Month: May 2025

Hi everyone, I am Veronica Dalla Valle, an IVY Reporter for the Managing Authority of Interact in Bratislava. I have been deployed here for almost 3 months, during which I was able to gain many interesting insights into Interreg programmes and how they work. Since for my bachelor’s thesis I researched Cohesion policy (and the ERDF in particular), I was able to start this experience with already a good framework of knowledge for understanding how Interreg fits in the EU programming. But no worries! Even without knowing much about Cohesion policy, the ERDF, or Interreg, AEBR gives out all the needed information before starting your IVY journey, and the rest can be easily learned along the way. Additionally, if this shouldn’t be enough for you, Interact offers free certified trainings and short courses through Interact Academy, where one can find many trainings for different skill levels, including courses for Interreg beginners.   Speaking about Interact, this programme operates a bit differently compared to other Interreg programmes. In fact, Interact is one among four Interreg Programmes under Strand C: Interregional Cooperation, meaning that it works at pan-European level, covering all EU Member States and partner countries. Specifically, Interact’s mission is exemplified by the statement “cooperation can be complex; our job is to make it easier”. As such, Interact doesn’t fund other projects, but rather its aim is to ensure the exchange of experiences, innovative approaches and capacity building among cooperation actors. In particular, the contribution of Interact to Cohesion policy is highlighted by its Operations of Strategic Importance (OSIs), which are: Interact Academy: as mentioned above, it offers certified training and short courses, with the aim of equipping people working in Interreg with enhanced skills and knowledge. Harmonised Implementation Tools (HIT): harmonised, best-practice tools for Interreg programmes. Interreg Data Exchange (Index): it’s a platform that enables programmes using HIT to exchange data earlier in the process than otherwise possible, because it focuses on application stage data. Joint Electronic Monitoring System (Jems): it’s the harmonised monitoring and reporting software for Interreg. As an IVY, both if you are a Reporter or a Project Partner, a very useful tool developed by Interact that you might like to interact with (pun intended) is keep.eu. This is a public database with aggregated data regarding projects and beneficiaries of EU cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation programmes, covering the programming periods since 2000-2006. Now, coming to my role as IVY for Interact, I am mainly involved with communication and organization tasks. One very cool thing for me is that, since Interact has implementing offices in four different countries, I not only collaborate with my team in Bratislava, but I also engage with colleagues from Vienna, Valencia, Turku and Viborg. This has allowed me to be involved in many different and interesting activities, like Interreg Cooperation Day, with an event organized by Interact in Bratislava. Here, I supported in the setting up of a photo exhibition in front of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region building. Another key role has been helping with the planned improvements for our website, using CMS. Additionally, I will be supporting with the Interreg wide and Interact’s-own consultations, in preparation for the Harvesting Event that will be held in Brussels at the end of November. Moreover, I have also been able to support with the preparations for Interact’s stand at the European Week of Regions and Cities. And finally, I have had the opportunity to participate in many online and in-person meetings, like the Team meeting on Interact’s Branding and Visual Identity that was held in the eco-centre in Čunovo, which was renovated with the contribution of funds from Interreg Slovakia-Austria, Interreg Slovakia-Hungary and the Bratislava Region. – Veronica Dalle Valle, IVY Reporter at the Managing Authority of Interact Discover more about Interact Click Here

Hi everyone! I am Alessandra, the IVY Project Partner for the Interreg Central Europe HUMANITA project. I’ve started my experience in November 2024, in the offices of the Institute of Regional Development of Eurac Research, a private research centre based in Bolzano, Italy. The HUMANITA project is an initiative dedicated to monitoring and assessing tourism impacts in Central Europe’s protected areas. Working on the project has given me an opportunity to dive deeper into cross-border cooperation, and to see multilateral challenges being transformed into opportunities for a sustainable common future. This experience has, until now, not only deepened my understanding of sustainable tourism but also highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in preserving our natural heritage. Understanding the project and my role HUMANITA was launched in spring 2023 and focuses on developing evidence-based and participatory management tools to monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism in protected areas. By involving visitors, the project aims to collect data, raise awareness, and foster behavioural change towards more sustainable tourism practices. As an IVY Volunteer, my role encompasses assisting in data analysis, deliverables elaboration and promoting the project’s objectives. During my time at Eurac, our role in the project is to sustain visitors’ and community’s engagement throughout activities such as the development of common heritage narratives, as well as elaborating creative videos for the Tuscan-Emilian Appennine National Park or conceptualising pilot actions which will be fundamental to the durability of the project after its completion. Study Visit in Slovenia: Learning Firsthand Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a study visit at the Geopark Karawanken/Karavanke, in Slovenia, where all project partners gathered to exchange ideas, discuss progress, and dive deep into sustainable tourism strategies. It was an intense but enriching experience. Many interesting discussions were made on data collection and monitoring tourism’s impact on nature. Seeing how different partners approach these challenges—from using external data like Strava Metro to interactive educational trails—was fascinating. We also explored ways to engage local communities in participatory monitoring, which is crucial for long-term success of the project. Challenges and future developments Balancing tourism development with nature conservation presents complex challenges. Through the HUMANITA project, I’m understanding the importance of evidence-based strategies and the need for continuous monitoring of tourism’s environmental impacts. Engaging local communities and tourists in participatory monitoring has proven essential in building trust and encouraging sustainable behaviors. Furthermore, the project’s emphasis on collaboration and innovation serves as a model for sustainable tourism initiatives. I am confident that the tools and strategies developed will have a lasting positive impact not only in Central Europe’s protected areas but will represent a best practice for the natural conservation in Europe. Through this project, I’ve realized that sustainability isn’t just about rules, it’s about people. When communities, policymakers, and tourists come together, real change happens. That is why being part of the IVY program is an enriching experience, reinforcing my commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. I encourage fellow youth to engage in such initiatives, as they offer a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference while gaining valuable skills and insights. – Alessandra, IVY Project Partner for Interreg project HUMANITA under the Interreg Central Europe Discover more about Interreg project HUMANITA Click Here Discover more about Interreg Central Europe Click Here