We were honored to welcome an Ambassador from a country that values a healthy and clean environment as a national heritage for the third time. Norway has been a lasting source of inspiration for our efforts.
As part of her official program in the Žilina region, H.E. Susan Eckey, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Slovakia, Austria, and the UN, visited the Bioclimatic Park Drienová. The Ambassador was accompanied by Hana Tasler Goldschmitová, a grant advisor. The visit aimed to explore the outcomes of projects funded by the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants during the 2014–2021 programming period.
During the visit, we presented the CLIMA BEST project to the Ambassador, highlighting its support through Norwegian grants in this programming period. Our discussion focused on the challenges of land drying and extreme weather events, which are interconnected issues across Europe, including Norway. With the support of the bilateral fund, we had the opportunity to visit numerous inspiring projects and organizations in Norway. Additionally, we shared our insights and best practices in rainwater retention, flood prevention, and ecosystem restoration.
While exploring the park, the Ambassador was eager to understand its role as an environmental center for various groups and how the local community participates in its activities.
Norwegian financial mechanisms have long supported initiatives aimed at climate and environmental protection in Slovakia. In the 2021–2028 programming period, they will continue to prioritize innovation and the implementation of measures to address the impacts of climate change.
The visit to the Bioclimatic Park Drienová marked the conclusion of the Ambassador’s two-day stay in the region. During this time, she engaged with representatives from local government and academia to explore opportunities for further collaboration in culture, human rights protection, and environmental sustainability. Also present was Andrej Sokolík, who previously served as Slovakia’s Ambassador to Norway during the preparations for the first programming period of the EEA and Norway Grants.
