OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:
In dealing with the environmental and health challenges caused by air pollution in Kumanovo, especially in relation to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), our project has established a set of clearly defined objectives.
The first objective focuses on understanding and overview of the current sustainable practices among enterprises in Kumanovo, as well as their absence. This includes conducting a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the range of sustainable practices among businesses in Kumanovo.
The second objective is to build and increase the capacities of small and medium enterprises in Kumanovo in terms of sustainable business practices. This includes training and education of business owners and their employees on concepts such as energy efficiency, waste management, and pollution reduction techniques.
The third objective is to start implementing and then increase the number of sustainable initiatives that lead to a green transition of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kumanovo. With this, we want to encourage and support existing businesses to adapt to green habits and practices, but also to inspire the formation of new companies and initiatives that are focused on sustainable and ecological operations.
And finally, our fourth goal is to raise the awareness and understanding of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kumanovo about the importance of a green transition and its direct connection to clean air.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES:
The set objectives will be achieved through the implementation of a set of activities. Our solution to address the perceived challenges is based on four pillars/activities:
I. An analysis that will inform us about the existing practices of small and medium enterprises and from which recommendations will emerge;
II. Developing specialized training programs for sustainable business practices and involving businesses in mentoring processes;
III. Implementation of pilot projects, which will contribute to increasing the number of businesses that take the first steps towards a green transition in the city;
IV. An awareness-raising campaign for the education of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kumanovo about the importance of sustainable business practices and their impact on air quality and the health of citizens.
EXPECTED RESULTS :
The expected results are grouped in four pillars, in correlation with the proposed activities:
Result 1: Improved outreach to SMEs and overview of their main factors of air pollution in the city through assessment report and data analysis.
Result 2: Trained SMEs equipped with knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices, energy efficiency, waste management, and air pollution reduction techniques as well as with grants, loans, and subsidies for implementing sustainable practices.
Result 3: Implemented Pilot projects where SMEs learn and by guidance and mentorship identify areas for improvement based on their performance.
Result 4: Increased public awareness about the importance of sustainable business practices and their impact on air quality and public health. Established partnerships and networking with local government agencies, industry associations, environmental organizations, and stakeholders to support the project.
The initiative “Green transition of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kumanovo” is supported through the project “Tackling air pollution” which is part of the UNDP Program Framework, financed by Sweden. The project “Tackling air pollution” is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and the municipalities of Kavadarci, Kumanovo, Gostivar, Struga and Strumica. Within the framework of the program, the project “Building the municipal capacities for the implementation of projects” is also implemented.
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