Polski
Cities of up to 50,000. residents will receive up to PLN 2 million in funding to build retention basins, create gardens, parks and permeable paving. The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management will allocate 140 million zlotys to de-concentrate cities. Climate Minister Anna Moskwa stresses that green infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to Poles.
NFOŚiGW subsidy program for de-concretization of cities launched
As much as PLN 100 million from the National Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund and PLN 40 million from the EU’s FENiKS program – such funds have been allocated for the development of greenery in cities of more than 50,000. residents. In an interview with PAP, Minister Anna Moskwa stressed that for Poles, greenery in urban spaces is becoming increasingly important, as indicated by the results of environmental awareness surveys:
“As much as 97 percent. Poles indicate as important having green areas in the area where they live. In the past year, 9 out of 10 people visited green areas near where they live at least twice a month, and 75 percent. Respondents are willing to get involved in creating and caring for existing green spaces in the immediate area.”
A grant program to support green infrastructure in cities over 50,000 was launched on October 4. residents. Smaller ones will be able to receive up to PLN 2 million to counter heat islands and green the area. According to a study commissioned by the Ministry of Environment and Climate, it is the smallest cities that have the biggest problem with concretions – in 569 of them, green spaces occupy only 3.45 percent. the entire area.
The program’s funds are to be used to unseal impervious surfaces and increase the proportion of green space in urban areas. Green infrastructure is a factor that is often neglected and underfunded by the authorities. They forget that it not only performs landscape functions, but also provides species biodiversity, cleaner air and, above all, increases water retention.
Green infrastructure in small towns – the most important principles of financing from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management
Applications for green infrastructure investments can be submitted from October 4 to 31 through the Grant Application Generator. If you do not have an e-signature, you must first send an electronic version of the application, and then hand over a printout of it, bearing a special barcode on the first page, by mail or in person at the office of the National Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund. The application must be accompanied by statements in accordance with the representation of the applicant.
The minimum amount of funding is 500 thousand. PLN 2 million maximum. The grant covers 85 percent. eligible costs and can be allocated to one or more investments in the city.
According to the National Environmental Protection Fund‘s website, examples of activities that support the de-concentration of cities include:
- Removing the concrete covering the parking lots and car parking areas, and replacing it with permeable pavement;
- Creating an area for planting trees, shrubs, flower meadows and flowerbeds;
- Creating “pocket parks” in the ground, rain gardens, and special gardens for water and marsh plants;
- Construction of nature-based rainwater treatment systems, such as hydrophytic treatment plants;
- Construction of bioretention ditches, plant passages, runoff troughs and absorption troughs
- purchase and installation of small architecture to be placed on permeable surfaces – benches, pergolas, sheds, gazebos, waste baskets, bicycle racks, etc..;
- Renaturalization of the banks of watercourses and reservoirs.
The Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund, Slawomir Mazurek, invites applications, stressing that green infrastructure will not only make cities greener, but will also contribute to improving the quality of life of their residents.
Green infrastructure – global thinking, local action
Water crises such as floods and droughts are becoming more common globally. Climate change is bringing torrential rainfall and prolonging periods of drought. Green infrastructure in cities is a solution that helps manage excessive rainfall and reduce soil erosion. Green areas are able to absorb a significant amount of rainwater, which reduces the risk of flooding of streets and properties.
Green infrastructure also means increasing groundwater retention, which counteracts hydrological drought. Planting urban areas with greenery, creating parks and rain gardens allows for efficient collection of rainwater and turning it into a source of irrigation for plants and a reservoir of drinking water. This is especially important during periods of drought, when water resources become limited.
Green infrastructure, in addition to environmental benefits, is also an improvement in the quality of life for small town residents. Parks, public gardens and green spaces provide places for recreation and relaxation where people can spend time outdoors. Creating green zones not only contributes to biodiversity, but also makes cities more livable.
