Description (EN): The G-PACT project is a collaborative effort between the Municipality of Petrich (MP) as the Lead partner, the Municipality of Strumica (MS), Association "Center for Development and Promotion Promo Idea - Strumica" (Promo Idea) as Project partner 3 (PP3), and Association "Together for Sandanski" (TS) as Project partner 4 (PP4).
The project addresses several common challenges faced by the region. These challenges include the imperative to enhance nature preservation, protect biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, strengthening ecological connectivity, reducing forms of pollution that fall within the eligibility scope of project actions and promote sustainable urban development in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Both countries confront the dilemma of reconciling urban development with nature conservation while prioritizing the well-being of their citizens.
The overarching objective of the G-PACT project is to create green urban spaces, improve ecosystem services, and increase public awareness in Petrich and Strumica. By doing so, the project aims to enhance the quality of life in the cross-border area and promote sustainable urban development.
The project seeks to bring about several key changes. G-PACT will lead to the development of green urban areas, specifically twinning parks in Petrich and Strumica, providing residents with access to nature within their urban environments. By enhancing green spaces, the project will improve ecosystem services such as air purification, temperature regulation, and opportunities for recreation. These improvements will benefit both urban residents and local wildlife.
Through the project activities the raise public awareness about the importance of green spaces, biodiversity, and sustainable development will be raised. The "Urban Nature Lens" photo contest will engage local residents, photographers, and nature enthusiasts in capturing the beauty and benefits of urban green areas.
The project will produce several key outputs among which is the construction and renovation of green urban parks in Petrich and Strumica, offering improved green spaces for local communities.
The development of Joint Urban Ecosystem Services (EsS) Assessment Methodology for assessing ecosystem services, enabling both municipalities to evaluate the impact of their green spaces is also very key moment within the project. This will lead to elaboration of Action plans for the sustainable development and maintenance of the Green Pulse twinning parks in both municipalities.
Training modules on green project management and renewable energy sources, empowering stakeholders with knowledge in sustainability and the training packages dedicated to the development and understanding of the EsS services ensure the project’s long-lasting effect. The establishment of a cross-border network focused on urban ecosystem services, fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange is an integral part of the project.
The beneficiaries of the project include local residents of Petrich and Strumica who will enjoy improved green spaces and ecosystem services. Additionally, local and regional authorities, NGOs, and young people will benefit from capacity-building initiatives. The "EsS development agents" competition will engage youth in promoting sustainable development.
A cross-border approach is vital because it allows PPs from different types to collaborate, share experiences, and jointly address common environmental challenges. By working together, they can maximize the impact of their efforts to enhance green spaces and promote sustainable urban development.
G-PACT project itself is an innovation due to all its elements as it engages the public in documenting and celebrating the transformation of urban green spaces, fostering a sense of community involvement. The establishment of the G-PACT Urban EsS Network encourages cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing, promoting a unified approach to urban ecosystem services. The project empowers youth through the "EsS development agents" competition, involving them in the sustainable development of their communities.
The emphasis on renewable energy sources aligns with the broader goal of sustainable urban development and showcases the potential for eco-friendly initiatives in the region.
In summary, G-PACT project addresses common challenge of significant importance to the territories of the PPs and to the CB area in general. Each and every specific activity can be transferred, adapted and applied on other territory of the cross-border area and not only as PPs have ensured to set a positive example which needs to be further developed and integrated so that a greener and brighter future can be ensured.
Read more Actual Achievements (EN): LP: During the reporting period, the Municipality of Petrich appointed members of the project management team, including a Project Manager, a Finance Manager and a Technical Assistant, following the applicable Bulgarian legislation and programme rules. Project procurement plan (version 1) has been developed and approved by the JS. A request for small modification in the Application form was submitted and later on approved, concerning necessity of changes of the text in the Application form, part B - Project partners, section "Budget", some of the texts in column "Comments" for each of the project partners. A Project Communication strategy for implementation of the communication measures under the Project G-Pact (Annex 15 of the PIM) was prepared and approved by the Project manager.
PP2: During Reporting Period No. 1 (01.07.2024 - 30.09.2024), PP2 (Municipality of Strumica) implemented the following activities:
1.) All necessary initial documentation for the implementation of the project was completed and provided.
2.) PP2 provided input to the Lead Partner (LP), Municipality of Petrich, for the preparation of the Project Procurement Plan (PPP). The PPP was submitted and approved by the Joint Secretariat (JS).
3.) PP2 established a project team and delivered the following documents: the Declaration for Project Staff, the Decision for the Establishment of Project Team Members, and the Statement for Reimbursement of Staff Costs on a Flat Rate Basis.
4.) The project was officially registered within the Ministry for European Affairs (MEA) in Skopje, resulting in the issuance of a certificate of registration.
5.) PP2 opened a dedicated bank account for the project’s needs. After submitting the Request for Advance Payment, the Lead Partner (LP), Municipality of Petrich, transferred the funds to PP2's project bank account.
6.) An online initial meeting for the project was held, organized by the Joint Secretariat (JS), and representatives of PP2 attended the meeting.
7.) Market research was initiated to select an external expert for the preparation of PRAG procurement procedures for PP2. The contractor selection process will be finalized at the beginning of the next reporting period, and a contract will be signed.
8.) Communication and coordination with project partners have been maintained to ensure effective collaboration throughout the project.
PP3: PP3 Promo Idea Strumica in this first reporting period carried out several activities including: Appointment of project staff and provided all the documentation required (declaration for necessary and qualified project staff, administrative order for nomination and statement that staff costs shall be reimbursed as a flat rate of up to 20 % of the eligible costs under BC 4, BC 5 and BC 6 of the operation).
After the initial activities, PP3 provided documents to the LP for related to the advance payment.
PP3 contributed within the preparation of the Procurement plan, which was submitted and approved by the JS.
Promo Idea also participated at the Initial online monitoring and provided all the necessary input and information required by the JS.
PP3 prepared the Communication Plan of the G-PACT project. This plan includes targeted communication efforts aimed at engaging diverse stakeholders, promoting public awareness and encouraging active community participation through the envisaged events within the project. The plan ensures consistent messaging across cross-border partners and highlights the project's impact on environmental sustainability and urban development in the CB regions of both Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Promo Idea signed a contract with an external expert for procurement procedures and conducted a single tender procedure & signed a contract for “Services for marketing, promotion and visibility” based on the approved project procurement plan.
PP4: During the reporting period, the Association “Together for Sandanski” appointed members of the project management team, including a Networking Coordinator and an Assistant Accountant, following the applicable Bulgarian legislation and programme rules. PP4 provided the lead partner with the necessary information in connection with the preparation of the Project procurement plan.
LP: Within the reporting period Municipality of Petrich (LP) signed two contracts with external service provider for implementation of communication activities under project with acronym G-Pact for the needs of Municipality of Petrich: Contract No. 313/2024 from 23.12.2024 with subject "Services for Communication activities under project with acronym G-Pact for the needs of Municipality of Petrich; Lot 1: Organization of events and Contract No. 314/2024 from 23.12.2024 with subject "Services for Communication activities under project with acronym G-Pact for the needs of Municipality of Petrich; Lot 2: Elaboration of promotional and informational materials.
PP2: During Reporting Period No. 2 (01.10.2024 - 31.12.2024), PP2 (Municipality of Strumica) implemented the following activities:
1.) Partner report No.1 (reporting period 1) was prepared and submitted to the LP by PP2;
2.) Service Contract for provision of external consultancy services for the preparation and delivery of a tender dossier for a Local Open Tender Procedure for Works, in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Practical Guide to Contract Procedures for EU External Actions (PRAG), related to the construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Strumica - Arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the Settlement of "Karposh", City of Strumica (Horticultural and Parterre Landscaping and Installation of Energy-Efficient Lighting), was prepared and concluded;
3.) On 23.12.2024, the Municipality of Strumica launched a Local Open Tender Procedure for Works related to the “Construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Strumica - Arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the Settlement of "Karposh", City of Strumica (Horticultural and Parterre Landscaping and Installation of Energy-Efficient Lighting)”. The tender dossier is available at the programme’s website and the official website of the Municipality of Strumica, as follows:
https://ipa-bgmk.mrrb.bg/
https://strumica.gov.mk/
Additionally, all necessary information regarding the tender procedure were also published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia”.
4.) Communication and coordination with project partners have been maintained to ensure effective collaboration throughout the project.
PP3: During the 2nd reporting period, Promo Idea Strumica carried out several activities within the implementation of the G-Pact project. This includes: Preparation and submission of a partner report for the 1st reporting period to the Lead partner (01.07.2024 – 30.09.2024), communication and coordination with project partners, website publication, draft design of materials, preparation of draft posts for social media and executing payments to external contractors, according to the signed contracts from the previous period.
The preparation and submission of the partner report for the 1st reporting period were conducted via JEMS. As part of this process, PP3 (Promo Idea Strumica) provided accurate data and information covering the first three months of project implementation. This included details of signed contracts with external experts. Throughout the 2nd reporting period, PP3 continued to support the LP by promptly providing requested information and ensuring constant communication and coordination.
During the reporting period, PP3 carried out initial activities for creation of draft posts for social media, made one free publication on its website and developed draft designs for part of the promotional materials. These actions correspond to deliverables 2.4.3, 2.4.4, and 2.4.5.
During the reporting period PP3 made two payments for engaged external expertise:
- First payment for the contract for procurement expert.
- Advance payment for “Services for marketing, promotion and visibility”)
With these payments the expenditures for external expertise (B.L 4) as well as flat rates for staff costs, office & administration and travel & accommodation of PP3 (01.07.2024 – 31.12.2024) are equal to 7554.18 EUR. Therefore, within this partner report a request for National control (Annex 5) for PP3 is attached.
PP4: During the reporting period PP4 concluded contract for Legal services for procurement procedures and draft contracts for the needs of PP4. The implementation of the tasks under the contract has been assigned and the procedures and draft contracts are in the process of being prepared, in accordance with the contract concluded with the selected contractor.
During the reporting period, the G-Pact project achieved significant milestones through strong cross-border cooperation. The Lead Partner (Municipality of Petrich) and all project partners (PP2 – Municipality of Strumica, PP3 – Promo Idea Strumica, and PP4 – Association “Together for Sandanski”) successfully established dedicated project teams. Necessary documentation for staff appointments and financial administration was completed, ensuring compliance with national regulations and programme rules. The Project Procurement Plan was developed and approved, setting the foundation for smooth implementation. Contracts with external experts were signed to support procurement processes, including consultancy services for tender preparation and legal services for procurement procedures. The project has ensured financial stability by opening dedicated bank accounts, processing advance payment No. 1, and submitting financial reports – 1 by LP and 1 by PP3. A comprehensive Project Communication Strategy was developed, focusing on stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and the promotion of environmental sustainability and urban development.
Municipality of Petrich (LP) signed two contracts with external service provider for implementation of communication activities under project with acronym G-Pact for the needs of Municipality of Petrich.
Municipality of Strumica launched a Local Open Tender Procedure for Works related to the “Construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Strumica - Arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the Settlement of "Karposh", City of Strumica (Horticultural and Parterre Landscaping and Installation of Energy-Efficient Lighting.
Promo Idea conducted a single tender procedure & signed a contract for “Services for marketing, promotion and visibility”. During the reporting period, PP3 carried out initial activities for creation of draft posts for social media, made one free publication on its website and developed draft designs for part of the promotional materials.
A Communication Plan of the G-PACT project was prepared. This plan includes targeted communication efforts aimed at engaging diverse stakeholders, promoting public awareness and encouraging active community participation through the envisaged events within the project. The plan ensures consistent messaging across cross-border partners and highlights the project's impact on environmental sustainability and urban development in the CB regions of both Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Overall, the project has successfully initiated key procurement, financial, and communication activities, ensuring smooth implementation and fostering collaboration between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
LP: A request for change of investment project for investment in Petrich was submitted on 28.03.2025 to JS. The request was returned by JS with request for submission of additional documents on 01.04.2025. A procurement procedure for works and site supervision will be announced after its approval. A design of Temporary information board for the site in Petrich was approved by the JS. The board will be mounted right after start of the construction works on the site in Petrich. Municipality of Petrich conducted an Official opening press conference on 25.03.2025 with 37 participants (Deliverable 2.4.2). A service contract for Development of Detailed action plan for Green Pulse park in Petrich was concluded on 31.03.2025. Free publication was published - 1 on municipal website and 1 on social media of the LP (Deliverable 2.4.5).
PP2: During Reporting Period No. 3, PP2 (Municipality of Strumica) implemented the following activities:
- Partner report No.2 (reporting period 2) was prepared and submitted to the LP by PP2;
- The contract for national co-financing was signed by the Municipality of Strumica and has been submitted to the Ministry of Local Self-Government for signature;
- Service Contract for provision of expert services for Civil construction supervision of investment (works) activities for construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Strumica was prepared and concluded;
- Works Contract for “Construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Strumica - Arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the Settlement of "Karposh", City of Strumica (Horticultural and Parterre Landscaping and Installation of Energy-Efficient Lighting)” was prepared and concluded with the Contractor, DGT “Zikol” DOOEL Strumica.
PP3: During the 3rd reporting period, Promo Idea Strumica carried out several activities within the implementation of the G-Pact project.
- Preparation and submission of a partner report for the 2nd reporting period to the Lead partner (01.10.2024 – 31.12.2024), publication of news on the website, preparation and publication of posts for social media, minor modification of line 7 of the PPP and verification of expenditures for the first six months of the project.
The preparation and submission of the partner report for the 2nd reporting period were conducted via JEMS.
During the reporting period 3, Promo Idea published one news on its own website, prepared and published three posts on social media channels and submitted part of the promotional materials for review by the JS. These actions correspond to deliverables 2.4.4, and 2.4.5. During the reporting period PP3 submitted a request for National Control (on 15.01.2025). A national controller was assigned on 05.03.2025. The control was completed, the expenditures were verified & eligible and the checklists by the NA were issued on 13.03.2025. The total amount of the verified & eligible expenditures for PP3 is 7554.18 eur.
PP4: During the reporting period a Service contract for elaboration of promotional and informational materials was signed. The development of roll-banners for Bulgarian partners was assigned. A design of the roll-banner was approved by the JS after which the material were developed and supplied - 1 pc. for Association "Together for Sandanski" and 1 pc. for Municipality of Petrich. A documentation for Procurement procedure for External expertise for development of EsS Network for the needs of Association "Together for Sandanski" with 3 lots: Lot 1: Research and status report for Petrich and Overall status report Petrich-Strumica CB area; Lot 2: Preparation of Joint Urban EsS Assessment Methodology and Lot 3: Development of joint action plan, were developed under Service contract for Legal services for procurement procedures and will be announced at the beginning of the next reporting period. A draft contract for "Services for communication and visibility activities for the needs of Association "Together for Sandanski" (PP4) with 2 lots: Lot 1: Organization of events" is prepared and will be signed with external service provider in the next reporting period.
Communication and coordination with project partners have been maintained to ensure effective collaboration throughout the project.
LP: On 12.05.2025 a Request for modification, concerning change of works design for site "Krayrechen park, located RPL 1-2336, q. 98 according to the plan of the town of Petrich" was submitted via Jems and later on approved by the JS. A procurement procedure for construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Petrich was launched on 30.06.2025. The procedure is published on https://app.eop.bg/today/504895 with unique number 00212-2025-0011.
PP2: The construction works for the Green Pulse Twinning Park in Strumica - arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the settlement of Karposh, City of Strumica, have started and are currently in progress. Site supervision services are being carried out in parallel with the ongoing construction works; Free publications were made on the municipal website and other internet media, announcing the start of the construction works for the Green Pulse Twinning Park in Strumica; The TD2 “External expertise for conduction of research and development of reports for the needs of Strumica” is ongoing;
PP3: During the 4th reporting period, Promo Idea Strumica carried out several activities within the implementation of the G-Pact project. This includes: preparation and publication of posts for social media, design and printing of promotional materials (approved by JS). During this reporting period Promo Idea conducted a single tender procedure & signed a contract for “Services for organisation of events” based on the approved procurement plan. The third single tender procedure based on the procurement plan for PP3 (expert services for trainings and training modules delivery) has been initiated during this reporting period. PP3 has also executed payments to external contractors and shall submit a request for National control. During the reporting period 4, Promo Idea, prepared and published three posts on social media channels and designed the following promotional materials: Roll banner, eco-notepads & eco-pens, eco-water bottles and branded paper bags. The promotional materials were submitted to the JS for review and approval. The JS reviewed the materials, provided instructions for revisions and later approved the proposed design. Following the approval the following materials have been printed: Roll-banners, eco-notepads & eco-pens and paper bags. The promotional materials will be distributed in the following project trainings and events. These actions correspond to deliverables D2.4.3, and D2.4.4. During this reporting period PP3 conducted a single tender procedure for “Services for organisation of events”. The procedure was carried out in accordance with the PRAG rules and based on the provisions of the PIM. Following completion of the single tender procedure a contract was signed on 02.05.2025. The final single tender procedure of PP3 (expert services for trainings and training modules delivery) has been initiated during this reporting period and (if no administrative obstacles appear) it will be completed in the following project period. PP3 conducted payments for external contractors: Final payment for expert services for procurement procedures and advance payment for services for organisation of events.
PP4: During the reporting period a Service contract for organization of events, planned within the project, was signed. A documentation for Procurement procedure for External expertise for development of EsS Network for the needs of Association "Together for Sandanski" with 3 lots: Lot 1: Research and status report for Petrich and Overall status report Petrich-Strumica CB area; Lot 2: Preparation of Joint Urban EsS Assessment Methodology and Lot 3: Development of joint action plan, were finalized and announced at the very beginning of the next reporting period (published on 02.07.2025).
LP: On 12.05.2025 a Request for modification, concerning change of works design for site "Krayrechen park, located RPL 1-2336, q. 98 according to the plan of the town of Petrich" was submitted via Jems and later on approved by the JS. A procurement procedure for construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Petrich was launched on 30.06.2025. The procedure is published on https://app.eop.bg/today/504895 with unique number 00212-2025-0011.
PP2: The construction works for the Green Pulse Twinning Park in Strumica - arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the settlement of Karposh, City of Strumica, have started and are currently in progress. Site supervision services are being carried out in parallel with the ongoing construction works; Free publications were made on the municipal website and other internet media, announcing the start of the construction works for the Green Pulse Twinning Park in Strumica; The TD2 “External expertise for conduction of research and development of reports for the needs of Strumica” is ongoing;
PP3: During the 4th reporting period, Promo Idea Strumica carried out several activities within the implementation of the G-Pact project. This includes: preparation and publication of posts for social media, design and printing of promotional materials (approved by JS). During this reporting period Promo Idea conducted a single tender procedure & signed a contract for “Services for organisation of events” based on the approved procurement plan. The third single tender procedure based on the procurement plan for PP3 (expert services for trainings and training modules delivery) has been initiated during this reporting period. PP3 has also executed payments to external contractors and shall submit a request for National control. During the reporting period 4, Promo Idea, prepared and published three posts on social media channels and designed the following promotional materials: Roll banner, eco-notepads & eco-pens, eco-water bottles and branded paper bags. The promotional materials were submitted to the JS for review and approval. The JS reviewed the materials, provided instructions for revisions and later approved the proposed design. Following the approval the following materials have been printed: Roll-banners, eco-notepads & eco-pens and paper bags. The promotional materials will be distributed in the following project trainings and events. These actions correspond to deliverables D2.4.3, and D2.4.4. During this reporting period PP3 conducted a single tender procedure for “Services for organisation of events”. The procedure was carried out in accordance with the PRAG rules and based on the provisions of the PIM. Following completion of the single tender procedure a contract was signed on 02.05.2025. The final single tender procedure of PP3 (expert services for trainings and training modules delivery) has been initiated during this reporting period and (if no administrative obstacles appear) it will be completed in the following project period. PP3 conducted payments for external contractors: Final payment for expert services for procurement procedures and advance payment for services for organisation of events.
PP4: During the reporting period a Service contract for organization of events, planned within the project, was signed. A documentation for Procurement procedure for External expertise for development of EsS Network for the needs of Association "Together for Sandanski" with 3 lots: Lot 1: Research and status report for Petrich and Overall status report Petrich-Strumica CB area; Lot 2: Preparation of Joint Urban EsS Assessment Methodology and Lot 3: Development of joint action plan, were finalized and announced at the very beginning of the next reporting period (published on 02.07.2025).
LP:
During the reporting period a public procurement procedure with unique identification number in RPP
00212-2025-0011 (https://app.eop.bg/today/504895) for implementation of works, connected with the Green pulse park in Petrich has been terminated by Decision of the Contracting Authority, as no offers were received by the deadline for submitting offers. The public procurement was republished on https://app.eop.bg/today/521136, in accordance with Bulgarian legislation. As a result a decision to select a contractor has been published on 30.09.2025. A contract will be concluded after the decision enters into legal force.
LP developed and submitted project report for Period 4.
LP developed and submitted a Request for 2nd interim payment under the project.
PP2:
During Reporting Period No. 5, PP2 (Municipality of Strumica) implemented the following activities:
1.) Partner report No.4 (reporting period 4) was prepared and submitted to the LP by PP2;
2.) A Contract for “Expert services for the preparation of an analysis of ecosystem services and biodiversity in urban areas, as well as the preparation of an action plan for the sustainable development of a park with green infrastructure, for the needs of the Municipality of Strumica” (TD2) was concluded;
3.) A Request for National (First Level) Control No.1 for verification of expenditures was submitted by PP2. The expenditures were later verified by the designated controller;
PP3:
During the 5th reporting period, Promo Idea Strumica carried out several activities within the implementation of the G-Pact project.
This includes: preparation and submission of a partner report for the 4th reporting period to the Lead partner (02.04.2025 – 01.07.2025), submission of request for National control, carrying out national control process and verification of expenditures, conducting single tender procedure and preparation & publication of posts for social media.
Promo Idea initiated National control no.2 and finalized the verification of expenditures. The amount certified within this reporting period is equal to: 11.613,47 EUR. The total certified amount of Promo Idea within the project implementation is 19.167,65 EUR, equal to 37.17% of the total budget of PP3.
During the reporting period 5, Promo Idea, prepared and published three posts on social media channels. This action corresponds to deliverable D2.4.4.
During this reporting period Promo Idea conducted a single tender procedure & signed a contract for “Expert services for trainings and training modules delivery” based on the approved procurement plan. With this, all procedures envisaged in the procurement plan have been successfully contracted. The procedure was carried out in accordance with the PRAG rules and based on the provisions of the PIM.
PP4:
As a result of conducted procurement procedure for External expertise for development of EsS Network for the needs of Association "Together for Sandanski" with 3 lots: Lot 1: Research and status report for Petrich and Overall status report Petrich-Strumica CB area; Lot 2: Preparation of Joint Urban EsS Assessment Methodology and Lot 3: Development of joint action plan a Contracts for each lot was signed on 01.10.2025 with the selected contractor. This allows the implementation of main project activities to be launched, for which the responsible partner is the "Together for Sandanski" association.
Communication and coordination with project partners have been maintained to ensure effective collaboration throughout the project.
During the reporting period No. 6, all project partners prepared and submitted partner reports and LP submitted project report for period 5, which was later on approved by the JS. Communication and coordination between all project partners have been maintained to ensure effective collaboration throughout the project. As of 27 October 2025, following the 2025 local elections in the Republic of North Macedonia, the Municipality of Strumica (PP2) has a newly elected Mayor, who now serves as the Legal Representative of the Municipality. In connection with this administrative change and in compliance with the programme requirements, a notification letter was submitted to JS regarding the change of the legal representative of PP2, together with Current legal status of the Municipality of Strumica, in the national language and in English translation and Decision on registration of change of legal representative of the Municipality of Strumica, in the national language and in English translation.
The progress by project partners is as follows:
LP (Petrich):
During the current reporting period, as a result of conducted procurement procedure with UIC in RPP (https://app.eop.bg/today/521136) a contract for Works with subject "Construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Petrich (Stage I) – “Riverside Park“, located RLP III-2336, q. 98 according to the plan of the town of Petrich, property with identifier 56126.603.7789 according to the CCCR of the city of Petrich, District of Blagoevgrad – Sub-stage I, under project with acronym G-Pact, financed under Programme Interreg VI-A IPP Bulgaria – North Macedonia 2021 – 2027" was signed on 31.10.2025.
On 17.11.2025 a service contract for site supervision for the site was signed.
On 17.11.2025 a service contract for author supervision for the site was signed.
A Protocol for opening a construction site and determining the construction line and level was signed on 11.12.2025, which starts the actual implementation of the construction activities.
The construction works in Petrich are ongoing.
PP2 (Strumica):
During Reporting Period No. 6 PP2 implemented the following activities:
1.) The construction works for the Green Pulse Twinning Park in Strumica - arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the settlement of Karposh, City of Strumica, have continued and are currently in progress. Site supervision services are being carried out in parallel with the ongoing construction works.
2.) On 12 November 2025, the Minister of Local Self-Government of the Republic of North Macedonia visited Strumica, where he and the Mayor of the Municipality of Strumica conducted a site visit to the new park in the Karposh neighbourhood, where construction works are ongoing. A press conference was held to inform the public about the current progress and status of the works, and to present the upcoming activities planned for the continued development of the park in Strumica.
3.) Free publications were posted on the municipal website and other online media about the press conference, informing the public about the progress of the works and the upcoming activities for the continued development of the park in Strumica.
PP3 (Promo Idea):
During the reporting period 6, Promo Idea, prepared and published posts on social media channels (Instagram project page and Facebook own page). This action corresponds to deliverable D2.4.4. Promo Idea also published a free publication on its own website.
PP4 (TS):
Within the reporting period, a Joint Urban EsS Assessment Methodology (Del. 2.1.1) was developed as a result of the performance of a contract for Lot 2: Preparation of Joint Urban EsS Assessment Methodology. The start of the implementation of the Study and Report on the Status of Ecosystem Services in Petrich on the base of the developed assessment methodology was assigned, within the scope of the contract for Lot 1: Research and status report for Petrich and Overall status report Petrich-Strumica CB area. Within the framework of the contract for Lot 1, the contractor has created a survey for the purposes of the research, which has been approved by the Association "Together for Sandanski" and, with the assistance of the Municipality of Petrich, has been published on the official website and Facebook page of the Municipality of Petrich. The implementation of contract for Lot 1 is still ongoing.
LP: During the reporting period LP developed and submitted partner report and project report for Period 6.
LP developed and submitted a Request for interim payment. Annex 9 is submitted in updated form.
Notification letter from 10.03.2026 for modification concerning change of bank account of the LP was submitted to the MA and JS.
The implementation of contracts for Works with subject "Construction of Green Pulse twinning park in Petrich (Stage I), site supervision and author supervision during the construction works are ongoing.
PP2: During Reporting Period PP2 implemented the following activities:
1.) Partner report No.6 was prepared and submitted to the LP;
2.) The construction works for the Green Pulse Twinning Park in Strumica - arrangement of a park with green infrastructure in the settlement of Karposh, City of Strumica, have reached their final stage and are nearing completion, with finalisation activities ongoing. Site supervision services are being carried out in parallel with the construction works;
3.) A Request for NC No.2 for verification of expenditures was submitted by PP2.
PP3: PP3 carried out several activities within the implementation of the G-Pact project.
This includes: preparation and submission of a partner report for the 6th reporting period to the Lead partner, preparation & publication of posts for social media, free website publications, conducting of training module “Green project management” and printing of eco-water bottles. These activities are related to the following deliverables: 2.2.1, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.5.
Within the reporting period, Promo Idea printed the eco-water bottles, which were the only remaining item from “D2.4.3 - Promotional materials for PPs” and therefore completed the integral D.2.4.3.
During the reporting period PP3 prepared and published posts on social media channels (Instagram project page and Facebook own page). This action corresponds to deliverable D2.4.4. Posts are related to promotion of green infrastructure, as well as promotion of project activities and trainings conducted in the reporting period.
Promo Idea also prepared and published two free publications on its own website (D2.4.5).
During the present reporting period, PP3 successfully completed Training Module 1 “Green Project Management”, implemented from 9 to 12 March as a 4-day training programme. The training brought together 25 young participants and focused on increasing their knowledge and understanding of green project management principles, sustainable project development and the opportunities for future green initiatives (D2.2.1).
PP4: During the reporting period PP4 prepared Partner report for the previous reporting period.
During the reporting period an Assignment Letter was submitted to the selected contractor (in connection with Del. 2.1.2) and the implementation of the study and a report on the state of ecosystem services in the Petrich region is ongoing.
Practical training on the development of provisioning and cultural Ecosystem Services in Urban Areas (Training Module No. 2, Training Package No. 1) was organized and conducted - part of Del. 2.3.1. The training took place in the period 25-27.2026 in the town of Petrich, Bulgaria. For the purposes of the training session, a training package was created - Training Module No. 2, Training Package No. 1 in the field of the two out of four main types of EsS: Provisioning and Cultural. The practical training featured field trips and hands-on assignments. Participation in the training session took more than 20 persons, from both Bulgaria and North Macedonia, incl. representatives of local public authorities, NGOs and general public. Training increased knowledge and improved skills on two types of EsS - Provisioning and Cultural and responsible behavior for sustainable development in urban areas. The training also improved networking among different stakeholders from BG and MK and support the development of new initiatives for further development of EsS network, as ideas for new municipal policies to encourage the population to support, protect and develop ecosystem services in urban environments were discussed. The training was led by two trainers throughout the entire period. Participants received certificates of participation in the training. Invitation, agenda, attendance lists, training package, photos from the training are available and attached hereto.
Total of 3 pcs. Solar external battery chargers for awards for upcoming “EsS development agents” competition were ensured under contract for services No.2/13.03.2025. The solar battery chargers have been handed over to the LP, which will be responsible for handing them over to the awardees.
PP4 ensured 1 paid publication was published in the regional media, in connection with project and its progress (Del. 2.4.6).
Communication and coordination with project partners have been maintained to ensure effective collaboration throughout the project.
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