Usana Fest
Basic information
Project Title
Usana Fest
Full project title
Uzana Fest - Green Ideas in Action!
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
Uzana Fest is a symbol of green ideas and care for nature. The festival meets green thinking and successful ecological patterns, presented in 10 zones through eco practices, activities, healthy products, art initiatives, green challenges and music. The festival brings people closer to nature and reminds them of the relation with nature by creating a sense of harmony and connectedness. All this happens in the Uzana area on a beautiful meadow, located in the geographical heart of Bulgaria.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Bulgaria
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Uzana Fest is an ecological festival uniting miscellaneous interactive activities for environmental protection. It is an exhibition of good eco-practices, successful organic products and sustainable art initiatives. А forum for responsible attitude towards nature, healthy and sustainable lifestyles, eco-innovation and green culture. А living network of socially engaged businesses, training discussions and seminars, loyal and active supporters acting as awakeners for transformation of attitudes towards nature.
With the realization of Uzana Fest Municipality of Gabrovo aims to establish the event as a national forum for responsible attitude to nature and its resources, to support the efforts of the non-governmental sector, businesses and local governance in the field of sustainable development and circular economy, to engage the general public, especially young people, in environmental protection activities.
The concept of Uzana Fest is entirely subordinated to the environmentally friendly lifestyle, spiritual harmony in line with nature, separate waste collection, zero carbon footprint, recycling and use of renewable energy resources. The main objective of the festival is the transformation of people's attitudes and behaviour, focusing on the inspiring principles of Blue Economy, building on lessons from nature and giving birth to innovations in industry.
The event provides an opportunity for a meeting of "green" thinkers and successful ecological models, presented in several different zones through eco practices, interactive activities and lectures on environmental protection, healthy organic products and sustainable art initiatives in the especially designate festival sites like - Knowledge corner, Activities, Kids center, Art zone and Yin&Yan center.
Uzana Fest is an event about music, arts, knowledge and shared emotions, which brings together people who live and think in harmony with nature.
With the realization of Uzana Fest Municipality of Gabrovo aims to establish the event as a national forum for responsible attitude to nature and its resources, to support the efforts of the non-governmental sector, businesses and local governance in the field of sustainable development and circular economy, to engage the general public, especially young people, in environmental protection activities.
The concept of Uzana Fest is entirely subordinated to the environmentally friendly lifestyle, spiritual harmony in line with nature, separate waste collection, zero carbon footprint, recycling and use of renewable energy resources. The main objective of the festival is the transformation of people's attitudes and behaviour, focusing on the inspiring principles of Blue Economy, building on lessons from nature and giving birth to innovations in industry.
The event provides an opportunity for a meeting of "green" thinkers and successful ecological models, presented in several different zones through eco practices, interactive activities and lectures on environmental protection, healthy organic products and sustainable art initiatives in the especially designate festival sites like - Knowledge corner, Activities, Kids center, Art zone and Yin&Yan center.
Uzana Fest is an event about music, arts, knowledge and shared emotions, which brings together people who live and think in harmony with nature.
Key objectives for sustainability
From its first edition, Uzana Fest established itself on the festival scene as the first ecological festival in Bulgaria. Launched in 2011, the event ran for five consecutive editions before taking a five-year hiatus. In 2021, it made a triumphant return with the Gabrovo Municipality as the official organizer, boasting a more diverse content and an expanded scale.
Uzana Fest was conceived as an experience, an emotion, and a profound connection to nature. This essence has been meticulously preserved over the years, allowing it to evolve into a festival that leaves a unique mark, infusing the festival culture with a distinct green hue.
The inspiration, shared by the entire Uzana Fest team, lies in the details. It’s in the acute feeling that this isn’t just another artistic global event, but a harmonious blend of initiatives and actions aimed at environmental conservation.
In this year’s edition of the Uzana festival, we take great pride in our achievement of powering several festival sites using solar energy, significantly reducing the event’s carbon footprint. This innovative approach positioned Uzana Fest as the pioneer in successfully substituting generator-produced electricity with solar powered energy. The solar energy generated was more than sufficient, enabling us to power an additional ten festival sites.
The festival's ecological intent was embodied in all the details of the event - from the plastic-free commercial serving areas, to the provided recycling bins, to the lectures and talks that imparted knowledge and advice on protecting biodiversity, preserving animal and plant habitats, and ways to reduce one's personal carbon footprint.
The model of Uzana Fest can be adopted in other similar events to reduce the negative effects on nature, but also to highlight the opportunity to be aware of our surroundings and to live in harmony with nature.
Uzana Fest was conceived as an experience, an emotion, and a profound connection to nature. This essence has been meticulously preserved over the years, allowing it to evolve into a festival that leaves a unique mark, infusing the festival culture with a distinct green hue.
The inspiration, shared by the entire Uzana Fest team, lies in the details. It’s in the acute feeling that this isn’t just another artistic global event, but a harmonious blend of initiatives and actions aimed at environmental conservation.
In this year’s edition of the Uzana festival, we take great pride in our achievement of powering several festival sites using solar energy, significantly reducing the event’s carbon footprint. This innovative approach positioned Uzana Fest as the pioneer in successfully substituting generator-produced electricity with solar powered energy. The solar energy generated was more than sufficient, enabling us to power an additional ten festival sites.
The festival's ecological intent was embodied in all the details of the event - from the plastic-free commercial serving areas, to the provided recycling bins, to the lectures and talks that imparted knowledge and advice on protecting biodiversity, preserving animal and plant habitats, and ways to reduce one's personal carbon footprint.
The model of Uzana Fest can be adopted in other similar events to reduce the negative effects on nature, but also to highlight the opportunity to be aware of our surroundings and to live in harmony with nature.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Uzana Fest is an event that transforms everyday life, turning it into an emotion-filled adventure. The festival days offer different experiences tailored to the interests of different audiences. The dynamics of the activities, the connection between art and different practices, and the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle give the event a unique feeling of an experience shared with nature.
The festival’s design is fundamentally rooted in environmental themes, with the activities successfully engaging attendees in various facets of climate challenges in a captivating and thought-provoking manner. The KNOWLEDGE space, which served as the venue for lectures and discussions, featured 21 topics related to climate, either directly or indirectly. While the primary focus was on climate issues, the importance of human health and nature was not overlooked. We exchanged insights and knowledge on energy efficiency, delved deeper into understanding soils and animal species, and underscored the significance of ancestral memory.
As part of the Uzana Fest, we conducted an informative tour where we looked into the habitats of various species and their significance in adapting to climate change. We engaged in a game called “Climate Fresco”, embarked on a waste collection activity using a specialized app, gained deeper insights into the use of natural materials in construction, and were presented with effective strategies for safeguarding human health.
Gabrovo faces a significant challenge: to successfully participate in the EU Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and to be among the first 100 cities in Europe to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The people of Gabrovo are the most valuable asset in this endeavor. Uzana Polyana Fest is one method, perhaps the most visible and one of most enjoyable ones, through which communities engage and embrace eco-friendly alternatives as their own.
The festival’s design is fundamentally rooted in environmental themes, with the activities successfully engaging attendees in various facets of climate challenges in a captivating and thought-provoking manner. The KNOWLEDGE space, which served as the venue for lectures and discussions, featured 21 topics related to climate, either directly or indirectly. While the primary focus was on climate issues, the importance of human health and nature was not overlooked. We exchanged insights and knowledge on energy efficiency, delved deeper into understanding soils and animal species, and underscored the significance of ancestral memory.
As part of the Uzana Fest, we conducted an informative tour where we looked into the habitats of various species and their significance in adapting to climate change. We engaged in a game called “Climate Fresco”, embarked on a waste collection activity using a specialized app, gained deeper insights into the use of natural materials in construction, and were presented with effective strategies for safeguarding human health.
Gabrovo faces a significant challenge: to successfully participate in the EU Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and to be among the first 100 cities in Europe to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The people of Gabrovo are the most valuable asset in this endeavor. Uzana Polyana Fest is one method, perhaps the most visible and one of most enjoyable ones, through which communities engage and embrace eco-friendly alternatives as their own.
Key objectives for inclusion
The festival is like a living entity that requires nurturing and care to truly shine, to radiate positivity, to engage individuals, and to inspire them to connect, form friendships, enjoy themselves, and coexist peacefully with nature.
Everyone who wanted to spend 3 days in nature had equal opportunities to participate. Uzana Fest 2023 was attended by about 14 000 people.
The festival does not set limits but provides opportunities for all stakeholders to get involved. Wide access to the festival was also guaranteed by the fact that it was free, there was no entry ticket. Information about the event was published and disseminated through all possible communication channels of the organizers, a special website (uzanafest.gabrovo.bg) was also created, where up-to-date and important information about the festival was published. To facilitate access to the festival town and for carbon emissions reduction, ecological buses were organised, with ramps for people with physical disabilities. Parking areas were provided, so that cars did not encroach on the festival area, but to be close enough to make it convenient to get around on foot.
Immediate access to the festival town was secured via a beautiful mountain road. There were also quite a few people who chose to move by bicycles, as well as those who preferred to make a short mountain hike. For the camping enthusiasts, a tent camp area was set up, which was populated by over 250 tents.
Various attractions, workshops and practices provided the opportunity for every visitor to get involved according to their interests and views.
Proof of the active involvement of civil society was the huge interest in the festival, the thousands of visitors and the hundreds of good reviews shared with the organizers.
Everyone who wanted to spend 3 days in nature had equal opportunities to participate. Uzana Fest 2023 was attended by about 14 000 people.
The festival does not set limits but provides opportunities for all stakeholders to get involved. Wide access to the festival was also guaranteed by the fact that it was free, there was no entry ticket. Information about the event was published and disseminated through all possible communication channels of the organizers, a special website (uzanafest.gabrovo.bg) was also created, where up-to-date and important information about the festival was published. To facilitate access to the festival town and for carbon emissions reduction, ecological buses were organised, with ramps for people with physical disabilities. Parking areas were provided, so that cars did not encroach on the festival area, but to be close enough to make it convenient to get around on foot.
Immediate access to the festival town was secured via a beautiful mountain road. There were also quite a few people who chose to move by bicycles, as well as those who preferred to make a short mountain hike. For the camping enthusiasts, a tent camp area was set up, which was populated by over 250 tents.
Various attractions, workshops and practices provided the opportunity for every visitor to get involved according to their interests and views.
Proof of the active involvement of civil society was the huge interest in the festival, the thousands of visitors and the hundreds of good reviews shared with the organizers.
Results in relation to category
Uzana Fest gathered more than 14 000 participants and guests united by green ideas. The concept and organization of the event were entirely subordinated to the environmentally friendly way of life, spiritual harmony and harmony with nature,separate waste collection, zero carbon footprint, recycling, renewable energy sources. For three days the mountain was home to green ideas and practices and showed us that we need to stop a little, turn a bit inward and work to achieve harmony with nature.
21 were the official lectures and presentations. Countless-informal meetings to share experiences,advice,exchange ideas and common future plans. There were also different types of yoga,paneurthymia,dances,meditation,breathing and gong practices.
There were 27 farmers, from whom visitors could buy organic fruits and vegetables, honey, cosmetics, pastilles, milk, cheese, jams, chutneys, meat delights. The craftsmen, besides their works, shared their skills in the many workshops-pottery, knitting, soap and candle making, sewing.
More than 70 participants-singers, musicians, dance groups, healers and magicians took the stage under the open sky. All visitors and festival participants were encouraged to reduce their waste, limit their use of natural resources and reduce their carbon footprint.
As a result of the festival, various lectures and educational games on nature conservation and healthy living were held; all garbage that was generated during the festival was collected separately-recycled and composted, the use of single-use plastic containers was reduced, the amount of CO2 emissions was reduced through the use of electric buses, bicycles and walking.
The inclusion of different participants and free access for visitors contributed to the promotion of the festival and the creation of new partnerships, some of which continue to this day through participation in various joint projects.
21 were the official lectures and presentations. Countless-informal meetings to share experiences,advice,exchange ideas and common future plans. There were also different types of yoga,paneurthymia,dances,meditation,breathing and gong practices.
There were 27 farmers, from whom visitors could buy organic fruits and vegetables, honey, cosmetics, pastilles, milk, cheese, jams, chutneys, meat delights. The craftsmen, besides their works, shared their skills in the many workshops-pottery, knitting, soap and candle making, sewing.
More than 70 participants-singers, musicians, dance groups, healers and magicians took the stage under the open sky. All visitors and festival participants were encouraged to reduce their waste, limit their use of natural resources and reduce their carbon footprint.
As a result of the festival, various lectures and educational games on nature conservation and healthy living were held; all garbage that was generated during the festival was collected separately-recycled and composted, the use of single-use plastic containers was reduced, the amount of CO2 emissions was reduced through the use of electric buses, bicycles and walking.
The inclusion of different participants and free access for visitors contributed to the promotion of the festival and the creation of new partnerships, some of which continue to this day through participation in various joint projects.
How Citizens benefit
Gabrovo faces a significant challenge: to successfully participate in the EU Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and to be among the first 100 cities in Europe to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The people of Gabrovo are the most valuable asset in this endeavor. Uzana Polyana Fest is one method, perhaps the most visible and one of most enjoyable ones, through which communities engage and embrace eco-friendly alternatives as their own.
The festival is welcoming to all who wish to spend 3 days in harmony with nature. The deepest meaning is the opportunity to show that the union between man and nature is possible, that man can return to his original essence and feel at home when he is in the mountains, walking barefoot on the meadow or just drinking tea from forest herbs. And all this can happen without harm to flora and fauna, but in harmony. And the greatest value of the festival is the people - the speakers, the ecologists, the craftsmen, the trainers, the demonstrators, the farmers, the chefs, the dancers, the musicians, the visitors, the guests and the participants.
Citizens who were part of the festival had various opportunities to get involved in environmental initiatives. The varied palette of activities provided them with a way to find their eco-experience tailored to their personal interests, skills and competencies.
Visitors were directly involved in various environmental practices from the moment they entered the festival town. No matter in which of the zones they chose to participate, they were given the opportunity for new knowledge, exchange of experience and empathy.
As a result, the civic participation fully met the goals of the project – living in harmony with nature. The territory of the festival remained preserved, the waste was recycled, and the acquired new knowledge can be applied at any moment of everyday life.
The festival is welcoming to all who wish to spend 3 days in harmony with nature. The deepest meaning is the opportunity to show that the union between man and nature is possible, that man can return to his original essence and feel at home when he is in the mountains, walking barefoot on the meadow or just drinking tea from forest herbs. And all this can happen without harm to flora and fauna, but in harmony. And the greatest value of the festival is the people - the speakers, the ecologists, the craftsmen, the trainers, the demonstrators, the farmers, the chefs, the dancers, the musicians, the visitors, the guests and the participants.
Citizens who were part of the festival had various opportunities to get involved in environmental initiatives. The varied palette of activities provided them with a way to find their eco-experience tailored to their personal interests, skills and competencies.
Visitors were directly involved in various environmental practices from the moment they entered the festival town. No matter in which of the zones they chose to participate, they were given the opportunity for new knowledge, exchange of experience and empathy.
As a result, the civic participation fully met the goals of the project – living in harmony with nature. The territory of the festival remained preserved, the waste was recycled, and the acquired new knowledge can be applied at any moment of everyday life.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
The innovative nature of Uzana Fest is in its approach to presenting the theme of nature conservation and the importance of human activities. Presenting inspiring lectures, interesting technological solutions, organic productions, ecological crafts and activities connecting people, the festival makes possible the mission of harmonious existence of man in nature.
The big NEW at Uzana Fest this year was the GREEN Startup Zone – a place where technology, discovery and innovation will meet to make partnerships and present their ideas. The challenge to present their green solutions was accepted by seven startups whose innovative developments implement green ideas in various spheres of activity. Startup companies shared their visions and approaches to successfully apply an innovative biostimulant in green system care, manufacturing hemp textiles, creating building materials from natural raw materials, a flower in a test tube, and a mobile application for environmental cleaning. All of them are another step towards achieving climate neutrality.
The biggest innovation of the festival was the successful powering of 10 places and the Knowlage space through a solar system. The RES installation was built especially for the days of the festival and became the first such solution in Bulgaria, implemented during a festival.
During the lectures, innovative global solutions for renewable energy and water purification were presented. Young start-ups shared their eco visions with small manufacturers. Some of the food during the Festival was served in edible containers - waffle cups and bread bowls.
Physiotherapists shared an innovative Active Sitting technique to improve human health through self-diagnosis and various exercises for the musculoskeletal system and emotional stability practices.
The big NEW at Uzana Fest this year was the GREEN Startup Zone – a place where technology, discovery and innovation will meet to make partnerships and present their ideas. The challenge to present their green solutions was accepted by seven startups whose innovative developments implement green ideas in various spheres of activity. Startup companies shared their visions and approaches to successfully apply an innovative biostimulant in green system care, manufacturing hemp textiles, creating building materials from natural raw materials, a flower in a test tube, and a mobile application for environmental cleaning. All of them are another step towards achieving climate neutrality.
The biggest innovation of the festival was the successful powering of 10 places and the Knowlage space through a solar system. The RES installation was built especially for the days of the festival and became the first such solution in Bulgaria, implemented during a festival.
During the lectures, innovative global solutions for renewable energy and water purification were presented. Young start-ups shared their eco visions with small manufacturers. Some of the food during the Festival was served in edible containers - waffle cups and bread bowls.
Physiotherapists shared an innovative Active Sitting technique to improve human health through self-diagnosis and various exercises for the musculoskeletal system and emotional stability practices.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The main emphasis and focus of the festival was on acquiring knowledge and awakening people's sensitivity to the relationship with nature. Speakers and audience shared a territory and considered the importance of Man in the context of preservation and restoration of the surrounding environment.
The main areas of knowledge were focused on climate change and environmental protection. The lecture area presented topics such as „Sustainable management of forest territories”, „Biodiversity and climate change“, „What is the importance of climate for nature and nature for people”, „Living comfort and microclimate parameters in passive and low-energy buildings”, „On the road to zero-carbon cities”, „Healthy soils for healthy people”, „Trends in ecological construction and renovation”. Different audiences also participated in the „Climate Fresco“ game, which presents the topic of climate change in an interesting and educational way.
The rest of the area was designated for various experiences and workshops, opportunities were presented to use recyclable products, create accessories, cosmetics, clothing, etc. only with natural materials, a healthy lifestyle through various practices and organic foods.
The three festival days met people from different social groups, professions and ages who had the opportunity to interact, exchange and share. Start-ups, young entrepreneurs and small producers freely contacted each other, upgraded their knowledge and combined their capabilities.
The main areas of knowledge were focused on climate change and environmental protection. The lecture area presented topics such as „Sustainable management of forest territories”, „Biodiversity and climate change“, „What is the importance of climate for nature and nature for people”, „Living comfort and microclimate parameters in passive and low-energy buildings”, „On the road to zero-carbon cities”, „Healthy soils for healthy people”, „Trends in ecological construction and renovation”. Different audiences also participated in the „Climate Fresco“ game, which presents the topic of climate change in an interesting and educational way.
The rest of the area was designated for various experiences and workshops, opportunities were presented to use recyclable products, create accessories, cosmetics, clothing, etc. only with natural materials, a healthy lifestyle through various practices and organic foods.
The three festival days met people from different social groups, professions and ages who had the opportunity to interact, exchange and share. Start-ups, young entrepreneurs and small producers freely contacted each other, upgraded their knowledge and combined their capabilities.
Methodology used
The concept and the organization of the event were entirely subordinated to the environmentally friendly way of life, spiritual harmony and harmony with nature, separate waste collection, zero carbon footprint, recycling, renewable energy sources.
The methodology contains the inclusion of various stakeholders, providing interesting and important topics, recognized by the visitors. It was extremely important to include volunteers, organizations and institutions, entrepreneurs and producers who have a direct relation to global environmental challenges.
The concept of the festival - a variety of eco-activities were foreseen to provoke the interest and involvement of various audiences. Every element of the performance of the festival had to be in accordance with the set great goal - the connection of man with nature.
The methodology contains the inclusion of various stakeholders, providing interesting and important topics, recognized by the visitors. It was extremely important to include volunteers, organizations and institutions, entrepreneurs and producers who have a direct relation to global environmental challenges.
The concept of the festival - a variety of eco-activities were foreseen to provoke the interest and involvement of various audiences. Every element of the performance of the festival had to be in accordance with the set great goal - the connection of man with nature.
How stakeholders are engaged
Uzana Fest is a good example of how an event can combine sustainable environmental policies with a quality experience for participating exhibitors and visitors. The collaboration of all stakeholders in the development and implementation was easily achieved because the festival discussed the topics of the global problems of pollution and climate change, offered knowledge and solutions to deal with them. Involving diverse communities and empowering people with knowledge and skills raises awareness of global issues and offers a non-standard approach to tackling them.
For the first time in this year's edition of the festival a Green Startups zone was organized. Seven start-up companies took part in this space. They presented their solutions, discoveries and innovations, implemented partnerships and gave Uzana Fest an additional environmental focus.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations and institutions at the local and regional level, which are directly related to environmental issues, took part in the festival. Students from different universities also got involved and shared their experience with their peers. All of them took an active part in the lectures, discussions and organized inspiring presentations on various environmental topics - climate change, sustainable energy, biodiversity, soil protection, healthy lifestyle.
Stakeholders not only shared knowledge and experience, but were also able to receive feedback from citizens, as well as create new partnerships and expand their knowledge in other environmental sectors.
For the first time in this year's edition of the festival a Green Startups zone was organized. Seven start-up companies took part in this space. They presented their solutions, discoveries and innovations, implemented partnerships and gave Uzana Fest an additional environmental focus.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations and institutions at the local and regional level, which are directly related to environmental issues, took part in the festival. Students from different universities also got involved and shared their experience with their peers. All of them took an active part in the lectures, discussions and organized inspiring presentations on various environmental topics - climate change, sustainable energy, biodiversity, soil protection, healthy lifestyle.
Stakeholders not only shared knowledge and experience, but were also able to receive feedback from citizens, as well as create new partnerships and expand their knowledge in other environmental sectors.
Global challenges
THREE global challenges were in focus:
Reducing carbon emissions
Conservation of biological diversity
Waste reduction and recycling
Climate change is a global global challenge that is an immediate threat to our world, but we can all do something to prevent it and build a better future. Forests, soils, sustainable cities, renewable energy sources - were only some of the topics that the festival addressed directly to its visitors. Options for building energy efficiency, creation of energy cooperatives and optimized consumption of resources were presented as possible solutions to this problem. The local forestry presented good examples of forest care, and an innovative company presented its product - a soil biostimulant developed with all-natural ingredients. Others are related to reducing the carbon footprint of each of us - some people used public electric buses to get to the event, others rode bicycles or chose to use the eco-paths from the city to the mountains.
Bird conservation is one of the project's green causes. The rescue center of Zeleni Balkani was among the most attractive participants. Every year, children and rescuers release treated wild birds back into the nature of Uzana.
The separate collection of waste was demonstrated through the waste management system in Gabrovo - separately recyclable and biodegradable. The former are turned into new products, and the latter into compost. In addition, the festival had strict waste collection rules and no plastic was allowed in the food area. Uzana Fest became the first festival in the country with a cup deposit system. Reusable cups, suitable for hot and cold drinks, could be used for a deposit and then returned.
To feel part of the circles of nature, rather than a pure observer, is one of the challenges and successes of the festival. With the difference that a person has the power and ability to cause and interrupt processes.
Reducing carbon emissions
Conservation of biological diversity
Waste reduction and recycling
Climate change is a global global challenge that is an immediate threat to our world, but we can all do something to prevent it and build a better future. Forests, soils, sustainable cities, renewable energy sources - were only some of the topics that the festival addressed directly to its visitors. Options for building energy efficiency, creation of energy cooperatives and optimized consumption of resources were presented as possible solutions to this problem. The local forestry presented good examples of forest care, and an innovative company presented its product - a soil biostimulant developed with all-natural ingredients. Others are related to reducing the carbon footprint of each of us - some people used public electric buses to get to the event, others rode bicycles or chose to use the eco-paths from the city to the mountains.
Bird conservation is one of the project's green causes. The rescue center of Zeleni Balkani was among the most attractive participants. Every year, children and rescuers release treated wild birds back into the nature of Uzana.
The separate collection of waste was demonstrated through the waste management system in Gabrovo - separately recyclable and biodegradable. The former are turned into new products, and the latter into compost. In addition, the festival had strict waste collection rules and no plastic was allowed in the food area. Uzana Fest became the first festival in the country with a cup deposit system. Reusable cups, suitable for hot and cold drinks, could be used for a deposit and then returned.
To feel part of the circles of nature, rather than a pure observer, is one of the challenges and successes of the festival. With the difference that a person has the power and ability to cause and interrupt processes.
Learning transferred to other parties
The event ensures the acquisition of new knowledge, introduction of practices and demonstration of achievements to various interested groups, participants or casual visitors. In this way, the acquisition of knowledge and experience as well as capacity building is achieved.
Each of the elements of the festival can find its place, be reproduced and further developed in other territories, as long as they are related to the preservation of the environment.
In view of its intermodality and the fact that festivals are held all over the world, Uzana Fest is an event whose approach to hosting can be multiplied in other territories. The festival demonstrates a clear approach to solving problems such as the overuse of plastic, the overconsumption of natural resources, CO2 pollution - problems that are common and for which every action for change and improvement is of great importance.
The potential for transfer of the results and lessons learned from the event is clear and possible for any other event that involves gathering of audiences, is dedicated to creativity, emphasizes on green ideas and care for the nature.
Each of the elements of the festival can find its place, be reproduced and further developed in other territories, as long as they are related to the preservation of the environment.
In view of its intermodality and the fact that festivals are held all over the world, Uzana Fest is an event whose approach to hosting can be multiplied in other territories. The festival demonstrates a clear approach to solving problems such as the overuse of plastic, the overconsumption of natural resources, CO2 pollution - problems that are common and for which every action for change and improvement is of great importance.
The potential for transfer of the results and lessons learned from the event is clear and possible for any other event that involves gathering of audiences, is dedicated to creativity, emphasizes on green ideas and care for the nature.
Keywords
Green
Nature
Human
Connection
Resilient
