“Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” at the LIFE Info Days

On May 13, 2025, representatives of the “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” project took part in the LIFE Programme Info Days, organized by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) in Warsaw. The event brought together representatives of public administration, implementing institutions, LIFE project beneficiaries, and all those interested in climate and environmental protection supported by the European Union’s LIFE Programme.

The aim of the event was to promote both completed and ongoing projects and to disseminate knowledge about the funding and implementation opportunities offered by the LIFE Programme. The agenda included project presentations, thematic panel discussions, expert consultations, and an exhibition area.

Presentation of projects from the Silesian region

During the event, in addition to “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored”, the activities of the “IP LIFE for Coal Mining Landscape Adaptation” project and the assumptions of Poland’s first Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan were also presented. These initiatives drew considerable interest at the exhibition space, where participants could explore practical solutions implemented in the Silesian Voivodeship to respond to climate, environmental, and social challenges.

The project team from the Department of Regional Projects of the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship arrived in Warsaw early in the morning to take part fully in the event. Led by the department director, Aneta Szpindor, the representatives actively participated in the presentations and engaged in discussions at the exhibition booth, sharing their knowledge about regional, adaptive, and educational activities carried out under the LIFE Programme.

Official opening and institutional perspectives

The conference was opened by Marta Babicz, Director of the Foreign Funds Department at NFOŚiGW, who welcomed all participants and emphasized the importance of collaborative action for the environment. This was followed by remarks from Dorota Zawadzka-Stępniak, President of the Management Board of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, who highlighted the LIFE Programme as an effective tool supporting Poland’s green transformation. Joanna Książek-Wieder, Director of the European Funds Department at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, spoke on behalf of the Minister, underlining the importance of synergy between LIFE projects and other EU financial instruments.

Exhibition space – a hub of experience exchange

One of the most dynamic parts of the event was the exhibition area, which featured several dozen booths from across Poland. Projects focused on air quality, biodiversity protection, circular economy, ecological education, and climate-supporting technological innovation were showcased.

The “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” booth stood out not only thanks to its visual appeal but primarily due to its informative content. Visitors had the opportunity to talk to members of the project team, learn more about concrete actions being implemented in the region, and explore best practices in climate adaptation and air quality improvement.

Summary and next steps

Participation in the LIFE Info Days proved to be an excellent opportunity for experience exchange, networking, and promoting climate and environmental protection efforts in the Silesian region. Meetings with experts and fellow beneficiaries enabled the exchange of knowledge and ideas that are certain to bear fruit in the future.

The project team returned to the Silesian Voivodeship full of energy and inspiration for further work. We thank the organizers for creating a space to discuss what matters most for our shared future—climate, the environment, and our joint responsibility for change.

The “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” project is implemented under the European Union’s LIFE Programme and co-financed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.