Ниагарския Водопад

To create a compelling proposal for the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme under Priority 2 (A greener region) with a focus on promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention through a documentary film, you need to ensure that your project aligns with the specific objectives, eligibility criteria, and budget constraints outlined in the Applicant’s Guide. Below is a detailed overview of how you can structure your proposal, including the concept, budget, and equipment considerations.

Concept Overview

Title:
Eyes from Above: A Cross-Border Documentary on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Resilience

Objective:
The project aims to raise awareness about climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention through a high-quality documentary film. The film will showcase the cross-border region’s vulnerability to climate change, the importance of ecosystem-based approaches, and the role of local communities in building resilience. The documentary will be filmed using sustainable methods, including aerial footage captured by paragliders, drones, and other eco-friendly equipment.

Key Activities:

  1. Pre-production:
    • Research and scriptwriting.
    • Partner collaboration with SMURD (Romania) for disaster risk prevention expertise.
    • Training for paragliding and drone operation.
  2. Production:
    • Filming using paragliders, drones, and ground-based cameras.
    • Interviews with experts, local communities, and stakeholders.
    • Footage of ecosystems, disaster-prone areas, and adaptation measures.
  3. Post-production:
    • Editing and finalizing the documentary.
    • Subtitling in multiple languages (English, Romanian, Bulgarian).
    • Creation of promotional materials (trailers, posters).
  4. Dissemination:
    • Organizing a cross-border forum to premiere the documentary.
    • Submitting the film to international film festivals.
    • Distributing the film through online platforms, schools, and local communities.

Expected Outputs:

  • A 60-minute documentary film.
  • A series of short clips for social media and educational purposes.
  • A cross-border forum with at least 100 participants.
  • Participation in at least 3 international film festivals.

Expected Results:

  • Increased awareness of climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention.
  • Enhanced cross-border cooperation between Romania and Bulgaria.
  • Long-term impact through educational use of the documentary.


Budget Considerations

Your project falls under the Soft Operation category, meaning that the works/infrastructure/equipment component should be below 50% of the eligible budget. The total budget for a Soft Operation can range between €300,001 and €750,000, with a maximum duration of 18 months.

Eligible Costs:

  1. Equipment (below 50% of the budget):
    • Paragliding Equipment: Paragliders, paramotors, and training costs.
    • Filming Equipment: High-quality cameras, drones, lenses, microphones, and lighting.
    • Editing Equipment: Computers, editing software, and storage solutions.
    • E-mobility: E-motorcycles and e-bikes for sustainable transportation during filming.
  2. Staff Costs (up to 20% of direct eligible costs):
    • Salaries for filmmakers, editors, researchers, and project managers.
    • Training costs for paragliding and drone operation.
  3. Travel and Accommodation (up to 15% of staff costs):
    • Travel expenses for the film crew and partners.
    • Accommodation during filming in cross-border areas.
  4. Office and Administrative Costs (up to 15% of staff costs):
    • Office supplies, communication, and other administrative expenses.
  5. Project Preparation and Closure (Lump Sums):
    • Project Preparation: €14,000 (covers application preparation, feasibility studies, etc.).
    • Project Closure: €6,500 (covers final reporting, dissemination, etc.).
  6. External Expertise and Services (real costs):
    • Hiring external experts for scriptwriting, editing, or technical support.
    • Costs for organizing the cross-border forum and film festival submissions.
  7. Communication and Visibility:
    • Promotional materials (posters, trailers, social media campaigns).
    • Costs for subtitling and translation.

Budget Breakdown (Example):

  • Equipment (40% of budget): €300,000 (e.g., paragliders, cameras, drones, e-bikes).
  • Staff Costs (20% of direct costs): €90,000.
  • Travel and Accommodation (15% of staff costs): €13,500.
  • Office and Administrative Costs (15% of staff costs): €13,500.
  • Project Preparation and Closure: €20,500 (lump sums).
  • External Expertise and Services: €50,000.
  • Communication and Visibility: €20,000.
  • Contingency (5%): €37,500.

Total Budget: €545,000 (within the Soft Operation range).


Eligibility and Added Value

  1. Cross-Border Impact:
    The project will involve collaboration between your NGO in Vratsa, Bulgaria, and SMURD in Romania. The documentary will highlight cross-border challenges and solutions related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention.
  2. Ecosystem-Based Approaches:
    The film will focus on nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, floodplain restoration, and sustainable land management, aligning with the specific objective of promoting climate change adaptation.
  3. Innovation and Originality:
    The use of paragliders, drones, and e-mobility for filming is innovative and aligns with the Programme’s emphasis on sustainability. The documentary format is also original and has the potential for wide dissemination and long-term impact.
  4. Communication and Visibility:
    The project includes a strong communication plan, with the documentary being showcased at international film festivals, online platforms, and educational institutions. This will ensure maximum visibility for the Programme and its objectives.
  5. Durability and Transferability:
    The documentary will remain available for at least 5 years after project completion, ensuring long-term impact. The film can be adapted for educational purposes and used in other regions facing similar challenges.

Next Steps

  1. Consult with Programme Managers:
    Before finalizing your proposal, consult with the Joint Secretariat (JS) or the Bulgarian Info-point to ensure that your project aligns with the Programme’s priorities and eligibility criteria. You can reach out to them via email: helpdesk_robg@calarasicbc.ro.
  2. Submit the Application:
    Ensure that all mandatory documents (e.g., project statement, partner statements, state-aid self-assessment, etc.) are prepared and submitted through the Joint Electronic Monitoring System (JeMS) by the deadline: 17 February 2025 at 13:00 PM EET.
  3. Prepare for Clarifications:
    Be ready to provide additional clarifications or documents if requested during the assessment process.

Conclusion

Your proposal for a documentary film on climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention is innovative and aligns well with the Programme’s objectives. By focusing on cross-border cooperation, ecosystem-based approaches, and sustainable filming methods, your project has the potential to make a significant impact. Ensure that your budget stays within the Soft Operation limits and that all equipment purchases are justified and eligible. Good luck with your application!

The EU Border Air Police Guardians - SAS (Special Air Surveillance) unit

  1. Proposal Concept: Documentary Film with Cross-Border Impact

Your documentary film can focus on climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention in the cross-border region of Romania and Bulgaria. The film can highlight:

  • Ecosystem-based approaches to climate adaptation (e.g., reforestation, floodplain restoration, sustainable land management).
  • Disaster risk prevention measures (e.g., flood protection, fire prevention, and community resilience).
  • Cross-border cooperation between Romania and Bulgaria, showcasing joint efforts to address climate challenges.

The film can be used as an educational tool to raise awareness among local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders. It can also be showcased at film festivals and international forums to promote the region’s efforts in climate adaptation and disaster prevention.

  1. Key Elements to Include in the Proposal

To make your proposal more attractive and aligned with the Programme’s objectives, consider the following:

  1. Cross-Border Cooperation
  • Partnership with SMURD (Romania): SMURD can provide expertise in disaster risk prevention and resilience, as well as access to aerial filming resources (e.g., helicopters or drones). Their involvement will strengthen the cross-border character of the project.
  • Joint Development and Implementation: Ensure that the project is developed and implemented jointly by partners from both Romania and Bulgaria. For example, SMURD can contribute to disaster risk scenarios, while your NGO in Vratsa focuses on climate adaptation strategies.
  1. Ecosystem-Based Approaches
  • Highlight nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland restoration, or green infrastructure (e.g., floodplains, green roofs).
  • Showcase how these solutions contribute to climate resilience and disaster risk reduction in the cross-border region.
  1. Educational and Awareness-Raising Activities
  • Organize forums, workshops, and screenings of the documentary in both Romania and Bulgaria to engage local communities and stakeholders.
  • Use the film as a tool for capacity building and behavioural change regarding climate adaptation and disaster prevention.
  1. Sustainability and Durability
  • Ensure that the project’s outputs (e.g., the documentary, educational materials) are sustainable and can be used beyond the project’s duration.
  • Promote the film through social media, film festivals, and international platforms to maximize its impact and reach.
  1. Filming and Equipment

To justify the use of filming equipment and ensure eligibility, consider the following:

  1. Equipment Purchase
  • Paragliders, e-motorcycles, and e-bikes: These can be justified as sustainable and eco-friendly tools for filming and project activities. However, you must demonstrate that their use is essential for achieving the project’s objectives (e.g., aerial filming for documenting climate adaptation measures).
  • Durability: Since the equipment will deteriorate over time, you can argue that its use is limited to the project duration and that it will not generate long-term benefits. This aligns with the soft operation criteria (works/infrastructure/equipment component below 50% of the eligible budget).
  1. Budget Justification
  • Equipment Costs: Include the costs of paragliders, e-motorcycles, e-bikes, and training in the budget. Ensure that these costs are reasonable and supported by market analysis (e.g., two price offers or independent evaluations).
  • Filming Costs: Budget for filming equipment, editing, and post-production. Highlight how these costs contribute to the project’s objectives (e.g., creating a high-quality educational tool).
  1. Added Value and Originality

To make your proposal stand out, emphasize the following:

  • Innovation: The use of aerial filming and eco-friendly equipment (e.g., paragliders, e-motorcycles) is innovative and aligns with the Programme’s focus on sustainability.
  • Cross-Border Impact: The documentary will showcase joint efforts between Romania and Bulgaria, promoting cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange.
  • Educational Value: The film will serve as an edutainment tool for raising awareness about climate adaptation and disaster prevention, targeting both local and international audiences.
  • Visibility: Participation in film festivals and international forums will increase the visibility of the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme and its achievements.
  1. Budget and Financial Sustainability
  • Total Budget: For a soft operation, the total financial support from the Programme should be between 300,001 Euro and 750,000 Euro.
  • ERDF Co-Financing: The Programme provides 80% co-financing, with the remaining 20% covered by national co-financing and partner contributions.
  • Non-Eligible Costs: If the equipment costs exceed the 50% threshold for soft operations, you may need to cover these costs from non-eligible funds (e.g., partner contributions or other sources).
  1. Key Indicators to Address

Your project must contribute to at least one output indicator and one result indicator under Specific Objective 2.4. Consider the following:

  • Output Indicator RC084: Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects.
    • The documentary can be considered a pilot action that tests a new approach to raising awareness about climate adaptation.
  • Result Indicator RCR104: Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organizations.
    • The film can be adopted by schools, NGOs, and government agencies as an educational tool, demonstrating its uptake and scalability.
  1. Next Steps
  • Engage SMURD: Reach out to SMURD to formalize their participation as a Romanian partner. Ensure they are willing to contribute to the project’s development and implementation.
  • Develop a Detailed Work Plan: Outline the project’s activities, timeline, and deliverables. Include specific tasks for each partner (e.g., SMURD for disaster risk scenarios, your NGO for climate adaptation strategies).
  • Prepare the Budget: Ensure that the budget is realistic and aligns with the Programme’s eligibility rules. Include costs for equipment, filming, editing, and dissemination activities.
  • Submit the Application: Use the Joint Electronic Monitoring System (JeMS) to submit your application before the deadline (17 February 2025).

By focusing on cross-border cooperationecosystem-based approaches, and innovative filming techniques, your proposal can stand out as a unique and impactful project under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme. Good luck!

 

The Digital Agency

Conceptual Proposal Overview
Project Title: Aerial Perspectives: Documenting Climate Resilience in the Romania-Bulgaria Region
Priority: Priority 2 – A Greener Region (PO2)
Lead Partner: NGO in Vratsa, Bulgaria
Mandatory Partner: SMURD Romania (disaster risk expertise)


Project Concept

The project aims to produce a high-impact documentary film showcasing climate change adaptation, disaster risk prevention, and ecosystem-based approaches in the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border region. Utilizing innovative aerial filming techniques (paragliders, drones) and eco-friendly transportation (e-bikes/e-motorcycles), the documentary will serve as an educational tool for local communities and global audiences. Key activities include:

  • Collaboration with SMURD for disaster preparedness scenarios.
  • Aerial filming of vulnerable ecosystems and climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Creation of a mobile filming studio for real-time editing and stakeholder engagement.
  • Hosting a regional forum on climate resilience and submitting the film to international festivals (e.g., Cannes, Green Film Fest).

Eligible Expenditure Breakdown

1. Equipment Costs (Article 13)

  • Paraglider + Paramotor + Training: Essential for aerial filming. Must justify exclusivity to the project.
  • Drones/Helicopter Rentals: Safer alternative to purchasing a hot air balloon (rental may be more feasible).
  • E-Bikes/E-Motorcycles: Sustainable transport for the filming team. Specify usage for on-ground filming logistics.
  • Cameras, Editing Software, Computers: Dedicated equipment for documentary production.
  • Mobile Filming Studio: Portable setup for editing and screenings.

Estimated Budget: €80,000–€120,000

2. External Expertise & Services (Article 12)

  • Filmmakers/Pilots: Contracted professionals for aerial filming.
  • Training for Paragliding: External trainers (if not covered by equipment vendor).
  • Event Organization: Forum logistics, film festival submissions, and promotional materials (e.g., sustainable USB sticks, conference folders).

Estimated Budget: €50,000–€70,000

3. Travel & Accommodation (Article 11)

  • Flat rate: 15% of staff costs (covers crew travel for filming and festivals).

4. Staff Costs (Article 9)

  • Flat rate: 20% of direct costs (equipment + external expertise).
  • Example: If direct costs = €150,000, staff costs = €30,000.

5. Office/Administrative Costs (Article 10)

  • Flat rate: 15% of staff costs (e.g., €4,500 if staff costs = €30,000).

Key Considerations

  • Avoid Ineligible Costs: VAT (if recoverable), gifts, or non-essential items (e.g., luxury equipment).
  • Procurement Rules: Ensure competitive bidding for equipment purchases.
  • 50% Threshold: Confirm that cumulative equipment/works costs stay below 50% of the total budget.
  • Durability: Equipment must be used exclusively for the project and not depreciated.

Added Value & Strengths

  • Innovation: Use of aerial filming to visualize climate impacts.
  • Cross-Border Synergy: SMURD’s expertise in disaster response enhances credibility.
  • Sustainability: E-vehicles and eco-friendly promotional materials align with EU green principles.
  • Global Outreach: Film festivals and forums amplify the programme’s visibility.

Next Steps

  1. Consult the Programme Manager to confirm eligibility of paragliders/e-vehicles.
  2. Draft a detailed budget with justification for each equipment item.
  3. Secure a partnership agreement with SMURD.
  4. Highlight alignment with EU Green Deal and Interreg VI-A objectives in the application.

Total Estimated Budget Range: €180,000–€250,000 (adjust based on equipment rental vs. purchase).

This proposal balances creativity with compliance, ensuring eligibility while maximizing impact

Project Proposal: “Green Horizons: Cross-Border Ecosystem Resilience through Aerial Monitoring and Awareness”
Priority 2 (A Greener Region) | Specific Objective 2.4: Climate Change Adaptation & Ecosystem-Based Approaches


1. Project Overview

This project combines ecosystem-based climate adaptation with cross-border documentary storytelling to promote resilience in the Romania-Bulgaria border region. It focuses on protecting critical natural sites (Vratcata mountains, Magurata Cave, Belogradchik Rocks) through aerial monitoring, reforestation, and community engagement, while producing a documentary to raise awareness about climate adaptation.


2. Key Components

A. Cross-Border Cooperation

  • Partnership:
    • Lead Partner: Environmental NGO (Romania)
    • Partner 1: Bulgarian Ecological Association (Bulgaria)
    • Partner 2: SMURD Emergency Response Unit (Romania) – Focus on training for climate-related disaster prevention using ecosystem methods.
    • Associated Partner: Ivan Kristoff’s Film Production Team (Documentary creation).

B. Eligible Actions

  1. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation:
    • Reforestation and soil stabilization near waterfalls to prevent erosion.
    • Creation of green buffer zones using native vegetation.
    • Pilot actions to restore habitats in climate-vulnerable areas (e.g., Magurata Cave).
  2. Aerial Monitoring (T.E.A.M.):
    • Deploy drones and helicopters (partnering with SMURD) to assess ecosystem health, map climate risks, and monitor reforestation progress.
  3. Awareness & Behavioral Change:
    • Documentary film showcasing climate adaptation efforts, highlighting cross-border cooperation.
    • Educational workshops for local communities on sustainable land/water management.

C. Alignment with Programme Indicators

  • Output Indicators:
    • RC084: 2 pilot actions (reforestation, habitat restoration).
    • RC026: 20 ha of green infrastructure restored.
  • Result Indicators:
    • RCR104: 5 solutions adopted by local municipalities (e.g., buffer zone policies).
    • RCR35: 50,000 people benefiting from flood prevention measures.

3. Budget & Duration

  • Type: Soft operation (documentary, training, pilot actions).
  • Total Budget: €650,000 (ERDF co-financing: €520,000).
  • Duration: 18 months.

4. Compliance with Programme Rules

  • DNSH Principle: All actions use nature-based solutions (no grey infrastructure).
  • Cross-Border Impact: Joint workshops, shared monitoring data, and documentary aired in both countries.
  • Visibility: Documentary credits include Interreg/ERDF logos; social media campaigns aligned with the New European Bauhaus principles.

5. Required Documents

  • Feasibility study for reforestation zones.
  • DNSH Declaration (proving no harm to biodiversity).
  • Partnership Agreement (Romanian NGO + Bulgarian Ecological Association).
  • Climate Proofing Assessment for aerial monitoring infrastructure.

6. Next Steps

  1. Finalize partnerships and submit via JeMS by 17 February 2025.
  2. Begin pre-contracting procurement for drones and reforestation materials.
  3. Launch documentary pre-production with SMURD and Ivan Kristoff’s team.