In the context of global climate change and growing water scarcity, the issue of rational use of water resources is becoming increasingly relevant.
Water-saving measures implemented at IAPM help to reduce dependence on natural resources, while providing green areas on the territory of the Academy.
The Interregional Academy of Personnel Management (IAPM) is actively implementing measures to minimise the use of water resources. As part of its environmental strategy, the Academy plants drought-resistant and native plants and trees throughout the campus. This approach not only reduces watering costs, but also contributes to the preservation of local flora, which is an important component of sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
The use of native and drought-tolerant plant species helps to conserve water resources, as these plants are better adapted to local climatic conditions and require significantly less water to maintain their growth. This is part of IAPM's broader environmental initiative to reduce its negative impact on the environment.
For many years, the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management (IAPM) has been actively implementing environmental initiatives aimed at minimising the use of water resources. One of the key areas in this regard is the strategic use of drought-resistant plants and local trees, as well as a rainwater collection system for its efficient use. Such measures not only save water, but also contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and support local biodiversity.
List of drought-resistant trees and plants growing on the Academy's territory
Abies concolor
Juniperus (Juniper)
Picea asperata (rough spruce)
Picea pungens (thorny spruce)
Picea pungens (thorny spruce) Glauca Prostrata Pinus nigra (black pine or Austrian pine)
Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) Aurea
Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) Fastigiata
Acer negundo (ash maple or American maple) One of the most aggressive
plants
Betula pendula (warty birch, or hanging birch, or weeping birch)
Gleditsia triacanthos
Laburnum anagyroides (anagyroid bean, common, golden rain)
Populus nigra (black poplar or sedge)
Quercus rubra (red oak)
Salix alba Tristis topically Salix × sepulcralis Crysocoma; (white willow or
golden willow)
Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry)
Berberis × ottawiensis (Ottawa barberry) Silver Miles;
Physocarpus opulifolius (viburnum)
Rosa rugosa - Rosa Dagmar Hastrup (Rose rugosa, or Wrinkled rose, or
Wrinkled dog rose)
Calluna vulgaris (common heather)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Maiden's five-seeded grape) Redwall Troki
Armeria maritima (seaside armeria) Alba
Helictotrichon sempervirens (evergreen fescue)
Planting drought-tolerant plants and native trees is an effective way to conserve water and maintain the ecological stability of the area. These plants have the natural ability to withstand long periods without rain, making them ideal for environments with limited access to water.
Another important element of IAPM's water-saving strategy is the rainwater harvesting system. The collected water is used for watering plants, which significantly reduces water consumption from centralised water supply systems.
The main advantages of using rainwater:
Reduced water supply costs.
The use of rainwater reduces the need for expensive water resources.
Reduced water runoff and soil erosion. Rainwater harvesting helps to avoid over-saturation of the soil and prevents erosion.
Improved water quality for plants. Rainwater does not contain chemical additives used in tap water, so it is more favourable for plants.
IAPM uses water collection tanks to accumulate significant volumes of water during precipitation. This water is subsequently used to water plants during periods of drought, which ensures their normal growth without excessive use of resources.
The implementation of environmental practices, such as planting drought-resistant plants and rainwater harvesting, is part of IAPM's broader sustainability strategy. These measures emphasise the Academy's commitment not only to provide quality education, but also to actively support environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources. Thanks to these initiatives, IAPM makes a significant contribution to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
Also on the territory of the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management grows a unique tree that is not typical for our climate - catalpa. This exotic tree is found only in two places in our region: on the territory of IAPM and in the local botanical garden, which makes it a real rarity for our climate zone.
Catalpa is an exotic tree that is not typical for the temperate climate of our region.
Its presence on the territory of the Academy and in the botanical garden is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also an example of successful acclimatisation of plants that are not typical of our flora. Due to its hardiness, the catalpa was able to adapt to local conditions and grow successfully, although it requires special care.
Despite its exotic status, catalpa performs important ecological functions on the territory of IAPM:
Air purification: large catalpa leaves effectively absorb dust and harmful substances from the air, which helps to improve the environmental situation on the territory of the Academy.
Protection from overheating: the wide leaves create a thick shade, which helps to reduce soil temperature and maintain humidity in the summer heat.
Increase in biodiversity: the presence of catalpa attracts various insects, including bees and butterflies, which play an important role in the local ecosystem.
The presence of such an exotic tree as a catalpa on the Academy's territory not only emphasises its uniqueness, but also provides opportunities for educational activities. Students and teachers have the opportunity to conduct research and study the peculiarities of acclimatisation of exotic plants in our region, which contributes to the development of scientific knowledge and environmental awareness.
The Interregional Academy of Personnel Management works directly to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodivercity, especially ecosystems under threat.
The fact that the catalpa grows in only two places - on the territory of IAPM and in the botanical garden - makes it a real botanical gem of our region. This feature emphasises the Academy's efforts to maintain natural diversity and its desire to create a harmonious environment where both native and exotic plants are combined.