Workshop Conference “Under the Palms for Clean Air”
On October 7, 2024, in the unique surroundings of the Palm House in Gliwice, the workshop conference “Under the Palms for Clean Air” was held, organized as part of the LIFE project “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored.” This event brought together over 100 participants from all over the Silesian Voivodeship - eco-managers, experts, local government officials, and environmental enthusiasts -who collectively discussed the future of pro-ecological activities in the region.
The conference was not only an opportunity to gain new knowledge but also to exchange experiences and develop new ideas for actions aimed at improving air quality. The LIFE project “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” is of key importance for the health of the residents of the Silesian Voivodeship and for raising environmental protection standards. The upcoming milestone, marking the halfway point of the project in December 2024, provided a natural moment to reflect on the achievements so far and to set new directions for actions in the coming months.
The conference was opened by Rafał Adamczyk, a Member of the Board of the Silesian Voivodeship, who in his speech emphasized the key importance of the LIFE project “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” for improving air quality in the region. He highlighted the upcoming milestone of the project - halfway completion in December 2024 - and the role of eco-managers as key players in implementing the Air Protection Program and the anti-smog resolution for the Silesian Voivodeship. He also expressed gratitude for the eco-managers’ work and dedication, which significantly contributed to achieving the project’s indicators. These words were met with great appreciation, underscoring the importance of collaboration in improving air quality.
The conference took the form of workshops, allowing participants to be more actively involved in discussions and directly engage with the topics at hand. During the workshop sessions, eco-managers had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in three key areas:
- Financial Support Programs – the session led by Wioletta Dobras and Łukasz Balion from the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Katowice focused on financing opportunities for activities related to heating source replacement, thermal modernization, and improving energy efficiency. Participants had the chance to learn about current programs and future support plans, which will help them better advise local communities on available resources.
- The Future of Renewable Energy Technologies – led by Kinga Skrzek from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the Future Industry Platform, this session presented modern technologies and the development directions of renewable energy sources (RES). Discussions focused on introducing innovations that can support the region in combating air pollution and reducing emissions.
- Educating Local Communities – Barbara Leśniczak from NASK-PIB, who heads the Educational Anti-Smog Network Program, discussed methods to raise residents’ awareness about air protection and how to implement anti-smog measures at the local level. Eco-managers discussed how to effectively educate communities and engage them in activities for cleaner air.
Each panel allowed for in-depth analysis of the topics discussed and provided opportunities to ask questions to the experts. Participants were divided into groups, ensuring that each of them could participate in all three workshops. This approach enabled not only the acquisition of new knowledge but also the exchange of valuable experiences among the participants.
The conference was not merely a working meeting but also an event that allowed participants to relax in a unique atmosphere. The Palm House in Gliwice, with its lush vegetation, the singing of exotic birds, and golden fish and turtles swimming in ponds, created an unparalleled environment conducive to both work and rest.
During the lunch break, participants enjoyed a light snack, with the meal being served amid aquariums and the aquatic world, further emphasizing the ecological nature of the event. This setting encouraged informal conversations and relationship-building among the conference attendees.
The extraordinary culmination of the conference was a mini-concert by the Swing Violin Trio, held in the heart of the Palm House. Participants had the chance to relax, listening to beautiful film music, surrounded by exotic plants and singing birds. This concert added a magical touch to the entire event and created the perfect atmosphere for reflecting on how nature and culture can harmonize in the fight for a better environment.
The workshop conference “Under the Palms for Clean Air” was not only an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge but also to engage in inspiring meetings and conversations. We thank all participants for their active involvement and the eco-managers for their invaluable work towards improving air quality in our region. Together, we are shaping a future where clean air becomes a reality.
Projekt zintegrowany LIFE "Śląskie. Przywracamy błękit". Kompleksowa realizacja programu ochrony powietrza dla województwa śląskiego realizowany jest przy dofinansowaniu z Programu LIFE Unii Europejskiej oraz Narodowego Funduszu Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej.
LIFE20 IPE/PL/000007 - LIFE-IP AQP-SILESIAN-SKY