LET'S INVITE THE NATURE IN OUR CITIES

In the era of modernization, urban green spaces (UGSs) are attracting increasing attention in eco cities development. There is currently a paucity of UGSs, and their importance has become crucial in enhancing life expectancy and health. To meet people's demands, we are busy in designing green cities. The deployment of UGSs is particularly relevant to fully enhancing residents' lifestyles and health. Bansko Municipality and Vinica Municipality are facing similar challenges. Both municipalities have identified the challenge of the unbalanced development of green areas in the region and the need of investments for development of urban green areas. That is the reason why we plan to collaboratively develop the needed green zones along with velo alleys in a way to actively engage people and raise awareness about the importance of preserving green spaces. In recent years, Bansko municipality, known as one of the most preferred winter tourist destinations in Bulgaria, has faced a serious challenge related to land pollution. As the city's popularity as a major tourist destination grows, the number of visitors increases significantly, which automatically leads to an increase in the amount of land pollution. The combination of these factors makes the problem of soil contamination in Bansko increasingly relevant, calling into question the sustainable development of the region and the protection of the environment. The sectoral relationship between tourism and all forms of pollution in the context of GI is also acknowledged in the Biodiversity Information System for Europe (https://biodiversity.europa.eu/green-infrastructure/gi-related-sectors). During the last decade Vinica has highly improved the tourist infrastructure. Due to that fact Vinica is very attractive for tourists. Both Bansko and Vinica face similar difficulties in prevention and management of land pollution. Through that project we intend to embrace the opportunity to introduce a pilot land pollution information management system in Bansko Municipality and to transfer the practice in Vinica through presenting the advantages of the pilot action. Another challenge we identify is change in peoples' mind. We aim to sustainable green and eco oriented people who keep and preserve our nature. We intend to approach their self conscience by an "Eco mind campaign" . Overall objectives of the project proposal: By implementing Green Infrastructure (GI) investments along with contemporary information management solutions to mitigate environmental degradation, we help to reduce the accumulation of harmful pollutants in soil and groundwater. In more practical terms, we aim to: 1. Develop 0,744 ha of urban green areas in Bansko and 0,306 ha in Vinica Municipalities 2. Develop 1 velo alley and 1 pedestrian lane in Bansko and 1 pedestrian path in Vinica connecting green spaces 3. Introduce 1 pilot land pollution information management system (LPIMS) in Bansko Municipality 4. Transfer 1 good practice (LPIMS ) in Vinica Municipality by presentation of the advantages of its use. 5. Organise a mutual "Eco mind" campaign Target groups: 2 municipal administrations , 250 000 residents and visitors of the municipalities; The output of the executed activities are: 0.744 hectares of green zone in Bansko Municipality 0.306 hectares of green zone in Vinica Municipality 1 velo alley and 2 pedestrian paths , connecting the urban green zones A developed and working land pollution information management system which includes the key features described in activity 2. 1. Conducted mutual "Eco mind" campaign Transfer of 1 good practice (land pollution information management system) in Vinica Municipality by presentation of the advantages of its use. Ecosystems and their services can be maintained and enhanced by establishing Green Infrastructure (GI) and restoring degraded ecosystems. In order to provide a lasting impact on the ecological infrastructure, the current partnership interacts with in fostering "green" infrastructure in the urban areas and reducing land pollution. Our project proposal pays attention on the positive impact of green infrastructure on land pollution, particularly by promoting and piloting solutions to strengthen the cause-and-effect linkages between them.. We seek cross-border impact with its implementation which is not possible without that specific cross-border partnership. "Ecomind" campaign have an especially positive impact on the cross-border area due to the fact it is conducted in partnership. The current project proposal is innovative by combining and developing three different approaches for development of the cross-boarder region: 1. UGSs development 2. Pilot introduction and implementation of land pollution information management system 3. Eco mind campaign.

During the project period the partners jointly appointed a project team and prepared advance payment request, procurement plan and communication strategy. During the second period both partners focused on public procurements We started the procurement documentation preparation. The contract for Bansko procurement documentation preparation was assigned on 13.12.2024. The contract was assigned according to the value of the procedure in refference to art 20, par. 4.3. ot the Public Procurement Law. The contract for Vinica procurement documentation preparation was assigned on 15.10.2024 according to PRAG Until that moment we are in active communication regarding the development of the procurement documentation. The project has made significant strides during the third reporting period, with both Bansko and Vinica Municipalities achieving important milestones that mark the transition from preparation to implementation. 🛠 Key Progress and Achievements During this phase, Bansko Municipality successfully led the development and finalisation of the procurement documentation for the Works package — a critical step in moving the project forward. This process involved: Thorough internal reviews Consultations with stakeholders Careful alignment with legal, operational, and project-specific requirements The result was a comprehensive and transparent tender package, designed to attract qualified contractors and ensure a fair, competitive procurement process. As a result, the Works procurement was officially published on 05/03/2025, a major milestone that marks the shift from planning and design to actual execution. At the same time, Vinica Municipality played a crucial role in moving the project into the contracting phase. The municipality successfully received all three tender submissions from the selected company, enabling it to proceed with the conclusion of contracts necessary for project implementation. 🤝 Supporting Activities & Cooperation Throughout this period, several coordination and administrative activities helped drive the project forward: Ongoing online communication with the project holder Regular project team meetings and strategic coordination with the Mayor Collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Local Self-Government to support contract preparation and formal approval processes 💶 Financial Overview A total of €2,796.61 has been allocated for external expertise and services supporting the public procurement process. This investment ensured the quality, legality, and professionalism of the procurement documents and procedures. ✅ Objectives Reached & Outputs Delivered Finalised and published Works procurement documentation Launch of the official tender process Receipt of tender submissions enabling the start of the contracting phase Strengthened inter-municipal and institutional coordination Administrative and legal readiness for implementation 🌍 Added Value of the Cooperation This project highlights the strength of cross-border and multi-level cooperation. By working together, Bansko and Vinica Municipalities were able to share expertise, streamline processes, and ensure consistent standards. The involvement of national bodies such as the Ministry of Local Self-Government further reinforced the project’s institutional support and credibility. Such collaboration not only improved the efficiency of the procurement process but also laid a solid foundation for the successful execution of the project’s goals — ensuring that resources are used effectively and the outcomes serve the community in the long term. Bansko Municipality During the fourth period, significant progress was made in the contracting of the activities. As a result of this effort, the following contracts were awarded: 1 Works 2 Construction supervision 3 Authors supervision 4 Pilot land pollution information management system All contracts are in execution stage. Vinica Municipality In the previous period we had this activities: online communication with the project holder, meetings of the project team, meetings with the Mayor and coordinating the activities of the project, activities with Ministry of Local Self – Government for payment of co-financing. During this period the procurement procedure for construction works was also published on both web pages on 30th of May 2025. Also 2 procurement procedures were implemented during this period: single tender procedure. We have signed 2 contracts - Service Contract. Bansko Municipality In period 5 the folliwong contracts are in execution stage: 1 Works 2 Construction supervision 3 Authors supervision 4 Pilot land pollution information management system Vinica Municipality During the fifth period, significant progress was made in the contracting of the activities. As a result of this effort, the following contract was awarded: Works Contract, and construction work has officially started. During this period, part of the activity is completed: event 1 of "Ecomind" campaign. Bansko Municipality During the fourth period, significant progress was made in the contracting of the activities. As a result of this effort, the following contracts were awarded: 1 Works 2 Construction supervision 3 Authors supervision 4 Pilot land pollution information management system All contracts are in execution stage. Vinica Municipality In the previous period we had this activities: online communication with the project holder, meetings of the project team, meetings with the Mayor and coordinating the activities of the project, activities with Ministry of Local Self – Government for payment of co-financing. During this period the procurement procedure for construction works was also published on both web pages on 30th of May 2025. Also 2 procurement procedures were implemented during this period: single tender procedure. We have signed 2 contracts - Service Contract. During Period 6, several key contracts were in the execution stage. Works: Approximately 30% of the physical construction works were completed and in progress. Construction Supervision: This activity was actively carried out, directly referencing and monitoring the ongoing works to ensure quality and compliance. Authors' Supervision: This contract was also in effect, ensuring that the works executed adhered to the original design and architectural intent. Pilot Land Pollution Information Management System: This project was in its execution phase, likely involving system development and initial implementation. Ecomind Campaign: The contract for this campaign was finalized, indicating the successful conclusion of activities within the reporting period. Vinica Municipality Vinica Municipality also had contracts in the execution stage during Period 6. Works: A higher percentage of progress was reported here, with about 50% of the works executed. Construction Supervision: Similar to Bansko, supervision activities were ongoing, linked to the progress of the works. Ecomind Campaign: Specific activities under this contract were completed and invoiced. An invoice (N. 05-1/1136) was paid for organizing a two-day event. The event took place on September 23 and 24, 2025, in Vinica. The payment was made for the completed activity as per Contract N. 10-37/2. Bansko Municipality In period 6 the folliwong contracts are in execution stage: 1 Works 2 Construction supervision 3 Authors supervision 4 Pilot land pollution information management system 5 Ecomind campaign - contraction finalised Vinica Municipality In period 6 the folliwong contracts are in execution stage: 1 Works 2 Construction supervision 3 Ecomind campaign At present, all contracts associated with the project are in the execution phase across both partner municipalities. Although site activities are proceeding in coordination, the pace of work has been scaled back due to challenging weather conditions. This temporary reduction in intensity ensures that quality standards and safety protocols are maintained despite the environmental constraints. Normal operations are expected to resume in full as soon as meteorological conditions stabilize. At present, all contracts associated with the project are in the execution phase across both partner municipalities. Although site activities are proceeding in coordination, the pace of work has been scaled back due to challenging weather conditions. This temporary reduction in intensity ensures that quality standards and safety protocols are maintained despite the environmental constraints. Normal operations are expected to resume in full as soon as meteorological conditions stabilize.