Results of research conducted by the Instytut Meteorologii i Gospodarki Wodnej (IMGW – Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) indicate that water deficit as one of the outcomes of climate change is a growing problem in Poland. According to the www.malaretencja.pl portal data, 90% of Polish towns and cities do not retain any water, which can be changed by developing green areas serving the retention function and by introducing rainwater collection systems. According to the IMGW data, the number of individuals wishing to take up activities minimising climate change outcomes is increasing, even though according to research conducted by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, few people have any knowledge about this topic.
We run training for leaders from NGOs and informal groups ready to involve in initiatives related to the green&blue infrastructure in their locations from the Dolnośląskie and Opolskie provinces, as in recent years these two regions have been particularly exposed to droughts. The training increased knowledge on activities related to climate protection, building local parentships and engaging various social groups in discussing the topic. With our support, leaders organised debates for inhabitants of their hometowns. Over a hundred people took part in seven debates on climate changes and activities that can be taken up locally. Then our leaders together with local communities planned and implemented seven green&blue initiatives. We additionally organised workshops for representatives of local authorities, municipal entities and organisations in these locations on how to adapt the space to climate change. We also prepared a guide on how to implement green&blue initiatives on the local level.
Based on evaluation survey results and individual talks, we know that the participation in our training helped leaders raise their skills and knowledge needed to take up and promote local initiatives. Thanks to the implementation of seven green and blue projects, we engaged local communities in work for the common good, including a flower meadow, pollinator-friendly flower beds, a communal herb&vegetable garden, or a rainwater retaining garden.