SNAPSHOTS OF EUROPE AND CIS

Restoring the health of lake prespa

“Our joint efforts have led to hundreds of men and women farmers being trained in sustainable agricultural practices. This has led to a remarkable 30 percent reduction in the amount of pesticides used by local farmers. The first-ever local system for monitoring pests and diseases has been established, further helping farmers to use chemicals more efficiently in lower quantities. And we’ve just helped complete the first-ever composting station — a station that will turn waste into products that can help farmers produce healthier and cheaper fruits,“ says UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton.

Blueberry days in georgia

“We used to grow potatoes but our yields never exceeded 400 kilograms. Now we have shifted to blueberries, which I believe have an outstanding growth potential,” says Mikeladze, a local farmer.

“Let’s face it – successful farming today is all about modern technology, education, and business skills. That’s why we focus on advisory, consultation, and extension services to local farmers,” says Sophie Kemkhadze, Deputy Head of UNDP in Georgia.

Read the whole story.

Healing and hope for victims of sexual violence

2,200 people are estimated to have suffered severe forms of conflict-related sexual violence in Croatia, however only 147 cases have been reported.

Read how UNDP in Croatia is working to change that.

Kyrgyzstan: Hello, this is Zardaly speaking

“You can’t imagine how this telephone made our lives easier! Now we are constantly online and don’t have to go villages in the valley wasting our time and leaving our household. Many problems can now be solved just by calling.”

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Great job: A better future is working for people with disabilities in Albania

“What I valued most is not only the possibility do something useful but also to feel accepted by my friends and society at large. Disability should not be viewed as inability. Miracles happen, one must only believe in them.”

Over 500 young men and women gained new skills through employment programmes.

Read the whole story.

New app guides Skopje commuters to greener travel routes

“Cost-effective and highly interactive, the app fills a vital need for the public to be better informed when choosing how to travel. Moreover, the app can easily be scaled up in the future for other cities and towns throughout the country.”

Read how UNDP in the former Yugsolav Republic of Macedonia is getting people to work the fastest, greenest way possible.

#BalkanFloods

Thousands of people were affected by the floods that struck the Western Balkans in May of this year.

Read how UNDP has responded in Bosnia and Herzergovina

Fresh development in Turkey: A berry good business

Four years ago, strawberries were introduced to local farmers as part of UNDP in Turkey’s regional development project; since then, nearly 700 fully equipped and confined orchards having been laid out.

In September 2013, the principal of the local primary school along with the village mayor decided to collectively change the name of the school to “Strawberry Elementary”, a touching tribute to the fruit’s sweet influence on the town, and beyond.

Read the whole story.

Big Hits and blunders: a social innovation Lab in Armenia

When UNDP in Armenia launched Kolba over a year ago, it was the only social venture incubator and design lab within the organization. Twelve months and a lot of (emotional) scars later, we thought it was time to share some of our big hits and blunders.

Read them here

Azerbaijan: When Losing a limb doesn't mean losing a livelihood

“I was able to purchase 1,000 small fish and had enough funds to provide them with food. After eight months, my family was able to sell 450 fish and the income has allowed us to expand our business while paying back the micro-credit. This opportunity has allowed me to provide for my family again.”

Read the whole story