On May 16, the 25th Annual Meeting of the Bulgarian Association of Municipal Environmental Experts (BAMEE) took place in Nessebar city. During the meeting WWF Bulgaria presented to 150 participants from the municipalities the connection for long-term energy planning and the possibilities under PANEL 2050 as well as the transition to a low-carbon economy as one of the most important approaches in tackling air pollution in the Bulgarian municipalities with a direct bearing on climate change.
During the meeting a one day training was held on May 17. Lead by Georgi Stefanov from WWF the training session involved more than 20 participants from the municipalities, who passed through several basic rules, principles and purposeful steps towards long-term (until 2050) sustainable energy development and planning for municipalities as an essential part of the transition to a low-carbon economy.
In the first part, the training covered the involvement and motivation of stakeholders, as well as communication and working with local people. The second part of the training covered the preparation of energy profiles, visions, roadmaps and action plans suitable for municipalities. In the final part of the training, students went through the fundraising and project writing elements. Successful examples and practices for the preparation of project documentation for funding under various options were also identified.
Participants showed increased interest and wanted to participate in subsequent on-line meetings on the same topics, including their colleagues from the municipalities, once the translation of the Sustainable Energy Guide for CEE has been completed.