Objective

Ensure the successful, effective and efficient management of project funds, in compliance with the principles of sound financial management, and that the project implementation is in line with the objectives and will lead to the achievement of the expected results. Formation of a joint management team involves setting forth the organisational structure, main functions and responsibilities for the implementation of activities by each project partner, levels of communication and interaction,  monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure a transparent and robust management system.

Expected results

- An established and functioning "management structure and framework" to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of project activities;

- Effective allocation, implementation and reporting of individual tasks by individual participants and experts;

- Strict compliance of the project activities in accordance with the approved design, grant agreement, applicable national and European legislation and rules of the Programme Operator;

- Keeping accurate and regular records and accounts, adhering to the time schedule and accurate and correct spending of funds;

- Preparation and keeping of a file containing all project management related documentation;

- Increased staff competence through the achievement of quality project management and implementation;

- Quality results and reliable control in the implementation of the time schedule, activities and tasks included in it;

- Quality and timely implementation of activities as set out in this project proposal;

- Achievement of project results and objectives.

Objective

Integrate a hydrogen system into the boiler house of the Kenana Elder Care Centre together with a hybrid photovoltaic system. The hydrogen system is a technological solution for hydrogen and oxygen generation through water electrolysis. The system allows users to produce high-energy fuel on site, thus achieving savings of conventional fuel by about 40% and drastically reducing harmful emissions - SO2 (sulfur dioxide) by up to 30%, CO2 (carbon dioxide) by up to 30%, NOX (nitrogen dioxide) by up to 25%, PM (particulate matter) by 6 to 8 times.

Expected results

- Reduction of conventional fuel costs by at least 25%;

- Reduction of harmful emissions by more than 15%;

- Optimisation of the boiler operation;

- Significant reduction in electricity costs.

Objective

The installation of solar systems (collectors) for domestic hot water in kindergartens in the municipalities of Haskovo and Stambolovo will contribute directly to stimulating the green and digital transition and will encourage the implementation of technological solutions for more efficient energy management and use. Within the framework of the activity it is proposed to supply and install 3 solar collectors for each kindergarten, carry out thermal insulation of pipes, supply and install a controller for a solar system with a boiler, supply and install a water heater with a capacity of 500 l. Solar systems can supply 50 to 75% of the hot water demand.

Expected results

- Installed and commissioned solar systems for domestic hot water in 3 kindergartens located in the villages Dinevo, Malevo, and Uzundzhovo within the territory of Haskovo Municipality - 3 solar collectors.

- Installed and commissioned solar systems in the 5 buildings of Zvezdichka kindergarten in Stambolovo municipality.

- Reduction of energy consumption in the buildings. Estimated energy savings per year: 2650 kW/building

- Reduced CO₂ emissions.

Objective

The green infrastructure to be constructed will reduce the amount of stormwater runoff due to the natural retention and absorption capacity of vegetation and soil. The benefits of green infrastructure in this case include carbon sequestration.

Expected results

- Improvement and expansion of the share of green spaces in Haskovo Municipality and Madzharovo Municipality.

- 500 lilac saplings planted in a container in the Yamacha Park, Haskovo;

- Landscaping of a roundabout at Kapitan Petko Voyvoda street, an area of 411.17 square meters;

- Landscaping of an area of 150.86 sq.m. in front of a petrol station at Kapitan Petko Voyvoda street in the town Madzharovo;

- Landscaping of areas of 168.71 sq.m. in front of the Culture Centre and in the Park in the town Madzharovo;

- Landscaping of areas of 173.37 sq.m. in front of the municipal administration building in the town Madzharovo

- Increasing of public awareness and commitment to environmental protection and fight against climate change;

Yamacha Park, Haskovo

Objective

The biggest challenge identified under the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is the problem of information exchange and knowledge communication at national, regional and municipal levels to achieve the necessary interaction for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This includes forming of expertise, training, knowledge base, monitoring and research to ensure and support adaptation action. In this regard, the specialised training proposed within this activity for the municipal administrations of the municipalities of Haskovo, Madzharovo and Stambolovo aim to overcome these bottlenecks.

 Expected results

- Number of employees trained in the framework of training for municipal officials responsible for planning and implementing climate change adaptation measures, including monitoring and control - maximum number of participants: 25 employees from the project partner municipalities.

- Number of employees trained in the framework of the practical training in impact assessment of public policies and assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of strategic programmes and plans, including in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development - 25 employees from the project partner municipalities.

Objective

The activity aims to ensure the implementation of a new integrated approach to planning and reporting on energy and climate actions, bringing together municipal level policies on climate change mitigation and adaptation, increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources. In this respect, it is proposed, following the example of the so-called "Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy", to develop a comprehensive local strategy for adaptation and/or integration of adaptation to climate change in the relevant existing plans at municipal level.

 Expected results

- Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy for Climate Change in Haskovo Municipality and Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan 2021-2030 (SECAP) developed;

- A long-term Programme of Stambolovo Municipality for the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and biofuels for the period 2021 – 2030 developed;

- Waste Management Programme of Madzharovo Municipality for the period 2021 – 2028 developed; and

- Environmental Protection Programme of Madzharovo Municipality for the period 2021 – 2028 developed.

Objective

Organise peer exchanges in Bulgaria and Norway to share experiences and good practices in the field of green technologies and utilization of blue hydrogen. The topic of blue hydrogen is becoming increasingly popular in the Kingdom of Norway and many oil and gas producers are turning to this new technology to produce a cleaner fuel that is key to "cleaning up" industries such as steel, cement and aviation.

Expected results

- A three-day visit of 4 experts from Haskovo Municipality, Madzharovo Municipality and Stambolovo Municipality in Oslo, Norway organized and conducted;

- A seminar on Development of local plans for greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation to climate change organized and held;

- A two-day expert exchange between IDN representatives, the project team and experts from Haskovo Municipality, Madzharovo Municipality and Stambolovo Municipality organized and held in Haskovo;

- 25 municipal administration employees (management staff, including village mayors, experts) participated in the expert exchange and were introduced to established practices and results achieved in the municipality of Oslo regarding the process of planning measures for mitigation and adaptation to climate change;

- Integration of successful practices in the work of Haskovo Municipality, Madzharovo Municipality and Stambolovo Municipality;

- Cooperation achieved and opportunities created for future joint plans and partnerships between IDN and Haskovo Municipality, Stambolovo Municipality and Madzharovo Municipality.

Objective

Review and analysis of the current municipal strategic programmes and plans at the time of project implementation, which include measures for mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with the aim to perform a kind of assessment of the plans, to identify possible gaps in the target setting and proposed measures, as well as propose necessary actions in the three municipalities - exemplary priority innovative measures for implementation.

Expected results

- Summary analysis/development/report jointly produced by the three partner municipalities proposing innovative solutions and actions for climate change adaptation.

- Reasoned proposals for follow-up actions submitted to the mayors of the three municipalities.

Objective

The activity covers the process of organising and carrying out the information and publicity activities related to the implementation of the project. Information and communication is an integral part of the project proposal and are aimed at promoting the objectives, activities and results of the project implementation. A Communication Plan has been developed with the main objective of creating awareness during the implementation of the project proposal and capitalising on the results achieved. The plan identifies the main objectives that will help to achieve the objectives of the programme.

Expected results

- 1 opening and 1 closing press conference;

- 3 official events after delivery of the equipment purchased for the project;

- 1 lilac planting campaign;

- 1 bilingual website and social media page (FB and YouTube) including news and updates on the activities implemented and on the results and impact of the project;

- 4 project information boards and 3 roll-banners;

- Information materials (total of 1 000 brochures, a poster - in electronic format);

- Branded promotion materials: pencils, ceramic cup with special coating and cork, notebook with pen, reusable bags - 300 pcs each (total 1 200 pcs).

- 3 video clips presenting the results of the project activities, to be used for subsequent reporting activities at programme and national level;

- billboard; stickers - 20 pcs.

Objective

The financial audit of the project will be carried out in order to ensure the fair and correct use of the project funds and the implementation of the budget, as well as to confirm the legality, appropriateness and effectiveness of the funds spent.

Expected results

- Ongoing and final audit reports on the reliability of the financial statements in compliance with the Bulgarian accounting legislation prepared and certified;

- Report prepared by the Norwegian partner certifying that the expenditure claimed has been incurred in accordance with the Regulation, relevant legal and national accounting practices;

- Ensured control over the spending of project funds.