Co-financing from the State Budget
The “Man and Nature” Association is implementing the public task entitled “Strengthening biodiversity by the prevention of introduction, early warning and control of invasive alien plant species” (LIFE24-NAT-PL-Control IAS for LIFE), for which it has received funding under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organisations for 2018–2030 PROO, Priority 1b – Grants for Own Contribution.
The funding was awarded to the Association under Agreement No. 2/PROO/1b/2026, signed on 23 June 2026:
- total grant amount: PLN 300,000.00;
- total project budget: EUR 5,429,126.49 (PLN 22,906,570.48, calculated using the National Bank of Poland exchange rate applicable on the date the call for proposals was announced: PLN 4.2192), including the budget allocated to the activities of the Association: EUR 1,754,990.35 (PLN 7,404,655.28), and the Association’s own contribution: EUR 87,750.00 (PLN 370,234.80).
The activities financed or co-financed under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organisations are intended to support the implementation of the international LIFE project, whose objective is to reduce the negative impact of invasive alien plant species on biodiversity, the environment and society.
The expected results include increased public environmental awareness of invasive alien species, strengthened organisational capacity and long-term support for the achievement of the LIFE project objectives, in accordance with the objectives of the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organisations.
The project contributes to the main objective of PROO, namely supporting the institutional development of civic organisations, as well as to its specific objectives:
- Increasing the involvement of citizens and civic organisations in public life;
- Strengthening civic organisations at the strategic level;
- Improving the financial stability of civic organisations.
Activities financed or co-financed under PROO
1. Testing management measures for selected invasive alien plant species
Testing management measures for selected invasive alien plant species, including Impatiens glandulifera. The activity will be implemented in 2026–2028.
2. Management measures for selected invasive alien plants
Development of management measures for Lysichiton americanus and Heracleum persicum, including participation in workshops in Denmark. The activity will be implemented in 2027.
3. Participation in horticultural fairs
Participation in horticultural fairs, including the purchase of a large monitor and a laptop with the necessary software. The activity will be implemented in 2026.
4. Management of black cherry
Implementation of management measures targeting black cherry (Prunus serotina).
Black cherry poses a threat to a European pond turtle nesting site located in the Żółwiowe Błota Nature Reserve, within the Natura 2000 site Lasy Sobiborskie PLH060043.
The activity will involve the removal of black cherry over a four-year period. PROO funding is planned to cover the costs of the activities carried out in 2026.
5. Project social media management
Management of the project’s Facebook and Instagram profiles. The activity will be implemented in 2026–2028.
6. Mission IAS programme
Mission IAS – Schools in Defence of Native Nature
STOP invasive alien plant species – education for biodiversity protection
Mission IAS is a nationwide environmental education programme addressed to primary and secondary schools. Its purpose is to increase environmental awareness of the threats caused by invasive alien species.
PROO funding will cover the costs of developing the programme’s original educational and methodological concept and preparing materials for schools, including lesson plans and accompanying teaching resources. The activity will be implemented in 2026.
7. Preparation and publication of a specialist publication
Preparation and publication of a book with the working title “Invasive Plant Species as a Threat to Poland’s Natural Heritage”. The activity will be implemented in 2026.
What is the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organisations?
The Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organisations for 2018–2030, known as PROO, is a nationwide programme supporting non-governmental organisations. It is implemented by the National Freedom Institute – Centre for Civil Society Development.
The programme aims to strengthen civil society by:
- supporting the statutory activities of non-governmental organisations;
- building stable and responsible organisational structures;
- supporting social and civic initiatives;
- increasing the influence of organisations on the lives of local communities.
PROO enables organisations to operate responsibly and in the long term, with a focus on the real needs of people.
The support is intended to strengthen organisational capacity, improve the effectiveness of organisations in achieving their statutory objectives and facilitate cooperation with the private and public sectors.
