As part of the Interreg project 'Restoring and managing ecological corridors in mountains as the green infrastructure in the Danube-Carpathian region' (Acronym: ConnectGREEN), we are organizing the final conference of the project, where we are looking for an online streaming service provider.
Application deadline: September 12, 2021
Description
Providing virtual event support to a hybrid (physical + online event) on a good quality visual and voice system, in order to ensure the maximal understanding of the on-site and on-line presentations equally, and providing the technical background for the on-site and on-line comments/speeches.
The physical event will be in Visegrád, Hungary, from 28 to 29 September 2021. We require the services to be provided all over the 3 days. See detailed program in Annex.
Requirements
Appropriate technical background for the event described above.
Timeframe
The conference takes place 28-30 September 2021.
Tender conditions and deadline
The bid shall contain the price for the above tasks. Both individuals and private entities are eligible to apply. Consultants submitting bids will be notified of the decision by 20th September 2021 at the latest. Organisations and consultants are invited to submit their bids by 12 September 2021 to:
Dr. Nagy Gabriella Mária
with the subject line:
CONNECTGREEN final conference, STREAMING.
Részletes program:
A virtuális rendezvényre maximum 100 főt várunk.
A virtuális rendezvény programja:
1. nap: szeptember 28 (egész nap program egy szekcióban, 1 teremben, előadások)
kezdés: délután 3-kor, befejezés délután 6-kor (legkésőbb 7-kor)
15:00-16:00 Welcome session
● Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture (Bertalan BALCZÓ, Deputy State Secretariat for Nature Protection, Ministry of Agriculture Deputy State Secretary)
● Carpathian Convention (Harald EGERER, UNEP Vienna Programme Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention)
● Carpathian Network of Protected Areas Steering Committee (Mircea VERGHELEȚ, Chair)
● WWF Central and Eastern Europe (Andreas BECKMANN, TBC)
● Eurac Research (Isidoro DE BORTOLI, Project Lead Centralparks)
16:30-18:00 Keynote speeches & moderated discussion
● Ecological connectivity, the role of parks as core areas and areas between these, overview in Europe including policy
Stefan LEINER, European Commission DG ENVIRONMENT (TBC)
● Wildlife Connect Initiative
Wendy ELLIOT, WWF International
● IUCN Guidelines on Connectivity Conservation
Gary TABOR, Centre for Large Landscape Conservation/ IUCN Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (TBC)
● Ecological corridors in the Danube Region, in the context of interrelated sectors
Miklós Marton, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Development and Strategy, Steering Group member of EU Danube Region Strategy, Priority Area 6 (EUSDR PA6), Biodiversity, Landscapes and quality of Air and Soils)
2. nap szeptember 29. (egész nap 2 szekcióban folyó előadások, workshopok)
kezdés reggel 8.30, befejezés délután 7 óra
Részletes program:
8.30 – 10.30 session 1-2
- Identification of ecological corridors – the ConnectGREEN Methodology
Moderation: Cristian-Remus PAPP, WWF Romania
In this workshop, you will hear about the ConnectGREEN “Methodology for Identification of Ecological Corridors in the Carpathian Countries by Using Large Carnivores as Umbrella Species”, related project activities and further developments followed by a moderated discussion.
Contributions:
The Methodology – presentation by Zuzana OKANIKOVÁ, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic & Martin STRNAD, Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic
The ConnectGreen Habitat Suitability Model – presentation by Kristyna VLKOVÁ & Dusan ROMPORTL, Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, Czech Republic
From gaps to success stories related to ecological connectivity identification and protection, results of the ConnectGreen project – presentation by Filepné Dr KOVÁCS Krisztina, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (co-author Dr István VALÁNSZKI, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
Follow up project SaveGREEN: modelling of ecological corridors & GIS application for monitoring structural and functional connectivity – presentation by Christoph PLUTZAR, Environment Agency Austria (TBC) - Integration of ecological corridors into spatial planning – how to overcome conflicts between connectivity conservation and spatial planning (tools and best practice)
Moderation: Dr István VALÁNSZKI, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
In this workshop, you will learn about the technical tools that have been developed during the implementation of ConnectGREEN. These comprise the Guidelines on reducing conflicts in corridor areas, the internet-based platform ‘Carpathian Countries Integrated Biodiversity Information System’ (CCIBIS) including the Decision Support Tool for economic project development, the e-learning platform for students and professionals alike with units on ecological connectivity and spatial planning, and best practice examples. The workshop will include a lively moderated discussion.
Contributions:
Methodology for Identification of Ecological Corridors in the Carpathian Countries by Using Large Carnivores as Umbrella Species (short version) - Václav HLAVÁČ, Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic
Guidelines on reducing conflicts in corridor areas – presentation by Milan HUSÀR, the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava - SPECTRA Centre of Excellence of EU
Carpathian Countries Integrated Biodiversity Information System (CCIBIS) including the Decision Support Tool and e-learning platform presentation by Milan HUSÁR, the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava - SPECTRA Centre of Excellence of EU (co-authors: Vladimir ONDREJICKA, SPECTRA & Gabriella NAGY, CEEweb, Hungary)
The Hungarian Spatial Planning System, Green Infrastructure & Ecological Service & Landscape Character Mapping (Strategic Assessments supporting the long term conservation of natural values of community interest as well as the national implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 - KEHOP-4.3.0-VEKOP-15-2016-00001) - Dr László Kollányi (MATE), Dr Török Katalin (Ökológiai Kutatóközpont), Csőszi Mónika (Lechner Tudásközpont)
Integration of the ConnectGREEN results to support ecological connectivity in spatial planning documents in Slovakia - Rastislav STANÍK, Slovak Environment Agency
11.00-13.00 session 3-4
- Restoration of natural habitat connectivity: different EU projects’ approaches to combine synergies and potential cooperation opportunities.
Moderation: Isidoro DE BORTOLI (Eurac Research, Italy)
During the workshop, we will discuss important achievements of specific European projects developed in different geographical areas but with the same aim. You will have the chance to hear about the experiences of the projects “D2C - Dare to connect”, “AlpBioNet2030”, “Dinalpconnect”, and “Centralparks”, in the light of the ConnectGREEN main results. The workshop will focus on potential synergies and connections, also analysing promising gaps and divergences, and ways to address them through strong transnational cooperation on the topic of connectivity.
Contributions:
Interreg Danube Transnational Project “Dare 2 Connect”, Stefan Alexander FUCHS, University of Vienna, Austria
Interreg Adriatic-Ionian Project DINALPCONNECT: Filippo FAVILLI, Eurac Research, Italy
Interreg Central Europe Project Centralparks: Ján KADLEČÍK, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic
Interreg Alpine Space “AlpBioNET”: (TBC)
EU SEE Transnational Cooperation Programme Project “BioREGIO – Carpathians”: Mircea VERGHELEȚ, Piatra Craiului
National Park Administration, Romania. - Mainstreaming ecological connectivity into policy – national roadmaps & recommendations for the improvement of the EIA/SEA Directive
Moderation: Gabriella NAGY, CEEweb for Biodiversity, Hungary
The workshop aims at providing input to the feasibility check of the official Fitness Check of EIA Directive from different countries’ perspectives, compiling recommendations towards decision-makers mainstreaming ecological connectivity into EIA processes using the setting of a world café.
Contributions:
National roadmaps
Serbia: Dr Marina NENKOVIĆ-RIZNIĆ, Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning of Serbia
Slovakia: Rastislav STANÍK, Slovak Environment Agency
Romania: Oana POPESCU, National Institute for Research and Development in Constructions, Urban Planning und Sustainable
Spatial Development, Romania
Hungary: Dr András WEIPERTH, Hungarian University for Agriculture and Life Sciences
ConnectGREEN’s engagement in the EU EIA feasibility check with a focus on ecological corridors - Dr Szilvia MÉSZÁROS, ÖKO Zrt.
Lunch
14.00 – 16.30 session 5-6
- A new age for the CNPA network: CNPA Conference by Centralparks
Moderation: Mircea VERGHELEȚ, Chair of the CNPA Steering Committee
The event will focus on the revitalization process of the CNPA network, launched by the Centralparks Project Partnership in strong synergy with the ConnectGREEN and the SaveGREEN projects, and with the fundamental support of the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention. The official CNPA Steering Group members will be invited to evaluate the ongoing progress of the work dedicated to the network. A protected area representative from each Carpathian country will share with the audience the main issues, good practices, threats and future challenges from her/his national perspective. The event will offer a platform for discussions in order to foster collaboration and future cooperation among the managers of the Carpathian protected areas. In parallel, for the participants not attending the CNPA Conference, a coffee corner for networking will be offered to display the videos and posters on project results. - “Public health aspects of biodiversity” workshop by CEEweb
Moderator: Csaba Mezei and Anna Sándor.
nap szeptember 30. (1 szekcióban folyó workshopok)
kezdés reggel 9.00, befejezés délelőtt 11.15
9:00-9:40
Workshops wrap-up
Workshop moderators report to the plenum the main content of their discussions.
9:40-11:00
ConnectGREEN Final Conference
Programme:
The overall presentation of results & outputs including a moderated Q&A session (Cristian-Remus PAPP, Lead Partner WWF-RO)
Panel discussion on lessons learnt, experiences made, recommendations for follow up activities and policy work
Contributors
Work Package 3 “Knowledge source base”: State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic
Work Package 4 “Innovative pilot sites”: Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic
Work Package 5 “Policy and networks”: Gabriella NAGY, CEEweb for Biodiversity, Hungary
Work Package 6 “Enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation at regional Carpathian level and beyond” Marina Nenkovic-Riznic
Work Package “Communication”: Hildegard MEYER, WWF Central and Eastern Europe, Austria
Work Package “Management” (harmonisation across work packages and maximisation of results): Cristian-Remus Papp, WWF Romania
Presentation of Conference Declaration addressing higher-level stakeholders & agreement with participants (Declaration will be sent in the beginning of September for feedback)
11:00-11:15
Official closing of the Conference by Cristian-Remus PAPP, Project Coordinator, WWF Romania & Harald EGERER, UNEP Vienna Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention
ANNEX 1 – Brief project description
CONNECTGREEN
Integrated Transport and Green Infrastructure Planning in the Danube-Carpathian Region for the Benefit of People and Nature
Duration: 1 January 2017 – 31 October 2021
Lead Partner: WWF International Danube-Carpathian Programme
Project Partners: Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention (AT), Friends of the Earth Czech Republic, branch Olomouc, Nature Conservation Agency (CZ), CEEweb for Biodiversity (HU), Szent István University (HU), WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme Romania, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, SPECTRA – Centre of Excellence of EU – the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, URBAN INCERC (RO), Piatra, Craiului National Park (RO), Slovak Environmental Agency (SK), Institute of Architecture and Urban&Spatial Planning of Serbia(RS), National Park Djerdap (RS), VUKOZ (CZ)
Associated Strategic Partners: Austrian Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology, Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, National Infrastructure Developing Private Company Ltd. (HU), Polish Ministry of Infrastructure and Construction, Romanian Ministry of the Environment, Romanian Ministry of Transport, Republic of Slovenia Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Transcarpathian Regional State Administration – Department of Ecology and Natural Resources (UA)
DTP Programme Area 3: Better connected and energy responsible Danube region
DTP Specific Objective 3.1: Support environmentally-friendly and safe transport systems and balanced accessibility of urban and rural areas
Context - needs and challenges
It is expected that in the Danube region, over the next years, economic growth will pick up which is likely to go hand in hand with a massive growth of transportation. This can result in high environmental impact, including loss of biodiversity, as spatial demands for transport infrastructure and the growth of traffic flows cause landscape fragmentation and barriers for wildlife. This situation will lead to conflicts with nature conservation stakeholders. Guidance is needed for project developers, implementers and the nature conservation community for achieving integrated transport planning as prioritized by EU and international legislation to guarantee sound investment.
Project summary
The project aims to contribute to safer and environmentally-friendly road and rail networks in mountainous regions of the Danube Basin with a special focus on the Carpathian Mountains. It will do so by improving planning frameworks and developing concrete environmentally-friendly and safe road and rail transport solutions taking into account elements of Green Infrastructure, in particular ecological corridors. Sharing experience and knowledge will be of great importance. Innovative pilot actions will focus on ecological corridors crossed by EU TEN-T road and rail projects in the Carpathians. An interdisciplinary partnership comprised of planners, economists, engineers, and ecologists will integrate and apply their specific knowledge across the region and cooperate on developing Guidelines on integrated transport infrastructure planning, construction, management and monitoring, taking into account aspects of road safety and biodiversity conservation. Partners will also collaborate on the production of ready-to-use methodologies for stakeholder participation processes, training modules on Environmental Impact Assessment with a focus on ecological corridors, and Catalogues of measures for each of the four pilot sites located in Beskydy (CZ-SK), Miskolc-Kosice-Uzhgorod (HU-SK-UA), Tirgu Mures-Iasi and Lugoj-Deva (RO). An intersectoral dialogue will be fostered at the policy level that seeks for mutual understanding and implementation of recommendations towards integrated transport infrastructure planning from the local to the transnational including EU level.
Objectives
The project main objective is to contribute to a safer and environmentally-friendly road and rail network in the Carpathians as part of the wider Danube river basin by integrating Green Infrastructure elements into TEN-T related transport infrastructure development at the local, national and transnational level across relevant sectors. This will contribute to
- Improved plans and planning security for transport infrastructure projects taking Green Infrastructure into account,
- Deepened coordination and cooperation of relevant players across the sectors and the macro-region, and
- Elaboration and implementation of practical solutions for an environmentally friendly and safer transport network in the Danube region with a focus on the Carpathian mountains and the TENT-T network.
Project main result
The expected main project result is improved cooperation of the various sectors involved in road and rail transport planning including nature conservation, transport and spatial planning at the local, national and transnational level to minimise conflicts between transport infrastructure development and environmental protection. It will contribute to the creation of a safer transport network by minimising animal-vehicle collisions and of tools for monitoring collisions in the Danube region with a particular focus on the Carpathians. Policymakers and stakeholders from involved sectors will collaborate more intensively through intersectoral platforms and meetings at the local, national and transnational levels.
Activities
- Establish a dialogue mechanism involving relevant stakeholders at appropriate levels, in particular within the transnational/sub-regional context and the local level in selected pilot areas and raise awareness for the importance of ecological corridors/connectivity;
- Create a scientifically sound knowledge base for decision making as regards integrated transport infrastructure planning across the target region and the selected pilot areas, which includes assessing the state of the art and conducting a gap analysis, and develop guidance documents on integrated transport infrastructure planning through inputs from experience gained in the pilot areas, desktop research, expert knowledge and stakeholder participation;
- Targeted interventions in the selected pilot areas: verify ecological corridors along the motorway infrastructure development area, produce maps with the involvement of spatial planners and other local stakeholders, assess plans and related documents for transport infrastructure development, develop a catalogue of measures for the motorway company and recommendations for decision-makers involving relevant stakeholders and experts; seek to reach an agreement with relevant authorities from the transport and spatial planning sectors, and start implementing measures.
- Facilitate policy development and support its integration in relevant TEN-T and Green Infrastructure policy papers at the EU and regional level.
Pilot regions
- Beskydy cross-border region Czech Republic – Slovakia: focus monitoring of transport infrastructure related to ecological corridors / Green Infrastructure
- Miskolc-Kosice-Uzgorod cross-border region Hungary – Slovakia – Ukraine: focus on integrated transport planning taking ecological corridors / Green Infrastructure into account,
- Tirgu Mures – Iasi in the eastern part of the Carpathians in Romania: focus on integrated transport planning taking ecological corridors / Green Infrastructure into account
- Lugoj – Deva in the southern part of the Carpathians in Romania: focus on minimising the impact of railway extension on ecological corridors, monitoring of transport infrastructure construction