Together in Europe

Transkrypt

Together in Europe

Together in Europe
Cooperation Beyond Borders – Experiences and Perspectives
ISBN 978-83-7610-378-5
Together
inEuropie
Europe
Razem w
Współpraca
granicami
doświadczenia
Cooperation ponad
Beyond
Borders –– Experiences
andi perspektywy
Perspectives
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The projects carried out as part of the European Territorial Cooperation Objective provide an excellent
reflection of the idea of European integration. I am pleased to observe the positive changes taking place
in the Polish regions thanks to their cooperation with partners from all over Europe. I strongly believe
that in future international projects will play an equally important role in promoting development.
The Ministry of Regional Development is actively involved in the process of creating rules for ETC
programmes in the financial perspective 2014-2020. We would like to see the results of cross-border,
transnational and interregional cooperation become more visible and more closely associated with
the regional programmes. We want to achieve this by concentrating European funds on selected
priorities.
I invite you to read this publication. I am convinced that it will be an inspiration for you to plan
subsequent innovative projects and it will encourage you to establish equally successful cooperation
across borders.
Elżbieta Bieńkowska
Minister of Regional Development
Currently, Poland participates in seven cross-border programmes, whose main task is to build links
between communities across borders. The implementation of projects under the ETC has created
‘bridges’ connecting different regions and countries and has given citizens the possibility of creating
a common European identity.
Every day, European integration takes place within the frameworks of various initiatives, starting
from infrastructure development, through environmental protection, to projects related to cultural
exchange or contacts between young people. The implementation of transnational projects is
a unique opportunity to support important initiatives for several countries. We should not forget that
the purpose of interregional cooperation activities is focused on shaping and improving the efficiency
of development policies.
Polish partners have coped magnificently with completing the investments, thus proving how much
could be done with relatively small resources at their disposal, as shown by the examples of selected
projects in this publication.
I wish you an enjoyable read,
Marceli Niezgoda,
Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Regional Development
The publication covers examples of the most interesting, high-quality European Territorial Cooperation
projects implemented with the participation of Poland.
In the period 2007-2013, the Polish partners have been involved in several thousand international
projects. A number of institutions have participated in the process of preparation, assessment and
selection of the best and the most needed projects, and finally, in their implementation, reimbursement
and final closure. These include the applicants, the Regional Contact Points at the Marshal Offices,
the Joint Technical Secretariats, external assessors, Euroregions, the Monitoring Steering Committees,
the Managing/Coordinating Authorities, beneficiaries and the first level controllers at Voivodeship
Offices. At the level of operational programmes, the Certifying Authority, the Audit Authority and the
European Commission should also be mentioned.
Thank you very much for your commitment, work and also your patience in implementing such
complex projects. I would also like to express my gratitude to our colleagues from the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, the Slovak Republic and Sweden, who have been implementing
cross-border programmes together with us, and also to representatives of countries with which Poland
co-operates within the framework of the transnational programmes, such as the Baltic Sea Region and
the Central Europe, as well as the interregional cooperation programme INTERREG IVC.
Yours sincerely,
Iwona Brol
Director of the Department of Territorial Cooperation
in the Ministry of Regional Development
Tourism
It divides seas and connects lands
Construction of a viewing
and fire-fighting tower in Trójmorski Peak
Lead Partner: Commune of Międzylesie
Project Partner: Commune of Dolní Morava
Cross-border Cooperation Operational Programme
Czech Republic – Republic of Poland 2007-2013
Value of the project: approx. 45,000 euro
Amount of the ERDF funding: approx. 33,500 euro
www.miedzylesie.pl
Located on the border in the Śnieżnik massif in the Eastern Sudety range, Trójmorski Peak is not
particularly high (1145 m above sea level), but it is here that the basins of three seas – the Black,
the North and the Baltic Sea – converge. There is no other such place in Poland or in the Czech
Republic. And there are few places like this across Europe.
The point which divides the seas connects the lands. The idea to promote Trójmorski Peak
brought together two border communes – Międzylesie in Poland and Dolni Morava in the Czech
Republic. The cooperation resulted in the construction of a 25-metre high wooden viewing
tower for admiring the vast panorama of Kłodzko Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The Polish side was responsible for building the structure, and the Czechs for the marking and
promotion of the tourist trail and the tower itself. The tower has become an important link in
the system for monitoring fire on both sides of the border.
An increasing number of tourists now use the green trail leading from Międzylesie Pass to
Trójmorski Peak, allowing them to admire the views of Śnieżnik mountain, hidden among
the clouds, or sit down and listen… In fact, the other name for this peak is Klepacz (in Czech:
Klepač), which comes from the fact that during strong winds, boulders lying at its summit produce a characteristic snapping sound.
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Tomasz Korczak,
Mayor of Międzylesie:
– Collaboration in the preparation
of the project, and then its implementation
led to the strengthening of ties between
the local authorities on both sides
of the border. It also created a basis
for further development of
cross-border initiatives.
Moreover, the project contributed
to the creation of positive relationships
between the inhabitants of
the borderlands and to the elimination
of barriers in mutual contacts.
9
Blue trail
Odra for Tourists 2014
– development of water tourism
at a borderland area of the Valley
of the Central Odra River – Stage II
Lead Partner: Commune of Nowa Sól
Project Partners: Commune of Bytom Odrzański,
Commune of Sulechów, Commune of Krosno Odrzańskie,
Commune of Słubice, Commune of Górzyca,
the City of Kostrzyn,
the Eisenhüttenstadt City Council,
the City of Frankfurt (Odra),
the Association of Marina Winterhafen Sportboot Frankfurt
(Odra)
Poland (Lubuskie Voivodeship)
– Brandenburg 2007-2013
Value of the project: approx. 6.87 million euro
Amount of the ERDF funding: approx. 5.66 million euro
www.odra2014.pl
10
The Odra River is the longest navigable route in Poland. Floating down its waters, you can admire architectural monuments and the beauty of nature. And indeed, there is much to see –
the lovely old town of Bytom Odrzański, Kostrzyn Fortress, historic churches, several nature
reserves and two landscape parks, where many rare species of birds have found their refuge.
The pride of the trail are also its bridges, such as the truss bridge in Krosno Odrzańskie or the
unique raised bridge in Nowa Sól.
In the nineteenth century, the Odra was one of the most important waterways in this part of
Europe. Nowadays, water transport is no longer that important, but the river remains a part of
the European waterways network. The trail of the central Odra, which flows through Ziemia
Lubuska and Brandenburg, is being converted step by step into an attractive tourist route.
The river havens of Bytom Odrzański, Nowa Sól, Cigacice and Frankfurt are being reconstructed,
to make them more ‘tourist-boater-friendly.‘
Next year, two new passenger ships will sail down the river. For now, rafts have blazed the trail,
which over a period of seven days in June took young Poles and Germans from Głogów to
Kostrzyn. For those who would like to learn more about the Odra landscape of Ziemia Lubuska,
a bilingual guide with a map, a picture album on nature and a website have been prepared.
Beata Kulczycka,
head of the Department
for European Integration and Promotion
in the City of Nowa Sól:
– I did not expect cooperation in
the implementation of the project
to go so well. Although most of the work
is being done on the Polish side,
our German partners are very involved.
The effects of the project are so valuable
that we want to continue to promote
the Odra as a tourist waterway and we are
now creating with partners an association
named The Odra for Tourists.
11
Walls rise on the Odra
Revitalization of Kostrzyn Fortress
– Stage II
Lead Partner: the City of Kostrzyn-on-the-Odra
Project Partner: Verein Fort Gorgast
www.kostrzyn.um.gov.pl
www.muzeum.kostrzyn.pl
Polish Hiroshima and Kostrzyn Pompeii – these names accurately reflect the image of a city
destroyed during World War II. Almost nothing remained of Kostrzyn-on-Odra’s Old Town, surrounded by fortifications built over the course of hundreds of years, and what did survive is
slowly rising from the ruins. The revitalization works in Kostrzyn Fortress have now lasted for
18 years. Previously, the only part of the fortifications open to the public was the Gorgast Fort
located on the German side of the Odra.
Construction work on the fortress at the mouth of the River Warta first began in the sixteenth
century. It was then that the first fortifications around the city were created by Italian architects,
one of which was the Philip Bastion, whose dungeons will be converted into museum rooms
next year. The exhibition will be divided into themes: ‘fire,’ ‘water,’ ‘air’ and ‘earth.’ The main
idea is to present the history of the city through successive stages when it was destroyed and
reborn all over again. So far, more buildings have been restored above the earth’s surface,
such as the Chyżańska Gate and the Brandenburg Bastion.
In September 2012, on the terrace of the Brandenburg Bastion and at the top of the walls which
connect the castle square with the Philip Bastion a promenade was opened. Lit, full of greenery
and landscaping elements, it harks back to its pre-war appearance, and it delights both tourists
and present residents of Kostrzyn. This centuries-old fortress is changing the contemporary
face of the whole city.
12
Andrzej Kunt,
Mayor of Kostrzyn:
– Thanks to the revitalization of Kostrzyn
Fortress, the city has received a new tourist
product, attractive not only for Lubuskie
Voivodeship, but for the whole of Poland
and the borderland area. Every year for the
last 13 years we have organized the Fortress
Days here, which attract history lovers from
Poland and Germany.
13
Active Łużyce
Adventure of the Nysa
– tourist development of
Polish-German borderland.
Stage I and II
Lead Partner: District of Żary (stage I),
District of Görlitz (stage II)
Project Partners: stage I – District of Görlitz,
stage II – District of Żary, Commune of Pieńsk,
District of Zgorzelec, the City of Zgorzelec,
Kulturinsel Einsiedel e.V.,
stage I and II – Commune of Zgorzelec
Poland – Saxony 2007-2013
www.przygodaznysa.eu
www.abenteuerneisse.eu
The idea of preparing a varied offer for active tourists arose from the wish to encourage visits
to such a diverse region as Łużyce. The vast Gauteng Forests, the varied landscape of Żarskie
Hills, Zasiecka Valley or Muskau Arc (the only push moraine visible from space) can be explored
by bike, on foot or on horseback, while the valley of the Nysa river can also be seen by canoe
or dinghy.
“The German tourism infrastructure was not connected with the Polish side. After implementing the project, tourists will be able to enjoy the trails arranged on the German side as well
as the ‘natural routes’ on the Polish side,” explains Kazimierz Janik, voyt of Zgorzelec Commune. Information boards will be placed on routes and on buildings, so that everyone can read
about the tourist attractions in the vicinity and rediscover the region. The baroque palaces in
Radomierzyce and in Brody, the historic centers of Żary and Lubsko or the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Muskauer Park encourage visitors to explore the area.
However, the aquatic tourist route on the Nysa with its professional sites for mooring equipment, stairs and gutters for canoeists will be essential. Dozens of places where you can easily
get out of the water to take a break on the bank, using shelters and recreational areas areas,
are foreseen on both sides of the border. Often they will be the same as those for cyclists and
walkers. Old footpaths have also been adapted for cyclists, in addition to 300 km of new routes.
Soon, horse riding and Nordic walking enthusiasts will be provided with new routes, too.
The third stage of the project will involve creation of an information centre in the premises of
the former border crossing. Tourists will gain easier access to information about tourist infrastructure built in the frame of all stages of the ‘Adventures of Nysa.’
14
Olaf Napiórkowski,
secretary of District of Żary:
– While implementing the project
we already saw increased interest from
Polish and German tourists.
Within the project framework we tried
to show not only the most important
monuments, but to rediscover curiosities
often forgotten even by the residents
themselves. This is the greatest source of
satisfaction for us.
15
Under one sky
Carpathian sky.
The development of
astronomy-related tourist products
in the Polish-Slovak borderland
Lead Partner: Humenné Observatory (Slovakia)
Project Partners: Non-investment Fund Telescope in Snina
(Slovakia), Gymnázium Snina (Slovakia),
an association of East Carpathian tourism in Snina
(Slovakia),
Dukla educational centre – Roztoky Observatory (Slovakia),
Secondary School in Lesko, District of Jasło,
Subcarpathian Chamber of Commerce in Krosno,
District of Wiśniowa
Cross-border Cooperation Programme
Republic of Poland – Slovak Republic 2007-2013
www.astrokarpaty.net
16
The potential of the dark starry sky over the Carpathian Mountains has so far been overlooked.
But astronomy enthusiasts are convinced that it can become one of the strengths of the Polish-Slovak borderland and a magnet for tourists fascinated by the charm of what is above us.
But first it was necessary to demonstrate just how exciting astronomy can be. Therefore Slovaks
built a planetarium at Kolonickie Sedlo near Snina, while their Polish partners modernized and
equipped their observatories. The activities carried out there draw groups as diverse as preschoolers and students from the University of the Third Age. Telescopes purchased as part of
the project and used during outdoor events always drew crowds, and many 'observers' realized
how mysterious the sky can be.
Publications released during the project as well as conferences and presentations resulted in
more profound environmental awareness. More and more local authorities and owners of tourist facilities are, for example, considering change lamps to the ones that shine from underfoot.
“After all, it is difficult to admire the stars when the city glows more brightly than the sky,” says
Robert Bury, coordinator of the project on the Polish side. The result is the establishment of
the Slovak 'Poloniny' Dark Sky Park. There are efforts to open a similar area – Bieszczady Starry
Sky – in Lutowiska.
Igor Kudzej,
director of the Astronomical Observatory
in Humenné:
– Thanks to the project, we managed to
promote a new, unique tourist attraction
in the region – astronomical observations
under a sky full of stars. This will help to
extend the tourist season, because
the longer the night, the better it is to
observe them. The project has also resulted
in a growing group of institutions working
together to popularize astronomy and
protection of the dark sky.
17
Everything about the sea
Joint development of cross
-border tourist information
for oceanographic museums
Lead Partner: University of Stralsund
Project Partners: University of Szczecin,
German Oceanographic Museum,
Gdynia Aquarium of Sea Fisheries Institute – National
Research Institute, Lithuanian Maritime Museum,
the Museum of the World’s Ocean (Russia)
South Baltic Cross-border
Cooperation Programme 2007-2013
Value of the project: 1.1 million euro
www.balticmuseums.net
18
Four major oceanographic museums – Gdynia Aquarium, German Oceanographic Museum in
Stralsund, Lithuanian Maritime Museum and the Museum of the World’s Ocean in Kaliningrad
– are located along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. These institutions have unique exhibits
in their collections: specimens of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals which inhabit the planet.
Part of the exhibition presents the history of navigation. But this is not enough to satisfy today’s
tourists, who are used to attractive presentations on the web and to multimedia solutions.
Aware of these challenges, the Baltic museums, along with experts in the field of IT from the
universities in Szczecin and Stralsund, formed a consortium with the aim of developing modern information and communication tools with the use of multimedia. The joint project has
resulted in a multilingual web platform www.balticmuseums.net, where positive aspects of
each institution are presented in an attractive way. Internet users also find information about
the directions, places to stay and other attractions. The youngest tourists were taken into account and a special page, www.kids.balticmuseums.net, complete with games, competitions
and coloring pages was also prepared. In addition, the partners have developed a common
ticketing system and a prototype of an electronic guide.
Grażyna Niedoszytko,
Gdynia Aquarium:
– The project involves experts from
various fields and from several countries.
Thanks to this cooperation between
oceanographers, biologists, computer
scientists, economists, marketing
communications specialists and educators,
ideas have emerged which they,
working in their centers, would probably
never have come up with. A biologist from
the Kaliningrad Region and a financier
in Germany see the world differently.
This is the strength of the project,
as the products resulting from it have
to be attractive to all people traveling
along the south coast of the Baltic Sea
and visiting our museums.
19
To meander in a canoe
Rivers divide, rivers connect
– the construction of canoe marinas
on the Odra and Olza
Lead Partner: the City of Bohumín
Project Partner: Commune of Krzyżanowice
Amount of the ERDF funding: about 323,000 euro
www.mesto-bohumin.cz
www.krzyzanowice.pl
20
The short stretch of the Odra which delineates Polish-Czech border is particularly interesting,
because the river flows here through protected landscape. It meanders through the fields between Bohumín, Chałupki and Zabełków, until it reaches the confluence with the Olza. Riparian
forests overgrow the meanders wetlands, while the banks are inhabited by rare species, for
example, kingfishers. And all this happens literally two steps away from the Silesian mines.
Local authorities on both sides of the border have recognized this ‘water‘ tourism potential,
and together they saw to the construction of five canoe marinas – three on the Czech and
two on the Polish bank. In order to encourage more people to use the canoe routes, equipment for canoeists was purchased. The Polish-Czech canoeing trip initiated during the project
enjoys unflagging popularity. Every year, for the opening and closing of the Odra Border Meanders, water sports enthusiasts come from distant corners of Poland and the Czech Republic.
As highlighted by Ewa Widera, sub-inspector for raising assistance funds in Community Office
of Krzyżanowice, the project has fulfilled yet another important task: it has changed the way
people perceive the Odra. Up to now, especially after the ‘flood of the millennium’ in 1997,
the river was associated only with something dangerous, unpredictable and inaccessible.
Věra Vzatková,
the Department of
Investment and Development
of the City of Bohumín:
– Thanks to the project, many people
learned about the Odra’s merits.
They found out that the river can provide
unforgettable experiences. Over the past
four years, approx. 4,000 people paddled
the Odra Meanders, and in 2011 alone,
during the construction of the marinas
and the promotion of the project,
1,600 people benefited from this form
of recreation.
21
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Regions of innovation
RAPIDE – Regional Action Plans
for the development
of innovation and entrepreneurship
Lead Partner: Regional Development Agency of South
West of England (UK)
Project Partners: Galician Ministry of Innovation and
Industry (Spain),
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship (Poland),
Örebro Regional Development Council (Sweden),
Region Western Greece (Greece),
the Ministry of Economy and Labour Saxony-Anhalt
(Germany), Tartu Science Park (Estonia),
Welsh Assembly Government (United Kingdom),
Presov Self-Governing Region (Slovakia),
South Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovative
Enterprising (Czech Republic),
Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences (KTUAS)
(Finland),
Észak-Alföld Regional Development Agency (Hungary),
Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences (RAMK) (Finland)
Interregional Cooperation Programme – INTERREG IV C
www.conplusultra.com/rapidenetwork
24
Marketing innovative products and services is the basis of sustainable development. But can
innovative attitudes be taught? The participants of the international project RAPIDE believe so.
For two years, during joint meetings and debates they exchanged their experiences and successes in encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in research. The reasons for businesses failing
and the impact of economic failures on innovation were analyzed. The knowledge acquired
helped to prepare action plans for specific regions.
The conclusions were clear. Entrepreneurs more readily use funds for innovation when bureaucracy is minimized and simplification of procedures maximized. The aim of the actions
was therefore to provide effective support for various forms of development and innovation
implementation. Among these strategies, a special place was occupied by the ‘innovation
voucher‘, which consists in financial support for entrepreneurs who want to establish cooperation with scientific institutions in creating new products. In order to minimize the risk
of failure, the participants followed the successful examples set by others, including similar
activities in Belgium, Holland, Denmark, France and Austria, and analyzed the errors. Currently,
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship is coordinating the fourth edition of ‘innovation vouchers.‘
Rafał Modrzewski,
regional coordinator of the project:
– We implemented a set action plan
as part of the Regional Operational
Programme for Kujawsko-Pomorskie
Voivodeship. So far, there have already
been 158 innovation vouchers granted,
totaling approximately 4.8 million PLN.
More and more often proposals concern
the continuation of cooperation
with a selected research unit.
The representatives of many sectors
of industry are seeking support,
such as the electromechanical, chemical,
telecommunications and the healthcare,
biotech and construction sectors.
25
Cuisine next door
Cross-border cuisine
Gorzów Wielkopolski
– Frankfurt an der Oder.
Polish-German educational cooperation
for the common market of tourist services
Lead Partner: the City of Gorzów Wielkopolski
The project’s operator: the Febronia Gajewska-Karamać
Culinary Schools Complex
Project Partners: the Department for Promotion of
Vocational Training of Construction Industry Association of
Berlin-Brandenburg ÜAZ the Centre for Vocational Training /
Frankfurt on the Odra – Wriezen
www.przepisnadobraszkola.edupage.org
26
A good cook’s virtue is not only an excellent workspace, but also creativity in searching out and
devising recipes. Although you can find inspiration almost everywhere, you may just want to
reach for often forgotten regional traditions.
Teachers from the Secondary Culinary School in Gorzów and from the Centre for Vocational
Training in the Construction Industry in Frankfurt an der Odra used the potential of different
culinary traditions of the Polish-German borderland to help graduates find their first job
on both sides of the Odra. They developed a common model of education, which enabled
students to acquire similar professional skills. As part of the project, the Polish-German Training
Centre in Gorzów Wielkopolski, one of the most modern in the region, was established.
As a result, experienced chefs could lead workshops for young people in superbly equipped
kitchens. Budding chefs honed their skills in the customer service room, reminiscent of
an elegant restaurant.
Learning here does not only comprise classes at the school. Students visited the border region
and acquainted themselves with regional products. Meetings during these trips resulted in
the publication of a richly illustrated picture album The Odra menu, or the culinary tourist guide
in Brandenburg and Lubuskie Voivodeship. It includes recipes from both cuisines, a description of
the tours and information on employment and economic activity.
Jolanta Startek,
moderator of regional education
in the project:
– The partnerships we have established
will help us to carry out subsequent
joint projects and in such cases, cultural
differences are an advantage, not a barrier.
The actions we have undertaken provide
an excellent opportunity to acquire
professional skills which may prove
necessary on the European work market.
27
Social Responsibility
RespEn: Responsible entrepreneurship –
a way to increase the competitiveness of
SMEs during the economic crisis
Lead Partner: Pomerania Development Agency
Project Partners: IUC Kalmar län – Industrial Development
Centre In Kalmar County (Sweden),
Pomeranian Chamber of Craft SMEs,
Responsible Business Forum
South Baltic Cross-border
www.responsiblesme.eu /en
28
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is, for most small and medium-sized enterprises, still a
terra incognita. The Pomerania Development Agency, together with three partners, decided
to create practical training programme, adjusted to the Polish and Swedish realities that allows
to fill this gap.
The main objectives of the project were to introduce the subject of responsible entrepreneurship, to show the benefits associated with the implementation of CSR strategy and to teach
how to create such a strategy. The starting point for the preparation of a programme of practical workshops, which are the main component of the project, was to conduct a survey among
the companies from Pomerania and the region of Kalmar. The idea was to see what knowledge
they have on the subject and what their needs in this area are.
So far, two editions of the workshop have been run. They were attended by representatives of
about 40 Polish and 20 Swedish companies. The aim of the workshops was not only to transfer
knowledge and skills on CSR, but also to gather knowledge on the needs and expectations of
entrepreneurs. During the project, the training programme was modified, so as to take experiences gathered into account. Individual work with companies most interested in the subject
will be a continuation of the training. The companies will be eligible for consultants’ assistance
and with the help of experts they will be able to create individual CSR strategies.
Monika Michałowska,
project coordinator RespEn:
– Unfortunately, many micro- and small
enterprises often do not have any strategy
for development. Therefore, for them
workshops on responsible entrepreneurship
were often an opportunity to learn about
the tools that enable creation of such
a strategy. Thanks to their use, a company
may not only act in a more socially
responsible way, but may also improve
its management efficiency.
29
Design and Beskidy traditions
“Project Arting 2010: Product-Showcase”
6th Industrial Design Competition
Lead Partner: BWA Bielsko Gallery
Project Partners: Euroregion Beskidy,
the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry
in Bielsko-Biała, Association of Industrial Designers,
Silesian Castle of Art and Enterprise in Cieszyn,
The Czech Centre in Warsaw,
Design Cabinet Czech in Prague,
Galerie Výtvarného Umeni in Ostrava
www.arting.com.pl
30
The Beskidy have strong traditions of craftsmanship and of industrial and cultural heritage. One only need mention Bielsko, the ‘small Fiat’ car or the children’s cartoon Bolek and
Lolek. Local authorities, designers’ milieu and business representatives agreed to carry out
a project which would help to continue these traditions and to design products with the potential to become new flagships of the region and, in particular, of Bielsko Biała.
The aim of the project was also to show the cooperation between companies and designers and the benefits from treating design as a tool for innovation and, at the same time, for
the continuation of tradition. As part of the undertaking, a project competition for local businesses from both sides of our southern border was organized. Knowledge about the role of
design was disseminated in the Polish, Czech and Slovak media and through exhibitions.
The prize winners included a designer from Slovakia. Efforts were made to encourage companies to propose projects not only for the competition, but also make them cooperate in
the production of prototypes and maintain contact with designers.
Currently, the project focuses on educational activities, such as organizing work experience for
students and including competition subjects in the curriculum of cooperating universities.
Lucyna Wylon,
curator of the 6th Industrial Design
Competition “Design Arting 2010:
Product-Showcase”:
– We are trying to develop new forms
of cooperation between designers
and local businesses and authorities,
and to consider the most effective ways
of creating a permanent base which will
connect them. During the course of
the project, we identified market demand
for products whose design relates to
regional tradition, and which promote
Bielsko-Biała and the Beskidy.
31
Education and the Economy
Vocational education in the region based
on the development of cross-border
business
Lead Partner: District of Giżycko
Project Partner: Centre for Vocational Education in Alytus
(Lithuania)
Lithuania – Poland 2007-2013
www.powiatgizycki.pl
32
A good example of how people can learn from each other and solve problems together is the
cooperation between the local authorities of the District of Giżycko and the Lithuanian city of
Alytus. So far, three cross-border projects have been completed, which strengthen the contacts
of various social and professional groups.
Within the project framework, partners aimed to foster entrepreneurship and improve the quality of vocational education. The effective elimination of obstacles to business operations and
international trade, and also preparing graduates in the appropriate way contributed to the
development of the labour market and, consequently, to lower unemployment rates. As part of
the project, a number of coherent actions were conducted in order to facilitate the exchange
of experiences and contacts between companies and educational institutions. During conferences in Giżycko and Alytus, discussions were held on ways to improve vocational training and
the competitiveness of companies. A notable result of these discussions was the signing of
a memorandum of cooperation between schools. On the other hand, the chances of developing
the common market in the Polish-Lithuanian borderlands and also investment opportunities,
were discussed during business forums, which were attended by representatives of companies
from both countries. Selected employees could participate in training on public competitive
tendering, which took into account the conditions on the labour market in the partner country.
The project also encompassed young people, through the organization of professional training. Pupils from Alytus worked in Giżycko companies, while young Poles trained in the partner
school and in selected partner companies.
Katarzyna Pawliczuk,
project coordinator,
District Team for Support of Schools
and Educational Institutions in Giżycko:
– In our city we modernized the Vocational
Training Centre, where young people from
different schools can improve their skills.
The new equipment in no way differs from
the devices available to the best companies.
Therefore students can better prepare
themselves for future work.
33
Modern diagnosis
Telemedicine at the Euroregion
Pomerania – Pomerania network
Lead Partner: Association Telemedicine
in the Euroregion Pomerania eV,
representing 21 German hospitals
Project Partners: Pomeranian Medical University
in Szczecin, coordinator of the project on the Polish side,
representing 11 Polish hospitals and two universities:
the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
and the West Pomeranian University of Technology
Mecklenburg – Vorpommern / Brandenburg
– Poland (Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship)
2007-2013
Value of the project: approx. 14 million euro
www.telepom.eu
34
Modern medicine is more and more technologically advanced. New methods for fast and more
accurate diagnosis, more effective and safer drugs have led to changes in how the healing
process is managed. Access to modern medical technology should not be out of the patient’s
reach. But what can be done in less populated areas that do not have hospitals offering such
opportunities?
It is the data that should move, not patients – this is the motto of a Polish-German project that
combines medical services with modern telecommunication and information technology solutions. The task of a network consisting of 35 medical centers of support is cooperation – from
prevention to diagnosis and treatment. The participation of many hospitals provides a higher
level of treatment of cancers, heart diseases, strokes, and emergencies. Thanks to a video conferencing system, experts in various fields of medicine can work together to diagnose diseases.
Andrzej Gajewski from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin draws attention to another aspect of the project. "We should not forget about the immeasurable results related to
the creation of lasting partnerships between Polish and German doctors, which would generate many benefits to residents."
Prof. Norbert Hosten, MD,
coordinator of the project:
– The funding which we received for
the project allowed the infrastructure
on both sides of the border to be
modernized. Polish radiological institutions
received modern digital equipment
while German pathology and neurology
units were equipped with teleconference
networks. Once a month, doctors,
administrators, IT professionals and lawyers
from both countries met to work out and
implement the goals of the project.
The close cooperation has led to a better
understanding between the partners,
which is in line with EU expectations.
35
Support needed immediately
Cross-border network
of Services and Consulting Centres
of Euroregion Pomerania
Lead Partner: Municipal Association Europaregion
Pomerania eV
Project Partner: Association of Polish Communes
of the Euroregion Pomerania
2007-2013
www.pomerania.org.pl
36
Companies operating in the regions near the Polish-German border may derive great benefits
from mutual cooperation. This is increasingly the case, as the citizens of both countries more
and more often live as if the border did not exist at all. However, companies do still need legal
and administrative support as well as assistance in finding potential partners and in overcoming cultural barriers.
This is where the idea for a project carried out jointly by the cities and municipalities on both
sides of the border originated. Its purpose is to initiate and strengthen mutual cooperation
and contacts and targets small and medium-sized businesses, associations, societies, local authorities, educational institutions and individuals. As part of the project, a network of Service
and Consulting Centres was created, whose mission is to organize events such as meetings
and workshops. Thanks to them, Polish and German entrepreneurs can acquire knowledge and
share their experiences.
The biggest challenges were the language barrier and cultural differences. This is why employees at the centres are bilingual, and why the conferences included ones dedicated to cultural
differences. However, it was much easier to overcome legal barriers.
Paweł Bartnik,
director of the Association
of Polish Communes
of the Euroregion Pomerania:
– Along with Poland's accession
to the EU a common, cross-border market
for labour and services was created.
Many Poles work in their homeland,
even though they live on the German side
of the border. It became necessary to create
an offer in the fields of real-estate, lawl,
education and services, for example,
related to the provision of child care.
A network of Service and Consulting
Centres serves as a coordinator for such
needs. It is also important to support
the local labour market through the
creation of a Polish-German business offer.
37
THE Many Dimensions of Integration
More can be done together
Together for borderland
Lower Silesia – Saxony
Lead Partner: the Lower Silesia Voivodeship
Project Partner: Saxon State Ministry of the Interior
Value of the project: approx. 1.02 million
www.razemdlapogranicza.pl
www.gemeinsamfuerdengrenzraum.de
40
Lower Silesia and Saxony face similar challenges: revitalization of cities and brown coal mining
areas, rural development, improvement in the functioning of the communications and transportation, and development of effective labour market policies. Why not to solve these problems together?
In recent years, the two regions have been able to boast of many successes in collaboration,
both at the international and regional levels, and also at the level of local authorities. They
have therefore decided that it is essential to continue these joint activities. Three-year tasks
are broken down into three stages. Specially created international working groups will identify common problems and areas for action. A number of conferences, workshops and training
courses are planned. Since another aim of the project is to bridge the barriers that currently
hinder co-operation, such as insufficient mutual knowledge of administrative structures, and
the division of tasks, responsibilities and powers of decision-making, the project will be accompanied by actions to increase integration and enable both sides to discover more about
each other. Partners from Saxony learning the Polish language can serve as an example.
A special website with an online platform for exchanging documents and ideas is to facilitate
the efficient flow of information. An administrative staff of 60 will be involved in the crossborder cooperation.
Joanna Jeż,
– We have collaborated with Saxony
for more than 10 years, and yet there are
still many subjects which have not been
addressed. In the project we deal with
selected issues of importance to both sides.
They are also very important from the point
of view of the new 2014-2020 financial
perspective. Together we strive
for a true ‘Europe of the regions.‘
We hope that the project will have
long-term effects in the form of specific
analysis and expertise, and new cross-border projects.
41
Safety without borders
Safe Firefighter =
Safe region without borders
Lead Partner: Wymiarki Voluntary Fire Brigade
Project Partner: Commune of Kreba-Neudorf
Value of the project: 256,000 euro
Amount of the ERDF funding: 218,400 euro
www.ospwymiarki.pl
A vehicle equipped with modern fire-fighting equipment, a renovated fire station, a workshop with firefighters from Saxony – these are just few of the benefits which participating in
the project implemented in cooperation with the German Commune of Kreba-Neudorf has
brought to the Wymiarki Volunteer Fire Department.
Success would not have been possible were it not for the involvement of the firefighters themselves. It all started when Jan Babiarz, president of the Wymiarki VFD, read a notice in the local
newspaper about the possibility of obtaining EU funds. He decided that this is an opportunity to receive funding for necessary repairs. Wymiarki is the smallest commune in Lubuskie
Voivodeship and up to 70% of its area is covered by forests. Since the forests extend on both
sides of the Polish-German border, fire hazards concerns them both. It was therefore no problem to find a cooperation partner on the German side.
A joint action plan was worked out together with firefighters from Kreba-Neudorf, in which it
was decided that a new rescue and firefighting vehicle adapted to forest areas should be purchased. Its extensive equipment includes a road rescue equipment, equipment to fight antichemical contamination, a gas detector, and fire pumps. Competitions, workshops, training
courses and meetings for firefighters from both sides of the border were organized. The fire
station was also modernised and a smoke exhaust unit and a computer were purchased.
42
Jan Babiarz,
president of the Wymiarki VFD:
– The project required of us a huge
commitment and numerous consultations
with various people in order to persuade
them of our vision and the needs of
the region. In most cases, we met with
understanding and support, thanks to
which we could accomplish our innovative
project. We now take great pride
and satisfaction from this.
43
Factories of culture
Second Chance
– from industrial infrastructure
to creative industries
Five European cities – Kraków, Leipzig, Ljubljana, Nuremberg, and Venice – had a similar need
to revive some of their old industrial buildings. All agreed that the best solution would be to
revitalize them by organizing cultural activities there.
Lead Partner: the City of Nuremberg (Germany)
Project Partners: the City of Leipzig (Germany),
Halle 14 (Leipzig, Germany),
MIB-Fünfte Investitionsgesellschaft (Nuremberg,
Germany), the City of Kraków (Poland),
the Museum of Municipal Engineering in Kraków (Poland),
the City of Ljubljana (Slovenia),
Museums and Galleries of Ljubljana (Slovenia),
the City of Venice (Italy), Arsenal of Venice (Italy)
The cities embarked on a joint project in order to enable funding for this purpose to be more
easily obtained, especially at a time when expenditures on culture are being reduced, and also
to make better use of the experience and capabilities of others. The partners wanted to work
together to develop a better, more dynamic and attractive model of museum activities in old
factories, as well as to develop a formula for public-private partnerships (PPP) as a source of
funding.
Central Europe Programme
www.secondchanceproject.eu
44
In Kraków, revitalization has already covered the St. Lawrence Quarter, home to the Museum of
Urban Engineering. The project’s aim, however, was to enrich the offer and to adapt it to new
tasks, for example, by providing equipment for outdoor events. On completion of the investment, all partners will begin a permanent cultural exchange. In Kraków, cultural animators from
Nuremberg will run workshops for children and young people, and an artist from Ljubljana will
present his photographs.
Janusz Moskwa,
director of the European Funds Bureau
of the City of Kraków:
– Thanks to the project, these cultural
institutions have gained recognition
as reliable partners with the potential to
implement innovative solutions on a local
basis. This cooperation has allowed them
to find common ways of developing,
to increase staff competence and to identify
their partners’ strengths and weaknesses.
Developing the PPP formula is a significant
step towards diversification of the sources
of financing for cultural institutions.
As one of the partners in the project is
City of Kraków, other city cultural
institutions and the public may
also take advantage of these actions.
45
The road which brings together
Development of road infrastructure
between districts of Krosno, Jasło
and Bardejov
Lead Partner: District of Krosno
Project Partners: District of Jasło,
Management and Maintenance of Roads of the
Autonomous Region of Prešov
46
Until recently, the Podkarpackie Voivodeship had only two road border crossings with Slovakia
– a large one in Barwinek and a less known one in Radoszyce. This made daily contacts with
neighbours difficult, hence the idea to use EU subsidies to fulfil dreams and finally build
a directlroad connecting three counties.
For years the border crossing in Ożenna only served local border traffic, the reason being
the lack of roads. Thanks to the determination of the partners, a new transport route was
created,following an old amber trading route that passes through here. On the Slovak side
a missing part of the road was built, and on the Polish side a road leading from Krosno to
the border was repaired. An efficient connection was created, which greatly shortens the trip
between the main towns on both sides of the border.
The scenic road is also an ideal route for tourists as it passes through beautiful areas of
the Magura National Park and the former Lemko lands. The wooden architectural treasures
have been preserved here until today also draw Slovak pilgrims. Other attractions are also popular, including the Archaeological Open-Air Museum of the Carpathian Troy in Trzcinica, and
on the Slovak side, Kupele in Bardejov and Water World in Svidnik. The new road has contributed to the region’s economic recovery, with more and more Slovaks now doing their daily
shopping in Poland. They are also closer to their friends and families.
Jan Juszczak,
Starost of Krosno:
– The modernized road is the shortest,
and yet at the same time a charming
transport link with the popular Bardejov
region. Its opening encourages more
frequent tourist journeys and
use of the attractions offered by
the neighbouring country.
We expect the recovery to boost
tourist traffic and strengthen
business contacts.
47
Looking at the stars
Project Copernicus
Lead Partner: 1st Nicolas Copernicus Secondary School
in Krosno
Project Partner: Middle School in Stropkov (Slovakia)
www.lo1.krosno.info.pl
The magical charm of a starry sky acts as an inspiration for many. Some students of the secondary school in Krosno admit that they chose this school because of the observatory activities and
Astronomical Society classes here. After all, communal stargazing is not only a science, but also
fun and the beginning of many friendships.
The Krosno school was aware of its assets and decided to use them to make its classes even
more attractive. The cooperation with Stropkov Secondary School allowed the project to be
put into effect, and this turned out to be a hit. During workshops conducted at the Roztoki
Observatory near Svidnik, young people received a practical introduction to the secrets of astronomy, studied under the watchful eye of experts and worked with professional equipment.
There was also time for visits to both schools, sport activities and excursions. The contacts established at that time are still maintained, especially when it turned out that the two languages
are not a barrier to communication.
Presentations and sky observations are now carried out in the school’s renovated astronomical
dome. The telescopes and other equipment purchased serve successive students and are used
for the promotion of astronomy at outdoor events such as the Festival of Balloons and Krosno
Days. Another novel outcome of the project is the glass sundial mounted on the front wall of
the school. It recalls the city's other tourist attraction, the Glass Heritage Trail.
48
Ryszard Józefczyk,
head of the 1st Secondary School
in Krosno:
– The experience and knowledge
gained by the participants have led to
achievements at school Olympiads
and at thematic competitions
(for example, Maksymilian Sokołowski
was second at the International Astronomy
Olympiad in Beijing). Students also
organize regular astronomical shows
for local residents and tourists.
So far, cooperation has enabled new
projects to be implemented, including
projects with schools in Slovakia.
49
Sport connects
Cross-border cooperation for youth
Lead Partner: Commune of Olecko
Project Partners: Commune of Orzysz,
Commune of Vilkaviškis (Lithuania),
Region of Alytus (Lithuania)
www.olecko.pl
50
Although important, cross-border projects on investments in the sports infrastructure are only
a means to achieving social and economic objectives. This kind of approach towards collaboration motivated two Masurian communes and their Lithuanian partners. Their local authorities
carried out infrastructural tasks: Olecko renovated its city stadium and built a training ground,
Wiłkowyszki (Vilkaviškis) prepared technical documentation for the reconstruction of its sports
facility, Alytus built a playground at the school in Simnas city, while Orzysz boasts a new sports
and entertainment hall.
Long before the end of the investment the schedule with events planned for the new facilities
was full. Many of these events were attended by players from local authorities in the partner
country. Participants of the summer sport camp in Simnas met not only to compete with each
other, but also to renew friendships that had developed during previous events. The Lithuanians organized tours, which enabled participants to learn Polish history and the customs of
their neighbours and to establish lasting friendships. On the other hand, the new hall in Orzysz
regularly hosts volleyball tournaments between twin cities, while athletics competitions are
organized at the stadium in Olecko. During these events, the Lithuanians had the chance to
discover the beauty of Mazury and appreciate the hospitality of their Polish hosts.
Wacław Olszewski,
Mayor of Olecko:
– The project is of particular importance
to the city. The modernization of
the stadium and construction of
the training field fits into our strategy
of developing our sports infrastructure.
Thanks to the new investments,
Olecko has become one of the most
important training centres in northern
Poland, a fact which also brings specific
economic benefits for the city.
51
To help firefighters
PL – LT 112.
Emergency management system
and service activities
of the European emergency number
Lead Partner: Regional Headquarters of the State Fire
Service in Białystok
Project Partners: Regional Headquarters of the SFS
in Olsztyn, District Headquarters of SFS in Grajewo,
Mońki and Sejny, District Headquarters of the Service
Fire Protection and Rescue in Alytus and Marijampole
(Lithuania)
www.straz.bialystok.pl
52
Every year in the Polish-Lithuanian borderlands the number of fire brigade call-outs grows as a
result of the fire hazards in companies, private properties and forests. The introduction of the
112 emergency number, in accordance with European Union requirements, is to reduce to a
minimum the start time of each rescue . In the cross-border region the unified alarm system
requires excellent coordination of rescue units in neighbouring countries, and as is true elsewhere, speed and efficiency are paramount. The Polish-Lithuanian project carried out by fire
services from Warmia-Mazury and Podlaskie on the Polish side and Alytus and Marijampole on
the Lithuanian side served this purpose.
Successful implementation of new procedures depends largely on the quality of the equipment and on coordination of communication and command systems. The telecommunication
and information systems of the district headquarters in Ełk, Giżycko, Gołdap, Olecko, Pisz and
Węgorzewo were integrated, notification centers and management positions were equipped
with specialist devices and a vehicle with a mobile command and communication unit was
purchased. The Lithuanian partners restructured their management and equipped them with
specialized telecommunications equipment.
Radosław Nowosielski,
regional coordinator of the project,
Regional Headquarters
of the State Fire Service in Olsztyn:
– For several years, the Regional Fire Service
Headquarters in Białystok and in Olsztyn
have been deepening their cooperation
with Lithuanian firefighters. We regularly
hold meetings at various levels of
command as well as joint training
sessions. These experiences helped us
efficient implement the project efficiently.
53
To restore memory
Constellation Szczecin II.
Polish-German film festival
of cinema stars born in Szczecin
Lead Partner: National Museum in Szczecin
Project Partners: Institute of History and International
Relations at the University of Szczecin,
the National Museum in Szczecin,
Pommersches Landesmuseum Greifswald,
Association of Artists and Producers of Art
2007-2013
www.konstelacjaszczecin.pl
54
What do pre-war cinema stars such as Dita Parlo, Heinrich George, Emil Hugo Döblin, Hilde
Weissner, Hans Heinrich von Twardowski, and Ulrich Bettac have in common? All were born
in Szczecin! Meanwhile, very few people associate the city with great, global film-making.
The organizers of the series of cultural events Constellation Szczecin decided to change that.
So far, there have been three editions of the event. During the first, in 2010, the best films with
Szczecin actors were presented. Last year's edition was held under the title Dita Parlo: Rediviva!
and was devoted to a presentation of her artistic achievements with the prominent directors
Jean Renoir, Jean Vigo, and Georg Wilhelm Pabst. The accomplishments of the remarkable actor, Heinrich George, were presented this year.
“Szczecin is a city that is still looking for its identity. Its German past, though obvious, arouses
great emotions, and not always positive ones,” said Dr. Radosław Skrycki, deputy director of the
Institute of History and International Relations at the University of Szczecin. The purpose of the
event is to find common ground between different milieu, such as historians and film studies
specialists. Therefore, screenings of films are always accompanied by numerous cultural events
such as scientific conferences, exhibitions, theatre and opera performances, and presentations
of documentaries from the archives.
Joanna Kościelna,
the originator and coordinator
of the project:
– I am touched by the fact that people
who felt the same way I do once lived
here. Through Constellation Szczecin
I'm trying not to let them leave.
It is also about the memory of the city,
about coming to terms with the fact
that Szczecin was once German and
is now Polish, and about finding
a space that reunites.
55
A wide open border
Hranice dokořan
– Polish-Czech Phrasebook
Lead Partner: ČESKÁ TELEVIZE, Televizní studio Ostrava
Project Partner: Telewizja Polska SA, Oddział Wrocław
Value of the project: approx. 1 million euro
www.rozmowki-polsko-czeskie.pl
56
How does Poland through the eyes of Czechs and how do Poles perceive their Czech neighbours? Polish TV journalists from Wrocław have tried to find an answer to these questions.
The Wrocław centre collaborated with international partners in order to familiarize viewers with
the lifestyle of the borderlands.
A total of 78 nearly half-hour-long episodes of a programme presenting Polish and Czech perspectives on selected topics were produced, covering daily life, social and cultural problems
as well as historical topics. Special attention was paid to Polish-Czech border-related matters,
cross-border cooperation, business contacts and the customs of these two nations. PolishCzech couples were the programme hosts. Polish viewers could see Rozmówki (Chit-chat /
Phrasebook) in 2011-2012 on Polish TVs regional channels in Wrocław, Opole and Kraków, while
the Czech version was broadcast on the national news channel ČT24. Currently, all episodes are
available online on a dedicated website.
Katarzyna Kozłowska-Domańska,
producer:
– From the beginning the programme
was a hit with viewers, who followed
with great curiosity the life which
we documented on both sides of
the border. Together with us they were
learning about their neighbours and
discovering what we have in common.
Polish-Czech TV cooperation made
us realize that there is a great need
to know more about our neighbours
and to find out about extraordinary
places, which in turn led to the idea
for the next project, a documentary
series entitled Across the Borders.
57
Environment
Network fights waste
MIN-NOVATION
Mining and Mineral Processing
Waste Management Innovation Network
It is estimated that in the European Union up to 29% of waste comes from mining. Accumulated over the years in landfills, it has a negative impact on the environment, and yet, at the same
time, waste contains many useful materials for the economy that could be recycled.
Lead Partner: University of Mining and Metallurgy
in Kraków
Project Partners: Upper Silesian Agency for Enterprise
Promotion, joint-stock company,
Lower Silesian Cluster of Materials,
University of Örebro (Sweden),
Örebro Regional Development Council (Sweden),
Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia),
Kainuun Etu Ltd. (Finland), University of Oulu (Finland),
Educational Institution Employers Association of Saxony-Anhalt (Germany),
the European Institute for Innovation (Germany),
University of Stavanger (Norway)
It is not surprising that there is a growing need to develop and test technologies to further reduce the formation of mining waste, which can enable the recovery of materials and allow safe
storage and reclamation of what is of no use to the economy. All these reasons have led to the
implementation of an international project entitled Min-Novation, which set the goal of developing and implementing innovative technologies for managing mining waste, and improving
access to it for the SME sector in the Baltic Region.
Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013
www.min-novation.eu
60
The biggest challenge was not so much the transfer of scientific and technological ideas and
technologies, but the elimination of legal barriers to waste management. The benefits of the
project are manifold: the improved flow of knowledge and exchange of experiences between
countries, regions, companies and research institutions, with the support of local authorities;
strengthening SMEs which deal with the recovery and treatment of waste; enhancing the natural resource base, and finally, improving the environment.
Prof. Marek Cała,
chairman of the Steering Committee
for the Min-Novation project:
– The creation of a multi-sector network
makes it possible to exchange knowledge
and experience on a wide scale, as well
as to undertake joint initiatives to solve
research and legislative problems.
Testing pilot installations for waste
analysis and recovery will allow us
to check the possibility of using them
on an industrial scale, which will translate
into socio-economic effects of
the operation of enterprises.
61
Reconcile business
with environmental protection
Interregional approach
to the development of entrepreneurship
in natural areas – “Business to Nature”
Lead Partner: Polish Tourism Development Agency
in Warsaw
Project Partners: Warmia and Mazury Regional
Development Agency (Poland),
Institute for Economic Development of the Ourense
province (Spain),
the Regional Office of Östergötland (Sweden),
the Province of Perugia (Italy),
the Regional Committee for Tourism Development
Auvergne (France), Powys County (United Kingdom),
Foundation Gran Paradis (Italy),
the Association of Regional Development Alto Tamega
(Portugal),
Commune of Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria),
Centre for Local Development Pivka (Slovenia)
Interregional Cooperation Programme – INTERREG IV C
www.business2nature.eu
62
What to do to develop entrepreneurship in areas of high natural value without damaging
the natural environment, and to conform to environmental protection requirements in such
a way that they do not interfere with this development? The Polish Tourism Development
Agency faced such a dilemma together with 11 partners from 9 European Union member
states.
The participants represented diverse regions in terms of natural qualities, ranging from mountain areas through to lake districts. The aim was to select and describe the most interesting
projects that successfully combine nature conservation with enterprise development, as well
as to develop recommendations for regional policies.
In the database created from the beginning of the project more than 40 good practices were
described. Of course, merely identifying them does not always equate to a simple transfer of
solutions. Often the ideas developed in one region and tailored to its needs are difficult to
translate into another context. It is important in this case that, despite the different conditions,
the ideas can always provide valuable inspiration. Conferences, study visits and work meetings,
during which participants from different countries had a chance to see the innovative solutions
as well as to talk to their creators, were also an important part of the project.
Magdalena Ragus,
– The main objective was to identify
good practices which show how to
develop entrepreneurship in areas
of natural and cultural significance.
An important result of the project,
apart from the good practices database
and the final document in the form of
recommendations for regional policies,
is the building of solid partnerships
between institutions in different countries.
Through study visits and work meetings
contacts were established, which will
survive the completion of the project.
63
Biogas from Polish beaches
Wetlands, Algae and Biogas
– a Southern Baltic Sea Eutrophication
Counteract Project (WAB)
Lead Partner: the City of Trelleborg
Project Partners: the City of Sopot,
Institute of Oceanology of Polish Academy of Sciences,
Pomeranian Agricultural Advisory Centre,
Community Union of Valley Reda and Chylonki,
Pomeranian Centre for Environmental Research and
Technology (POMCERT),
Marshal Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship,
Linneaus University,
the Skåne Association of Local Authorities – BiogasSyd,
Sea River Basin District Authority
South Baltic Cross-Border
www.wabproject.pl
64
The over-expansion of undesirable algae species which gather at the shores not only unbalances the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea, but is also troublesome for coastal tourist destinations
as it makes it difficult to use the beaches. It is estimated that each summer from Sopot's beaches alone 1,500 tons of seaweed are removed and then stored on landfills. Perhaps it would be
a good idea to use this huge amount of biomass, currently treated as waste, for the benefit
of the environment and society? This question was asked by Polish and Swedish partners participating in the project WAB.
The aim of the project, which runs until 2013, is to develop the conception of recycling algae
lying on beaches and in coastal waters with regard to the agricultural economy of coastal areas. One idea is to build biogas plants that use algae as a supplement to biomass. Small biogas
companies could be established on farms, for instance.
A modern monitoring station with specialized apparatus for measuring the various parameters
of sea water and weather conditions has been installed at Sopot pier. All data is recorded on
a computer, and then sent to the Institute of Oceanology, where it is processed. On this basis,
researchers want to develop a model of the occurrence of macroalgae and cyanobacterial algal
blooms for the purposes of beach management.
Prof. dr hab. Grażyna Kowalewska,
the Institute of Ocean Studies in Sopot:
– Poland is still a white spot on
the map of European biogas production.
There are still not enough of such
investments here. Macroalgae are treated
like rubbish, and the Baltic communes
spend a lot of money on removing tons
algae from beaches and on transporting
it to landfills. The project will be beneficial
for both the environment and the local
authorities of Pomorskie Voivodeship.
65
A forest knows no borders
Revitalization of the Beskidy forests
in the Polish-Slovak borderland
in order to improve their social,
environmental and flood control
functions
Lead Partner: Regional Authorities of State Forests
in Katowice
Project Partners: Lesy Slovenskej Republiky,
Obec Stara Bystrica, Forest District Offices of Jeleśnia,
Ujsoły and Wisła
Amount of the ERDF funding: 4.79 million euro
www.katowice.lasy.gov.pl
66
Adverse winds which bring industrial pollution from the Silesian agglomeration and the Czech
Republic have a negative effect on the state of the Beskidy forests. An additional problem is
the dominance of spruce, which does not cope well with unfavourable weather, such as strong
winds and droughts. Meanwhile, a great deal depends on the good condition of forest complexes. For example, they provide excellent protection against erosion, affect the regulation of
water and contribute to a mitigation of the climate.
Nature exists across state borders and needs to be protected independently of them. This idea
inspired Polish and Slovak foresters, who in 2009-2011 joined forces and planted over 10 million seedlings, including firs and beeches, restructuring almost 2,000 hectares of dying spruce.
The diversified stand will better fulfill its functions.
Walkers and tourists who throng the Beskidy were also taken into account. The Beskidy Green
Path, which promotes the idea of the revitalization of the forest stand, was created specially
for them. The 33-km route starts near the Slovak town of Stara Bystrica and ends in the village
of Rycerka Górna in Poland. Along the way, one can also admire the ethnographic museum in
the village of Vychylovka, Przysłop Pass and Wielka Rycerzowa peak. Sheltered resting points
with benches and boards displaying information on the natural and cultural value of the region
were made available to visitors.
Maria Łabno,
project coordinator:
– Spruce dieback occurred on both
the Polish and Slovakian side. The joint
project has allowed us to transform
the spruce stands into multi-species
stands and to exchange our experiences.
In a few years we will see thefirst results of
our actions – a new forest will grow, which
will largely consist of firs and beeches.
67
Where the water is clean and grass green
Revitalization of the urban river spaces
REURIS
Lead Partner: Central Mining Institute in Katowice
Project Partners: the City of Katowice (Poland),
the City of Bydgoszcz (Poland),
the City of Stuttgart (Germany),
University of Leipzig (Germany),
“Green Ring” Association in Leipzig (Germany),
the City of Brno (Czech Republic),
Institute of Planning and Development of the City of Pilsen
(Czech Republic)
Central Europe Programme
Value of the project: approx. 3.41 million
Amount of the ERDF funding: approx. 2.77 million
www.reuris.gig.eu
68
Many residents of Central European cities would like to return to previously clean and green
riverside areas in their non-urbanized form. Until recently, however, there has been a lack of
appropriate methods and procedures and even practical examples of the revitalization of river
valleys in large urban areas, especially in Poland.
Another task set by EU directives is to fulfil the requirements of a new approach to the use of
water resources, which is more ecological, and yet safer for people. In the case of river valleys,
this entails the creation of open spaces protected from buildings and able to collect water excess during floods.
Several Central European cities decided to implement a joint project that would enable recurrent procedures for the appropriate revitalization of river areas to be developed. For some partners – Katowice, Stuttgart and Pilsen – it was also a more complex operation and a possibility
to show that even in the city centre there is space for the coexistence of human beings and
‘wild’ nature. In Katowice, it is connected with the restoration of natural habitats on a previously
devastated stretch of the Ślepiotka river valley.
Leszek Trząski,
REURIS project manager,
assistant professor at the Central Mining
Institute in Katowice:
– The management of urban riverside
areas requires solving environmental
and socio-economic problems
simultaneously, and sometimes involves
reconciling conflicting interests.
The project enabled us to demonstrate
an approach to revitalization that works
for different cities and rivers.
It comprises a recurrent set of methods
and procedures for the coordinated
cooperation of different specialists
and for the effective involvement of society
in the idea and the process of revitalization.
69
Plasma for the environment
PlasTEP – Dissemination and promotion
of technological innovation based on
plasma to protect the environment
in the Baltic Sea
Lead Partner: Technology Centre of Western Pomerania
Project Partners: Leibniz Institute of Plasma and
Technology,
the Association of German Engineers Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,
Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Technical
University of Denmark,
the Lappeenranta University of Technology, ASTRal,
University of Technology in Riga,
Lithuanian Energy Institute,
Kaunas University of Technology,
the Gadiminas University of Technology in Vilnius,
University of Uppsala, Angstroem Laboratory,
Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology,
Robert Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery,
West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin,
the Association of Polish Electrical Engineers
– Szczecin Branch, University of Tartu
Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013
Value of the project: approx. 3.82 millio
Amount of the ERDF funding: approx. 3.05 million
www.plastep.eu
70
Economic growth largely depends on continually increasing production. One result of this is
the emission of huge quantities of pollutants. So can how a high level of industrialization be
maintained without destroying the natural environment? PlasTEP project participants argue
that plasma technologies are the way forward towards clean air and water. Environmental
problems affect large geographical areas, such as the Baltic Sea. What is therefore required is
the cooperation of many countries.
Plasma is a mysterious substance that occurs naturally on Earth only as aurora borealis or australis and as thunderbolts. In a nutshell, we can say that it is an electrically conductive ionized
gas. Plasma technologies are currently being used in devices for precise metal cutting processes, and for environmental or industrial waste management, for example. Researchers from
the Baltic countries decided to look for ways of employing plasma to cleanse the atmosphere
of greenhouse gases and other harmful compounds, such as oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.
The technology is already being used in sewage treatment plants – special filters that remove
odours are being installed. A vessel was also constructed, whose task is to neutralize the crude
oil substances which leak into the sea. An innovative mechanism uses plasma to convert
the pollutants into simple gaseous compounds. Prototypes have been built to draw public attention to the need for investment in new and more effective solutions.
Marcin Hołub,
regional coordinator of the project:
– In our project we focus
a lot on information activities.
We conduct workshops for businesses
who are interested, where they can see
the benefits of using devices based on
plasma technology. And for students
and young researchers from Europe
we organize the PlasTEP Summer School.
71
Challenges and Aims
The challenges and aims
for cross-border cooperation programmes
with the participation of Poland after 2013
The status of implementation of the first edition of the European Territorial Cooperation programmes
is very advanced. Following the Phare CBC programmes, which served to prepare countries for
membership of the European Union, and after the Community Initiative INTERREG III, this is the next
series of programmes enabling a common European space to be built. The next step lies before us,
which will bring us closer to a cohesive and competitive area of the European Union. In the financial
perspective 2014-2020 the main emphasis will be placed on implementing the objectives of the Europe
2020 strategy and further integration will be carried out under Objective 2 of the cohesion policy
as a continuation of the European Territorial Cooperation (ETC).
In order to be best prepared for the forthcoming challenges, the Ministry of Regional Development
commissioned an expert study to show the possible directions in which programmes with Polish
participation may evolve. As part of this analysis, a new model for cross-border programmes was
developed. Its implementation is to lead to an added value increase. This model suggests a shift from
traditional programme activities to the objectives of the new development strategy at the EU and
member state levels.
Future changes should be directed towards focusing resources on a reduced number of priorities, which
ought to be closer linked to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, and towards better integration
of activities, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the European Territorial Cooperation.
The principle of thematic concentration must be linked to the principle of spatial concentration.
With regard to areas eligible for cross-border programmes, what experts suggest is to delineate their
scope using sub-region areas (NUTS III) which are directly adjacent to the border. This rule may be
waived only if the NUTS III border area is very close to the state border, but not adjacent to it. It is
difficult to accept a situation in which an area at a distance such as 10 km to the state border is not
eligible for the programme for administrative reasons. The aim of this approach is to direct support to
real cross-border areas.
74
Changing the delimitation of the programmes can be compensated by the new way of qualifying
partners (including the lead partners) eligible for a programme. The expert proposal is to abandon
the principle that only cross-border institutions with seats located in the area of support can be
beneficiaries. According to experts, maintaining such restrictions with regard to recipients from
beyond the eligible areas stops the broad transfer of know-how and knowledge from strong growth
centres located outside this area. The intention is to allow entities from beyond the supported area to
participate in cross-border programmes, not on the basis of uniqueness, but on equal terms with other
beneficiaries. It is also proposed that this principle should be applicable to the Micro Projects Fund.
Extending the list of beneficiaries creates an opportunity for new, innovative project ideas, which
are mainly generated by organizations and institutions from strong growth centres. In addition,
the potential beneficiaries from the supported areas will be able to take advantage of the intellectual,
organizational and financial resources of institutions from the outside; therefore they will be able
to carry out better, more interesting and bigger projects. In addition, partners from the supported
areas will be able to make use of the contact networks of institutional partners from the outside.
As a consequence, the syndrome of ‘closing’ cross-border environments and duplicating the same
ideas may be weakened. More flexible eligibility of beneficiaries should lead to the strengthening of
institutional links between organizations from cross-border areas and therefore to resolving problems
and to tackling the challenges related to areas of a specific size.
Proposals for the thematic scope of programmes and ways to organize and implement them, as well
as specific ideas for future projects – these are all outcomes of the assumptions, desk research , interviews,
and questionnaires.
75
Cooperation topics proposed by experts focus primarily on:
• The strengthening of research, technological development and innovation, improvement of
the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, promotion of employment and work
mobility of staff
• Investments in education, skills and lifelong learning through the development of an education
and training infrastructure, and strengthening the institutional capacity and efficiency of public
administration
• The promotion of sustainable transport and removing bandwidth problems in the most important
network infrastructures, protection of natural environment and support for efficient use of resources,
promotion of climate change adaptation, risk prevention and risk management
• Support for social inclusion and combating poverty.
Without doubt, the cooperation topics have to be tailored to the specificity, opportunities and
the hazards of particular programmes and border areas. Detailed solutions for each of the supported
areas can be found in the expert study described.
Among those recommendations for the implementation mechanisms in the future financial perspective
which aim to increase the effectiveness of the implementation system, experts name the following:
• building a system for the projects advance payments, which will serve as an incentive for participation
in the ETC programmes for a greater number of entities from outside the local government sector
• strengthening the role of social partners from the commercial and the research sectors in
the programming and implementation of the programme (participation in Steering and Monitoring
Committees and in public consultations)
76
• enlarging the variety of institutions involved in territorial cooperation programmes to include
companies which will help to spread innovation and, consequently, enhance the development
processes in the regions
• involving a wider group of beneficiaries – academic, business, development centres located
outside the eligible area (for example, from Kraków, Wrocław, Katowice, Berlin, Prague, Stockholm),
universities, institutes and other research units, etc.
A key factor for the success and proper implementation of projects co-financed by the ETC is
the partnership of all institutions involved in the project. However, the specificity of ‘partner’
projects demands that the first step in preparing for the project implementation is to initiate and
support collaboration between various parties, which will result in a permanent partnership able
to implement a project co-financed by the ETC. To make this possible, work to arouse interest
in environments that have the potential to carry out projects on both sides of the border is necessary.
From the practical point of view, it is very important to show the possibilities and directions to be taken
to make projects implemented in the programme frameworks offer the greatest possible added value
for the border areas. The previous chapters of this publication show the potential of the European
Territorial Cooperation and present how its diversity makes possible the social, economic and
ultimately spatial integration of these ‘little motherlands’, often distant from the centres and the under-appreciated. The expert study presented here also includes best practices for the ETC from all over
Europe.
This chapter uses the conclusions and excerpts from expert study prepared for the Department of Territorial Cooperation Ministry
of Regional Development by EGO Evaluation for Government Organizations partnership, in collaboration with the European Policies
Research Centre – University of Strathclyde, entitled ‘Challenges and objectives for cross-border cooperation programmes with the participation
of Poland after 2013’.
We invite you to read the full version of the expertise, which also includes a diagnosis and detailed proposals for the objectives and scope
of seven cross-border co-operation programmes with the participation of Poland in the period 2014-2020, available at:
www.ewt.gov.pl and www.ewaluacja.gov.pl.
77
Contents
3 Introduction
6 Tourism
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
It divides seas and connects lands
Blue trail
Walls rise on the Odra
Active Łużyce
Under one sky
Everything about the sea
To meander in a canoe
22 Entrepreneurship and Innovation
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
Regions of innovation
Cuisine next door
Social Responsibility
Design and Beskidy traditions
Education and the Economy
Modern diagnosis
Support needed immediately
38 The Many Dimensions of Integration
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
More can be done together
Safety without borders
Factories of culture
The road which brings together
Looking at the stars
Sport connects
To help firefighters
To restore memory
A wide open border
58 Environment
60
62
64
66
68
70
Network fights waste
Reconcile business with environmental protection
Biogas from Polish beaches
A forest knows no borders
Where the water is clean and grass green
Plasma for the environment
72 Challenges and Aims
74
The challenges and aims for cross-border cooperation programmes
with the participation of Poland after 2013
Publisher:
Ministry of Regional Development
Territorial Cooperation Department
ul. Wspólna 2/4
00-926 Warszawa
tel. +48 22 330 31 05
fax: +48 22 330 31 56
www.ewt.gov.pl
Producer:
Smartlink Sp. z o.o.
ul. Zjazd 2/4
60-653 Poznań
tel. +48 61 849 90 40
www.smartlink.pl
Co-ordination & editing: Iwona Gutowska
Typesetting: Nina Dereszewicz
Texts: Alicja Hendler, Piotr Koziróg, Barbara Kozłowska, Krzysztof Orłowski, Joanna Pieńczykowska, Marek Rokita, Andrzej Szoszkiewicz
Photographs: archives of the beneficiaries, Łukasz Głowala, Tomasz Jodłowski, Konrad Królikowski, Franek Mazur, Janusz Tatarkiewicz
Translation: Tomasz Nowak
Proofs: Rob Pagett
Publication co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Technical Assistance Operational Programme
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