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Students:Group Four: Robert, Lucie Č, Jana P & Jana M: Difference between revisions
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Students:Group Four: Robert, Lucie Č, Jana P & Jana M (view source)
Revision as of 10:51, 8 October 2013
, 10:51, 8 October 2013→Ecoregion Kaindorf
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After our arrival in Kaindorf, the manager of the region, Mag. Joachim Ninaus, took care of us by presenting the association and its projects to us. In the beginning, it seemed to be quite a long and dull outline of their activities, but during the presentation we were amazed to hear how many interesting and creative ideas and plans they had implemented. We appreciated the fact that we could see some of them with our own eyes. For example, an 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 a multi-purpose hall in Kaindorf. It is an example of a project that fulfills additional goals. People were attracted by the green power filling station, regional companies could make profits from purchasing, 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.<ref>http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/archiv/2009/oekostrom-tankstelle</ref> We could also see a special cycling path – no oil was used for the production of the asphalt. Tree sap was used instead. We thought it was a very interesting idea until we heard the cost of a 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. | After our arrival in Kaindorf, the manager of the region, Mag. Joachim Ninaus, took care of us by presenting the association and its projects to us. In the beginning, it seemed to be quite a long and dull outline of their activities, but during the presentation we were amazed to hear how many interesting and creative ideas and plans they had implemented. We appreciated the fact that we could see some of them with our own eyes. For example, an 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 a multi-purpose hall in Kaindorf. It is an example of a project that fulfills additional goals. People were attracted by the green power filling station, regional companies could make profits from purchasing, 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.<ref>http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/archiv/2009/oekostrom-tankstelle</ref> We could also see a special cycling path – no oil was used for the production of the asphalt. Tree sap was used instead. We thought it was a very interesting idea until we heard the cost of a 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. | ||
Among the 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 participate in this race, although there are other events in the town aimed especially at families, such as a cycle race for children, tasting of local wine and local specialties, live music, a campfire and a cycle flea market.<ref>http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/archiv/2012/24-stunden-biken-2012/die-veranstaltung</ref> Another thing that was a bit curious to us, but with 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 a fair trade brand).<ref>http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/arbeitsgruppen/ag-bewusstsein/fairtrade-fussbaelle</ref> | |||
The key project in | The key project in terms 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 (the target is 5 years). A series of humus producing activities are carried out including: zero tillage, permanent green covering and pesticide-free fertilisers. Both Austrian and foreign media have written about this project.<ref>http://www.austro-arab.net/en/home/love-oeaif-readers/article/oekoregion-kaindorf-erste-erfolge-fuer-humus-gegen-co2/#.UkmBKoZ7Lnj</ref> | ||
However, what impressed us the most was the replacement of plastic bags | However, what impressed us the most was the replacement of plastic bags with paper bags in all shops in the region. This was also connected with a competition – every household received a free paper bag which collected points for using it in shops. There is a draw carried out three times per year where competitors can win an electric bike.<ref>http://www.oekoregion-kaindorf.at/index.php/aktuelles/plastiksackerl-frei/papiersackerl-gewinnspiel</ref> In our opinion, this project could just as well be introduced into the Czech Republic. | ||
This leads us to the question of | This leads us to the question of applying these ideas in the Czech Republic. We find them very inspirational and interesting, but of course there must be someone who takes the initiative, e.g. a mayor, some environmental association or citizens. In general, finding such a person or an organization in the Czech Republic is a problem because nowadays the topic of sustainable development is not very popular. Regional efforts are not even supported by the government. We think it is possible to have such projects here, but it will take some time. It is necessary to support environmental education in schools and thus reverse the general idea that environmental activities are something strange or even useless. | ||
We have quite poor environmental legislation in the Czech Republic. It also doesn´t help to improve the current situation. Practically the only place we can find the term 'sustainable development' is a document called ´Sustainable Development Strategy of the Czech Republic´ and the ´Environment Act of 5 December 1991´ (17/1992 Coll.).<ref>http://www.mzp.cz/www/platnalegislativa.nsf/d79c09c54250df0dc1256e8900296e32/5b17dd457274213ec12572f3002827de?OpenDocument</ref> 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 natural diversity and preserving the natural functions of ecosystems.<ref>http://www.mzp.cz/en/sustainable_development_at_the_national_level</ref> 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 | 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 has “eco” in its name – Ecoregion Úhlava. Its aim is the sustainable development of the life of both locals and visitors and keeping local nature intact. But when observing their activities more closely, it seems that they are focused on tourism rather than sustainable development.<ref>http://www.ekoregion-uhlava.cz/node/236</ref> When we look at the positive side, there are some environmentally oriented NGO´s such as Hnutí Duha or Hnutí Brontosaurus and some other eco centres.<ref>http://www.ekocentra.cz/ekocentra/pardubicky-kraj/</ref> Let´s see if the future brings more environmental projects run by municipalities. | ||
If I was to say only one thing that we should adopt from the project of Ecoregion Kaindorf, it would be promotion. Their logo with a swallow taking off can be seen all over the region. | If I was to say only one thing that we should adopt from the project of Ecoregion Kaindorf, it would be promotion. Their logo with a swallow taking off can be seen all over the region. | ||