Options for the recultivation of Lake Palic
On September 15, VTK Innosystem Kft., the beneficiary of the WBGC-1 Grant Program implemented by the Ministry for Innovation and Technology’s (MIT) green development agency, the Western Balkans Green Center Llc. (WBGC), held its project closing event at Lake Palic.
In the prepared feasibility study, the company has developed complex solution proposals to improve the water quality of the lake. The significance of the project is shown also by the fact that the event was attended by Róbert Jaksa, State Secretary of the Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Imre Kern, Deputy Mayor of Subotica. They stressed that Lake Palic is significantly exposed to the effects of the climate change and environmental and ecological problems. The project covered various environmental, social, and economic factors and put forward 12 solution proposals to improve water quality of the lake.
Managing director László Örlős, representing the WBGC, explained that preservation of Lake Palic is particularly significant as the lake plays an important role in the ecological, social, and economic life of Subotica and its surroundings. He pointed out that the WBGC Program, overseen by MIT’s State Secretariat for the Development of Circular Economy, Energy and Climate Policy, has supported 24 high quality climate projects in the Western Balkans disbursing more than EUR 2.2 million so far.
The participants agreed that the rehabilitation of Lake Palic is a priority for both the local community and the local authorities. The area is severely affected by the negative impacts of climate change and is a habitat for many protected animals therefore it is under nature conservation protection. It is also an important recreational center for the surrounding population and a promising tourism destination.
At the event, VTK Innosystem Ltd. presented the details of the completed study: the methods used to identify the negative impacts on the lake, the necessary interventions and the various solution proposals. The study confirmed the need for urgent action to clean up and preserve the lake.
The WBGC has successfully closed two calls for applications and proposals of the third call are currently evaluated. Projects supported by the WBGC focus on local adaptation and mitigation measures in the areas of water and waste management, sustainable energy, agriculture, and nature conservation.
Read more about the programme of the event here (in Hungarian) >>
Press releases in the Serbian press are available at the following links (in Hungarian and Serbian):
http://subotica.rs/index/page/lg/hu/id/14560
https://gradsubotica.co.rs/konferencija-o-oboljsanju-kvaliteta-vode-palickog-jezera/
https://subotica.info/2021/09/15/poboljsanje-kvaliteta-vode-palickog-jezera-studija-izvodljivosti
