As part of the LIFE21-GIE-PL-INF-ARMY project, activities have been undertaken to establish networks with other projects, enabling the exchange of knowledge and experiences in environmental protection on military areas and Natura 2000 sites.

Cooperation with other LIFE projects:

Renaturalization of the inland delta of the Nida River (LIFE17 NAT/PL/000018): Cooperation was established with the Świętokrzyskie and Nadnidziańskie Landscape Parks Team implementing this project.

WETLANDS GREEN LIFE (LIFE21-IPN-PL-WETLANDS – "Restoration and preservation of wetlands, peatlands, and waterlogged areas in Natura 2000 sites and Green Infrastructure"): A cooperation agreement was signed with the Bureau for Forest Management and Geodesy. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the General Directorate for Environmental Protection and the University of Agriculture in Kraków.

Protection of non-forest habitats in the Eagles’ Nests Landscape Park (LIFE11 NAT/PL/000432): Cooperation was established with the Silesian Voivodeship Landscape Parks Team to exchange experiences.

Educational and promotional activities:

Eco Festival "Challenge – Respecting Nature" (26.09.2023): The INF ARMY team organized an educational and promotional booth during the festival, aimed at primary school students (around 300 participants). The event took place in Smoleń at the Educational and Scientific Center of the Silesian Voivodeship Landscape Parks Team.

European Land Conservation Network Conference (03.10.2023): In Kraków, the INF ARMY team co-organized a conference with Eurosite, focusing on remote sensing and its applications in environmental protection. The event brought together experts from the United Kingdom, military representatives, and the LIFE project team, providing a unique platform for knowledge exchange between the military and international conservation experts.

International meetings and workshops:

European Land Conservation Network Conference (3rd October 2023, Kraków): On October 3, 2023, in Kraków, the INF ARMY team co-organized a European Land Conservation Network conference in cooperation with Eurosite. The main topic of the event was remote sensing technologies and their applications in environmental protection.

The conference featured presentations by experts from the UK, representatives of the military, and the LIFE Project Manager. Discussions focused on the comparison of technologies used by the military and conservationists worldwide, highlighting their role in monitoring and protecting Natura 2000 sites.

This event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and strengthening international cooperation in the field of nature conservation and remote sensing innovations.

Annual Eurosite meeting (7–9.11.2023, Amiens, France): Workshops on military areas were held to exchange experiences between managers of these areas in protecting nature, including Natura 2000 and other protected areas. The workshops focused on sharing best practices, monitoring tools, cooperation with civilian authorities, and activities for habitat conservation and restoration. The event brought together nearly 120 participants from across Europe, enhancing collaboration and coordination in environmental protection efforts.

Meeting with the "Naturalit" project from Lithuania (15–16.05.2024): A study visit to Poland was organized as part of cooperation with the Lithuanian LIFE project. The meeting aimed at exchanging experiences and jointly developing solutions for managing natural areas.

Through these initiatives, the LIFE21-GIE-PL-INF-ARMY project strengthens international cooperation, promotes sustainable management of Natura 2000 areas, and raises awareness about reconciling environmental protection with military activities. These efforts contribute to building lasting networks and knowledge transfer, supporting the achievement of the project’s goals.

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Summary of Participation in LIFE Information Days

In 2024, we had the pleasure of participating in two events related to the LIFE Programme, organized by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Warsaw.

1) LIFE Information Days – January 2024

On January 11, 2024, we attended the LIFE Information Days, which provided an excellent opportunity to explore the possibilities offered by the LIFE Programme and projects implemented in Poland. During the event, the achievements of 15 years of NFOŚiGW’s involvement in supporting LIFE projects were presented.

Our exhibition booth attracted significant interest from participants. We promoted both our completed project (LIFE12 NAT/PL/000031) and the ongoing project (101074108-LIFE21-GIE-PL-INF-ARMY). It was also an opportunity to exchange experiences and establish contacts with other LIFE beneficiaries.

2) LIFE Information Days – May 2024

On May 16, 2024, we again participated in the LIFE Information Days in Warsaw, where the 15-year involvement of NFOŚiGW in the LIFE Programme was summarized. The event included presentations on the programme’s history in Poland and its impact on the implementation of pro-ecological projects.

Our presentation on the progress of project 101074108-LIFE21-GIE-PL-INF-ARMY was met with very positive feedback from participants. During the event, we took part in thematic panels and discussions at specially prepared booths, enabling us to exchange experiences with other beneficiaries and establish contacts with potential partners for future projects.

Participation in these events was not only an opportunity to promote our activities but also to gain valuable insights and inspiration regarding the opportunities offered by the LIFE Programme. These events reaffirmed the significance of the LIFE Programme as a tool for achieving environmental and climate goals and strengthened our commitment to implementing projects under its framework.

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Participation in Internal Briefings and Trainings

Throughout the project, we regularly participated in internal briefings and trainings organized by various units within the ministry. These events provided excellent opportunities to promote our project, pro-environmental initiatives, and the possibilities of obtaining funding through the LIFE Programme.

During these occasions, we shared our experiences in project implementation, emphasizing its importance for environmental protection and raising ecological awareness. Participation in these briefings and trainings also supported capacity building, strengthened collaboration between units, and expanded knowledge about available tools and funding opportunities for nature conservation activities.