
lecture hall the administration, activities of NP and PLA Šumava and the nature itself was briefly introduced. The
short film, which gave insight into the beauty of nature during the four seasons, was followed by a carefully prepared
presentation of the implementation of environmental education in the NP and PLA Šumava. The Norwegian
delegation was introduced to the target groups (kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and
universities, the public, experts, families with children), educational programs, projects or educational materials
(coloring books for children, worksheets, identification keys, brochures on ecosystems, on different pexetrio themes,
etc.), which are made by administration representatives themselves by which was the Norwegian delegation
absolutely thrilled.
After visiting the internal exposure, the delegation went on a newly installed trail adventure (animals, trees). Each
board was introduced in terms of content (by which an animal or a tree, the public learns), and in terms of education
(how the public benefits from new knowledge and how it is in the wake of the check). Adventure trails in natural
materials and ideas to inspire self-education of the public were very positively evaluated by the Norwegian
delegation. The delegation was informed of the nature conservation categories (PLA, NP, NP zones) at the stop at
Vydra river.
Next stop was a tour Chalupská slať, largest peat lake in the Czech Republic, and the newly opened IS Svinná Lada.
During the peat land tour, the delegation was introduced to a history of peat extraction and the importance of
wetlands. The adaptation of natural sites for disabled citizens was very positively evaluated.
In České Žleby the group sat into cars of Administration of NP and PLA, and continued closer the first zone area of
Stožecká chapel. Here was received the contradictory research into the development of vegetation without the
presence of animal, which were kept outside the fence flanking the first zone. Walk through a colorful rainforest
vegetation tour Stožecká chapel and a view of the surrounding hills was supplemented with information on bark
beetles. The last stop was the IS and SEV Stožec nature reserve which has just held training sessions for the public.
The Norwegian delegation was introduced to indoor exposure and outdoor geopark.
Good practice examples (+), suggestions for improvement (-):
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a very interesting and well-prepared information and educational boards in Kašperské hory - especially used
materials and natural way of processing
great educational materials for public
a very well ensured access to the moor peat Chalupská slať for wheelchairs
well prepared presentations on environmental education in NP
a very interesting and diverse approaches to education of different target groups
in Norway the environmental education isn’t at this professional level, in NP are many examples of good
practice would be needed to transfer to Norway
way of self-education (nature trail in Kašperské hory) is very practical, it raises interest in not only children
but also adults, they are interested only the story, idea, graphics and content of educational boards, but also
the way of processing boards itself
a lot of places where visitors can relax and learn something
cleanliness and order in nature
newly established information center Svinná Lada is equipped with the exposure that uses modern
technology
it is very important to educate children as successor to a new generation - exhibition and educational
programs are primarily directed at them, that is a good thing
organization of the excursions by NP representatives
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better information for foreigners - information board in English (at least abstract)
for conservation and better management it would be good to introduce the visitors counting (this is the case
on the cycle path along the North Sea)
it is a shame that the state and politicians don’t financially support the educational activity more and fail to
appreciate it properly(even though it's the most important mission of NP)
in the NP there should be a bigger emphasis on the transmission of following: why conservation is important,
what to do in order to help protect it on every day basis, what should not be done in the park
a double-edged approach to the fence in the I. zone Stožecká Chapel - on the one hand, praised
implemented research (development of nature without the influence of forest animals), on the other hand,
opposition to human intervention in the ecosystem (in Norway's national parks left to nature, to be
developed without human intervention)
Photo documentation:
Welcoming the delegation at Kašperské Hory: from the left: Mgr. Jan Kratzer, interpreter; Mgr. Jiří Mánek, deputy director of
the NP and PLA Šumava; Bc. Martina Kučerová, department of public relations and IS, administration and NP Šumava
Indoor exposure IS a SEV Kašperské Hory: from the left: Ing. Miroslava Michnová, manager of IS Kašperské Hory,
administration of NP and PLA Šumava; Bc. Martina Kučerová, department of public relations and IS, administration of NP and
PLA Šumava
Adventure trail in IS and SEV Kašperské Hory
With Ing. Aleš Kučera, the head of the department of conservation and research, administration of NP and PLA Šumava, at
Chalupská slať
Ing. Miroslav Černý, Department of forest ecology, NP and PLA Šumava administration, in I. zone NP at Stožecká chapel
August 19, 2011
9:00
11:00
13:00
15:30
16:30
20:00
departure from the hotel
arrival to Spálené Poříčí – town presentation
town tour, Czech Union for Nature Conservation - Basic Organization Spálené Poříčí
root sewage plant
Pilsner Brewery tour
Hotel Dolce Villa Check-in
The delegation was welcomed by:
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Ing. Pavel Čížek, Spálené Poříčí Mayor
Ing. Jindřich Jindřich, deputy Mayor of Spálené Poříčí
Mgr. Jiří Šeffl, rector of elementary school in Spáleném Poříčí
Vendula Zemková, member of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation - Basic Organization Spálené Poříčí
The program of the last study trip was a visit of Spálené Poříčí that is located in Pilsner region. Ing. Pavel Čížek,
Mayor, welcomed the delegation in the hotel Ve Dvoře, where there was a very interesting presentation of the city
and its most successful projects (reconstruction of historical buildings, construction of housing for young families,
root sewage treatment, thermal insulation of buildings, etc.). After the lunch, the delegation was taken on a tour.
They visited the manorial court, which served as an economic base of the Spalené Poříčí estate, and which is now
designed as a hotel ballroom. They looked at the granary exposure (exhibition of works by students of the Institute
of arts and design, exhibition of the works by Neprakta, folk museum, cultural-historical-scientific trail from Brdy to
Spálené Poříčí), they also visited the renaissance castle (the seat of environmental education).
Mgr. Jiří Šeffl, the elementary school rector, welcomed the delegation and presented the school, its activities (waste
separation, Stonožka movement) and energy savings projects (new windows with a triple glass, temperature
isolation). The Norwegian delegation had dual perspective on visit of the rescue center for animals, which is provided
by Czech Union for Nature Conservation Spálené Poříčí. Norwegians liked the idea of providing animals with
assistance when they are hurt, but on the other hand, they suggested that in Norway, they leave animals to cope
with nature by themselves. The delegation positively evaluated the root water treatment plant, which caught their
attention by its size, clarity and functionality. Excursion ended with a tour of residential houses, equipped for young
families or for the economically weaker citizens.
Good practice examples (+), suggestions for improvement (-):
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organization of the „biology Olympic games“
construction of housing for young or less economically secure families
reconstruction of almost all historic buildings with the help of European funds - the willingness of the city to
apply for funding, monitor projects, maintain the building
animals in rescue station have good conditions
school activities - helping other children, care for the environment, good equipment of the classes
interesting exposure (hiking trail from the Brdy to Spálené Poříčí, folk museum, Neprakta’s cartoons) emphasis on local history and traditions
using paving of roads for reconstruction of the castle courtyard
root sewage plant - works well, looks very natural, a city in its operation continues even after many years of
problems with the relevant authorities
Mayor of the city was well prepared for meetings with foreign delegations, the presentation was very
interesting, in English, his manners were very classy
city, although small, has clearly set its priorities and those to hold: education, environmental protection,
renovation of historical buildings, according to old photographs and preserve local traditions
using the newly reconstructed historical buildings in a beneficial way
house for seniors in the city center
a double-edged approach to the operation of the rescue station - agreement with the temporary placement
of injured animals, disagreement with the permanent holding permanently handicapped animals
school ventilation technology works constantly - in schools in the municipality they Rennesøy carbon dioxide
detectors, ventilation system is only triggered when the concentration exceeded the limit of carbon dioxide
(700 ppm)
better information for foreigners - information board in English (at least abstract)
Photo documentation:
The Norwegian delegation was welcomed by Ing. Pavel Čížek, the Mayor of Spálené Poříčí (second from the right),
and Ing. Jindřich Jinřich, Deputy Mayor of Spálené Poříčí (first from the right)
The Norwegian delegation with the Mayor in Spálené Poříčí
Visit of the rescue station in Spálené Poříčí
Visit of the Root sewage plant in Spálené Poříčí
The received financial support as part of the Block Grant - “Technical Assistance Fund”,
Financial mechanism of EEA/Norway.