The perspective of energy transition and resigning from coal poses many challenges to mining regions, both economic, technological, social and environmental. Taking advantage from the experience of regions undergoing transition and using good practices related to the transformation process is an opportunity to carry out this process effectively. The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management and the World Bank, in consultation with the European Commission, established cooperation in order to exchange experiences between the mining regions of Poland and Ukraine. One of the results of this cooperation is the project: “Sharing knowledge on the transition of coal regions – study visits of stakeholders from Ukraine to Polish mining regions” implemented under the Platform Initiative in Support of Coal Regions in Transition for Western Balkans and Ukraine.
As part of the project, the Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas and the Central Mining Institute are organising a series of study visits, during which representatives of the Ukrainian side will be able to learn about the effects of the previous activities in the field of transition of coal regions in Poland, as well as get acquainted with the mechanisms supporting this process. The visits are expected to provide inspirations for carrying out further economic, social and environmental activities. The visits will also facilitate the establishment of cooperation between regions and dissemination of the best practices.
During 5 study visits, representatives of Ukrainian institutions and organisations involved in the transformation of the mining and energy sector will hold meetings with representatives of Polish cities, enterprises and experts. They will talk about transformation experiences and challenges related to, i.a., regulatory, organisational, economic, social, spatial and environmental issues.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some visits will be organised in the form of online meetings. Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas together with Central Mining Institute will prepare study visits in terms of content and organisation, while the recruitment and contact with participants from the Ukrainian side will be carried out by the World Bank.
Sharing knowledge on the transition of coal regions – Study visits of stakeholders from Ukraine to Polish mining regions | IETU