About the project

Wetlands = water, life, climate

The project „Eco-generations. Wetlands = water, life, climate” is an intergenerational educational campaign, carried out in parallel in local communities in which there are wetlands in the immediate vicinity. Its aim is to increase the ecological awareness of recipients about the ecosystem services of wetlands and the need to protect them in the immediate vicinity. The title of the project carries the most important substantive message, talking about the invaluable ecosystem services of wetlands and fighting against the misconception of their uselessness.

The project is implemented by the Earth and People Foundation in partnership with Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Wetlands, which constitute approximately 14.2% of Poland’s area, are endangered ecosystems. The main threats include: drainage, failure to properly manage, exploitation of peat, burning of peat bogs and reed beds, development of infrastructure, residential buildings. Small wetlands, with an area of ​​less than 1 hour, are not covered by protection and are the first to fall victim to human economy.

Experts indicate the main threat to wetlands existing on a local scale. Maintaining the natural values ​​of wetlands and their restoration requires appropriate action to increase environmental awareness and shape the opinion of the society and local authorities.

The campaign carried out as part of the project will:

  • Reach different age groups and whole families with knowledge about wetland ecosystems.
  • share knowledge in the form of various educational tools
  • support civic and local activity for the protection of wetlands

The main target groups will be seniors and young people and indirectly local communities. Together with the Partner, the Foundation will implement a coherent education plan for different age groups, showing how to integrate different generations, their knowledge and skills in order to achieve a sustainable future for the next generations. Farmers and landowners with unprotected wetlands will be an important target group among the local community. At the same time, the project will be created by representatives of local communities – 30 partner Universities of the Third Age (U3A) associated in the network of „Earth-Friendly Universities”. The U3A will receive the status of the project ambassador and, under the 2nd cascade, they will carry out the activities of the Local Social Action called „Eco-generations adopt wetlands”, calling for getting to know and taking care of the nearby, „own” wetland ecosystem, and thus, an expression of civic activity for environmental protection.

The campaign will include:

  • Conference with a seminar for EcoAnimators,
  • Intergenerational lectures and workshops – 30 trainings,
  • Social Action „Eco-generations adopt wetlands” – in 30 U3A,
  • Intergenerational photo and art competition,
  • Publications and educational and promotional materials,
  • A web portal with a knowledge base,
  • Campaign in traditional and digital media.

EEA Grants

The EEA Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway towards a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.

There are two overall objectives: reduction of economic and social disparities in Europe, and to strengthen bilateral relations between the donor countries and 15 EU countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics.

The three donor countries cooperate closely with the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). The donors have provided €3.3 billion through consecutive grant schemes between 1994 and 2014. For the period 2014-2021, the EEA Grants amount to €1.55 billion. The priorities for this period are:

#1 Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness

#2 Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction

#3 Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy

#4Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights

#5 Justice and Home Affairs

The EEA Grants are jointly financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, whose contributions are based on their GDP.

Eligibility for the Grants mirror the criteria set for the EU Cohesion Fund aimed at member countries where the Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average.

 

www.eeagrants.org 

www.norwaygrants.org