341 project proposals have been approved for funding under this year’s contest for the most original and environmentally friendly project within the traditional National Campaign “Clean Environment”. Of these, 135 are by municipalities and smaller settlements, 103 - in kindergartens, and 103 - in schools and centers for personal development support, across the country.

The funds for the implementation of the approved projects in the amount of 3.5 million BGN will be provided by the Ministry of Environment and Water through the Enterprise for Management of Environmental Protection Activities (EMEPA). The projects of municipalities and town halls will receive funding of up to 15,000 BGN and those of schools and kindergartens - of up to 7,500 BGN.

The “Clean Environment” campaign by the Ministry of Environment and Water, which has been carried out successfully for 19 years, is widely popular and has been established as an effective mechanism to mobilize and support municipalities, schools and kindergartens for activities, such as cleaning, afforestation, landscaping, construction or restoration of playgrounds, inter-block spaces, etc.

This year, the projects predominantly focus on the improvement of sites for rest and relaxation, installation of outdoor sports facilities, as well as the creation of “green classrooms” and “green study rooms”. “The latter are most important because they have a direct impact on the youngest - children and young people, and namely they are the future, including in respect to environmental issues,” wrote on Facebook Minister Borislav Sandov in assessment of the positive effect of the campaign.

An extremely large number of project proposals were received this year - a total of 1740 projects were submitted, which shows that there is a real need to support initiatives for environmental improvement and education. “Therefore, we are considering a significant increase in funding for this program next year, at least by doubling it,” said Minister Sandov.

The full list of approved projects is available on the EMEPA website: http://pudoos.bg/