Four districts of the Vitebsk region received 200 thousand euros to improve the environmental situation
Four districts of the Vitebsk region received 200 thousand euros to improve the environmental situation, the "Interakcia" foundation informed a BELTA correspondent.
Grants of 50 thousand euros each were allocated on December 19 to Braslavsky, Gluboksky, Polotsky, and Chashniksky districts by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). "The funding is provided under an international environmental planning project aimed at implementing Local Environmental Action Plans (LEAPs). The initiative involves 10 Belarusian and 4 Moldovan districts, and the money will be used to create green zones and modernize the municipal solid waste management system," the foundation emphasized.
Action plans are strategies for analyzing and eliminating environmental threats. In Belarus, the development of these strategies was coordinated by the "Interakcia" foundation, and during October-November of the current year, they were officially approved by the district authorities. Each LEAP includes a specific "green" initiative reflecting the district's specifics and its current environmental situation.
For example, in Polotsk, funds will be used to combat harmful atmospheric emissions from industrial enterprises in Polotsk itself and neighboring Novopolotsk. Three green zones will be created in the city, where plants providing the most effective air filtration will be planted. Additionally, a greenhouse will be established at the district center for children and youth, where young ecologists can grow such plants. It is worth noting that in 2011, Polotsk was the first in Belarus to join the Covenant of Mayors. This movement unites over 6,000 cities striving to reduce carbon dioxide levels by 20% by 2020.
In Braslav, local authorities, with the help of the received funds, will undertake the design of a new recreational area in the city center. It is expected that Braslav residents and tourists will be able to walk under the shade of trees and relax by the new pond in 2017. The created recreation area will feature playgrounds for children and a summer cafe.
As for the Gluboksky and Chashniksky districts, grants here will be used to improve the waste collection process. A modern garbage truck will be purchased for the Gluboksky district, and about 200 containers for separate collection of solid household waste will be installed in Chashniki and Novolukoml.
"Each of the districts of the Vitebsk region was allocated 50 thousand euros. However, local authorities can use funds from other sources to implement environmental initiatives. In particular, applications for international assistance can be submitted based on local environmental protection plans," noted Vyacheslav Barsukov, coordinator of the IEED in Belarus, representing the Interaction Foundation.
The local foundation for promoting international dialogue and cooperation "Interaction" is a non-governmental organization located in Minsk. It specializes in the development and implementation of EU-funded projects in Belarus and neighboring countries.
Alena Tikhonova