The network „Alive places” was born spontaneously in the beginning of 2009 to meet the need for cooperation, exchange of information and good practices of individual sites and organisations, and individuals with shared interest in sustainable development (e.g. renewable energy, bio agriculture, permaculture, ecological education, preservation of traditional crafts and building practices). The need for further development of this informal network cooperation, in order to achieve a stronger impact of its main messages on the above-mentioned topics in the public realm, necessitated the development of a project application to the NGO Fund of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (FM of the EEA) in Bulgaria.
The main goal of this project was to identify the sites and entities throughout Bulgaria and set out and develop the capacity of a network of educational and demonstration centers through:
- Promotion of the activities of the network among its target groups. A series of seminars were organized and hosted; specialized events to promote the centers and bring in new potential members were attended; information materials were developed and disseminated;
- Development of a common information platform presenting the educational services offered by the centers. The platform created contains a database and resources for each individual ecological center.
- Establishing a common strategy for development and sustainability of the network and its individual members. The strategy will help prioritize the goals and develop the network structure.
- Promotion of the use of natural materials in construction. A proposal was drafted for legalising natural building materials. Actual steps were taken for the establishment of a standard for the use of straw bale as building material in construction.
The achieved results have met all originally set qualitative and quantitative targets. There is an independent network of demonstration centers in place and functioning. It has its own informal structure of management, a common internet-based communication platform, an achieved initial level of public recognition, and potential for development and growth. The procedure for legalizing natural building materials, in order to reduce significantly the carbon and energy footprint and minimize the use of detrimental materials, has been prepared for and initiated.
Contact information
George Mavrov
74, Oborishte st, fl. 4, apt. 7, 1505 Sofia, Bulgaria
Cell Phone: ++359 897 942 244
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