Twenty years have passed since the biggest accession to the European Union took place. Among ten acceding countries were two, which became member states of the Interreg South Baltic Programme. Poland and Lithuania which have not only benefited from EU membership but have also contributed significantly to regional cooperation, economic development, and cultural exchange. In the South Baltic area, the focus is on the development and cooperation in Lithuanian counties of Klaipėda, Tauragė and Telšiai and Polish voivodeship Pomorskie, Zachodniopomorskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie. It is important to emphasise the importance of continued collaboration and solidarity, fostering a sense of unity and pride among communities in Poland, Lithuania, and beyond. Let’s read about different perspectives from our projects which Polish and Lithuanian beneficiaries shared with us.
Project #1
CICPA – Common Initiatives in Conserved and Protected Areas: Working together to make the most out of protected and conserved South Baltic areas.
We asked two CICPA project beneficiaries about their personal impressions, memories and perceptions: Martyna Rabska-Osipowicz (Society for the Coast, Poland) and Aistė Jurkienė (EUCC Baltic Office, Lithiania).
Objectives
Our objectives were to increase cross-border networking of particular target groups: local actors representing branches of economic activities which are inspired and strictly connected to natural values exploitation: fishery, forestry and agriculture, tourism, education, culture and art.
In CICPA we demonstrated the benefits coming from international cooperation by cross-border events and networks focused on Natura 2000 aspects.
Results and good practices
We have organised over 28 activities and events strongly involving local communities in Poland and Lithuania, including: cross-border workshops, outdoor events, rallies, excursions, study visits, contests, target groups meetings and others.
To achieve the best results we invited representatives of various sectors to cooperate: local governments, NGOs, culture centres and specialists in the field of the natural environment. The CICPA project has proven that by integrating and connecting different social and professional groups, people are able to simultaneously care for and benefit from nature.
Project partners and stakeholders managed to create international working groups of institutions and stakeholders keen on wise and sustainable nature exploitation.
Local communities from Natura 2000 sites started formal and non-formal cross-border cooperation, which continuation is expected with new joint projects.
Many organisations and institutions from CICPA areas search for good partnership before preparation of any event or nature-based initiatives. Such joint events bring people together and closer, not only physically, but also mentally.
The positive impact of EU membership on everyday lives in their region or community
Martyna: When Poland entered EU I was 20. I‘ve traveled a lot to the west before 2004 and saw more openess and more possibilities for young people abroad. Today, after 20 years of membership, I can see changes at every level: in the opportunities for young people to study, travel and work, in infrastructure that is modern and more ecological, and in the wealth of residents. We have learned to acquire knowledge and exchange good practices, which we then use in our region, also thanks to EU funds.
Aistė: It was very important for Lithuania to join the EU, because Lithuanians always felt that they were mentally part of Europe. Since Lithuania is a small country, it is necessary for it to be in the union, and what could be better than belonging to the union of free independent countries. Very well matched laws and legal acts to EU regulations influenced not only Lithuanian politics and governance, but also people’s attitudes at all levels. Lithuanian cities, towns, villages, parks, fields and forests as well as people every day are becoming more and more beautiful thanks to EU.
Personal memories and experiences
Martyna: CICPA was an amazing experience. Apart from working with extremely nice people, I had the great pleasure of exploring the nature of the most beautiful part of the Lithuanian coast. I also remember my own emotion and strong emotions of young people from Poland that accompanied them when they performed in an outdoor nature-inspired show for the first time abroad.
Aistė: CICPA was an exclusive project because it’s idea was to bring people living in protected areas of Lithuania and Poland together. Joint event inspired people to initiate lots of common activities, brought new friendships and acquaintances. I was surprised and delighted that Kretingale eldership’s (AP) librarian began to learn Polish language. It shows how much she wants to be closer to people of Polish communities. I remember joint meetings and events which were creating an uplifting mood to their participants, inspiaring to do something good. I enjoid dancing in Cedynia on the main scene during the Autimn fiest. Polish partners were so kind and brought us to the celebration of the Grunvald Battle after the one of the joint events. It shows how much they care for our national feelings towards history.
