“Local people always know the local problems best. We believe in the power and creativity of active citizens who want to protect their environment for the life of themselves and their children. Our Small Grant Program gives active citizens the last thing they need – money, so they can pay for experts or information materials to involve their neighbours in decision making process, and to attract the attention of responsible state authorities,” says Martin Skalsky, project coordinator of Arnika.

“The environment is not perceived as priority by majority of our citizens. Also, our budget is limited, so each team must chose a problem that deserves support. It makes us happy how many active citizens were able to prepare their projects. During their implementation, our experts will provide local groups with additional help in planning their campaigns, publicity, or by seeking for the ways of tackling pollution and other serious environmental issues,” stated Kirill Osin, small grants manager of Eco Mangystau.

In total, 16 projects were submitted to the Small Grants Program. The projects aim to solve environmental issues threatening health of about 35 thousand people and rare animal species. The projects will involve citizens with special focus on women, children, and villagers. The overall sum of financial support for the projects exceeded EUR 40 thousand. Active citizens can still send their project ideas and compete for the remaining sum of available budget.

More details on supported projects.

Five small grant projects have been already successfully completed recently in Central and Eastern Kazakhstan.