Four districts of the Vitebsk region have received 200 thousand euros to improve the environmental situation, the "Interaktsiya" Foundation informed a BELTA correspondent.
Four districts of the Vitebsk region have received 200 thousand euros to improve the environmental situation, the "Interaktsiya" Foundation informed a BELTA correspondent.
Grants of 50 thousand euros each were allocated on December 19 to the Braslav, Glubokoye, Polotsk, and Chashniki 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 funds will be used for the creation of green zones and the modernisation of the municipal solid waste management system," the Foundation emphasized.
Action plans are strategies for analysing and eliminating environmental threats. In Belarus, the development of these strategies was coordinated by the "Interaktsiya" Foundation, and they were officially approved by the district authorities during October-November of the current year. Each LEAP includes a specific "green" initiative reflecting the district's specifics and its current environmental situation.
For instance, in Polotsk, the funds will be used to combat harmful atmospheric emissions originating from industrial enterprises in Polotsk itself and the neighbouring city of Novopolotsk. Three green zones will be established in the city, where plants providing the most effective air filtration will be planted. Additionally, a greenhouse will be set up at the district centre 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 their carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2020.
In Braslav, local authorities will use the received funds to design a new recreational area in the city centre. It is expected that residents and tourists will be able to walk under the shade of trees and relax by a new pond in 2017. The newly created recreational space will feature playgrounds for children and a summer cafe.
Regarding Gluboksky and Chashniksky districts, grants will be allocated for improving the waste collection process. A modern garbage truck will be purchased for Gluboksky district, and in Chashniki and Novolukoml, about 200 containers for separate collection of solid household waste will be installed.
"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 MEPD in Belarus, representing the "Interaktsiya" fund.
The local fund for promoting international dialogue and cooperation "Interaktsiya" is a non-governmental organization based in Minsk. It specializes in the development and implementation of EU-funded projects in Belarus and neighboring countries.