3.2 Nature Protection

The project aims at stimulation of the balanced sustainable environmental development of the cross-border region through joint actions for promoting and enhancing the utilization of common natural resources in Pirdop and Palilula.

Project activities:

1. Conducting of joint Conference “Public polices and long-term measures against the air pollution" in Pirdop;
2. Supply of specialized equipment for improving the quality of air in Pirdop;
3. Organizing of joint рoundtable for discussing the problems and measures for improvement of the quality of soils and water in Palilula;
4. Supply of equipment for maintenance of green infrastructure in Palilula;
5. Organizing of joint initiative “Think Green” in Pirdop and Palilula;
6. Provision of joint training for capacity building of the local authorities of the partners in Palilula;
7. Workshop for exchange of good practices in Pirdop;
8. Elaboration of joint programme for management of the quality of air, soil and water in CB region Pirdop and Palilula.

Project outputs:

1. Established sustainable partnerships in the cross-border region;
2. Provision of modern equipment related with nature protection; 3
3. Conducted informational events (conference, roundtable, initiatives) and increased public awareness;
4. Conducted capacity building and exchange of experience events for sustainable use of common natural resources;
5. Supported access of the youth to issues related to environmental and nature protection;
6. Elaborated joint strategic document (programme) and defined long-term vision for nature resources management;
7. Successful management and coordination of the project's activities;
8. Increased public awareness about the project and source of EU funding by implemented communication actions;
9. Increased administrative capacity of municipal administrations to implement projects funded under EU (IPA) Programmes.

Target groups:

1. Municipalites of Pirdop And Palilula;
2. Regional/State Authorities related with the nature protection and environment issues;
3. Public Organizations and NGO's acting in areas concerning the nature protection;
4. Residents of the city of Pirdop and Palilula, living on the territory of both municipalities and troubling from the problems with the quality of natural resources;
5. Young people from the local schools of the two municipalities affected by the initiative "Think green".