On April 21–22, representatives of the Swedish “South” cluster paid a working visit to Ivano-Frankivsk. The event was attended by representatives of the Ivano-Frankivsk cluster’s communities, regional authorities, relevant institutions, and programme experts. Together, they coordinated approaches to developing a cluster model in the field of waste management, discussed steps for its implementation, and the structure of the Ivano-Frankivsk cluster, particularly the formation of consultative and coordination mechanisms for interaction between communities.
The Swedish partners shared their experience in developing a waste management system in accordance with EU standards. Discussions focused, in particular, on the introduction of separate collection, bio-waste management, approaches to landfill operations, and extended producer responsibility tools. Attendees learned how these elements can be integrated into regional planning.
Over the course of two days, representatives of Ukrainian communities and Swedish municipalities worked in workshop sessions, presented a preliminary work plan for the cluster, and discussed its further refinement based on the suggestions received.
Special attention was given to financial issues, particularly attracting donor support and short-term investments.
The programme has already identified areas for priority investments: equipment and work related to the establishment of bio-waste sorting and processing facilities, biogas management at landfills, and the procurement of necessary equipment.
Additional areas for short-term investment include off-the-shelf equipment to improve municipal waste management processes. Approximately one-third of the 200 million Swedish kronor allocated by Sida and Nefco will be directed toward priority investment.
As part of the field component of the programme, the delegation familiarized itself with practical examples of project implementation in communities across the region. In particular, visits were made to the Tysmenytsia and Tlumach territorial communities, as well as an inspection of infrastructure facilities related to waste management, including a landfill and container collection systems. Separately, participants visited a site in Burshtyn, where they discussed existing challenges and possible solutions.
The event was held within the Swedish-Ukrainian WM4U Programme, which aims to support the development of modern, systemic, and environmentally responsible waste management solutions at local, regional and national levels.The programme is funded by the Government of Sweden through Sida and led by Avfall Sverige and SALAR International.