Introduction
Dear friends,
An annual report is always like a rear-view mirror. We are glad to see the picture more colorful again. The Ekopolis Foundation implemented eight grant programs, two funds and three of its own projects in 2007. We managed to launch a Block Grant that will become one of the most important sources of finances for Slovak environmental NGOs in 2008-2010. We ran Trixi Mobil tricycles, published the manual, “Communication in Nature Protection”, and co-organized the “Tree of the Year 2007” inquiry. Our long-term assets reached 1.27 Mil. EUR.
Looking back, we can see also what is ahead, such as the “Cyclists Welcome” certification scheme and the operation of Trixi Mobils in new cities.
We would like to thank all our partners and supporters and also those who we could support. Those relationships and results make our work meaningful.
Peter Medveď, Director
Ján Mičovský, Chairman of the Bord of Trustees
Ekopolis Foundation
Past
Its beginnings date back to 1991, when it operated as part of the Environmental Partnership for Central Europe program.
It was implemented by the German Marshall Fund of the US in Poland, Hungary and the former Czechoslovak Republic. Independent foundations were established in each of the countries in the 2nd half of 90s.
At first, the foundation mainly supported model solutions to environmental problems. Gradually, its scope has broadened to also include civic activities and institutional strengthening of NGOs. Resources and know-how were mostly acquired from foreign donors, e.g. USAID, C. S. Mott Foundation, CEE Trust and others. In recent years, domestic donors have expanded the circle of our supporters.
Present
Thus far, we have supported 2183 projects, for a total value of 7.37 Mil. EUR. In all, more than 240 Ths. EUR were awarded to 88 projects in 2007. We operate in all regions of Slovakia. We are members of the Environmental Partnership for Sustainable Development – an international association joining six foundations.
Our main tools are grant programs. We support projects in three areas: conservation of natural and cultural heritage, public watchdog and creation of public spaces with citizens’ participation. We provide counsel in formulating topics for philanthropy programs based on our long-term experience in the nonprofit sector.
Future
We envision an advanced civil society whose citizens take responsibility for societal development and environmental issues; a society whose citizens are interested in participating in public policy, have the courage to adopt a critical stance and care about avoiding detriment to future generations.
We want to continue providing both financial and non-financial support to contribute to the sustainable development of Slovakia. We will also plan our own projects at the international level. We want to secure the financial stability and independence of the foundation through systematic endowment building. We want to fulfill our mission in cooperation with citizens, municipalities, companies, state and foreign partners.
Grant Programs and Funds in 2007
People for Trees
We support people who take initiative to improve the environment in their communities. In the last two years we financed planting of 17 384 trees and bushes and care of 29 valuable trees within the program. In 2007, 1 360 people were involved in these activities. A nationwide inquiry, “Tree of the Year,” launched with REC Slovakia, has become a part of the program. With 2191 votes, a pear tree from Zvolenská Slatina won care from ISA Slovakia and a financial gift for improvement of its surroundings.
Partner: Skanska (34 projects, 48 Ths. EUR)
Green Belt
This program is one of the 2007 freshest. In its first round alone, 174 applicants submitted proposals. They wanted to create or renew environmentally valuable localities, mostly school areas and public greenery. 19 selected projects attracted our attention with their innovative solutions.
Partner: Slovnaft (19 projects, 47 Ths. Eur).
Environmental Program
This program has supported 528 projects and distributed 1.35 Mil. EUR during its 16 years. NGOs enforcing systemic changes in nature conservation, solving concrete environmental problems or influencing decision-making on public issues are eligible to apply. Activities with a potential to contribute to practical nature conservation and to serve as model examples are given priority. Besides standard projects, we also supported two in the Preparing for Deluge subprogram from a GDS Giving contribution.
Partners: C. S. Mott Foundation, GDS Giving
(9 projects, 33 Ths. EUR)
Public Spaces Program
We assist in developing pleasant spaces that are designed, built and maintained by local citizens. We provide finances, education and counsel to the selected applicants. Four public spaces welcoming children and adults were created in 2007 and five more are going to be developed in 2008. A workshop on improvement of urban environments was organized in cooperation with the British Council, including case studies from Great Britain, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Partner: ČSOB Financial Group (5 projects, 22 Ths. EUR)
Greenways
Greenways are trails for recreation, sports or everyday transport to work or school. They contribute to citizens’ healthy lifestyles and make their respective regions more attractive to visitors. Our foundation has been supporting their development and promotion in Slovakia since 2004. We focus on four localities: Turiec, Banská Bystrica – Zvolen, Prešov and Bratislava, where 175 km of greenways have been developed so far. In 2007 we also supported a project in Košice. By March 2008, the number will increase by another 450 km.
Partners: Toyota a T-Mobile Slovakia
(5 projects, 21 Ths. EUR)
Alternatives to Nuclear Energy
Based on an agreement with the donor of the program, we defined the hot issues and challenged the most active NGOs. We tried to build on previous successes and stimulate cooperation among organizations to increase the efficiency of our support. The selected organizations concentrated their efforts on monitoring the management and impacts of nuclear energy, analyzed its economic aspects and opened a discussion on renewable energy sources.
Partner: BMLFUW (4 projects, 20 Ths. EUR)
Block Grant EMVO-TUR
The Block Grant Toward Sustainable Development through Support of Environmental NGOs in Slovakia was launched in January 2007. It is supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism, the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the State Budget of the Slovak Republic. During the following three years we will distribute more than 2 Mil. EUR in four areas: protection of the environment, sustainable energy, food safety and environmental education. The first projects will be implemented during 2008-2010.
Living Trails
We launched this program with Toyota in December 2007. It aims to support the sensitive renewal of the Tatra Mountains and the improvement of hiking conditions. Selected tourist and educational trails will be renewed and several public spaces will be beautified in 2008. The cooperation of local partners is required - volunteers, NGOs, institutions as well as entrepreneurs will participate in the projects. New marking and attractive storytelling in valuable localities will increase the quality of nature protection.
Active Citizens´ Fund
We have been supporting advocacy in several programs for a long time. In 2005 we established a special fund for public policy making with citizens, legal changes and watchdog activities. The fund collects contributions from domestic and foreign donors and 2% tax deductions designated by individuals. It was administered in cooperation with the Center for Philanthropy in 2007.
Partner: CEE Trust (11 projects, 17 Ths. EUR)
Tatra Fund
This fund is our reaction to the devastating windstorm in the Tatra Mountains in November 2004. It has financed 30 projects in the total amount of almost 468 Ths. EUR so far. Sensitive renewal of particular forests has become its priority. The largest cohesive supported area surrounds the Rakytovské and Jamské tarns. A part of it has been left untouched and the other part is being renewed with human assistance. Public discussions on renewal methods, reconstruction and several educational programs have been supported as well.
General partners: Partnerství Foundation, Tatra banka
(1 project, 31 Ths. EUR)
Non-grant Programs and Activities
Nature Conservation and Tourism
Communication and Interpretation Strategies in Nature Conservation is the full title of this project, implemented in partnership with the Management of the Low Tatras National Park (NAPANT), Ö.T.E. and marketing experts. We seek ways to increase mutual understanding between environmentalists and investors in protected areas and we strive to increase the public’s interest in nature protection. A manual for professional environmentalists was printed with the support of DBU. In 2007, we processed four case studies on tourism in national parks and a simple communication strategy for NAPANT with a team of experts.
Trixi Mobil
Trixi Mobils are modern and ecological tricycles for one driver and two passengers. We launched their operation in Slovakia in June 2007. The services of five vehicles were available in Bratislava, and later in other cities as well. The cabs have been produced in Berlin since 1997. Nowadays, they can be seen in almost every eco-friendly European city. They are mostly called Velotaxis. In 2008 you can take a ride on one in Bratislava, Košice and Piešťany. Trixi Mobils support our Greenways program. Their partner is T-Mobile Slovakia.
Cyclists Welcome
We developed a new project for the support of cycle tourism at the end of 2007. Starting in 2008, a “Welcome Cyclists” certificate will be awarded to tourist services and facilities friendly to cyclists. They will be marked with a symbol of a smiling bicycle and will be registered in an international database of tourist points. The certification scheme has been inspired by examples from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and it is based on a Czech scheme. DOEN Stichting and Toyota are the project partners.
Development of Community
Foundations in Macedonia
In 2007, we continued to mediate the international exchange of know-how in cooperation with Center for Philanthropy from Bratislava. We realized a study and counsel program for representatives of NGOs from Macedonia focused on operation and development of community foundations in Slovakia.
Thanks
For their financial support in 2007, we thank:
British Concil, Slovakia
Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Austria
C. S. Mott Foundation, USA
CEE TRUST, USA
Center for Philantropy, Slovakia
ČSOB Financial Group, Slovakia
DEDÁK & Partners, s.r.o., Slovakia
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, Germany
DOEN Stichting, Holland
GDS Giving, USA
EEA Financial Mechanism
Norwegian Financial Mechanism
State Budget of the Slovak Republic
Hayek Consulting, s.r.o., Slovakia
Institute for Sustainable Communities, USA
Nadace Partnerství, Česká republika
Nadácia Pontis, Slovakia
Partnerstvo n. o., Slovakia
Skanska Slovakia
Slovnaft, a.s., Slovakia
Tatra banka, a.s., Slovakia
T-Mobile Slovakia, a.s.
Toyota Motor Europe, Belgium
UniCredit Bank Slovakia, a.s.
Andreas Beckmann
Ján Roháč
Dušan Doliak
Juraj Mesík
We also thank individuals from Slovakia and other countries who addressed their gifts or 2% tax allocation to our foundation.
For their non-financial support in 2007, we thank:
Denník SME
Korzár
Newton Media
Our thanks go also to the people who supported us with their volunteer help:
Members of Board of Trustees, Supervisory Board and Advisory Boards.
Special appreciation belongs to Peter W. Haas who provided his photos to our Annual Report (printed version) without claim for compensation.
Born on June 25, 1964 in Czechoslovakia. With his father as a mentor he started to
take photos at the age of 8 and has never quit. Since 1990, he has done freelance photography work.
Exhibitions:
Jerusalem 1992, Banská Bystrica 1997, Praha 2000, Šalgotarián 2002
Banská Bystrica 2004, Zvolen 2007. More than 1000 of his works can be found in
galleries and private collections
Influences:
Josef Sudek, František Drtikol, Jaroslav Rossler, Jaromír Funke
Techniques:
Platinotype, Cyanotype, Oil Print, Black & White photography, Colorized Black & White
Photography. Most works created with 13x18 and 20x25 cm contact.
Techniques Used at the Annual Report:
Hands 2000 – a cycle of Black & White photography, 6x6 cm negative.
Other techniques used: Noble prints – Platinotype, Kallitype tinted by AuCl3 and Pt,
13x18 cm, 20x25 cm contact.
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