ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Conserving Nature in Bulgaria since 1988

Green Balkans is a leading organization in the field of conservation of rare species and habitats in Bulgaria. The Organization was established in 1988 being Bulgaria’s oldest nature conservation NGO. Thanks to Green Balkans hundreds of volunteers and experts, as well as the international and national support, the Society achieved significant results in the preservation of Bulgaria’s unique natural heritage. Green Balkans has 25 correspondent centers – informal groups throughout the country – that give assistance to the activities.

Preserving Bulgarian wetlands
The organization has hundreds of projects and initiatives, but one of the longest running and still ongoing campaigns is the preservation of the wetlands in Bulgaria, such as Lake Pomorie, that are important parts of the Via Pontica bird migratory route. This route is important for birds to rest and feed during the migration period. 266 species of birds can be found on the territory of Lake Pomorie, most of which are rare and globally endangered species.

The work of Green Balkans for the protection of Lake Pomorie aims at restoring the natural state and biodiversity of the lake, its preservation and the adoption of economic practices that protect biodiversity. One of the most important activities is the annual “conservation brigade” of volunteers for cleaning of the lake and strengthening of the natural shores of the habitat each September.

Beneficiaries are the population of the town of Pomorie and the wetlands’ neighbouring settlements. The ongoing preservation of the natural habitats and resting places of more than 200 species of migratory birds has created good opportunities for development of ecologically-friendly tourism, most notably for ornithological observation. The initiative also facilitates different informational campaigns, exhibitions and guides teams of volunteers in the area of the Pomorie lake.

Other Green Balkans activities
– Conducted 300 campaigns and actions, 80 of which were of national significance;
– 160 texts proposed by the Green Balkans experts are included in the new Bulgarian environmental legislation;
– 25 cancelled environmentally unfriendly political and municipal decisions;
– four filed lawsuits, two of which were won;
– over 350 reports received from citizens about poaching, violations and corruption in the forestry and environmental protection sector and investigated by the Association’s experts;
– 180 cases of poaching, illegal logging and hunting, improper privatization of forest companies, substitutions, corrupt practices, etc. have been handed over to the prosecutor’s office and the responsible institutions.

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Better environmental policies and implementation in Bulgaria with the Green Laws initiative

Since 2014 the Green Laws Initiative has been monitoring the development and implementation of Bulgarian environmental legislation in the fields of Energy, Climate, Territorial planning, Rural development, Biodiversity and forests. Green Laws is a core part of the work of the non-profit organization Research Practices Association.

To enable advocacy for the development of better policies and the implementation of current laws, the Green Laws initiative is organizing expert workshops, public campaigns to engage citizens on the topics of environmental legislation, and public debates where decision-makers discuss their priorities with interested citizens. The initiative also engages in continuous monitoring and advocacy of the Bulgarian legislature in terms of sustainable development and greener laws and facilitates criminal proceedings.

Green development in rural areas
As one of the five main topics of the initiative is the green development of the rural areas in Bulgaria and the legislation for its achievement, to a great extent vulnerable groups in such areas are a natural focus. Apart from that, Green Laws benefits all Bulgarian citizens in its strive for a better and greener legislature.

Support for other projects
The initiative consists of a rather small team of highly skilled environmental and legal experts, but it is also an integral part of a much larger network of active citizens and volunteers, who constitute Bulgaria’s green movement. As such it has been providing the necessary legal expertise of many campaigns and initiatives.

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A waterway in service of local youths, elderly and low-income groups

Naš potok (Our Stream) is an initiative that motivates citizens to support socio-political change aligned with sustainability goals. The initiative focuses on a waterway (Pazinčica stream) which is affected by seasonal flooding and geomorphological changes, located in Pazin, a small town in central Istria (Croatia). The Our Stream initiative promotes sustainable behaviours that increase personal wellbeing, growth of social capital and community cohesion.

Together with the national government, the former local authority in Pazin aimed to reinforce the stream’s embankments and to straighten the streamflow, apparently to minimize the seasonal flooding damage. Our Stream rose against the maladaptive intervention, citing the Natura 2000 protection of biodiversity and access to nature for youths, elderly recreation and low-income citizens.

A new local government
The initiative’s members contributed to the formation of a new green-left political party which subsequently won the local elections in 2021. Some Our Stream members are now a part of the local authority, and its new conservation plans align with the initiative’s aims in terms of stream maintenance, its role in the local community and access for citizens.

Targeting local youths, elderly and low-income groups
The stream is a site of recreation for elderly citizens in a land-locked central Istria town, as well as facilitates vanishing low-income recreational fly-fishing. Istria is a region heavily dependent on all forms of tourism, and most fishing and shooting is now open to wealthier international tourists. The Pazinčica stream remains one of the sites open to low-income and elderly locals for fly-fishing, precisely because of its ‘untamed’ nature. For local youths the caves surrounding the stream as well as its pool puddles and vistas are a popular recreational site.

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Local community is organizing to oppose a top-down imposed conservation area on Biševo (Croatia)

Spasimo Bišovo is a local citizens’ initiative from the remote island Biševo (Croatia) to oppose extractivist tourism and promote the low-impact tradition of the precarious island existence.

In recent years the nearby city and local authority have initiated a UNESCO sponsored programme of land use restrictions in the interest of biodiversity and specific geological formation protection. Spasimo Bišovo deems this programme a cover for extractivist tourism focused on a single attractive site on the island (the Blue Cave), and finds that it restricts all other forms of tourist and economic activity on the island. The initiative wishes to foster a broader understanding of the low-impact existence practiced on the island for centuries and to enable a broader visitor experience than a visit to a single geological wonder.

Delayed construction and public awareness
The initiative’s main actions have been directed at opposing the development of Visitor’s Centre planned as part of the tourist reception facilities for a brief visit to the Blue Cave. The main outcomes are a delay in the construction of the Blue Cave Visitor Centre and increased awareness about the island’s potential for a different tourism paradigm. Consequently, Spasimo Bišovo has abated an intensification of the Blue Cave visits and initiated broader debate about the understanding of remote islands and their integration into the Croatian national economy and society.

Vulnerability of low-income senior citizens
The island is a permanent residence of about 19 households, and the main producer of a local variety of red wine for the region. Low-income and senior citizen households who engage with the island’s biosphere in a traditional and ecologically low-impact way are particularly vulnerable. According to Spasimo Bišovo, a development plan that enhances their heritage and gives them local control over resources is more beneficial to them than being a backdrop for international extractivist tourism focused on brief visits to a target spot of exceptional beauty. Whilst the traditional residents of the island don’t claim a unique ethnicity, they do share a specific dialect and history, making a type of ‘ethnicity’ another vulnerability dimension.

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Protecting the flora and fauna of Cyprus through education and action

The Terra Cypria Foundation engages in activities and local events to educate, inspire the public and protect the flora and fauna of Cyprus. The Foundation has three main objectives. Firstly, it applies pressure for better environmental protection. The second objective is to make tomorrow’s citizens environmentally aware, specifically students of primary, secondary and tertiary education, so that they can deal responsibly with the environment and manage its natural resources. Thirdly, the Foundation implements programmes that contribute to preservation and protection of the environment.

Educating future generations
In collaboration with their partners, the foundation has yielded innovative research with the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre (CESC) in Kritou Terra in Paphos. The aim of this Centre is to teach future generations about the importance of the environment and to encourage them to become responsible active citizens.

Restoring wildlife habitats
The Foundation also contributed to the project ‘Habitat restoration and wise use for Akrotiri and Cape Pyla’, which started in July 2021 and lasted for 3 years. The project aimed to restore and enhance key wildlife habitats within the Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas, focusing on the Akrotiri wetlands and the native scrubland on Cape Pyla. The project promoted wise use of both areas and at the same time it developed eco-tourism opportunities to support the local economy.

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From demonstration to foundation:
Czech parents unite for climate action

At the demonstration ‘Parents for Climate’ which was held in May 2019 in Liberec (a city in Czech Republic), parents, grandparents and non-parents gathered and shared their worries about the future of humankind and the environment. This led to the foundation of the initiative ‘Rodiče za klima Liberec’ (‘Parents for Climate Liberec’) whose goal is to point out problems, raise awareness in relation to climate crisis and initiate change. The initiative is led by a mother called Anna Kšírová, and includes (single) parents and elderly people as active actors for change.

Political action
The initiative cooperates with local authorities in Liberec. It initiated the Climate Council of the municipality and takes part in it. Due to the initiative’s activities, a position of energy manager within the municipality was established. Also, a Green space adoption program was approved, through which citizens can actively participate in caring about green public spaces in the city. Finally, Parents for Climate Liberec initiated a creation of a regional Climate change adaptation plan which is one of the first of its kind in Czech Republic.

Fruitful collaborations
In addition to its political engagement, the initiative organises various activities (lectures, workshops, happenings, cultural events) and participates in activities of other initiatives, such as an event where mothers sang songs while collecting signatures against spreading a coal mine in Turow. The initiative also actively participated in a campaign called Stop Dirty Money which focuses on insurance companies. The collaborations are about supporting other initiative’s activities, as well as sharing experiences and knowledge.

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Empowering people to live and work ecologically (Czech Republic)

Ekologický institute Veronica (Ecological Institute Veronica), located in Brno, Czech Republic, aims to protect nature through education, trainings and consulting. The association is registered under the Czech Union for Nature Conservation since 1991. Yet, it already started in 1986 as a local activity publishing a journal connecting culture with nature protection and raising awareness about ecology.

Focus areas
The institute focuses on protection of nature and landscapes, including protection of animals and land in both urban and rural areas; sustainable consumption; ecological operation of enterprises and institutions, pertaining to energy efficiency and biodiversity in and around buildings; and finally ecological constructions, such as passive houses, sustainable energy, energy self-sufficient towns and natural gardens.

Accessible learning about ecology
As one of their projects, the institute built an ecological training centre in Hostětín where they provide educational activities about climate protection for people with disabilities, seniors, children and the general public. The institute develops their relationship with nature, motivates them to protect the environment and shows possibilities for applying a more ecological approach in their households. In order to be accessible to anyone, the centre is adapted for people with disabilities. The institute also employs people with disabilities and others who are disadvantaged on the labour market, thus helping those who are socio-economically vulnerable.

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From festivals to board games: Czech NGO inspires sustainable lifestyles

Na Mysli is a Czech non-profit organization founded in 2019, dealing with issues of global sustainability, climate change and related environmental aspects. They try to restore the relationship between the urban population and the environment, support and motivate individuals on the way to a responsible lifestyle and simplify these steps for them. Based in Malotice (Czech Republic), the NGO’s vision is for all residents to adopt a lifestyle based on mutual respect between the community and the environment, for a prosperous planet and a sustainable future.

Sharing knowledge
The organisation is mainly engaged in educational work in the field of climate change, food security, sustainable agriculture and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The NGO organizes screenings of documentary films, debates with experts and thematic workshops. They tailor-make interactive training for employees, students and the public, where participants assimilate environmental topics in a fun way. Another activity is offering sustainable lifestyle consultations for individuals and organizations.

Activities for all age groups
Activities focus on kids and young people, but are also made accessible to other vulnerable groups, such as elderly and people with low income. Some of their activities are free of charge to be attractive for various groups. Examples include playing climate-themed board games and attending a film festival called ‘The Earth on a Plate’ (2021).

LGBTQA+ community
Na Mysli actively participated in the Prague Pride festival as they helped with its sustainability and provided awareness-raising activities. The organisation also makes visible women experts, politicians, activists, hereby interconnecting climate topics and human rights. Worth mentioning is that the NGO uses gender sensitive language and is led by four women.

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Championing ecological living in Turkey 

The Buğday Association for Supporting Ecological Living (Buğday Ekolojik Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği) is a leading force in promoting sustainable living in Turkey. Since 1990, the association has been dedicated to creating awareness and offering solutions for ecological issues, especially focusing on the irreversible destruction of natural systems. It aims to foster a harmonious relationship with nature through its projects, which span local, national, and international levels. 

Projects that make a difference 
Buğday has spearheaded several innovative initiatives, such as the first 100% ecological markets in Turkey, seed exchanges, university campus gardens, and campaigns to reduce pesticide use. One of the most notable is the “No Pesticides on My Plate” campaign, which successfully mobilised over 160,000 signatures and reached 10 million people. These projects contribute directly to food security and values, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and eco-friendly consumption. 

Empowering vulnerable communities 
The association primarily supports small-scale farmers who struggle to access traditional markets. It also focuses on communities at risk from environmental damage, such as children facing climate change impacts. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, Buğday helps these groups adopt more sustainable and healthier ways of life, empowering them to take control of their food systems and local environments. 

A legacy of global collaboration 
With a strong network of international partners, Buğday has become a hub for global ecological initiatives. It has hosted international conferences, including the IFOAM World Organic Congress and the WWOOF Conference, and collaborated on projects like “MedCaravan” and “AYE!” These partnerships enhance Buğday’s impact and provide valuable insights into agroecology and sustainable farming practices, both within Turkey and beyond. 

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Danish NGO defends the rights of people in the Global South with a local approach

Global Aktion (Global Action) is an NGO involved in defending people’s rights through dozens of campaigns and projects, many of which focus on the Global South. They do so by lobbying with Global North governments, such as the Danish government, the United Nations and the European Union; raising awareness amongst the public; and opposing corporations profiting from land grabbing and other unsustainable and unjust practices. The values and objectives of the organisation are deeply rooted in a form of environmentalism which sees vulnerable groups as being at the core of the climate crisis.

For people in the Global South
The main target groups are populations from the Global South which suffer from the climate crisis the most – both at present and according to forecasts. In particular, they have projects focusing on women, children, migrants, refugees, workers.

Considering local context
Most activities take place in Denmark. Yet, Global Aktion has collaborators in the Global South for which an extensive ‘partners approach’ has been developed. The NGO writes: “Global Aktion is a solidarity movement and therefore it is important to establish projects with partners based on the needs and struggles they face in their local contexts.”

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