Monitoring Meeting for the "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" Project

On January 16, a key monitoring meeting for the "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" project was held. Its primary purpose was to evaluate the compliance of project activities with European Union policies and to assess the justification and value of the implemented initiatives. This significant event brought together a wide range of experts, representatives of supervisory institutions, and project beneficiaries.

The monitoring meeting aimed to verify the progress and compliance of project activities with the objectives outlined by the European Union. Another crucial aspect was discussing the project's value for the region and its impact on air quality in the Silesian Voivodeship. The discussions focused on the project's most critical aspects, such as the effectiveness of implemented solutions, collaboration between partners, and future development plans.

The event was attended by representatives of key institutions involved in the implementation and oversight of the project. The team of monitors included experts from the European Court of Auditors and the Supreme Audit Office. The meeting was hosted by Barbara Kubiak, Director of the Department of Regional Projects, and Damian Olma, Deputy Director and Project Manager.

Other attendees included:

• Andrzej Muter, Head of the LIFE Division at the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management,
• Representatives of the Coordinating Beneficiary and the Department of Environmental Protection, Ecology, and Environmental Fees,
• Eco-managers: Ewa Chojnacka, representing the Northern Subregion of the Silesian Voivodeship, and Grzegorz Wierzbicki from Sosnowiec Municipality,
• Experts representing project partners:
• Dr. Leszek Trząski (Silesian Botanical Garden),
• Dr. Katarzyna Rychlewska (Institute of Energy And Fuel Processing Technology),
• Bartłomiej Rutczyk (Silesian University of Technology).

The meeting provided an opportunity for an intensive exchange of knowledge and experiences. The monitors posed detailed questions regarding the effectiveness of implemented solutions and their alignment with EU climate policy goals. Experts from various institutions shared their insights, enabling a better understanding of individual project stages and identifying potential areas for further optimization.

The discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration among partners and the substantive and organizational contributions of eco-managers to the implementation of project objectives. Additionally, significant interest was drawn to the innovative technological solutions being introduced as part of the project.

The "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" project plays a crucial role in improving air quality in the Silesian Voivodeship. Through the involvement of numerous institutions and experts, the actions undertaken within the project have a tangible impact on the health of residents and environmental protection. The verification of compliance with EU policies confirmed that the project is being implemented in accordance with the highest standards.

The monitoring meeting concluded with a summary and identification of key areas for further development in subsequent stages of the project. Participants unanimously agreed that such meetings are not only a mandatory element of oversight but also an essential tool for supporting the effective achievement of project goals.

The "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" project is a model of effective interregional collaboration, resulting in improved air quality and a healthier environment for future generations. The joint commitment of partners, beneficiaries, and experts is the key to its success.