Project No. BGMK0300051 "Green Pulse Cross-Border Pact" (G-PACT)

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Priority / Specific objective:

Priority 1 "Greener Border Region"

RSO2.7 "Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution"

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Partners:

LP: Municipality of Petrich

PP2: Municipality of Strumica

PP3: Association "Center for development and promotion Promo Idea - Strumica"

PP4: Association "Together for Sandanski"

Project summary:

The G-PACT project addresses several common challenges facing the region: the need to enhance nature preservation, protect biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, strengthen ecological connectivity, reduce forms of pollution that fall within the eligibile scope of project actions and promote sustainable urban development in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Both countries are challenged by the dilemma of reconciling urban development with nature conservation, while keeping the well-being of their citizens. 

Project investment activities in Municipality of Petrich include: Creation of Green Pulse twinning park in Petrich; Newly developed green spaces in Petrich, covering an area of 0,51 ha to improve the urban ecology, provide quiet meeting places for community members, and serve as a model for future environmentally friendly urban planning in the region; Provision of the necessary equipment and infrastructure required - sourcing and installing everything from seating areas and recreational facilities to landscaping tools, irrigation systems, and safety features.The investment is located along the river bank and Sando Kitanov street. It is an existing walkway along the road.

Project investment activities in Municipality of Strumica include: Design and landscaping of the park with green infrastructure in the settlement of Karpоsh - city of Strumica, covering an area of 1,20 ha, including: Horticultural and Parterre Landscaping (Phase I) and Lighting of the park (Phase II). The project activities will raise public awareness about the importance of green spaces, biodiversity, and sustainable development will be raised. The "Urban Nature Lens" photo conpetition will involve local residents, photographers, and nature enthusiasts in capturing the beauty and benefits of urban green spaces.

The target group of the project is the local population of Petrich and Strumica, who will benefit from improved green spaces and ecosystem services. In addition, local and regional authorities, NGOs, and young people will benefit from capacity building initiatives. The establishment of the G-PACT Urban EsS Network encourages cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing, promoting a unified approach to urban ecosystem services. The project empowers young people through the "EsS development agents" competition, involving them in the sustainable development of their communities.

The development of Joint Urban Ecosystem Services (EsS) Assessment Methodology for assessing ecosystem services, enabling both municipalities to evaluate the impact of their green spaces is also the key within the project. This will lead to the elaboration of Action plans for the sustainable development and maintenance of the Green Pulse twinning parks in both municipalities. 

Result indicators: 

RCR95: Population having access to new or improved green infrastructure - 53 370 persons

RCR104: Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations - 1,00 solution

Program output indicator: 

RCO36 Green infrastructure supported for other purposes than adaptation to climate change:    1,71 ha