In a few sentences, how would you describe your IAP? What is its main focus or goal?
The Integrated Action Plan (IAP) of the Municipality of Poljčane represents a comprehensive strategic framework aimed at significantly improving conditions for bees within the municipality. The main goal is to cultivate a bee-friendly urban environment by combining targeted awareness-raising measures, implementing nature-based solutions, and actively engaging the local community. This approach supports biodiversity, promotes sustainable development, and preserves traditional beekeeping heritage.
What local challenges or needs does your IAP address?
The innovative elements include nature-based solutions that not only support pollinators but also help mitigate climate change, retain water, and enhance the aesthetic value of public spaces. The plan outlines measures such as the establishment of flower strips, installation of bee hotels, development of a Bee-Friendly Label, and the organization of community workshops and educational programs on pollinators in schools. The IAP is also financed through a multi-source approach that combines the municipal budget, national/EU funds, and private sector sponsorships, including initiatives promoting “bee-friendly business” practices.
What are the most innovative or inspiring elements of your plan?
The innovative elements include nature-based solutions that, in addition to supporting pollinators, also contribute to mitigating climate change, retaining water, and enhancing the aesthetic value of public spaces. The plan defines measures such as the establishment of flower strips, installation of bee hotels, development of a Bee-Friendly Label, and the implementation of community workshops and educational programs on pollinators in schools.
What are the most valuable lessons your city learned during the BiodiverCity project?
The essential lesson is the importance of transnational exchange and online meetings with European partner cities, which offered inspiration and useful practices (such as permaculture gardens and collaborative green infrastructure projects). Furthermore, the core value lay in the intensive engagement of local stakeholders through the URBACT Local Group (ULG), which ensured that the proposed measures directly reflect local needs and capacities.
Can you describe one good practice from your city that others could learn from?
The good practice represents a comprehensive and coordinated approach to awareness-raising and environmental education. The IAP focuses on implementing educational initiatives, including workshops for all age groups, emphasizing the importance of understanding the vital role of bees. In addition, practical measures such as pilot projects with urban pollinator gardens promote a two-way dialogue between residents and the municipality.
What was your favourite moment or memory from the BiodiverCity project?
The favorite memory is the collaborative process, where meetings brought together stakeholders who actively analyzed local challenges, proposed solutions, and discussed feasibility, leading to the alignment of the plan with local policies and community interests.
In transnational regard:
One of my favorite memories from the BiodiverCity project was visiting Guimarães and hearing from one of the ambassadors from one of their “Green Brigades”. These local ambassador groups maintain green spaces and organize clean-ups, creating a strong sense of community stewardship. It was inspiring to see how decentralized engagement can make biodiversity care part of everyday life. This visit sparked ideas for how ’s-Hertogenbosch can strengthen long-term involvement of residents in our own green initiatives.
If you could describe the project in three words, what would they be?
Biodiversity, Bee-Friendly, Community
Any final thoughts or messages for the URBACT and BiodiverCity community?
Poljčane strives to enhance local biodiversity and ensure that nature is accessible, visible, and valued in everyday urban life. We hope that sustainability will not only remain an ideal but become a shared and lived reality for the future of the municipality.
