Hajnówka Renewal
Green Transformation
We work together for a green Europe,
competitive and conducive to social integration.
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
Every inhabitant of Hajnówka feels deep down that our city is unique in many aspects, not only thanks to the proximity of the Białowieża Forest. Its strength also lies in the cultural wealth, unique local products, and above all in the talented and active people who make up this city. We also feel it, which is why we have been working intensively for the last two years to get funds to help Hajnówka spread its wings.
The Local Development program, financed under the 3rd edition of the Norwegian and European Economic Area (EEA) Funds for 2014-2021, turned out to be a chance for the city. When applying for funds, we prepared a comprehensive plan preceded by an in-depth analysis of Hajnówka’s problems and potential. Two large studies were part of the application for co-financing: the Local Development Program and the Institutional Development Program, which indicated a new path for the city’s development. Hajnówka was granted financing – a total of EUR 3.5 million. The contract was signed last year. The project will last until April 2024.
WHY A GREEN TRANSFORMATION?
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
The diagnosis, though painful, was made. And the challenges followed. How to make Hajnówka a friendly place to live again? How to keep young people and support entrepreneurs in running a business in the city? How to face climate challenges and protect nature? How to integrate residents? Action was needed that would enable a comprehensive approach to the above-mentioned problems. The project “Hajnówka renewal – Green Transformation” responds to these needs.
Of course, this grant is not enough to meet all the city’s needs. Anyway, this is not its purpose. Instead, it is supposed to be an impulse for development. Show directions and start action. Set a new path of development – hence the name: “Hajnówka renewal – Green Transformation”. There will be a lot of these – there are 77 projects. They include activities in areas such as the city, people, nature, education and business. This is the first project in the history of Hajnówka that treats the city’s development in such a comprehensive manner.
Its aim is to stimulate economic development, raise the standard of living of the city’s inhabitants and improve the dialogue between the city government and its inhabitants, responding to their needs to a greater extent.
FOUR DIRECTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT
1. The new center of Hajnówka
What does this mean in practice? A lively urban space full of greenery, new functions of old buildings, Pompik the Bison glade in the City Park and a zone for young people.
2. Business in Hajnówka
We want to develop a diversified, strong and modern economy in Hajnówka. We want to teach potential entrepreneurs to run a business based on local potential.
3. Environment and climate
Development of the renewable energy sector and green bus stops and roofs, pocket parks, rain gardens, honey meadows, city hives and insect houses, designed in consultation with a forest therapy specialist.
4. Integration and identity
The salvation for the city and people lies in the traditions and values that make this place unique. The value is the location - on the edge of the forest, in the border zone, at the meeting point of Polish and Belarusian culture.
LATEST ACTIVITIES
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April 8, 2024 HAJNÓWKA-TOPIŁO Narrow-gauge railway. Before you get in, please put on your headphonesWe have a surprise for those traveling by train....
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April 5, 2024 The construction of the Academy of Nature in Hajnówka is startingThe contract is already signed Yesterday, the city handed...
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March 29, 2024 Youth MAL (Local Action Place) in Hajnówka officially openCan we stay here overnight? The young people are...
ALTA - NORWAY
We are not alone! We have partnered with the Norwegian Alta – a city of similar size and equally rich in resources, which has undergone major changes. Using the experience gained, they will support us in the process of implementing new solutions.
Alta is famous for its 6,200-year-old rock carvings, beautiful northern lights, an ice hotel and beautiful landscapes.