III meeting with the Municipality of Sogndal

The last, already the 3rd meeting was held on 23rd March 2022 and focused on pro-environmental measures to increase the efforts for a high quality environment and the development of road transport, including cycling infrastructure, as well as measures undertaken in this area.

Meeting participants:

On behalf of the Municipality of Sogndal:

Aina Thomassen – Coordinator from the Municipality of Sogndal,

Torkjel Solbraa – employee of the Municipality of Sogndal responsible for public participation,

Elisabet Orrestod Nils – Engineer at the Municipality of Sogndal responsible for infrastructure development at recreation sites,

Peter Areas – President of the “Sogn” cycling association,

Inger Auestad – Professor at Western University for Science.

On behalf of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Municipality:

Dominik Smoliński – Deputy Mayor,

Tomasz Gębka – Deputy Head of Planning and Development Department

Jolanta Pora – Deputy Head of Planning and Development Department

Anna Woś – Chief Specialist for Promotion in in the Planning and Development Department, Promotion and Public Communication Office

Adrian Murdza – Inspector in the Planning and Development Department, Promotion and Public Communication Office

Kamil Stelmiasik – representative of "Ostrower” Cycling Association based in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski

Mariusz Kałuża – Head of Ecology, Department of Ecology and Infrastructure Office of the City Hall

Edyta Macias – Inspector at the Ecology and Infrastructure Department of the City Hall

Grzegorz Kaczmarek, Wiesława Kwiatkowska – advisors Association of Polish Cities

The meeting was interpreted by: Mrs. Sonia Darzycka and Mr. Paweł Kozłowski from PBT Company based in Kraków.

The third meeting of the project: "Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski – miasta OdNowa” [Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski – City Anew] was opened by Tomasz Gębka who then passed the floor to Aina Thomassen, who introduced the first panellist Torkjel Solbraa. Torkjel presented the Municipality's assumptions in relation to Sustainable Development, as well as the activities that are being implemented within the framework of this development. The municipality is making efforts to increase the environmental awareness of its residents. Torkjel said that Norway is complying with the obligations of the Paris Agreement under which it plans to reduce emissions to 50% by 2020 and to 90% in 2030. The councillors of Municipality of Sogndal have passed a resolution that the municipality will be zero-emission by 2030.

During the presentation, Torkjel answered questions about the involvement of NGOs in environmental activities in Sogndal.

In relation to Torkjen's presentation, the Deputy Mayor Dominik Smoliński presented tasks related to environmental protection and care for air quality in the Municipality that the Municipality of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski is implementing. He mentioned the replacement of coal furnaces with ecological ones, as well as funding for photovoltaics and heat pumps. The Deputy Mayor also informed about the project titled "Ekologiczny Transport Miejski w Ostrowcu Świętokrzyskim” [Ecological Urban Transport in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski]. The project involves the purchase of low-emission buses, including diesel, hybrid and electric ones, construction of a new depot for the Municipal Transport Company and bicycle paths.

After the Deputy Mayor presented the scope of the Green Urban Transport activities, Elisabet Orrestad Nils, who is in charge of infrastructure development in recreation and leisure areas in the Municipality of Sogndal, took the floor. The activities she undertakes as part of her mandate consist of corresponding with residents regarding the infrastructure needs of the recreation area, encouraging volunteering, and establishing close working relationships with NGOs. 

Another panellist at the meeting was Inger Auestad – Professor of Applied Science, who gave a talk on green urban infrastructure. She reported on the dangers of “urban sprawl" resulting in increased transportation and thus increased emissions. She argued the importance of urban green infrastructure planning.

In response to Inger's lecture, Deputy Mayor Dominik Smoliński presented plans related to changing the appearance of the Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski Market Square into a more friendly and ecological one.

Peter Andreas Strom spoke on the benefits of cycling as well as on ways to encourage cycling. He presented numerous bicycle routes that are located in Municipality of Sogndal, talked about the activities of the association, and encouraged participants to take up this type of recreation.

The last panellist was Kamil Stelmasik, who presented the activities of „Ostrower” Cycling Association operating in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.

Dominik Smoliński referred to Kamil and Peter's speech and presented the idea of creating a pump truck in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.  

The 2 hour meeting was summarized by Aina Thomassen.  It was agreed that the cooperation between the municipalities will be based on the activities that were discussed during the 3 meetings and within which we will undertake further cooperation.