Poland update en final oct13

LIFE programme - Country Factsheet

POLAND Overview

This document provides an overview of LIFE in Poland.

It showcases success stories and ongoing initiatives, indicates how to find further information on the projects

Since the launch of the LIFE programme by the European Commission in 1992, a total of 58 projects have been financed in Poland. Of these, 14 focus on environmental innovation, 33 on nature conservation, 10 on Information and Communication and one on capacity building. These projects represent a total investment of €140 million, of which €73 million was contributed by the European Union.

Every year a call for project proposals is launched covering LIFE’s three components: Nature and Biodiversity, Environment Policy and Governance, and Information and Communication.

You will find more details on these and all recent LIFE projects in Poland in the annexed lists.

and provides a list of recent projects in Annex.

Last update: 21/10/13

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Environment Policy and Governance To date, the LIFE Environment and LIFE Environment Policy and Governance components have co-financed 14 projects in Poland. This represents a total investment of €24 million, of which €11 million has been contributed by the European Union.

Two projects are now completed. One of these developed an integrated environmental management system for small and medium-sized enterprises, using a web-based Environmental Manager tool. The beneficiary was the Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation and the project had a duration of 36 months. The other project, carried out by the Town of Gniezno over a 22 month period, focused on improving water quality. More information on this successful project is presented in the box below.

There are 12 ongoing projects in Poland. These focus on water resource protection, water quality improvement, soil improvement, waste reuse, energy supply (via micronised biomass, biogas, wind and solar power, and cogeneration), energy efficiency, waste water treatment, site decontamination and air pollution (and the negative impacts on public health). The projects are being carried out by research institutes (6), a public enterprise, two universities, a regional authority and two SMEs. The project durations range from 30 to 72 months.

Recultivation of Jelonek and Winiary lakes in Gniezno by inactivation of phosphorus in bottom sediments (Lake recult. in Gniezno) LIFE07/ENV/PL/000605 This project contributed to improving the quality of the water in lakes Jelonek and Winiary, paving the way for their use for recreational activities. The reconstruction of the degraded banks of the lakes not only helped to stop the infiltration of pollutants from storm water, but also increased the landscape value of the lakes.

Through the project actions, the total phosphorus content in the water was reduced to 0.047 mg P/dm3 in Lake Winiary and 0.113 mg P/dm3 in Lake Jelonek (the target was 0.1 - 0.2 mg P/dm3). Water transparency was also improved: visibility of Secchi’s disc is now 0.9 m in Lake Jelonek and 2.9 m in Lake Winiary (the target was 0.6 - 1.0 m). The content of chlorophyll was reduced to 11.4 ppm in Lake Winiary and 51.5 ppm in Lake Jelonek (the target was 15 ppm) in 2010 and to 19.8 ppm in 2011 (one year after the project ended).

Blue-green algae have not been observed in the lakes since the inactivation of phosphorus in bottom sediments (as planned).

The project demonstrated that this method of inactivating phosphorus, by applying coagulants directly to bottom sediments, is an effective tool for the protection of shallow lakes, especially those located in cities and urban areas. This is a relatively cheap method that achieves results in a short period of time. The project beneficiary recognises the need for permanent monitoring of the lakes and their drainage areas and also intends to implement active conservation measures, such as the seasonal elimination of reeds from the area of inflow to Lake Jelonek, which will take the biogenous stored in the reeds out in the lake; the conservation of selected fish species; controlled mowing of water plants from the sites around the lakes devoted to recreation; the control of macrophytes and their plantation if needed; and a campaign to prevent human feeding of aquatic birds.

This project was a major step forward in terms of fulfilling the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive in relation to maintaining inland sources of surface water in "good ecological condition”.

For further information: http://gniezno.eu/strona32wqf435ge/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2587

Last update: 21/10/13

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Nature and Biodiversity To date the LIFE Nature and LIFE Nature and Biodiversity components have co-financed 33 projects in Poland.

This represents a total investment of €98 million, of which €54 million has been contributed by the European Union.

Three of these projects are now closed. These projects targeted the conservation of habitats (Baltic raised bogs in Pomerania and habitats for rare butterflies of wet, semi-natural meadows) and species (the European bison in the Bialowieza Forest) and had durations of between 44 and 48 months. Two of the projects were carried out by NGOs and one by the Mammal Research Institute at the Polish Academy of Science.

There are 30 ongoing projects in Poland. These projects focus on the conservation and restoration of habitats (xerothermic grasslands, including in Miechowska Uppland, waterfowl and waders in the National Warta Mouth Park, hydrogenic habitats, priority sand habitats, Kampinos forests, wetlands in Biebrza and Puszcza Kampinoska, alkaline fens in northern Poland, non-forest habitats in the “Orle Gniazda” Landscape Park", caves in Szachownica, non-forest natural habitat on a military area in the Pustynia Błędowska Nature 2000 site and in the Beskid Landscape Parks, fish habitats in the River Drwęca, and the "Pieniny” Nature 2000 site) and species (breeding waterfowl, the lesser and greater spotted eagle, waders, the aquatic warbler, white stork, priority birds under intensive urban pressure, the capercaillie, the great snipe, the lesser horseshoe bat and other bat species in southern Poland, and amphibians in north-eastern Poland). One project specifically aims to create a blue wildlife corridor in the Ina basin. The beneficiaries are mainly regional and park authorities, but also include two local authorities, a national authority, three NGOs and a research institute. The projects have an expected duration of between 36 and 82 months.

The project presented in the box below is an example of a successful LIFE Nature project in Poland.

European Bison conservation in the Bialowieza Forest, Poland (BISON-LAND) LIFE06/NAT/PL/000105 This project introduced new strategy for the sustainable conservation of European bison (Bison bonasus) in the Natura 2000 site, Bialowieza Forest. An ecological audit and an environmental assessment of proposals for ecological corridors were drawn up. These proposals were included in the Spatial Plan for the Podlasie region, and the detailed documentation was also delivered to the region’s 11 communes for inclusion in their local spatial plans.

As part of the project, a set of different management actions were implemented in order to improve bison dispersal in the area: about 46 ha of meadows were reclaimed for bison, 14 small water reservoirs were established, wild fruit trees were planted on 6 ha, and19 supplementary feeding sites were constructed. Appropriate grazing areas for bison were also created, and hay produced from the annual mowing of meadows was collected and delivered to all the supplementary winter-feeding sites (on average around 200 ha was mowed each year). This activity was carried out with support from financial sources other than LIFE (i.e. national funding and EU subsidies). Contracts were agreed on a further 55 ha of meadows for bison over three seasons.

A range of measures were also carried out during the project: protection of agricultural areas affected by bison and the management of damage-causing individuals; supervision and an annual census of bison; monitoring of bison distribution and dispersal with satellite and radio telemetry; as well as the genetic monitoring of the bison population. As a result of these actions, an assessment of the space use patterns and genetic structure of the bison population was made.

By the end of the project, the bison population had increased by 13.6% in comparison with the total number of bison before the project in 2005. The number of mixed herds of bison increased from seven to 12, while the total area covered by the population increased by 32%.

During the four years of the project, 430 DNA samples of target species were collected and deposited in the European Bison DNA Collection.

Data obtained from DNA analyses was added to the European Bison Genetic Data Bank. Bison genetic variability preservation guidelines were also drawn up.

The non-recurring and recurring management activities of the project are currently being continued within the scope of a new project started under the Operational Programme for ‘Infrastructure and Environment’, and with the support of participants’ own resources.

The LIFE project also carried out a range of public awareness-raising activities and published/distributed a wide range of dissemination materials/publications, which are also available on the project website.

For further information: http://www.krainazubra.pl Last update: 21/10/13

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Information and Communication The projects funded under this LIFE+ component aim to disseminate information and raise the profile of environmental issues. They also provide training and awareness-raising on the prevention of forest fires.

There are ten ongoing projects under this LIFE+ component in Poland. This represents a total investment of €16 million, of which the EU is contributing 50%. Two of these projects aim to reduce the risk of forest fires caused by human activity, and to raise awareness of forest fire prevention among rural residents and people using forests for recreational purposes. A third project aims to raise awareness of climate change among leaders at county level, and to stimulate initiatives in support of practical local measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change. There is also a project focusing on promoting best practices related to biodiversity protection in forests, especially in Natura 2000 sites, and two projects which are seeking to improve awareness and appreciation of Natura 2000, in order to enhance co-operation between key stakeholders, such as environmental NGOs and local authorities, while also contributing to better implementation of EU environmental legislation in Poland. Another project involves the setting up of an informational/educational campaign for the removal of asbestos and products containing asbestos, and there is also a project that aims to preserve and restore tree avenues, which play an important role as habitats and components of traditional European landscapes. Another project aims to inform farmers about eutrophication and other environmental consequences of agricultural practices. The most recently selected project is aiming to convince the managers and employees of 3 000 companies, covering six sectors (wood, automotive mechanics, printing, food, and personal services such as hairdressers and beauticians), to protect the environment through a more efficient use of natural resources.. These projects have a duration of between 30 and 60 months and are implemented

by NGOs, national authorities, a training centre and an SME. Presented in the box below is an overview of an ongoing LIFE+ Information and Communication project.

Further information (including results) will be provided in the next update.

Forest fires and nature – raising the awareness of rural communities concerning forest fire prevention (FORESTFIRE) LIFE08/INF/PL/000523 This project aims to increase knowledge and awareness of threats posed by fire and of ways to prevent forest fires among rural residents and the general public, especially people who use forest areas for recreational purposes.

The project will sponsor five radio broadcasts, five television broadcasts (all of 30 seconds), five articles and three full-page advertisements on threats related to forest fires and fire prevention. It will also produce a documentary on the impact of fires on biodiversity, especially endangered species and habitats, and two educational films on the effects of grass burning and on safe recreation in forest areas. Finally, the project will distribute promotional material to local communities and students of primary and secondary schools, and arrange meetings with the public, organised by voluntary fire brigades.

As a result of its activities, the project aims to decrease the number of deliberate fires by 30% by 2012, in comparison to the average number between 2005-2009.

For further information:

http://www.ogienwlesie.lasy.gov.pl

Last update: 21/10/13

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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How to find out more about LIFE and LIFE projects By surfing on the LIFE website The LIFE website provides a wealth of information on the LIFE programme: http://ec.europa.eu/life/

By searching on the LIFE projects For further information on LIFE projects in Poland or LIFE projects in general, please consult the online LIFE projects database. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm The easy-to-use database is the authoritative source of information on all ongoing and closed LIFE projects. The database also provides information on the beneficiaries, their contact details, and the projects’ websites.

By contacting: The National Contact Point for Poland National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management Name: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website:

Mr Andrzej MUTER Konstruktorska 3a Street PL – 02-673 Warsaw +48 22 459 05 43 +48 22 459 01 93 A.Muter@nfosigw.gov.pl http://www.ekoportal.pl/jetspeed/portal/portal/Fundusze_UE/LIFE

The Monitoring Team for Poland ASTRALE EEIG - SOGES-ILE c/o Zsuzsanna Kocsis-Kupper Rügy u.5 H -2000 SZENTENDRE HUNGARY Tel: +36 26 904 51 Fax: +36 26 500 004 E-mail: soges-ile@astrale.org

Last update: 21/10/13

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Recent Environment Policy & Governance projects in Poland Project Title

Project Number

Website

Recultivation of Jelonek and Winiary lakes in Gniezno by inactivation of phosphorus in bottom sediments (Lake recult. in Gniezno)

LIFE07 ENV/PL/000605

http://gniezno.eu/strona32wqf435g e/index.php?option=com_content&t ask=view&id=2587

Ecohydrologic rehabilitation of recreational reservoirs "Arturówek" in Łódź as a model approach to rehabilitation of urban reservoirs (EH-REK)

LIFE08 ENV/PL/000517

ECOtones for Reducing Diffusion Pollution (EKOROB)

LIFE08 ENV/PL/000519

http://www.erce.unesco.lodz.pl/inde x.php?id=122&lev=1&t=2&nid=76

New soil improvement products for reducing the pollution of soils and waters and revitalizing the soil system (Biorewit)

LIFE10 ENV/PL/000661

http://www.biorewit.inhort.pl

Demonstration installation for manufacture of lightweight aggregate from sewage sludge and waste silica (OIM-WASTE)

LIFE10 ENV/PL/000662

http://www.dim-waste.eu

MObile demonstration line for generation of Renewable ENERGY from micronised biomass (MORENERGY)

LIFE11 ENV/PL/000442

http://life-moreenergy.eu/

Agricultural farms and smart grids integrated renewable energy sources (OZERISE)

LIFE11 ENV/PL/000444

http://www.ozerise.pl

Remediation of degraded land in the region of Lignite Mine Konin by cultivation of industrial hemp (EKOHEMPKON)

LIFE11 ENV/PL/000445

http://ekohempkon.iwnirz.pl/

Demonstration of the innovative technology of the improvement of absorption of the geothermal deposit layer (GeoPyrz)

LIFE11 ENV/PL/000447

Demonstration installation for thermal utilization of sewage sludge by pyrolysis (Spalarnia pirolityczna OS)

LIFE11 ENV/PL/000453

http://www.fuwi-lifeplus.eu

Evaluation of the health state of forests and an effect of phosphite treatments with the use of photovoltaic SLE UAV (HESOFF)

LIFE11 ENV/PL/000459

http://www.overforests.pl/

Demo installation for electricity/heat COGENERATION with gasification of fuel based on municipal waste and sewage sludge (LIFE COGENERATION PL)

LIFE12 ENV/PL/000013

Air Pollution and biometeorological forecast and Information System (LIFEAPIS/PL)

LIFE12 ENV/PL/000056

Last update: 21/10/13

Click on the icon to read the project summary

Project duration

02/2009–> 11/2010

http://www.arturowek.pl/ 01/2010–> 12/2014

01/2010–> 12/2014

01/2012–> 12/2014

10/2011–> 12/2014

07/2012–> 12/2014

09/2012–> 06/2015

06/2012–> 09/2018

http://www.acidizing.com.pl 09/2012–> 09/2014

06/2012–> 12/2015

08/2012–> 08/2017

N/A 07/2013–> 08/2017

N/A 10/2013–> 09/2017

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Recent Nature & Biodiversity projects in Poland Project Title

Project Number

Website

Restoring populations of Lesser Spotted Eagle at chosen areas of Natura 2000 (LIFEAQUILA)

LIFE08 NAT/PL/000510

http://www.orlikkrzykliwy.pl/

Securing the population of Aquila clanga in Poland: preparation of the National Action Plan and primary site conservation (AQC Plan)

LIFE08 NAT/PL/000511

http://www.ptakipolskie.pl/nasze_dz ialania.php?id=66

Conservation and restoration of xerothermic grasslands in Poland - theory and practice (XericGrasslandsPL)

LIFE08 NAT/PL/000513

http://www.murawy-life.kp.org.pl/

Protection of the white stork population in the OSO Natura 2000 Ostoja Warmińska (ochrona bociana białego)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000253

http://ochronabociana.pl/

Restitute and maintain the habitats of breeding waterfowl birds (Ograniczenie sukcesji)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000254

http://www.ograniczeniesukcesji.pl/

Active conservation of waterfowl and waders in the area of the Northern Polder in the Warta Mouth National Park. Wetlands Work Wonders!

Stage 2 (Bagna są Dobre!)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000257

http://bagnasadobre.pl/

Restoration of hydrological system in the Middle basin of Biebrza Valley Phase I (Renaturyzacja)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000258

http://www.renaturyzacja.biebrza.or g.pl/

Active conservation of priority sand habitats complex (6120, 2330) in the Natura 2000 site „Błędowska Desert” (Pustynia Błędowska)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000259

http://life.gmina-klucze.pl/

Facilitating Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) habitat management through sustainable systems of biomass use (Biomass use for Aquatic Warbler)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000260

Protection of water and marsh birds in five national parks reconstructing habitats and curbing the influence of invasive species (Polskie Ostoje Ptaków)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000263

Protecting the habitats of priority bird species of the Vistula valley under the circumstances of intensive pressure of Warsaw agglomeration (wislawarszawska.pl)

LIFE09 NAT/PL/000264

Creating a Blue Wildlife Corridor in the Ina basin (Niebieski korytarz Iny)

LIFE10 NAT/PL/000654

Last update: 21/10/13

Click on the icon to read the project summary

Project duration

01/2010 –> 12/2014

01/2010 –> 06/2013

01/2010 –> 12/2013

01/2011 –> 12/2013

11/2010 –> 12/2013

01/2011 –> 06/2014

09/2010 –> 12/2016

01/2011 –> 11/2014

http://www.wodniczka.pl 09/2010 –> 08/2014

http://www.ptaki-life.pl/ 01/2011 –> 12/2014

http://www.wislawarszawska.pl/ 01/2011 –> 09/2014

http://www.lifeina.zzmiuw.pl 09/2011 –> 03/2017

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Protection of natural resources of Kampinos Forest – Natura 2000 Site, through the renaturalisation of bought-up land (ActiveKPN)

LIFE10 NAT/PL/000655

Preservation of wetland habitats in the upper Biebrza Valley (Górna Biebrza)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000422

http://www.gorna.biebrza.org.pl

Conservation and restoration of alkaline fens (code 7230) in the young-glacial landscape of northern Poland (AlkFens_PL)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000423

http://alkfens.kp.org.pl

The construction of the blue ecological corridor along the valley of Riga river and its tributaries (Niebieski korytarz Regi)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000424

http://www.liferega.zzmiuw.pl

Active protection of lowland populations of Capercaillie in the Bory Dolnośląskie Forest and Augustowska Primeval Forest (Capercaillie Protection)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000428

Endangered species and habitats protection of the Natura 2000 "Ostoja Wigierska" site („Ostoja Wigierska”)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000431

"Protection of valuable natural non-forest habitats typical of the “Orle Gniazda” Landscape Park " (Ochrona obszaru PKOG)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000432

http://lifezpkws.pl

Active protection of Great Snipe Gallinago media in Dolina Gornej Narwi Natura 2000 site (LIFEGALLINAGO)

LIFE11 NAT/PL/000436

http://www.ptop.org.pl

Carrying out necessary conservation work on a territory of Szachownica Cave designated within Natura 2000 (Life Szachownica/PL)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000012

The integrated conservation of non-forest natural habitat on military area in Natura 2000 site (LIFE MILITARY HABITATS PL)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000031

Improvement of fish living conditions in River Drwęca and its tributaries (Life+-ŁosośDrwęc-PL)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000033

N/A

09/2013 –> 08/2017

Nature mosaics - protection of species and habitats in Natura 2000 site "Pieniny" (LIFEPieninyPL)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000034

N/A

09/2013 –> 06/2018

Conservation of xerothermic grasslands in Natura 2000 sites on Miechowska Uppland (LIFE + Kserotermy PL)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000053

N/A

08/2013 –> 12/2017

Protection of the Lesser Horseshoe bat and other bat species in southern Poland (Lesser Horseshoe +) (LIFE PODKOWIEC+)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000060

N/A

Amphibians protection on the Natura 2000 areas in northeastern Poland

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000063

Last update: 21/10/13

http://kampinoski-pn.gov.pl/ 09/2011 –> 03/2015

09/2012 –> 12/2017

06/2012 –> 03/2017

06/2012 –> 09/2017

http://gluszecruszow.pl 08/2012 –> 06/2018

http://www.life.wigry.win.pl/ 10/2012 –> 12/2017

09/2012 –> 06/2016

09/2012 –> 08/2016

N/A

N/A

N/A

01/2014 –> 06/2017

09/2013 –> 06/2017

07/2013 –> 06/2018

09/2013 –> 08/2016

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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(Life/Amphibia/2012/PL) "Protection of non-forest habitats in the Beskid Landscape Parks" (LIFE/BESKIDY "PL")

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000081

N/A

Wetlands conservation and restoration in “Puszcza Kampinoska” Natura 2000 site (LIFE KAMPINOS WETLANDS PL)

LIFE12 NAT/PL/000084

N/A

07/2013 –> 12/2017

07/2013 –> 03/2018

Recent Information and Communication projects in Poland Project Title

Project Number

Forest fires and nature – raising the awareness of rural communities concerning forest fire prevention (FORESTFIRE)

LIFE08 INF_PL_000523

Forest fires and nature II – second part of raising rural residents awareness of the forest fire prevention issue (FORESTFIRE II) A Good Climate For Counties (DOKLIP)

LIFE09 INF_PL_000275

Biodiversity Protection in Forest Areas, Including Nature 2000 Areas - Promotion of Best Practices (BEST FOR BIODIVERSITY) National awareness raising campaign “Discover your Nature” (Poznaj swoją Naturę)

LIFE10 INF_PL_000673

LIFE09 INF_PL_000283

Website

http://www.lasy.gov.pl/dokumenty/i n_english/inenglish/o_nas/programyunijne/ogien-w-lesie-a-przyroda http://www.swiadomizagrozenia.pl

http://www.chronmyklimat.pl/DOKLI P http://www.bestpractice-life.pl/

LIFE10 INF_PL_000677

http://www.gdos.gov.pl/ProjectCate gories/viewProject/544/2/0/Poznaj_ Swoja_Nature

All-Polish informational/educational campaign for removal of asbestos and products containing asbestos (Kampania anty-azbestowa) Roads for Nature – campaign promoting trees in Poland's rural landscapes, as habitats and ecological corridors (Roads for Nature) NATURA mission (N-M)

LIFE10 INF_PL_000678

http://bezazbestu.com.pl

Strengthening the awareness of Polish farmers to reduce the eutrophication impact from agriculture (AGROSAFE) Three campaigns that integrate the SMEsector businesses and their surroundings in the efforts to protect the environment (LIFE/3 xEnvironment/PL)

Last update: 21/10/13

Click on the icon to read the project summary

Project duration

01/2010 –> 12/2012

10/2010 –> 03/2013

09/2010 –> 08/2015

01/2012 –> 12/2014

07/2012 –> 03/2015

01/2012 –> 12/2014

LIFE11 INF_PL_000467

http://aleje.org.pl

LIFE11 INF_PL_000478

http://www.misjanatura.fwie.pl

LIFE11 INF_PL_000480

http://agrosafe.pl

LIFE12 INF_PL_000009

N/A

07/2012 –> 12/2016

09/2012 –> 05/2016

09/2012 –> 02/2016

10/2013 –> 04/2016

European Commission, DG Environment – LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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