Grants for Vistula. New ORLEN Foundation Programme for Pomerania

The ORLEN Foundation for Pomerania decided on the first edition of the Wiśla Grant for Biodiversity, supporting projects related to the conservation and testing of Vistula ecosystems and its tributaries.

ORLEN Foundation for Pomerania grants grants grants to protect the biodiversity of Vistula

The ORLEN Foundation for Pomerania has decided the first edition of the Wiślany Grant of Biodiversity program. Total co-financed pooland amounted to nearly PLN 4 million, which will reach nine entities implementing projects related to the protection of Vistula ecosystems and its tributaries.

Grants worth up to PLN 500 thousand were awarded to NGOs, scientific and research institutions, schools and local government units.

Protection and regeneration of Vistula ecosystems

The new ORLEN Foundation programme for Pomerania focuses on actions to protect and revitalize Vistula water ecosystems. It includes initiatives aimed at preserving rare, protected and threatened species, as well as research projects and monitoring of river environment.

Projects related to the implementation of innovative environmental solutions and environmental education aimed at local communities will also be supported.

ORLEN and environmental responsibility

Environmental protection is an integral part of ORLEN's business social responsibility and an important pillar of the long-term strategy for sustainable development of the company. Wiślany Grant of Biodiversity is an expression of our commitment to protecting the biodiversity of the longest Polish river, especially in regions where we have dialogue with local communities.

Jacek Mazurczak, Director of the Office for Relations with the ORLEN Environment

As the representative of the Polish company points out, cooperation with local partners allows for more effective actions to preserve valuable natural elements of the Vistula heritage.

Scientific projects and conservation of endangered species

Among the nine co-financed initiatives were projects to create a unique European-wide laboratory for the health of bivalve molluscs, actions to protect and revitalize the aquatic ecosystems of the Vistula Basin in Beskid Low, including the springs of Wisłoki, and the construction of an ex-situ conservation centre for endangered species of seeding birds.

It will also support the establishment of breeding sites and the treatment of endangered species in wildlife rehabilitation centres.

Vistula as a key natural ecosystem

The Vistula is a refuge for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including many rare and protected. Its natural sections play an important role in preserving national biodiversity. That is why it is so important to support initiatives that protect this value.

Anna Oczos, President of the Management Board of the ORLEN Foundation for Pomerania

As the President adds, Rural Biodiversity Grant enhances the protection of ecosystems, develops innovative scientific and educational activities and contributes to preserving the environment for future generations.

Big interest in the competition

Applications were received from 1 September to 31 October. 69 entities from all over the country applied for funding. After evaluation by the Foundation's programming committee, nine projects were selected to receive financial support.

The full list of winners and detailed information about the program are available on the ORLEN Foundation website for Pomerania.

Further Foundation Grant Programmes

Wiślany Grant for Biodiversity is the third grant programme implemented this year by the ORLEN Foundation for Pomerania. In March was awarded nearly PLN 4 million in the Baltic Biodiversity Grant. A list of projects co-financed in the programme "Climate Adaptation for Northern Poland" will be announced later this month.

Source: ORLEN Group