Regional Environmental Centre - Poland Country Office

REC Poland supports policies related to environmental protection and civil society development, including support to NGOs, biodiversity protection, climate protection, eco-education and the promotion of sustainable development. Initially, the work of REC Poland focused mainly on supporting the development of NGOs in Poland. Over 300 grants were awarded, contributing significantly to the creation of a robust environmental movement in the country. In 1996, REC Poland was awarded the title “best grant donor” by Polish NGOs. Another important area of activity is biodiversity protection, including public communication and nature conservation. REC Poland supports the implementation of the Natura 2000 network: it has organised communications workshops for hundreds of nature protection staff; produced several publications promoting nature protection among local communities; and elaborated a national strategy for public communication for Natura 2000. REC Poland also coordinates direct nature protection activities, which in recent years have covered more than 400 habitats of rare plant and animal species. In the field of climate change, REC Poland focuses its activities on changing attitudes and behaviour by developing educational programmes for the general public, as well as knowledge exchange between experts and decision makers. As a result, more than 10,000 schoolchildren have been involved in climate protection activities, and local government officials have been given the opportunity to learn about recent technological developments aimed at climate change prevention. REC Poland supports sustainable development through experience exchange and the promotion of concrete policies and technical and organisational solutions. It is active in a range of areas, including environmental impact assessment, transportation and agriculture. REC Poland's sustainable development activities have an impact on nearly all municipalities in Poland. REC Poland strives to influence the habits and attitudes of the younger generation and to encourage them to participate in environmental activities. More than 300 workshops for around 6,000 teachers have been organised and handbooks published by the REC are available for use in nearly all secondary schools and many elementary schools in the country. No less than 300,000 children and teenagers have taken part in educational activities organised by REC Poland.