Green modeling of urban areas, creation of new systems for recreation and outdoor activities

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria

Date of latest update: 2025-05-23

Description

Description (EN):

The cross-border cooperation project “Green Modeling of Urban Areas, Creation of New Systems for Recreation and Outdoor Activities” brings together the Municipality of Giurgiu in Romania and the Municipality of Ruse in Bulgaria, under the funding program Interreg Romania-Bulgaria. The project addresses the common challenge of enhancing the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure in urban areas while reducing various forms of pollution. The program area, encompassing both Giurgiu and Ruse, faces pressing environmental issues such as pollution, habitat degradation, and the fragmentation of natural areas due to urbanization. These challenges threaten the well-being of the local communities and the ecological balance of the region. A collaborative effort is needed to mitigate these issues effectively. The overarching goal of the project is to contribute to the sustainable development of Ecosystem Services in urban areas in Giurgiu and Ruse by improving their green infrastructure, promoting biodiversity conservation, reducing pollution and behavior change initiatives. The project aims to create healthier, greener, and more sustainable urban environments that benefit both nature and local communities. The project seeks to bring about a positive transformation in the current environmental and urban landscape. It aims to achieve the following changes: By developing and enhancing green spaces, including parks and recreational areas, the project will create more attractive and functional urban environments, thus improving green infrastructure. Through biodiversity conservation efforts, such as planting native species and creating habitats, the project will increase the local flora and fauna, promoting ecological balance and enchaining the biodiversity. The project will empower local communities and stakeholders to actively participate in the development of ecosystem services in their respective areas, thus reducing pollution in the cross-border area (CBA). The project will produce several key outputs: A standardized approach to assess ecosystem services, including protocols for data collection and analysis, will be developed - Comprehensive Urban Ecosystem Services Assessment Methodology. A Joint Action plan for development of Ecosystem services will be created, thus laying foundations of newly established Urban ReNature EsS network. Will be create and establish the Danube Bauhaus Twinning Parks in Ruse and Giurgiu as flagship green urban spaces, exemplifying innovative approaches to green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development. These parks will serve as focal points for community engagement, environmental education, and the promotion of ecosystem services, fostering cross-border collaboration and inspiring similar initiatives in the region. The parks will be the first members of the Urban ReNature EsS Network. Training packages, workshops and competitions will empower local stakeholders and communities to engage in sustainable ecosystem service development. A comprehensive communication strategy will promote project objectives and outcomes, encouraging public participation. The project's outputs will benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, local authorities, environmental organizations, youth and educational institutions, public health, etc. A cross-border approach will be used and the same is essential because environmental challenges often transcend political boundaries. Giurgiu and Ruse share the Danube River and face similar urbanization issues. Collaborative efforts will enable the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, resulting in more effective solutions. What sets this project apart is its innovative approach to urban sustainability, biodiversity and ecosystem services conservation. It combines the principles of the New European Bauhaus, green infrastructure development, and community engagement to create a holistic model for urban revitalization. The project's focus on enhancing ecosystem services in a cross-border context is a pioneering effort, demonstrating the potential for harmonious coexistence between urban areas and the natural environment.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, LP organized the Kick off press-conference on the 20th of Dec, 2024. Partners from Giurgiu Municipality were invited, but due to traffic disturbances at the bridge their participation was not possible. The Conference was attended by citizens, stakeholders and media. Participants lists attached. Municipality of Ruse contracted the team members, and Order form the Mayor was issued РД-01- 3588/ 15.11.2024, attached. Project Manager, Communication Manager, Financial Manager, Technical assistant, Engineer, Legal Expert. Few teem meetings were organized, for discussing the activities, time schedule and the obligations for each position. The design of the roll banner was created and aprooved by the JS ( attached rollbanner and letter for confirmation) Municipality of Ruse communicated with the author of the design project, mainly phone calls, a proposal for change was discussed for better performance and ...............of the materials. LP will issue a Modification request, with fully justified explanation for the necessity of that change. The Author of the design project offered to upgrade the idea project as a donation for free. A contract was concluded num: 8235/ 03.01.2025 betwqeen Municipality of Ruse and Design Group Studio for the work. The term is 60 calendar days, which suppose the Technical project to be ready in the middle of March. Communication with Partners from Giurgiu Municipality was constant via e-maill and calls d Giurgiu Municipality implemented the following activities: - Launching the (public) procurement procedure for design services of the investment (technical project elaboration, technical project verification and technical assistance during work execution) According to the national provisions regarding the public procurement Giurgiu Municipality realized two procedures for awarding the contracts regarding the elaboration of the technical project and the technical assistance during the work execution and the technical project verification. Taking into consideration the estimated values for this services according to the general estimate, the procedure applied was direct acquisition. The following contracts were signed: 1. Services contract no. 115.370/04.12.2024 with SC VENTOR GRUP CONSULTING SRL for elaboration of the technical documentation - technical project and technical assistance during the works execution 2. Services contract no. 123.035/30.12.2024 with SC CREATIV ENGINEERING CONSULTING SRL for technical project verification. On 17.12.2024 order no. 120271 was issued regarding the elaboration of the technical project. At the current moment the documentation is under verification by the external provider. Also, Giurgiu Municipality awarded the contract for consultancy in project management services (noneligible expenditure). Thus, contract no. 116.040/05.12.2024 was signed with SC FIP CONSULTING SRL.

Project outputs: Green infrastructure supported in Ruse(EN)
Green infrastructure supported in Giurgiu(EN)
Organizations cooperating across borders for Ecosystem Services network development(EN)
Pilot establishment of Urban ReNature EsS Network in the Romania - Bulgaria cross-border area(EN)

Thematic information

Urban development Sustainable management of natural resources

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Bu_P2) A greener region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 080 Other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the area of preservation and restoration of natural areas with high potential for carbon absorption and storage, e.g. by rewetting of moorlands, the capture of landfill gas

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Община Русе

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 991015924

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000530632

Address: Svoboda Sqr., 7000 Ruse, Bulgaria

Department address: Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://obshtinaruse.bg/

Total budget: EUR 1 746 373.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 397 098.59

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 349 274.65

Municipiul Giurgiu

Name: Municipiul Giurgiu

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 935856389

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4852455 | 4852455 | Unique Identification Code (EN)

Address: Bd. Bucuresti , 080044 Giurgiu, Romania

Department address: Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://primariagiurgiu.ro/

Total budget: EUR 1 069 707.89

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 855 766.31

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 213 941.58

Contractors:

Name: SC VENTOR GRUP CONSULTING SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO24357117
Name: CREATIVENGINNERING CONSULTING
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO35584190

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Green modeling of urban areas, creation of new systems for recreation and outdoor activities

Project acronym: ReNature - Hard

Project ID: ROBG00178

Project start date: 2024-10-05

Project end date: 2027-10-04

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

The Fund for Civil Initiatives in Ruse (EN) | The project can collaborate with the Fund for Civil Initiatives in Ruse, which supports residents' initiatives for the care of inter-block spaces in the city. By integrating the project's goals and activities with this fund, it can encourage community engagement and empower residents to actively participate in green space development and maintenance. This synergy promotes a sense of ownership among residents and aligns with the project's objectives of enhancing green infrastructure and biodiversity in urban areas. (EN), "The New Forest of Ruse" Initiative (EN) | The project aligns with and will support the "The New Forest of Ruse" initiative, which focuses on reforestation and planting of saplings in the city. Collaborating with this initiative allows the project to contribute to urban afforestation efforts, furthering its goals of enhancing green areas and biodiversity. The project will provide expertise to help with tree planting and maintenance, ensuring the success and sustainability of the new forest. (EN), Project “Biodiversity and ecosystem services network (BES-NET)" PHASE II (EN) | The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) is a collaborative effort among UNDP, UNEP-WCMC, and UNESCO, supported by the Government of Germany’s Climate Initiative (IKI) and SwedBio, aiming to promote the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of diverse ecosystem services which will translate into strengthened resilience for the planet and human welfare. The ReNature project has the potential to have synergies with the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) Phase II project. Both projects share a common goal of promoting the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ecosystem services. ReNature can benefit from the knowledge and expertise developed under BES-Net Phase II. It can collaborate with BES-Net to exchange information, research findings, and best practices related to biodiversity conservation, green infrastructure, and ecosystem services in urban areas. This collaboration can enrich ReNature's understanding and approach to these topics. ReNature's activities related to green infrastructure and urban development may benefit from policy insights and recommendations generated by BES-Net Phase II. Collaboration with BES-Net can help ReNature align its project outcomes with relevant international and national policies related to biodiversity and ecosystem services. In summary, ReNature can enhance its impact by collaborating with BES-Net Phase II, benefiting from shared knowledge, expertise, and resources in the field of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. This synergy can contribute to the successful implementation of ReNature's objectives and promote sustainable urban development in the project's target areas. (EN), “Well-developed transportation system in the Euroregion Ruse-Giurgiu for better connectivity with TEN-T network”, ROBG 425 (EN) | PPs have vast experience in implementing EU projects, including cross-border projects in which they have partnered before. The municipalities have successfully implemented the project “Well-developed transportation system in the Euroregion Ruse-Giurgiu for better connectivity with TEN-T network”, ROBG 425, in partnership. The current project shows the continuing efforts of the two municipalities to work together on common challenges in the CB area and to use the cross-border approach in order solutions and work done to be an effective example for other stakeholders in the same area or in areas with the similar territorial challenges. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 816 081.13

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 252 864.90

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 252 864.90. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I1.2 - Construction of Danube Bauhaus park in Giurgiu - EUR 786 139.04 - country: România (RO), town: Giurgiu, street: Tineretului Street, ZONE III/1, postal_code: 080044, Sud-Muntenia (RO31), Giurgiu (RO314)
I1.1 - Construction of Danube Bauhaus park in Ruse - EUR 1 470 177.09 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: Ruse, street: Lipnik Blvd., 121, postal_code: 7000, Severen tsentralen (BG32), Ruse (BG323)

Deliverables:

Upgraded in Working investment design for construction of new part in Ruse
Ensured author's supervision for the construction works in Ruse.
Endured contract for site supervision and ensured investment control
Conformity assessment of investment design in phase "Working" for Ruse
Constructed new Danube Bauhaus park in Ruse
Elaboration of the technical project
Creating a Danube Bauhaus park in Giurgiu Municipality
Awarding of the site supervision services contract and lаwful implementation of works in Giurgiu
Project billboard/plaque for each site of investment
Free publications on the investments' progress
Carried out "Urban Nature Lens" Photo Contest from Ruse and Giurgiu
Permanent plates/boards for finished sites
Consultancy services for elaboration of feasibility study for Giurgiu
Elaboration of procurement procedures for Giurgiu
Status reports
Comprehensive Urban Ecosystem Services Assessment Methodology
Joint integrated Action Plan
Action plans (AP) for pilot EsS Green parks in Ruse and Girurgiu
Developed EsS training packages and conducted trainings for EsS sustainable development
Improved public awareness on EsS
Held competition “EsS development agents”
Comprehensive communication strategy
Communication activities and materials
Cooperation agreement between Ruse and Giurgiu

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project "Green Modeling of Urban Areas, Creation of New Systems for Recreation and Outdoor Activities" makes significant contributions to the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), particularly in Priority Area 06 (PA 06) focused on Biodiversity, Landscapes, Quality of Air, and Soils.
By creating and enhancing green urban spaces, including parks and recreational areas, the project contributes to the preservation of local flora and fauna, thereby strengthening the ecological health of the region.
The project's activities, such as planting native species and creating habitats within urban areas, align with the goal of halting the deterioration in the status of species and habitats in the Danube Region covered by EU nature legislation. These efforts not only protect existing species and habitats but also contribute to the development of new, sustainable ecosystems within urban environments.
The project indirectly addresses the issue of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) by promoting the use of native plants and emphasizing the importance of ecological balance.
The establishment of the Danube Bauhaus Twinning Parks and the broader Urban ReNature EsS Network exemplifies integrated spatial development and conservation planning. These green urban spaces serve as green infrastructure elements, not only enhancing the quality of urban life but also preserving and restoring critical natural elements within the Danube Region.
By increasing green cover, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable land use, the project indirectly supports the goal of improving and maintaining soil quality.
The project's emphasis on green infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation has direct implications for air quality improvement. Green spaces, including parks and urban forests, act as natural air filters, helping to decrease air pollution levels in the Danube Region.
EuropeanGreenDeal The RENature project makes a substantial contribution to the European Green Deal by addressing several key aspects of the deal's objectives and priorities:
The project aligns with the European Green Deal's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By focusing on the enhancement of green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development, the project contributes directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Green spaces, including parks and urban forests, act as carbon sinks and contribute to carbon sequestration, aiding in the journey toward climate neutrality.
By creating healthier and greener urban environments, the project indirectly reduces emissions from transport and energy use, leading to a more sustainable and low-carbon urban landscape.
The European Green Deal aims to decouple economic growth from resource use. The project aligns with this goal by promoting resource-efficient practices in urban development. By planting native species, creating habitats, and using sustainable landscaping techniques, the project demonstrates how urban areas can thrive while minimizing resource consumption.
This project actively engages local communities, authorities, and stakeholders in its activities. It empowers these groups to participate in sustainable ecosystem service development, ensuring that the benefits of green infrastructure and biodiversity conservation are accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background. This shows contribution to the priority for inclusive growth.
By creating green urban spaces and reducing pollution, the project directly contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of urban residents. Access to green areas, recreational spaces, and cleaner air has a positive impact on public health, aligning with the European Green Deal's goal of enhancing wellbeing.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The ReNature project aligns closely with the objectives and priorities outlined in the Territorial Agenda 2030, contributing significantly to the vision of a Just Europe and a Green Europe. The project promotes sustainable spatial planning by focusing on the development and enhancement of green spaces within urban areas. By creating attractive and functional urban environments through green infrastructure development, it demonstrates a commitment to responsible spatial planning that considers the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The project actively engages local communities, authorities, and stakeholders in its activities. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development are accessible to all residents, contributing to the Territorial Agenda's goal of promoting an inclusive and sustainable future for all places.
Through the creation of green urban spaces, the project directly contributes to the objective of a Green Europe that protects common livelihoods. It aims to enhance the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, which are essential components of a sustainable and resilient European landscape.
The project aligns with the Territorial Agenda's vision of shaping societal transition. By empowering local communities and stakeholders to actively participate in the development of ecosystem services and sustainable urban environments, it fosters behavioral change initiatives that contribute to a greener and more sustainable Europe.
Environmental challenges, such as pollution and habitat degradation, are complex issues that often require collaborative efforts. The project's cross-border approach and collaboration between the Ruse and Giurgiu demonstrate a commitment to cooperation and coordination between places and levels of government to address these complex challenges effectively.
Other The ReNAture project through the investment in Ruse align closely with the Integrated Territorial Strategy for the Development of the North Central Region in Bulgaria, particularly with Specific Objective 3.2 “Integrated and sustainable development and strengthening of the polycentric settlement network. Intra-regional and cross-border cooperation” and Sub-Objective 3.2.1 “Integrated development of second and third level cities and improving the quality of their environment and agglomeration functions”.
The project focuses on enhancing green urban infrastructure, such as parks and recreational areas, one of which in Ruse. This aligns with the strategy's objective of integrated and sustainable development of second and third-level cities, including Ruse. By creating green spaces and improving the quality of the urban environment, the project contributes directly to the region's development goals.
The project's emphasis on green infrastructure and the creation of public recreation areas and green spaces directly addresses the strategy's goal of improving the quality of the urban environment. These initiatives enhance the livability of cities like Ruse, making them more attractive places to live and work.
Ruse is a city of 2nd level and is recognized as a support center of national importance in the regional strategy. The project's activities in Ruse, including the establishment of the Danube Bauhaus Twinning Park, not only contribute to the city's agglomeration functions but also position it as a model for sustainable urban development in the region.
The project's focus on renewing urban neighborhoods through the creation of green spaces and green infrastructure aligns with the strategy's goals of renewing territories with unfavorable socio-economic characteristics. These initiatives can revitalize neighborhoods, improve living conditions, and promote social inclusion.
Other The investment objective of Giurgiu aligns with Romania's Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 in several ways, contributing to the country's broader sustainability goals. Romania's Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 addresses various dimensions of sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic aspects. Here's how the project supports these objectives:
The urban park will serve as green lungs in densely populated urban areas, contributing to improved air quality, reduced heat islands, and enhanced urban biodiversity. These environmental benefits align with the strategy's objectives to protect and conserve natural resources and biodiversity.
Well-designed urban parks with trees and vegetation sequester carbon dioxide and help mitigate the effects of climate change. They also provide green infrastructure that can aid in flood control and reduce the urban heat island effect, aligning with the strategy's climate action goals.
Urban parks provide essential ecosystem services such as water purification, soil retention, and pollination, which are vital for sustaining agriculture and human well-being. These services contribute to the strategy's objectives related to sustainable land use and resource management.
The park will offer recreational opportunities, encourage physical activity, and promote community well-being. Encouraging people to use these spaces aligns with the strategy's goals of promoting healthy lifestyles and social cohesion.
The park will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, promoting social inclusion and cohesion. Ensuring that these spaces are inclusive aligns with the strategy's objectives of reducing social disparities.
Other The ReNature project aligns seamlessly with the New European Bauhaus initiative, contributing to its core values.
1. Sustainability: The project's focus on enhancing green spaces, parks, and recreation areas promotes sustainability by creating environmentally friendly and sustainable urban environments. It demonstrates that sustainability can be integrated into the built environment while improving the quality of life for communities. By promoting biodiversity through planting native species and creating habitats, the project actively contributes to nature protection and regeneration, aligning with the initiative's sustainability goals.
2. Aesthetics: The project's emphasis on developing attractive and functional urban spaces demonstrates how sustainability and aesthetics can go hand in hand. It showcases that sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing style or visual appeal in urban planning and design.
The creation of these flagship green urban spaces exemplifies innovative approaches to green infrastructure and sustainable urban development. They will not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing, setting a standard for future urban projects.
3. Inclusion: The project fosters community engagement by involving local stakeholders, educational institutions, and the public in various activities, including workshops, competitions, and environmental education. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of the project are accessible to all members of the community.
By improving common spaces and promoting cultural assets, the project creates opportunities for social interaction and a sense of belonging.
The project's environmental education components, including workshops and competitions, can serve as models for interdisciplinary education. They integrate sustainability values into the learning process, helping communities understand the importance of coexisting with nature.
Other Green Public Procurement - The partners will ensure the inclusion of additional `green` criteria in tendering whenever legally possible. Thus, by using their purchasing power to choose environmentally friendly goods, services and works, they will make an important contribution to sustainable consumption and production. Horizontal aspects such as the protection of the environment, social considerations or the enforcement of innovation to be taken into account when purchasing a product, service or work will be taken up. PPs will make use of this possibility whenever possible.
Practicing green procurement will involve sourcing goods and services that are produced and supplied in a sustainable way. When PPs procure goods/services, they will pay attention to the aspects recommended by the Programme and the relevant regulations.
Other The project contribute to the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and EU Nature Restoration Plan, which is part of the broader EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 in several ways. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets ambitious goals to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems, and urban parks can play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
Urban parks serve as vital green spaces that mimic natural habitats. When designed with native plants and biodiversity in mind, they can provide homes for various plant and animal species, helping to restore and create habitats within the urban environment.
The parks also act as biodiversity hotspots by supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. They can provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a variety of species, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds, and small mammals.
Urban parks contribute to ecosystem services such as air purification, water filtration, and climate regulation. These services are critical for urban areas, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy recognizes the importance of nature-based solutions to address various environmental challenges.
Other Through its activities the project contributes to achieving the objectives assumed by the Sustainable Development Strategy of Giurgiu Municipality for the period 2020 – 2027, respectively General Objective 5 (Development of urban infrastructure and limitation of disparities between newly built areas and existing ones, taking into account environmental factors, architecture, in order to ensure sustainable urban development), Specific Objective 5.2 - Improvement of all SEBI indicators and 5.11 - Increasing the number of green spaces by arranging existing parks and building 5 others.
Giurgiu Municipality has a vast experience in implementing EU projects, including cross-border projects. The municipality has successfully implemented the project “Well-developed transportation system in the Euroregion Ruse-Giurgiu for better connectivity with TEN-T network”, ROBG 425, in partnership with Ruse Municipality and is currently implementing 2 other projects with the same partner. Thus, the experience and expertise achieved through these projects will be very useful in implementing this project. The Municipality has also implemented in the past cross -border projects and also projects dedicated to improving the life of its citizens by creating green spaces.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 036 - Green infrastructure supported for other purposes than adaptation to climate change, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 095 - Population having access to new or improved green infrastructure, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-05-23

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

12 / 15 (80%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

33 / 35 (94.29%)

Notes on the data

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