Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have submitted 12 applications for grants to solve environmental issues in the Mangistau region, said Director of Eco Mangistau Kirill Osin on Jan. 29.
Kirill Osin
Announced in November, the deadline for filing applications to the small grants programme in the region was Jan. 31. During this time, a dozen applications were received. The programme was initiated by NGOs Eco Mangistau, Eco Museum, Central Bureau of Labour Standards (Kazakhstan) and Arnika (the Czech Republic), with the financial support of the European Union. The total grant fund is 16,000 euros and successful candidates may receive a grant of up to 3,000 euros, said the director.
“On February 10, we will consider all proposals, identify the most interesting ones and consider the budget. Then the winners will be trained, during which time they will learn about the proper execution of the project as well as the financial accounting for the project. Small grants are a good opportunity for people who want to solve current environmental problems such as illegal dumping, lack of trees, urban development, garbage in nature reserves and so on. Ideas aimed at raising public awareness and involvement of neighbours and other citizens in environmental activities are always welcome,” said Osin.
As an example, the director noted that among the submitted applications are projects that deal with neighbourhood courtyards landscaping and waste removal and processing, as well as raising environmental awareness among schoolchildren.
“There are a lot of serious environmental problemsMangistau, the solutionsto which require cooperation between public authorities and business and the active participation of citizens. This approach cannot only reduce the risk to human health, but will also reduce social tension,” said Martin Skalski, project coordinator from the Czech Republic.
The small grants programme is designed for people who want to solve local environmental problems and attract their neighbours and other citizens, as well as interact with relevant authorities. The project can be implemented within a maximum of six months. Financial support will be provided by the European Union.
