Hajnówka Renewal
Green Transformation

We work together for a green Europe,
competitive and conducive to social integration.

NORWEGIAN FUNDS

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.

Hajnówka ReNewal

WHY A GREEN TRANSFORMATION?

Because the stage of the city’s development based on the exploitation of the Białowieża Forest has ended irretrievably. Hajnówka is no longer an industrial city. So what should it be like? There was no idea for a long time. The effects turned out to be painful: loss of socio-economic functions by the city and intense depopulation – the problem was not only the lower number of births, but most of all the outflow of young people.
What the inhabitants of the city had to deal with on a daily basis was confirmed by a study by prof. Przemysław Śleszyński from 2017. It presented a list of 122 Polish cities losing their socio-economic functions. Hajnówka took the infamous 2nd position there. It was overtaken by Prudnik (Opolskie Voivodeship). A high position means that the unfavorable changes that took place here were the most intense.
SERIOUS CHALLENGES

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.

Konkurs ,,Art time" - wizyta studentów Politechniki Białostockiej
MAIN ASSUMPTIONS OF THE PROJECT

FOUR DIRECTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT

Projekt "Puszczewiki" Strażnicy Puszczy.
1. The New Center of Hajnówka
New spatial order
Liście pokrzywy.
2. Business in Hajnówka
Local resources and products
Ręce obejmujące brązowy pień drzewa. Dłonie ułożone w kształce serca.
3. Environment and climate
Not only in the Białowieża Forest
spolecznosc
4. Integration and identity
For a strong community
Projekt "Puszczewiki" Strażnicy Puszczy.
1. The new center of Hajnówka
New spatial order

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.

Liście pokrzywy.
2. Business in Hajnówka
Local resources and products

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.

Ręce obejmujące brązowy pień drzewa. Dłonie ułożone w kształce serca.
3. Environment and climate
Not only in the Białowieża Forest

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.

spolecznosc
4. Integration and identity
For a strong community

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.

THE WORK IS ON!

LATEST ACTIVITIES

Alta_3
Alta_1a
PARTNER CITY

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.

COOPERATE WITH US

OUR PARTNERS

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