Supporting the Transition to a Green Economy in the Republic of Belarus

About of project:

Description

The “green” economy aims to improve the wellbeing of people and mitigate environmental risks. Nature is a key resource from the perspective of the “green” concept. Application of modern, efficient strategies helps to benefit from its advantages without causing damage.

Goals and Objectives: The Project supports the idea of the economic growth of Belarus based on “green” principles, and it facilitates the development of local environmental initiatives.

Intermediate Outcomes: Under the project, a number of pilot initiatives in the field of green economy have been supported; new ways of interaction between the authorities, NGOs and business have been found. Twenty-three pilot projects and initiatives, including 16 community-based, have been implemented.

Thus, production of recycled high-quality office paper was arranged in Barysaŭ.

A grouse nursery was established in Naliboki Reserve.

A wood waste-to-biofuel processing complex appeared in Brest.

A highly efficient sapropel-to-organic fertilizer processing facility was arranged in Žytkavičy.

An eco-tourism and marketing strategies for Trans-Bug Palesse and Sviciazianski Reserves, as well as a green transport development strategy for the Radziwills' Palace and Park Complex in the village of Palaniečka, Baranavičy District, were developed.

Several pilot initiatives were implemented in seven economic sectors: phyto production, water resource management, eco-tourism, biodiversity preservation, eco-innovations, waste management and organic farming.

In Miadzel District, the 21^st Century Phytotherapy Manufacturing and Training Centre was opened, and a sustainable system of wild medicinal plant collection and primary processing was established.

In Kamianiec District, four villages joined to create a phyto-tourism destination, an herbal tea production facility; the Vodar Belavezhzha phyto-tourist route was developed there.

Nine thousand residents of Masty District are enjoying uninterrupted access to potable water.

Advanced practices of construction and installation of environmentally friendly local wastewater treatment facilities was successfully tested in Belarus under a pilot initiative carried out in Uzda and Braslaŭ Districts.

The first in the country regional forest environmental educational centre was opened in Horni Park, Lida District.

Integrated tour packages were developed for Aziory and Nalibokski Reserves. The www.itourist.by website with a database of eco-tourist services in Belarus was created. The unique Centre for Mythological Tourism was opened; the unique and rich world of the Belarusian mythology lies in its core.

In Naliboki Reserve, arrangements were made for developing a wild berry and mushroom collection system and a freezing facility in Naliboki Reserve.

The Marjina Horka Gymnasium received the first in Belarus green roof, and the first-in-the country eco-friendly antifreeze production line was opened in Homieĺ.

An integrated motor oil collection and processing system was launched in Barysaŭ and Krupki Districts.

In Chojniki, arrangements were made for complete dairy waste recycling by further processing into a high added-value final product.

Agricultural producers of In Smarhoń, Ašmiany and Valožyn Districts are converting to the European standards of organic farming.  Organic farming lands have increased by 43 ha.

A unique mobile high-tech facility was built in Červień Raion for organic and mineral fertilizers from available biomass.

Three organic farming demo sites were established in Smaliavičy District for growing eco-friendly products for school catering, and for raising public awareness about sustainable farming.

Information support of the green economy ideas was a key project area.  The Green Map portal (greenmap.by) was upgraded.   Forty-five billboards dedicated to green transport, segregated waste collection and energy efficiency were installed throughout the country. The Green Economy game for mobile phones was developed, along with three social advertising video clips that are broadcasted by national TV channels and in public transport.

Fifty new green jobs were created and 270 persons were enabled to earn extra income owing to the project.

Points of Contact:

Volha Chabrouskaya, Project Manager

+375 29 684 69 63, volha.chabrouskaya@undp.org

Hyperlink: http://greenlogic.by/structure_p_9.html