Enhancing Climate Protection and Civic Engagement in Lower Silesia
The project Climate Watchdog for Peripheries, implemented by the Bender Society in Lower Silesia, Poland from November 2023 to May 2025, was conceived to strengthen climate protection and civic oversight in peripheral municipalities. At its heart, the initiative recognized the pivotal role of civic participation and the contribution of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing sustainable development and democratic accountability in regions often overlooked in nationwide climate policies.
The project pursued two central objectives. First, to empower local communities and civic leaders in nine municipalities by providing them with actionable climate recommendations. Second, to foster collaboration among CSOs, public officials, and experts to promote effective climate strategies and public-transport solutions. By focusing on grassroots engagement and institutional cooperation, the initiative sought to address climate challenges through informed advocacy and participatory decision-making.
A hands-on approach defined the project’s activities. Surveys, study visits, and data analysis were conducted across the targeted municipalities, which resulted in tailored climate action plans. The project’s outreach included a public-awareness campaign hosted on the independent Hipermiasto platform, which served as a trusted source for disseminating knowledge and mobilizing community support. Notably, the project facilitated debates, expert consultations, and legislative advocacy, culminating in the submission of formal proposals to local authorities.
One exemplary success story emerged from Świeradów-Zdrój, a spa town facing environmental challenges such as air pollution and rapid urban development. There, watchdog activities led to the creation of a comprehensive climate-strategy proposal, which was positively received by municipal authorities and integrated into the drafting of a new Environmental Protection Program. This outcome highlights the project’s capacity to translate civic input into tangible policy changes at the local level.
On a broader scale, the initiative contributed to improving transparency in environmental decision-making nationwide. In partnership with legal experts and advocacy organizations, the project identified legislative gaps and submitted recommendations to Poland’s Senate, which resulted in support for digitalizing environmental procedures and increasing public access to environmental information. These systemic changes underscore the project’s influence beyond its immediate geographical scope.
Throughout its implementation, the project engaged over 1,400 participants from diverse backgrounds, including civic leaders, experts, journalists, and citizens. Media outreach was extensive, with regular updates published via social media, websites, and newspapers, reaching tens of thousands of individuals. The collaborative network of CSOs that was strengthened during the project is set to persist, ensuring continued advocacy, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in the region.
The Climate Watchdog for Peripheries project stands as a model for effective civic engagement and climate advocacy in peripheral regions. Its achievements show how targeted support, broad stakeholder cooperation, and evidence-based recommendations can drive meaningful change in local governance and environmental protection. By nurturing sustainable partnerships and promoting transparency, the initiative laid the groundwork for ongoing improvements in climate policy and civic participation in Lower Silesia and beyond.
The project Climate Watchdog for Peripheries, supported by the Engaging Central Europe program of the Transatlantic Foundation, was implemented under the PROTEUS program and co-funded by the European Union.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Transatlantic Foundation (TF) or the European Union (EU). Neither the EU nor TF can be held responsible for them.
