Better climate, healthier atmosphere – about LIFE projects in Malopolska!
Nearly 80 thousand replaced stoves, eco-managers and climate managers, the Eco-Intervention application, and over 24 thousand planted trees are just some of the effects of the activities of the two EU LIFE Integrated Projects in the Malopolska Region. On Thursday the 26th of May in Kijów Cinema a conference “LIFE in Malopolska” summarizing the actions of both projects took place. The meeting was an opportunity for local self-governments and Marshal’s Offices from all over the country to exchange experiences and good practices.
The conference was opened by Józef Gawron, Deputy Marshal of Małopolska.
The everyday work, passion and commitment of the eco-managers and climate advisors, employees of the Marshal’s Office and the Regional Competence Centre is what would make it difficult to achieve the set goals in terms of improving air quality and counteracting the negative effects of climate change. The challenge is big, however, the effects of our joint work are already visible in the region, and other provinces benefit from our experience
said Deputy Marshal Józef Gawron.
The meeting takes place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the LIFE Program, the biggest EU financial mechanism supporting environmental and climate actions. LIFE, functioning continuously in the EU since 1992, allowed for co-financing many projects from all over Europe, including Poland.
The first day of the conference was dominated by topics concerning the effects of implementing LIFE projects in Poland and the benefits resulting from them for the inhabitants of particular regions. Representatives of the European Commission Angelo Salsi and Christian Strasser as well as representatives of regional and local self-governments took part in panel discussions. The effects of our region’s activities were appreciated by Christian Strasser, responsible for the LIFE Project in the European Commission.
I would like to send words of appreciation to Malopolska, which is the only region in the whole community to lead two LIFE projects. I would like to congratulate you on this success
said during a speech at the conference.
The Małopolska Voivodeship, as the only region in Europe, undertakes the implementation of two integrated LIFE projects: LIFE MAŁOPOLSKA “Implementation of the Air Protection Programme for the Małopolska Voivodeship – Małopolska in a healthy atmosphere” and LIFE EKOMAŁOPOLSKA “Implementation of the Regional Action Plan for Climate and Energy for the Małopolska Voivodeship”.
After 7 years of the LIFE “Malopolska in a healthy atmosphere” action, its effects can be felt in every breath. The average concentration of PM10 dust between the winter season 2014-2015 and the season 2021-2022 decreased in Małopolska by 36 percent, and in Kraków by as much as 49 percent.
The eco-managers employed in the municipalities have already provided more than one million advices and consultations, and obtained more than PLN 96 million of additional funds for specific activities related to improving air quality, such as replacement of obsolete stoves. Each inhabitant of Małopolska can also use the Eco-Intervention application in their smartphone or computer.
The LIFE EKOMAŁOPOLSKA for Climate and Energy, which has been operating since 2021, can also boast of tangible results. The action Tree for Climate, climate and environment advisors working in almost all of the poviats of Lesser Poland, numerous trainings and meetings within the Competence Centre created thanks to the project are just some of the results of just one year’s work under the project.
More information about both of the Malopolska LIFE projects can be found on the following websites www.klimat.ekomalopolska.pl and www.powietrze.malopolska.pl.
