The second monitoring visit of the project "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored"

On October 12-13, 2022, the second monitoring visit of the project "Silesia. Blue sky" took place.

The aim was to check the correctness of the project implementation in terms of substantive and finance.

Equally important was the meeting of project managers, including sub-regional coordinators and substantive partners with monitors representing the European Commission in order to clarify doubts and facilitate the implementation of tasks.

The meeting was opened by Izabela Domogała, Member of the Board of the Silesian Voivodeship.

The guests were also welcomed by Agnieszka Potkańska-Ćwikła, Director of the Department of Regional Projects at the Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, where the project is being implemented.

The European Commission was represented by: the technical monitor Stanisław Tworek and the financial monitor Blanka Polakova from the NEEMO EEIG consortium, which is responsible for monitoring LIFE projects (grants for LIFE activities) and non-governmental organizations that receive funding from the LIFE program (LIFE operating grants).

The first day of the visit was marked by visits to two content partners: the Institute of Fuel and Energy Technology and the Silesian University of Technology.

During the monitoring visit at ITPE, the implementation of project tasks was discussed, including: the methodology of the Institute's work and the technology of testing collected samples. The research laboratory and the operation of drones for testing hot-spots were also presented.

The second stage of the visit was a meeting at the Department of Thermal Technology of the Silesian University of Technology. The methodology of the Institute's work and the advancement of activities carried out by the partner in the project were discussed and assessed.

At the end of the day, the guests had the opportunity to visit the revitalized workers' housing estate Nikiszowiec and learn about the concept of "Garden cities in Silesia".

The second day began again with a speech by Marshal Izabela Domogała and Director Agnieszka Potkańska-Ćwikła.

Then, the monitors presented their introductory speeches: Blanka Polakova - financial monitor and Stanisław Tworek - technical monitor.

The meeting with the monitors was led by the project manager, Damian Olma.

General financial information about the project was presented by Sabina Słomiany, financial and organizational coordinator.

After the general part, the representatives of the associated beneficiaries started the meetings in the substantive-related and financial groups.

The host of the part concerning substantive activities was Barbara Kubiak, Deputy Director of the Department of Regional Projects.

As the first one, Dr. Helena Jadwiszczok-Molencka, a specialist in sustainable buildings, presented the implementation of tasks related to the development of models for reducing the environmental impact in public buildings.

Dr. Leszek Trząski, Deputy Director for Science and Education of the Silesian Botanical Garden and Agnieszka Wandzel, specialist in green infrastructure, discussed the progress of work on the implementation of four demonstration case studies aimed at increasing the ​​green areas in the Silesian Voivodeship.

Actions to promote good practices and study visits to optimize urban transport systems and reduce transport emissions were presented by Jiří Vzientek, Director of EGTC TRITIA.

Representatives of the Subregions talked about achievements in the implementation of the project in the Silesian Voivodeship and municipalities-partners of the project:

• Paweł Tułodziecki from the Union of Communes and Poviats of the Western Subregion of the Silesian Voivodeship in Rybnik,
• Dominika Bukalak-Gaik from the Association of Communes and Poviats in the Northern Subregion,
• Anna Dobras from the Union of Communes and Poviats of the Central Subregion of the Silesian Voivodeship,
• Marek Skrok from the Association of Communes and Poviats of the Southern Subregion of Silesian Voivodeship, the Beskid Agglomeration in Bielsko Biała.

The activities of the Inter-Communal Union for Ecology in Żywiec were presented by Szymon Piątek.

Then, information, education and promotional activities, cooperation with other projects, monitoring of the effects of AQP implementation, results of public opinion poll in the field of clean air as well as the system and effects of project management were presented.

Parallel to the content team, a team of finance specialists led the work under the direction of Director Agnieszka Potkańska-Ćwikła. The financial monitor of Blanka Polakova drew attention to the most important elements  of correct settlements and financial reporting.

The monitoring visit turned out to be rewarding and valuable for both parties. The next one will be held next year.