In a unique partnership project SPARE contribute to unite governmental and non-governmental organisations in a makeover for environmental education in Belarus. 26th of March SPARE was launched as a national project on energy and climate education in Belarus.
26th of March SPARE was launched as a national project on energy and climate education in Belarus. Joint efforts from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, educational and environmental organisations will give education on environment, energy and climate a real boost, and ensure dissemination on national level in the project period 2008-2011.
The project launch was arranged by Republican environmental center for kids and youth, and was attended by 80 participants. The launch was attended by representatives from the national ministries on Education and Environment, project partner organisations, and representatives from the educational sector throughout Belarus. From Norwegian side Isabel Kemp from the Norwegian embassy in Kiev was present, as well as Yngvild Lorentzen from Norges Naturvernforbund.
SPARE in Belarus
A main part of the SPARE project in Belarus will be to adapt the project materials to Belarusian conditions, together with producing a work book for pupils and a teachers’ programme. Trainings for teachers will be developed, and trainings for schools on practical energy saving measures will also be among the projects’ activities. A demonstration site established in Volma by International Sakharov Environmental University will be further developed for demonstration of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Dissemination of information to society through the pupils and libraries is also a key element of the project, along with development of a web site with electronic information resources.
Beside Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environment, the implementing partners in the project are: Republican environmental center for kids and youth, International Sakharov Environmental University, Radiotechnical college, NGO Birdlife Belarus and NGO Ecoproject.
Belarus looks for energy saving solutions
The current energy situation in Belarus has the potential of developing into a crisis for the country. Belarus has few national energy sources and depends on import, mainly from Russia. Belarus has inherited the Soviet style of energy management, with focus on large-scale heat and electricity production and central distribution of energy. Old and inefficient systems for production and distribution of energy are combined with very poor building condition. The energy consumption per GDP is 1.5-2 times higher than in developed countries with similar climatic conditions and economical structure.
After the increasing gas prices in 2007, because of the end of subsidized gas from Russia, the Belarusian authorities have reached out to other countries and initiatives. A presidential decree (decree number 3) was issued in 2007, and urges all sectors to save energy.
Belarus educational sector as lighthouse on energy saving
The SPARE project is one of the first national projects implemented in cooperation with both government and civil society as mutual partners. This is a major development for the green movement in Belarus, and a giant leap from the Belarusian authorities. A main aim for the project is to contribute to a more sustainable energy development in Belarus, and make the educational sector a lighthouse for this development.
