Public sector

In today's dynamic world, the public sector encounters numerous challenges demanding continual adaptation and innovative solutions. Modern governance necessitates striking complex balances between the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of societal development. This entails implementing new technologies and methodologies, fostering cultural and organizational shifts within public authorities, effectively applying European and international law, and embracing best practices.

To address the specific needs of our clients, we assemble multidisciplinary and international teams of experts to comprehensively address all facets of change and devise optimal solutions. Our support for public sector organizations spans various areas, including the introduction of new policies and practices, attainment of measurable sustainable results, and engagement of stakeholders in management processes.

Environment:

Biodiversity and "Natura 2000"

"Natura 2000" is a pan-European network of protected areas (Natura 2000 sites) aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. To ensure its effective functioning, sufficient scientific information on the ecology, distribution, and status of species and natural habitats subject to conservation under the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive is essential. We offer services based on new technologies and scientific research aimed at protecting biodiversity and Natura 2000. Some of our services in this area include:

• Scientific Research in Biodiversity and Natura 2000: Our teams of Bulgarian and international experts specialize in conducting large-scale field studies, data systematization, and analysis to facilitate more effective planning of biodiversity conservation. We develop and apply methods for mapping and assessing the status of species and natural habitats, establish specific objectives for Natura 2000 sites, and evaluate the effectiveness of measures to improve their status.
• Biodiversity Monitoring: Using the latest monitoring and analysis technologies, we assist the public sector in monitoring and understanding changes in biodiversity, enabling effective protective measures.
• Strategic Planning and Programming: Improving the status of species and natural habitats requires in-depth knowledge of effective measures and efficient resource allocation. We plan necessary measures, determine implementation timelines, and conduct financial analyses for funding.
• Biodiversity Management: European law mandates Member States to manage biodiversity to ensure its favorable status and viability. We support the public sector in developing effective management approaches, planning human and financial resources, material provision, and capacity building for implementation.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Sustainable management necessitates effective communication and interaction with stakeholders and society. We facilitate public participation in strategic planning and programming, raise awareness, and conduct targeted capacity-building efforts through seminars, campaigns, and public hearings tailored to stakeholders' needs and policy objectives.
• Project Management: Effective project management entails meticulous planning, the engagement of specialized expertise, and rigorous quality control throughout. Drawing upon our extensive experience in overseeing large-scale biodiversity projects, we employ contemporary management methodologies and cutting-edge tools to ensure the reliability and high-quality outcomes of our endeavors. Our commitment extends to meeting deadlines and adhering to the stringent requirements set forth by funding organizations.

Water quality

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is paramount for preserving biodiversity in rivers, lakes, catchments, and marine waters, crucial not only for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants but also for fostering sustainable development. We offer services rooted in new technologies and scientific research aimed at water quality assessment. Here are some of our key offerings in this domain:

• Scientific Research in Water: We prioritize achieving and maintaining the good ecological status of water bodies, vital for human health, economic prosperity, and societal well-being. Our methods for ecological assessment adhere to WFD standards and encompass various biological quality elements (BQE). Leveraging expertise and best practices from Bulgaria and Europe, we develop robust assessment methodologies and typologies to yield scientifically grounded results.
• Hydrobiological Monitoring: Our scientific teams conduct comprehensive field studies, data systematization, and analysis to support effective water resource management. Hydrobiological monitoring is instrumental in providing insights into the ecological status of water bodies, guiding informed decision-making, and safeguarding these invaluable resources.
• Assessment of Ecological Status: Through rigorous analysis of aquatic organisms, their populations, and distribution, we assess the ecological status of water bodies and identify potential issues or pollutants. Integrating data with knowledge of water body typology and hydromorphology enhances the scientific credibility of our assessments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: We recognize the importance of engaging stakeholders throughout the assessment process to ensure widely accepted and reliable results. Stakeholders provide invaluable insights, data, and feedback, influencing decision-making based on environmental assessment outcomes. We facilitate seminars, meetings, and discussions to involve stakeholders and address diverse perspectives, interests, and needs.
• Project Management: Effective project management, encompassing meticulous planning, specialized expertise, and rigorous quality control, underpins our large-scale water quality assessment projects. Leveraging modern management approaches and tools, we ensure reliability, high-quality results, adherence to deadlines, and compliance with funding organization requirements.

Environment Impact Assessment of Investment Projects 

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is instrumental in fostering sustainable development and nature conservation by providing the necessary information and tools for making informed and responsible decisions. Here are some of our services in this area:

• Consulting on Legislative Requirements: We provide expert guidance on the legislative requirements for EIA, ensuring compliance with environmental protection standards. This includes identifying applicable legislation, analyzing procedural requirements, deadlines, and stakeholder involvement criteria.

• Preparation of EIA Documentation: Our multidisciplinary teams collect and analyze data to assess the environmental impact of projects or activities comprehensively. We develop documentation in compliance with Bulgarian and European legislation, ensuring the scientific validity of assessments and results.
• Assessment of Project Compliance with Site-Specific Objectives: We assess the compliance of projects or activities with site-specific objectives, identifying potential impacts on species, natural habitats, and ecological connectivity. Our focus lies on defining expected impacts, analyzing cumulative effects, and planning mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts.
• Communication and Public Hearing: Effective communication with stakeholders is pivotal for the successful EIA process, fostering participation, legitimacy, and acceptance of decisions. We facilitate overall communication, consulting stakeholders, and incorporating their feedback to prevent conflicts and enhance public support for projects or activities.

Strategic and management consulting 

Public sector management consulting encompasses various elements and processes aimed at assisting public institutions in achieving strategic objectives and enhancing effectiveness and efficiency. Here are some of our services in this area:

• Analysis of Administrative Capacity: Our interdisciplinary international teams conduct thorough assessments of available administrative capacity, including human resources, material and technical resources, communication channels, and professional capabilities. We evaluate coordination within and outside the administration, regulatory frameworks, process transparency, and satisfaction levels to identify needs and areas for improvement.
• Assessment of Effectiveness and Efficiency: We analyze process performance, response times, service quality, and other relevant parameters to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of specific administrative activities. This evaluation is particularly useful when expanding the functions and responsibilities of an administration.
• Recommendations for Improvement: Based on our assessments, we develop specific recommendations for enhancing management, optimizing processes, and strengthening internal communication. These recommendations are data-driven and include actionable suggestions for improving administrative performance. We also create action plans for implementing recommendations and establish mechanisms for monitoring progress.
• Change Management and Capacity Building: Introducing organizational changes often triggers uncertainty among employees, necessitating targeted support for adaptation to new conditions and processes. Our team provides on-site support, advises employees in navigating change, and enhances their competencies. This support accelerates the adoption of new activities or processes within organizations.

Communication and trainings 

Effective communication with the community is essential for the successful functioning and development of the public sector, fostering transparency, participation, efficiency, and legitimacy of public institutions and decisions. Here are some of our services in this area:

• Planning and Conducting Information Campaigns and Events: Depending on communication goals, our team devises effective event designs, prepares programs and scenarios, and delivers quality expertise to achieve our clients' objectives.
• Planning and Conducting Public Hearings: Strategic documents, management decisions, and projects require public discussion to ensure transparency and address stakeholder expectations. We meticulously plan public hearings, considering environmental nuances and stakeholder expectations. Addressing societal concerns and uncertainties surrounding decisions is pivotal, and we prioritize thorough preparation to serve as reliable partners to our clients.
• Planning and Conducting Trainings: Capacity building is vital not only for administration employees but also for service users. Well-prepared target groups enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and services. We tackle the challenge of developing and adapting training topics to ensure accessibility and understanding among participants. Employing tailored approaches to reach potential participants, building trust, and stimulating interest are central to our training initiatives. Our proficient teams organize and execute large-scale training programs on specific topics, driven by motivation and a commitment to achieving desired outcomes.