What We Strive For
Archive
2nd round of Green Belt program
Before deadline of 6th year of Green Belt program there were obtained recordlly 565 applications. 112 most interesting projects proceeded to the 2nd round. 3rd year of Think big program opened Think Big is a chance for young people. Mission of Think Big program is to motivate young people to create and realize their ideas and support their projects in the field of culture, sport, art, and environment. 72 tourist establishments with "Cyclist welcomes!" logo The purpose of the „Cyclists Welcome!” certificate is to create a network of tourist services and establishments set to the needs of cyclists to promote bike transportation and cycling tourism in Slovakia. The partner of the project is DOEN Foundation, TOYOTA company and Allianz Foundation. The projects in Iža and Prša supported by Public Spacec program 2011 were finished In Iža (Komárno district) were during November opened new public space in the garden of Center of Health. The municipality obtained 5,500 € from Public Spaces Program 2011. The second public space was opened in Prša (Lučenec district). The inhabitants reconstructed a park in the center of the village, which was destroyed by floods in 2010. Special mention of the jury for the Landscape Award Special mention of the jury for the Landscape Award of the Council of Europe representing the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage and Landscape obtained Ekopolis Foundation with a project: "The grant programmes for local communities to shape their surroundings into a place where they are happy to live". Tree of the year 2011 is a lime tree from Lipany The winner of Tree of the Year 2011 inquiry is 320-years old lime tree from Lipany (Sabinov district), which obtained 1699 votes. It will represent Slovakia in the european competition – European Tree of the Year. On the second place is lime tree from Kamničany (Ilava district) with 1384 votes. Third place is rowanberry tree from Bošáca (Nové Mesto nad Váhom district) with 1303 votes. Totaly obtained 12 finalists 10 167 votes. 6th year of Green Belt program opened Ekopolis Foundation and SLOVNAFT company opened 6th year of environmental grant program Green Belt. SLOVNAFT financed this program by 68 Ths. €. Financial support for the projects can obtain the people with active approach in the environment and good ideas. Public participation is one of the criteria to obtain the support. 3rd Thematic Seminar and Final Conference of UrbSpace project The deputies of Ekopolis Foundation took part on the 3rd Thematic Seminar and Final Conference of UrbSpace project on Sepetmber 28 - 30, 2011. The meeting was organised in Vienna Technical University, which is one of the 13 project partners from 8 countries. The Park of Priest Linčovský revived in Liptovský Mikuláš. The secret story of a Lime Tree. Near the Gothic church of St. Peter of Alkantara in Liptovský Mikuláš, the park of Priest Linčovský was revived with the addition of new benches, plants and shrubs. Tatry Civil Association obtained a grant of €2500 from the Green Belt Program to finance the project. The program was opened by the Ekopolis Foundation in partnership with the Slovnaft Company, with Tatry C.A. cooperating with the Roman Catholic Church parish Okoličné. Discussion about public spaces “Relax on the water front in Trencin ” On Thursday, September 14, 2011 a public debate was held to discuss the future of the popular recreational space by the river Vah, in Trenčin. The objective of the meeting was to seek inspiration for the regeneration of this public space so that it may continue to serve different groups of people for both leisure and recreation. Final conference of Central Europe Project and Thematic Seminar Urban open space planning and design in small and medium-sized towns in Central and Eastern Europe has been the focus of a collaboration project of 13 international partners within the Project ‘UrbSpace’ from 2008 to 2011, implemented by the CENTRAL EUROPE programme, co-financed by the European Union´s Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The grantists from Public Spaces Program 2011 renew their spaces The inhabitants from Handlová, Iža, Martovce, Veľké Kapušany and Prša work hard during these summer days on their public spaces to create new and useful places. After planning phase there are reconstructed popular places by means of voluntary work. The places are cleaned from waste and weed, reconstructed to placed there benches, mobiliary for children and teenagers. Greenways 2011 supported 5 projects Ekopolis Foundation supported 5 projects in the amount of 5 Ths. € in Greenways Program. Thanks to the support od Allianz Foundation and 2 % contributions will be held special events for cyclists in Žilina, Banská Bystrica and Bratislava during European Mobility Week on September 2011. Than an international conference will be held in Trnava and cycling trails realised in Štiavnické Mountains. Living Energy Fund supported 11 projects In 3rd year supported Living Energy Fund 11 next projects in the whole amouth of 30 Ths. €. Before the deadline obtained Ekopolis Foundation 30 applications by 150 Ths. €. Advisory Board oriented on smaller projects with higher added value like voluntary work or non-traditional technical solution. During three years the Living Energy Fund supported 28 invested and educational projects by 149,743 €. Town of Komarno opened new recreational zone In the town of Komarno will be more opportunities for relax and pleasanter free time spending. Near ox-bow of Vah river was renewed a part of recreational zone. The town of Komarno obtained for its project 5,200 € from Rest beyond the City program. The program was opened by Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with the partner Heineken Slovakia company. Workshop of educational needs for Think big projects Foundation of Children of Slovakia Foundation in cooperation with Ekopolis Foundation and Telefónica Slovakia company invite youngs, whose projects were supported in Think big program at the workshop od educational needs. You can know the story of new educational trail in High Tatra On Saturday, June, 11, 2011 there was opened an educational trail in the locality of Rakytovské plieska – Jamské pleso (Rakytovské – Jamské blind lakes). The trail was opened by Ekopolis Foundation together with partners at the special event named „Ways from the calamity“. The project was supported from Tatra Fund by Ekopolis Foundation by 322,000 €. 91 nominations in Tree of the Year 2010 inquiry Up to 91 trees were nominated for 9th annual competition of Tree of the Year 2011 inquiry by friends of the greenery in Slovakia. Nominated trees represent more than 20 different species of woody plants. Annual Report 2010 In these days there is being published the Annual Report 2010 of Ekopolis Foundation. You can find there the overview of the programs, projects, activities, grants and also financial part. Special mention of the jury for the Landscape Award Special mention of the jury for the Landscape Award of the Council of Europe representing the Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage andLandscape obtained Ekopolis Foundation "The grant programmes for local communities to shape their surroundings into a place where they are happy to live". Living Energy Fund will support the projects of renewable energy sources Living Energy Fund will support the projects focused on energy saving and education. The fund is provided in cooperation with ZSE Energia, S.A, Ekopolis Foundation and customers, who are interesting in the supporting usage and development of renewable energy sources and to express their responsible approach to the economical usage of electricity. Living Trails program will support 60 km of touris trails In 4th year of Living Trails program, which supports the renovation and improvement of tourist trails in Slovakia were supported 3 projects by 7,000 €. The program was opened by Ekopolis Foundation with general partner TOYOTA MOTOR SLOVAKIA. Public space planning in Martovce In 7th year of Public Spaces Program there were supported 5 projects in towns and villages, which were in 2010 destroyed by floods. The partner of Public Spaces Program is ČSOB Financial group. Each project obtained the support by 5,500 €. 51 supported projects of Think Big program 51 projects from the whole Slovakia were supported from Think Big program. The program was opened by Telefónica O2 Slovakia company with the partners Ekopolis Foundation and Children of Slovakia foundation in February 2011. Public Space planned by inhabitants in Veľké Kapušany First planning meeting of public space creation and reconstruction was organized in Velke Kapusany on March, 25 and 26, 2011. It was prepared by informal inhabitants group. The project was supported by 7th year of Public Spaces program of Ekopolis Foundation. 230 projects in Think Big Program Think Big is a chance for young people. Mission of Think Big program is to motivate young people to create and realize their ideas and support their projects in the field of culture, sport, art, and environment. Ekopolis Foundation has opened the 9th year of Tree of the Year inquiry Trees have an important place in our lives. They deserve our attention, but also care and protection. Therefore, it is the objective of Tree of the year inquiry, which 9th year was opened by Ekopolis foundation in first day of the spring, to highlight the importance of old, rare, or endangered trees and arouse people's interest in their environment and its protection. Vote for the European Tree Until March, 7, 2011 can you find on www.treeoftheyear.org public voting in international inquiry European Tree of the Year, which first year opened the Partnership Foundation in cooperation with Ekopolis Foundation. Thing Big will support the ideas of young Think Big is a chance for young people. Mission of Think Big program is to motivate young people to create and realize their ideas and support their projects in the field of culture, sport, art, and environment. Public Spaces training in Senec More than 20 participants took part at the training of public spaces planning and creation in Senec on January 20 - 22. Three days long training was focused on deputies from towns and villages supported from Public Spaces Program 2011. Iron Courtain Trail meeting At the beginning of January the Ekopolis Foundation was a hospitator of 2 days long meeting of project managers Iron Courtain Trail. It is a cycle trail, 6,800 km long, which is in preparation. It will continue along the previous border between Ost and West. It will lead from North Arctic Ocean to Black Sea. 5 supported projects in Public Spaces Program 2011 In 7th year of Public Spaces Program there were supported 5 projects in towns and villages, which were in 2010 destroyed by floods. The partner of Public Spaces Program is ČSOB Financial group. Annual Meeting of Civilscpae in Belgium In Antverp (Belgium) there was organized the annual meeting of Civilscape on December 10 - 12, 2010. Civilscape is a Platform of NGOs from all over Europe in support of the European Landscape Convention. Historically first Slovak Republic Award for Landscape has been awarded to Ekopolis foundation In Banska Bystrica on 24th November there was a ceremonial presentation of Slovak Republic Award for Landscape. The award was awarded by the Ministry of Environment of SR with the aim to recognize the activities leading to the high-quality and sustainable landscape management. In Ekocentrum near Košíc they will advise you how to build in a modern, ecological, and cheap way. The aim of the project of the civic association called Sosna from Košice was to repair the Ekocentrum in Družstevná pri Hornáde, near to Košice to have it serving as an example and inspiration for everyone who wants to build and live in an ecological, low-energy-demanding building and feel pleasant and healthy at the same time. The members of CA Sosna obtained for their project “House with sun roof” the amount of 6,792 EUR from the Foundation Fund Living Energy announced by Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with ZSE. How to take care of the landscape by the way it will be a valueable heritage ? "Landscape in town, town in landscape" is the name of international conferecne, which was organized by Ekopolis Foundation and Slovak Environmental Agency on November, 11 and 12 in Banská Bystrica. The international conference within the CEE region was organized at the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the European Landscape Convention opening for signature (Florence, 2000), implementation of European Landscape Convention and successful realization of UrbSpace project supported from Central Europe Program and financed by European Regional and Development Fund. 850 years old oak tree is Tree of the Year 2010 The winner of Tree of the Year 2010 enquiry is 850 years old oak tree from Dubinne, which obtained 911 votes. On the second place is yew tree from Pruské with 761 votes and on the 3rd place is also oak tree from Želiezovce with 577 votes. UrbSpace project meeting in Poland On October, 7. and 8. 2010 there was organized fifth meeting of Urbspace project team in City of Sopot in Poland. Project UrbSpace - enhancing the attractivity and quality of urban environment is supported by Central Europe Program and financed by European Regional and Development Fund. At the meeting presented the project partners their pilot projects, which are actually in the phase of their realization. Educational trail to Muráň Castle renewed To Muráň Castle there is a new educational trail 6.5 km long. For its renovation there was obtained 4,500 € from Living Trails Program of Ekopolis Foundation by Club of Muránska Planina friends. The program was opened by Ekopolis Foundation with the partnership of TOYOTA company. The objective of the project was the renovation of signs, sign-posts, information boards and anti-erosion actions. In Liptovská Teplička there was opened a tourist trail In the occassion of completion of the project "Reconstruction and improvement of the quality of tourist trail infrastructure in the area of Liptovská Teplička village", there was organized final mutual meeting on October, 2, 2010. The Conference on the participation in environmental education called „School of alternation“ The objective of the conference is to present the inspirational ideas and practical proposals of activities for teachers, people working with young and children, students, but also experts. Slovak Capital of Biodiversity is Town of Želiezovce The International Year of Biodiversity 2010 was opened by the United Nations. In Slovakia, the partner of an international project „Support of the Nature Protection and Biodiversity in Urban Areas“ is the Regional Environmental Center. 7th year of Public Spaces Program supports the renovation of public spaces destroyed by floods The renovation of public spaces in towns and villages, which were destroyed by floods or landslides this year is the topic of 7th year of Public Spaces Program. By 5,500 € there can be supported the civic groups, NGOs and municipalities in an open competition. The applicants will obtain, except for financial support for the project, also technical help and assistance by realisation. The deadline is October, 5, 2010. The young planned the renovation of both square and community park On Thursday, August, 19, there were 30 people, who took part at the planning meeting about reconstruction of the square in front of Akropola Cinema in Kremnica. At the similar meeting there met about 20 young people from Žilina – Záriečie, who planned „Creative Camping under Roundabout“ on August, 25, 2010. Natural gardens and building industry at the courses of Sosna, C.A. The Ekopolis Foundation and Sosna, C.A would like to invite all who are interested in natural gardens design and clay plasters for the courses, which will be organized in reconstructed ecocenter in Družstevná pri Hornáde near Košice. The customers of Metro Slovakia company can vote for the project and support tree planting The wholesale network Metro Company started up campaign last November, which supported the circularization of printed handbills through e - mails. From every registered customer, who will take the actual offer in e-mail form, Metro will contribute 1 euro for tree planting in towns and villages in Slovakia. In this project Metro will cooperate with Ekopolis Foundation in the People for Trees Program. Projects from Žilina, Zvolen and Kremnica won the support from Think Big program Creative camping in Žilina, skate park in Zvolen and renewed square in front of the cinema are projects, which obtained the highest number of votes and won the financial support of 7 000 € in the pilot year of Think Big program. The program was opened by Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with the partner of the program – Telefónica O2 Slovakia. There was opened an educational trail from Svit to Lopušná Valley On July, 25, there was opened an educational trail from Svit to Lapušná Valley. The trail is 4 km long and it was reconstructed and opened for the tourists thanks to the financal support of 3800 € from Green Belt 2010 grant program. This program was opened by Ekopolis Foundation and SLOVNAFT, S.C.. Think Big will support the ideas of young people Telefónica O2 Slovakia in cooperation of Ekopolis Foundation opened new grant program Think Big. Mission of Think Big program is to motivate young people to create and realize their ideas and support their projects in the field of culture, sport, art, and environment. For public voting there were chosen 6 best projects by an Advisory Board, which member was the popular Slovak actress Zuzana Fialová. Living Energy supports 10 projects saving energy and environment Living Energy Fund supports 10 projects by 62,972 € in 2nd year of its existence. The projects are focused on energy saving investment projects and education. . The projects are oriented on energy saving invested projects and education. Living Energy Fund is provided in cooperation with ZSE Energia, S.A, Ekopolis Foundation and customers, who are interesting in the supporting usage and development of renewable energy sources and to express their responsible approach to the economical usage of electricity. New facilitators for public spaces planning were being trained in Banská Bystrica On June, 10 and 11, 2010 there was organized the second part of educational training „Public involvement into public spaces planning and creation" by Ekopolis Foundation. The training was organized as a part of UrbSpace project financed by Central Europe Program and ERDF. 79 nominations in Tree of the Year 2010 inquiry Up to 79 trees were nominated for 8th annual competition of Tree of the Year 2010 inquiry by friends of the greenery in Slovakia. Nominated trees represent more than 20 different species of woody plants. New facilitators for public spaces planning were being trained in Bratislava On May, 25 and 26, 2010 there was organized the first part of educational training „Public involvement into public spaces planning and creation“ by Ekopolis Foundation. The training was organized as a part of UrbSpace project financed by Central Europe Program and ERDF. New educational trail in Beckovské Skalice Nature Reserve was opened Beckovské Skalice Nature Reserve with an area of 29.5 ha was proclaimed by Regional office in Trenčín in December, 2003 after long term endeavor of professional and voluntary protectionists. They would conserve this “island” of diverse nature in urban landscape. Ekopolis Foundation at 20th meeting of Association of Towns and Villages of Slovakia On Wednesday, May, 19, 2010 Ekopolis Foundation took part in 20th meeting of Association of Towns and Villages of Slovakia. There were presented the programs and activities of the foundation. Ekopolis is a member of European Cyclists´ Federation Ekopolis Foundation took part in annual meeting of European Cyclists´Federation in Tczewe (Poland) on May, 14, 2010. The foundation was accepted as a member of the ECF. ECF is the most important European organization, which represents the interests of cyclists in all aspects. 50 applications in Living Energy Fund Before the deadline, April 30, 2010, there were obtained 50 applications for the support of 583,125 Euros to Living Energy Fund. 34 applicants are interested in investment priorities and 16 applicants in education and awareness increasing activities on sustainable energy sources. In France about mobility Increasing of cycling conditions and transport, decreasing of number of cars in towns, public transport systems, sharing cars and efficiency of their rides and other interesting topics were the subject of study tour of EPSD deputies, whose member is also Ekopolis Foundation, to French town Chambéry in Savoy Alps in the beginning of May. Ekopolis Foundation opens educational course of public spaces planning As a part of UrbSpace project supported by Central Europe Program and financed by ERDF Ekopolis Foundation prepared the educational course „Involment of public into public spaces planning and creation.“ An ecological and educational project of Daphne gained 1st prize The children of Kindergarden Nezabudka (Myosotis) in Banská Štiavnica gained, thanks to the partitipation in the project of Daphne - Institut of Applied Ecology, the highest award in the art competition "We cannot complain aloud" in their cathegory. Smile for Tree Smile for Tree is the name of a new program of Ekopolis Foundation, which was opened in April 2010 in partnership with SHP Harmanec Group. The objective of the program is to revive the public spaces through the planting of trees so that they will be greener and more beautiful. UrbSpace team meeting in Italy The 4th meeting of international team UrbSpace was organized in italien cities of Milano and Asti, on April, 19 – 21, 2010. Project UrbSpace – enhancing the attractivity and quality of urban environment is supported by Central Europe Program and financed by European Regional and Development Fund. Ekopolis Foundation has opened the 8th year of Tree of the year inquiry Trees have an important place in our lives. They deserve our attention, but also care and protection. Therefore, it is the objective of Tree of the year inquiry, which 8th year was opened by Ekopolis foundation, to highlight the importance of old, rare, or endangered trees and arouse people's interest in their environment and its protection. Annual Report 2009 of Ekopolis Foundation In these days there is being published the Annual Report 2009 of Ekopolis Foundation. You can find there the overview of the programs, projects, activities, grants and also financial part. Ekopolis Foundation will treat the poplar trees in Zvolen After Easter it is starting the treatment of poplar trees growing near water cannal in Zvolen. This activity is ensured by Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with Municipality of Zvolen and SHP Group Harmanec, S.A., in the program „Smile for tree“. The treatment will last for about 10 days. There was organized a workshop „Forests valuable with large social significance“ The workshop was organized on March, 30, 2010 in National Scientific Library in Banská Bystrica. The objective of the workshop realized by A-project C.A. was to introduce the Handbook for identification, management and monitoring of forests with large social significance in Slovakia, its pilot implementation in 3 areas in Slovakia and opportunities of its practical usage. Green Award Via Bona was won by Toyota Motor Slovakia, Ltd. for the program Living Trails Green Award Via Bona for the best environmental project was obtained by Toyota Motor Slovakia Ltd. for the program Living Trails. The program is realized in cooperation with Ekopolis Foundation and it is focused on reconstruction and renewal of tourist marked trails, educational paths and public spaces, which are used by the tourists in national parks in Slovakia. Ekopolis at the workshop in occasion of 10th anniversary of European Landscape Convention signiture On Wednesday, March 23, 2010 Ekopolis Foundation took part in the workshop in occasion of 10th anniversary of European Landscape Convention signature. The workshop was an accompanying event of plenary meeting of Slovak Association of Landscape Ecology. The workshop was organized at Faculty of Natural Sciences of Commenius University in Bratislava. UNESCO has awarded the activities of the project „Green school“ Slovak-German project, which is a part of educational program „Green school“ was awarded in Koln (Germany). It obtained a prestigious prize of German Comission of UNESCO. The project is one of 86 projects, which was entitled as „Official project of UNO Decade for education of sustainable development“ for 2010 – 2011. Ekopolis Foundation presented the methodology of public involvement into territorial planning and decision making in Žilina On Thursday, March, 18, 2010 there was organized the presentation „Public involvement into territorial decision making, territorial planning documentation preparation and planning of public spaces". The meeting was organized by Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with Municipality of Žilina. In Banská Bystrica, Hrušov and Bátovce there were planned new public spaces On Saturday, March 13, there took place 3 planning meetings in towns and villages in Slovakia at the same time. The local communities would plan and realize the reconstruction of public spaces. The meetings were organized in Public Spaces Program, which is in 2010 the part of international UrbSpace project supported of Central Europe Program and ERDF. 21 green belt – places for relax and education will spring up in Slovakia Since March there have been starting the works at 21 projects, which have obtained the support from Green Belt Program. The program has been opened by Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with SLOVNAFT, S.C.. By automn there will have grown new educational paths, renewed parks and public green areas, renewed localities of natural, historical, and cultural values in Slovakia. For realization of the projects there were provided 56,000 Euros. Living Energy Fund supports ideas of effective energy usage Last year there were supported 8 projects by 56,771 Euros from Living Energy Fund. The donors are ZSE Energia, S.C. in cooperation with Ekopolis Foundation. This year there is planned to support the projects which contribuate to the energy efficiency development and to education in this field. In 2010 there will be provided 63,000 Euros from the fund. In Hrušov there springs up "Stage under pears“ This year, Ekopolis Foundation supported also the reconstructions of five public spaces in towns and villages in Slovakia. The main idea of each project is public involvement to the creation of concrete public spaces beginning with the planning phase. “Stage under pears” should be created in Hrušov, Rožňava district. Ekopolis Foundation took part in Pecha Kucha Night in Košice On Thursday, February, 18, 2010 in the evening hours in Košice there was organised an interesting event named Pecha Kucha Night. The presentation evening for NGOs and 3rd sector was prepared by Center of community development Košice and Východné pobrežie (East Coast), C.A. 22 applications for the support in Living Trails Program 2010 Before the deadline Ekopolis Foundation obtained 22 applications for 102,000 euros. The objective of the program is the reconstruction of turist trails in national parks and reserves in Slovakia. Idea proposals of Lanice park in Zvolen were presented for the public Nearly 40 deputies of professional and lay public met on Thuesday, 9, 2010 in Zvolen. The objective of the meeting was the presentation and common discussion about idea proposals of Lanice park in Zvolen. For the primaeval forests protection they work also during the winter In the project "Primaeval forests protection" in Slovakia FSC Slovakia strives for identification of all natural forests in Slovakia, database creation of forests with basic description and specific details of each locality as well as a map of primaeval forests of Slovakia, and realisation of advocation activities in order to improve primaeval forests protection and increase public awareness of the subject. The training about public spaces was organised in Senec Nearly 2 tens deputies of local communities from the whole Slovakia took part in the educationally training (January, 21 - 23) about public spaces planning and creating with active participation in Senec. Prize for the largest contribution to the local community improvement won a project from Dvory nad Zitavou Two kindergartens – Slovak and Hungarian, in Dvory nad Žitavou (Nové Zámky district), which use the common area, decided to revive it by greenery planting. They planned and realized project „Revitalisation of the local kindergarten area“, which obtained them 635 Euros from People for Trees Program. Surprising 316 applications in the first round of Green Belt Program Before the deadline of the 1st round of Green Belt Program we obtained surprising 316 applications for the support. The program is supported by Slovnaft, S.C.. Idea proposals of Lanice Park in Zvolen will be presented for the public In Slovakia there is usually an investor and an architect who are exclusively involved in design, construction or renewal of the urban public spaces. Public Spaces Program will support places for neighbours Five interesting projects have been supported by 5,000 Euros from Public Spaces Program 2010. In Banská Bystrica, Bátovce (Levice district), Borinka (Malacky district), Hrušov (Rožňava district), and Volkovce (Zlaté Moravce district) the people obtained an opportunity to renew their public spaces into nice and safe places. Week–end events in Zaježová Let us invite you, together with Centre of Enviromental and Ethical Education Živica, for two events which are the part of the project: Holistic Environmental Education: In the circle of women: January 22 – 24, 2010 Healthy life–style: February 12 – 14, 2010 Thanks to active inhabitants, there grew new public spaces in Haniska and Banská Štiavnica In the end of 2009 there were given two new public spaces for utilization reconstructed in accordance with ideas and needs of local communities. Both of these projects were supported in 5th year of Public Spaces Program 2009. We thank to all donors, corporate partners and to all who sympatize with us, We thank to all donors, corporate partners and to all who sympatize with us, who supported us and expressed their trust while fulfilling our vision. Result of our cooperation and loyality has been one hundred supported projects in overall amount of one thousend two hundred Euros this year. However, larger value is the contribution of these projects for people and our environment we have managed to beautify and revive together. We thank for the opportunity to support, including your important aid, all who are concerned in the green around us and freedom and democracy in us. We wish you all the best in year 2010. We wish you health, good luck and satisfaction. May you be filled knowleadge, that good deed is not measured by size but by sincerity and courage to play the life fair play. Ekopolis Foundation Team The program Smile for Tree starts with the renovation of the park in Zvolen Smile for Tree is the name of a new program of Ekopolis Foundation, which is working together in partnership with SHP Harmanec Group. The objective of the program is to revive the public spaces through the planting of trees so that they will be greener and more beautiful. Instead of printing handbills, Metro will plant trees and the place will be decided by customers The wholesale network Metro started up a campaign, which supports the circularization of printed handbills through e – mails. From every registered customer, who will take the actual offer in e-mail form, Metro will contribute 1 euro for the planting of trees in towns and villages in Slovakia. Greenfield supports the Ekopolis Foundation The Ekopolis Foundation and its activities has been supported since November 2009 by Greenfield, s.r.o. The company contributes 1 euro from every guest uses the services in the resort. The Ekopolis Foundation in the Annual Meeting of CIVILSCAPE On November 27 and 28, 2009 the Ekopolis Foundation took part in the annual meeting of the Civilscape Network in Florence. Civilscape is a Platform of NGOs from all over Europe in support of the European Landscape Convention. It was established on the 23rd of February 2008 in Florence. New alley in Šimonovce Thanks to the financial sources of People for Trees Program there were planted in Šimonovce (Rimavská Sobota district) the trees in the area by the school. The grant program opened the Ekopolis Foundation with the partner Skanska Group in Slovakia, which supports this program since 2005. In Necpaly village planted out „safety islands“ for wild animals The Necpaly village obtained 1,850 eur for its project from People for Trees Program. The goal of the project is to create an barrier and a cache for wild animals on the free ground in the village. The grant program opened the Ekopolis Foundation with the partner Skanska, which supports this program for 4 years. Living Trails 2010 Ekopolis Foundation and Toyota open the 3th year of the grant program Living Trails. NGOs and non-formal inhabitants groups can obtaine the financial support of 5,000 euro for the improvement of nature conservation in national parks and protected areas. Invitation to the conference „Climate changes – on the to way to Copenhagen“ We invitate you to the conference, which take place on November, 23, 2009 in the Hotel Avance, Medená street, Bratislava, at 9:00 am. The organizer of the conference is the Civic Association „For Mother Earth Slovakia“ (C.A.). Ekopolis obtained through the prestigious competition a certifikate of „Qualitative Annual Report“ In the 10th year of the prestigious competition „The Best Annual Report“ the Ekopolis Foundation was successfully placed in the best of 10. Trees like a barrier in Nižný Žipov In the Nižný Žipov village (Trebišov district), the people decided to make a barrier through the planting of trees. They obtained the support of 2,000 eur from the People for trees program for the project „Healthy life – green alley. We opened the 4th year of the grant program Green Belt Slovnaft, a.s. and Ekopolis foundation opened the 4th year of the environmental program Green Belt. The applicants can prepare the projects, which will help to realize their ideas in the towns and villages in Slovakia. The program will be supported from Slovnaft, a.s. with an amount 62,000 euro. The deadline for the projects is November, 30, 2009. 3rd international meeting of the UrbSpace project team The deputies of Ekopolis Foundation took part on the 3rd international meeting of UrbSpace project team on November 26 and 27, 2009. The meeting was organised in Erfurt (Germany) by the University of Applied Sciences, which is one of the 13 project partners from 8 countries. Tree of the Year 2009 The winner Tree of the Year 2009 is 84 years old Popral Tree from Bratislava which obtained 596 votes. On the 2nd place is Elm Tree from Liptovské Revúce with 594 votes and on the 3th place Lime Tree from Myjava with 591 votes. Invitation for a workshop „Placement of public spaces in settlements" We invite you to attend the workshop about the planning and creation of public spaces with the name: „Placement of public spaces in settlements – planning of sustainable and successful public spaces“. The workshop will take place on 12th November 2009 at 9:00 am in the library by Technical University in Zvolen. The Ekopolis Foundation in the international conference about public spaces in Krakow On October, 1st and 2nd 2009 the Ekopolis Foundation took part in the international conference about creation of great public spaces: "Turning Great Ideas into Great Public Spaces - a Conference on Practical Steps to Make Great Public Spaces a Reality". The Gemer Region will be greener On Thursday, September, 10, there was completed the most important part of the project “Trees for today and tomorrow” in Šimonovce (Rimavska Sobota district). Invitation for the workshop Interpretation of local heritage and public spaces In every village, town or region there are not only interesting places and monuments but also the stories, memories and traditions. The whole group represents the local heritage, which creates the identity of the place. The opening of a reconstructed public space in Rumanová On Saturday, August, 29, 2009 there was given to the Theatrical Company of Rumanová and Municipality of Rumanová a public space in the historical park to the public for cultural activities. Vote for the Tree of the Year and support its treatment Symbolically, on the Day of the Tree in Čierny Balog on July, 11, 2009, there started the public voting about Tree of the Year 2009. Until May 2009 the Ekopolis Foundation obtained 88 nominations of trees from the whole Slovakia. Seminar with topic: Woods with big social importance The goal of the seminar organised by A-project NGO was to introduce the methodical suggestion for identification, working and monitoring woods with a big social importance in Slovakia and start comments of both experts and public. It took part on June, 23 in Bobrovec. The 2nd workshop with the topic of Public Spaces took part in Zvolen On Thuersday, June 16, 2009 the second workshop orientated on the public spaces topic took part in Almada Pension in Zvolen. Architects, institutions, local iniciatives paid attention to the workshop. The Lims in local park in Dubnica nad Váhom were carried On June, 16, 2009 in Dubnica nad Váhom there was "Lims by the J. Nepomucký statue" project ceremoinally finished. Living Energy Fund helps both to save expenses and environment In the first, pilot year, Living Energy Fund of Ekopolis Foundation has supported 8 projects in an amount of 56 771 eur, which are focused on renewable energy sources usage and energy saving. The Ekopolis Foundation at the conference about European Landscape Convention From May 27 to May 30, 2009 the 1st European Conference was organised in Nové Hrady (southern part of Czech Republic). The topic of the conference was "The Implementation of ELC at local level". 88 trees have been nominated on the Tree of the Year enquiry There were 88 trees nominated to the enquiry Tree of the Year until the end of May 2009. During the next few days the advisory board will choose 12 finalists from all nominated trees. Limes in protected avenue were carried in Liptovský Hrádok The first from 28 projects, which obtained the support of People for Trees Program is finished. Liptovský Hrádok was supported with 1700 EUR to realise the project „Protected limes avenue care“. Thanks to the support 12 rare limes got professional care. How to create friendly public spaces First of 5 workshops about urban public spaces took part on April, 23th, 2009 in Zvolen. The Ekopolis Foundation intention´s is to focus broad public´s attention to urban landscape and quality of its environment. The Ekopolis Foundation supported next 15 projects from the Block Grant EMVO-TUR with an amount of 900 Ths. eur In the 3th Call for Proposals of the Block Grant Toward Sustainable Development through Support of Environmental NGOs in Slovakia, The Ekopolis Foundation granted more than 900 Ths. eur to 15 NGOs. Altogether, 40 organisations applied for the financial support in the 3rd Call of Proposals. In English park in Želiezovce will be treated 6 rare trees Civic Association Formica in Želiezovce (Levice district) started on April, 22nd with the realization of the project Oak tree - Remembrance on the family of Esterhasy , which was supported with an amount of 2600 eur from People for Trees grant program. Ekopolis - Fair Trade partner For 18 years has the Ekopolis Foundation supported the ideas of sustainable development. On April 2009 our foundation decided to connect to the challenge "We are looking for fair partners" and obtain FAIR TRADE certifikate. Water as a part of urban spaces The Ekopolis foundation prepares the workshop: “Water as a part of urban spaces ”, which will take place on April, 23 in Zvolen. People for Trees Program will revive 28 localities in Slovakia through greenery. People, who are interested to do something useful for the greenery in their environment received an opportunity to obtain the financial support from People for Trees grant program. Tree of the Year 2009 nominations From March, 20, 2009 to May,20, 2009 have the municipalities, schools, individuals, firms or other organisations an opportunity to nominate their favourite tree which is interesting, rare, beautiful or otherwise appealing to the national inquiry Tree of the Year 2009. Grantists planned their public spaces On March, 6th and 7nd the grantists in Medovarce (Krupina district) and Rumanova (Nitra district) planned their public spaces. In People for Trees Program will be appreciated 124 projects Until March, 2nd obtained the Ekopolis Foundation 124 application forms for People for Trees Program. 5 application forms didn´t fulfill the formal criteria. Advisory Board will appreciate 112 projects. 40 applicants in Block Grant EMVO - TUR February, 19 was a deadline for Block Grant EMVO - TUR. The Ekopolis Foundation obtained 41 projects. Beside 2nd Call for Proposal it´s a two-fold number. 24 new Green Belt in Slovakia Green Belt Program, which 3rd year called the Ekopolis Foundation, knows new grantists. The foundation obtained 285 applications in amount of 313 818 EUR. 24 projects were supported. The partner of the program is Slovnaft, Plc. Six tourist trails in National Parks will revive For renewal and increasing of the tourist trails and their infrastructure in National parks in Slovakia gained the support 6 organisations in National parks. Living Energy Fund started The goal of the Living Energy Fund is the support of the projects, which contribute for an utilization of the renewable energy sources and for a development of effective and rational energy usage, support of the extension service and RandD. 4th Call for Proposal of the Program „People for Trees“ started with news 4th Call for Proposal of the Program „People for Trees“ advertised the Ekopolis Foundation together with the partner Skanska group Slovakia. The support 2 600 EUR could be obtained by NGOs, schools, municipalities, towns and nonformal inhabitant´s groups. New grantists of the Public Spaces program took part on the training in Banská Štiavnica From 15th to 17th January 2009 took new grantists of Public Spaces program part on the training in Banská Štiavnica. In the Public Spaces Program 2009 will be supported 5 projects In the Public Spaces Program 2009 will be supported 5 projects in the amount of 25 thousand €. Ekopolis Foundation supported the following 11 “green” projects from the Block Grant of EMVO – TUR More than 27 million SKK were divided by Ekopolis Foundation to 11 non-profit non-government organizations active in the environmental protection area in 2nd call for Proposal of Block Grant EMVO – TUR – Support for Environmental Non – governmental Organisations. In Pohorelá opened new square In Pohorelá (Brezno district), they celebrated on Friday, December 5th 2008 the opening of new square "Pohorelský dvor". The project of the square renewal was supported from the open grant programme Public Spaces in 2008. In Nižná Boca, there was finished the renewal project of the tourist trail. On November, 29th 2008, in Nižná boca, there was opened the renewal project of the tourist trail. The members of Civic Association Ramža obtained the financial support for the project "To know the National park of Low Tatras Safely" from the programme "Living Trails". Unique visit in Ekopolis Foundation On November 21st the Ekopolis Foundation was visited by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth Walaas and the Ambassador of Norway Kingdom Brit Lovseth. Ekopolis Foundation attends kick off meeting of transnational project aiming on the urban environment A network of organizations across Europe involved in the transnational project Urban spaces – enhancing the attractiveness and quality of the urban environment - UrbSpace met on November, 19 in Bratislava for the official kick off meeting of the project. The 3rd Call for Proposals from the Block Grant EMVO-TUR announced The Ekopolis Foundation announced a Call for Proposals for applying for a grant from the Block Grant EMVO-TUR financed from the EEA Financial Mechanism, Norwegian Financial Mechanism and state budget of the Slovak Republic on 19th November 2008. The proposals can be submitted till February 19, 2009. A Small Party with Big Friends On October 25, 2008 members of the “Green for Fončorda Neighborhood” civic initiative celebrated the renovation of the public space in Banská Bystrica. The Ekopolis Foundation supported their project „A Place for Us – Neighborhood Citizens“ in the Public Spaces Program. The Garden in the Alžbetka Crisis Center renewed On October 25, 2008 there was a final ceremonial in the Alžbetka Crisis Center in Spišská Nová Ves. The renewed garden and adjusted yard were opened and can serve for the children staying in the facility. The Eden Project was planned and implemented by members and supporters of the crisis center. Ekopolis Foundation at the NGO Market in Banská Bystrica On September 18, 2008 citizens and visitors of Banská Bystrica could learn on the work of non-profit organizations operating in their region directly on the main square of the city. The Ekopolis Foundation introduced the Tree of the Year inquiry and the Trixi mobil project. The 5th round of the Public Spaces Program opened On September 16, the Ekopolis Foundation opened the 5th grant round of the Public Spaces Program dedicated to the revitalization of public spaces trough the active participation of the citizens. The deadline for submitting the proposals is October 20, 2008. EPSD Annual Meeting in Romania The EPSD Annual Meeting took place from September 3 - 5, 2008, in the home town of the Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation, Mircurea Cuic, located in central transylvania, Romania. A Relax Zone in the Monková Valley in the Tatras Opened The Ždiar Tourism Association has placed informational boards and basic tourist infrastructure on the tourist trail from Ždiar crossing Monková valley to Kopské sedlo. The zone was opened on July 22, 2008. The project was supported from the Living Trails grant program launched by the Ekopolis Foundation in cooperation with Toyota Motor Slovakia. The Ekopolis Foundation at the Pohoda Open Air Festival The Ekopolis Foundation introduced 12 finalists of the nationwide inquiry Tree of the Year 2008 and provided eco-taxi with its Trixi mobil tricycles at the Pohoda open air festival on June 18 – 19, 2008 in Trenčín. Greenways program will support new trails for healthy life-style in 2008 The Ekopolis Foundation celebrated World Environment Day (June 5) with three symbolic events. It announced the fifth year of the Greenways program, opened a new season of ecological tricycles in Slovakia and offered a free ride to citizens of Bratislava. The “Silence” movie awarded at Envirofilm 2008 Film s názvom "Ticho", ktorý vznikol vďaka podpore Fondu Tatry, získal na XIV. Medzinárodnom festivale filmov o životnom prostredí Envirofilm 2008 cenu v kategórii D - Voľná tvorba a filmy pred deti a mládež. |
