Polish section of Polesie belongs to the ‘West Polesie’ International UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is characterised by unique natural qualities, especially as regards retention and water conditions. A large coal basin, the ‘second Śląsk’ is planned for this region, which will have negative impact on the environment. We want this threat to be noticed and considered by both inhabitants and investors. We will encourage people living in the region to talk about the growth of Polesie and about alternatives to the model based on coal mining that is harmful for the environment.
We will organise a civic debate on the development of mining in Polesie, inviting representatives of different inhabitant groups from the region, touching upon such topics as climate, protection of the environment and water resources, as well as just transformation of coal regions. The debate will be made of an educational part, presentation of agendas by different stakeholders – local authorities, activists, entrepreneurs, or miner trade unions, and will aim at formulating recommendations on the future of coal mining in Polesie for both local and regional authorities and inhabitants. We will publish a report elaborating on the debate findings. We will reach individuals promoting sustainability in the planned Polesie Coal Basin region and will network them, so that they can even more effectively support these region growth paths that do not pose a peril to its environment. Together we will come up with and launch a social initiative in Polesie presenting sustainability and wetland protection agenda for the region.
In our project we are supported by Lubelska Grupa Badawcza which has vast experience in activation and social research – as a neutral entity it will hold a debate, ensuring transparency and credibility of the process.