Students:Group Four: Robert, Lucie Č, Jana P & Jana M: Difference between revisions

After arrival in Kaindorf, the manager of the region Mag. Joachim Ninaus took care of us presenting the association and its projects to us. In the beginning it seemed to be quite long and dull outline of their activities, but during the presentation we stayed amazed to hear how many interesting and creative ideas and plans they had implemented. We appreciate that we could see some of them with our own eyes. For example the eco charging station for electric vehicles powered by solar panels. During the opening ceremony (2009) some suppliers of electric vehicles also showcased their goods in multi-purpose hall in Kaindorf. It is an example of a project that fulfils more goals. People were attracted by green power filling station, regional companies could get the profit from the purchase and transport in the municipalities became more sustainable. On the other hand, our guide Mr. Ninaus told us that nowadays the station is not efficiently used.[http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/archiv/2009/oekostrom-tankstelle link title] We could also see a special cycling path – no oil was used for its production. Tree sap was used instead. We thought it was a very interesting idea until we heard the cost of few meters of this natural asphalt. It is several times more expensive than normal asphalt made of oil, so definitely not everyone can afford it.

Amongst other activities of this eco-region is a 24-hour bike race. Its purpose is to point out the problem of climate change and to present bicycles as a useful alternative for short trips. Approximately 1000 cyclists will participate in this race, however there are other events in the town aimed especially at families, such as cycle race for children, tasting of local wine and local specialties, live music, campfire and cycle flea market.[http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/archiv/2012/24-stunden-biken-2012/die-veranstaltung link title] Another thing that was a bit curious to us, but having educational elements in terms of promoting sustainability, was buying fair trade balls for the team of young football players (we did not even know that it is possible to buy footballs with fair trade mark).[http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/arbeitsgruppen/ag-bewusstsein/fairtrade-fussbaelle link title]

The key project in the direction of CO2 neutrality is the production of humus. Measures for humus production should be combined in an optimal way to create fertile soils in a short period of time (target is 5 years). A series of humus producing activities are carried out including: zero tillage, permanent green covering and pesticide-free fertiliser. Both Austrian and foreign media presented this project.[http://www.austro-arab.net/en/home/love-oeaif-readers/article/oekoregion-kaindorf-erste-erfolge-fuer-humus-gegen-co2/#.UkmBKoZ7Lnj link title]

However, what impressed us the most was the replacement of plastic bags for paper bags in all shops in the region. This was also connected with a competition – every household received a free paper bag and collected points for using it in shops. There is a draw carried out three times per year where competitors can win an electric bike. In our opinion this project could just as well be presented in the Czech Republic.

In the Czech Republic we have quite poor environmental legislation. It also doesn´t help the improvement of current situation. Practically the only place we can find the term of sustainable development is document called ´Sustainable Development Strategy of the Czech Republic´ and the ´Environment Act of 5 December 1991´ (17/1992 Coll.). Section 6 of the Act defines sustainable development as development that preserves the capacity of present and future generations to satisfy their basic necessities of life while not reducing the natural diversity and preserving the natural functions of ecosystems. This definition does not fully reflect the three pillars of sustainable development, but focuses mainly on environmental protection.

We have made efforts to examine the current situation of eco-regions in the Czech Republic and we were quite disappointed by the outcome. There is only one that would have “eco” in its name – Ecoregion Úhlava. Its aim is sustainable development of the life of both locals and visitors and maintaining intact nature. But when observing their activities more closely, it seems that they are focused on tourism rather than sustainable development. When we look at the positive side, there are some environmentally oriented NGO´s as Hnutí Duha or Hnutí Brontosaurus and some other eco centres. Let´s see if the future brings more environmental projects run by municipalities.