My IVY experience as a volunteer for the Interreg project “BeyondSnow”
Hi, I’m Irene, a 25-years-old IVY volunteer for the Interreg Alpine Space project “Beyond Snow” at “Metropolitan City of Turin” and here are some highlights of my experience up to now. During my internship at “Metropolitan City of Turin”, I discovered the opportunity to be an IVY volunteer for an European project connected to rural and mountain development, issues which I’m really interested in. In fact, the project “Beyond Snow” aims to face climate change challenges in ski mountain areas in 6 Alpine Region (Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Slovenia). Regarding the Metropolitan City of Turin the pilot area is formed by the municipality of Ala di Stura and Balme, in the Valli di Lanzo. And so, at the end of February, I started my IVY experience! As Interreg Project Partner, I supported my mentor in mapping territorial data useful for the project, in particular tourist, cultural and human resources to be valorised in the pilot area of the project. After that, I cooperated in designing a participative involvement of the local communities, to discuss strategies for a sustainable development of the area. I took part in those workshops and was so interested in discovering local dynamics, following and participating in the discussion. At the same time, we analysed the data collected with the winter tourist survey, in order to discover what they need more to develop tourism in that area. Furthermore, I supported in writing down questions for the summer survey that will be launched on 17th may. What I learnt thanks to this experience? As a IVY volunteer, I had the opportunity to know how a European project is built and how it works and the opportunity to meet the lead partners. I learnt how to improve tourism in mountain areas and to select what is important for a tourism development, such as cultural and historical heritage, and not only trekking trails. I liked to meet local people when we spread the winter survey among the territorial stakeholders (e.i. owners of farms and local stores, tourism operators): in this way I could know their ideas about the project and their willingness to cooperate to develop tourism valley. What I appreciated most about this experience? Definitely the opportunity to coworking in the development process of this project, to exchange opinions and ideas to empower the mountain areas and the cooperation between project partners of different areas but with common problems. All the activities that I described until now, in my opinion, are functional to promote the cooperation between different European countries and to enhance the power of local communities that have to be involved in the local development. – Irene, IVY project partner for the Interreg Alpine Space project “Beyond Snow” at “Metropolitan City of Turin”. Discover more about the Beyond Snow project Click Here Discover more about the host organisation Click Here
I’m Blue, experience of an IVY volunteer at ATLIC
Hello everyone, today I come to tell you a little about my experience as an IVY volunteer in Lugo, Spain. But first of all, let me introduce myself, I am Marta, a Graphic Design student and for the past two years I have become interested in the world of volunteering. When I started to participate and be part of activities of this kind, I was quite lost, but a few months ago I had the opportunity to participate in IVY, in a project that fits with what I like the most and what I will dedicate myself to in the future. I didn’t think twice and quickly sent in my application. The main objective of ATLIC is to raise awareness and educate about the blue economy, as well as demonstrate its importance, as it can be beneficial in many aspects. For this reason, this project has several phases. The first phase starts with each of the associations or partners, who have to gather a group of young people to instruct and help them develop their own ideas through talks, meetings, and workshops, according to the needs of the participants and their ideas. From there, the second objective of the project would be to connect young people through activities that bring them together for the creation of innovative ideas or prototypes on the blue economy and its various topics. These events are first at a national level and then internationally. In this way, we create a coexistence among people both within and outside the country, not only with similar tastes or interests but also with the same desire to contribute their bit to these activities that seek to promote a more sustainable future. As time passed and I sent in my documents, I learned about ATLIC, an Interreg Atlantic Area project that seeks to raise awareness about the blue economy and how it can help in the future. However, my work was going to be more focused on creating and developing materials for the project, as well as helping in the creation and management of events. All of this is something that personally caught my attention and were more than enough reasons to want to participate in some way. In my case, I not only participate in the different events or activities, but as a volunteer I perform other functions related to graphic design, specifically with the creation of the studio’s identity, branding studio, and the design of other elements that are needed to promote this project. Since I arrived, I have not only been able to improve in aspects of graphic design, but this opportunity is also helping me connect with other young people with similar goals to mine and learn more about the blue economy and everything it encompasses. I’m blue, and you? – Marta, IVY Project Partner for the Interreg Atlantic Area project “ATLIC – ATLANTIC INNOBLUE COMMUNITIES” at Vida Lactea, SLU Discover more about the Interreg project ATLIC Click Here Discover more about our host organisation Vida Lactea, SLU Click Here
My Time as a Volunteer
My name is Laura, I am from Spain and I am an IVY Volunteer for the project Atlantic Innoblue Comunities “ATLIC” at the Chamber of Commerce of Santiago de Compostela. My volunteering experience began four months ago. During this time as an IVY volunteer I have acquired numerous insights and forged new relationships. Furthermore, this experience has enabled me to understand and witness first hand how various initiatives of the European Union can aid others and encourage Young people to actively participate in society, while also facilitating their transition into the world of work. This is a unique experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone, as it provides great learning and a fresh perspective on challenges that surround us. The project in which I specifically participate “ATLIC” involves partners from Ireland, France, Portugal and Spain. The objective it seeks to achieve is for young people to come up with new ideas and start businesses in the blue economy of the Atlantic Area. The main goal is to create a test community, the “Atlantic Innovation Blue Community”. As an IVY my involvement encompasses various roles and activities. I engage proactively, working alongside the other project partners and I contribute in the execution of project activities assigned to our organization, gaining also insight into the implementation of the different project phases. Within our role, we also aim to raise awareness about the meaning and significance of the objectives of the project in which we participate. The inclusion of volunteers and diverse young individuals in these projects is an indispensable factor for their success, as their ideas and innovative viewpoints are of great value in achieving the sought-after objectives. It is also the best way to bring young people from different countries together to forge friendships, thereby achieving a higher level of cooperation. – Laura, IVY Project Partner for the Interreg Atlantic Area project “ATLIC” at Chamber of Commerce of Santiago de Compostela Discover more about the Interreg project ATLIC Click Here Discover more about our host organisation GAL Valli di Lanzo, Ceronda e Casternone Click Here
Small islands in the dialogue for nature
My name is Ambre Badiqué. I am currently doing a volunteering experience as an Interreg Project Partner under the AEBR’s IVY programme with the NGO SMILO (Small Islands Organisation) in Marseille. As part of my academic studies, I did a double degree with TBS Education and Sciences Po Toulouse to obtain a Master’s in Management and a Master’s in European Affairs. Since January this year, I have been working for SMILO, an NGO that supports small islands around the world in the sustainable management of their resources and the protection of their environments, both marine and terrestrial, through 5 areas: waste, water & sanitation, energy, biodiversity and landscape. I am responsible for following up the Dialogue4Nature (D4N) project, which is an institutional dialogue project under the European Interreg Euro-Med programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the cohesion policy. As a reminder, Interreg Euro-Med is a European Territorial Cooperation Programme which aims to make the Mediterranean region “smarter”, “greener” and to improve governance between its stakeholders. The 7-year budget for this programme is 294 million euros. 14 countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean are taking part: 10 EU Member States and 4 countries benefiting from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance. The programme is divided into 4 missions: Strengthening the innovative sustainable economy Protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural environment and our heritage Promoting green living areas Improving sustainable tourism The projects financed under this programme are either thematic projects directly linked to the 4 missions above or governance projects which are community or institutional dialogue projects and which oversee the thematic projects. The D4N project aims to optimise the transfer and integration of the results of the 13 thematic projects selected for the Interreg Euro-Med mission “Protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural environment and our heritage” into public policies and practices. Within the framework of the project, the NGO SMILO is an associate partner of Plan Bleu, which is a partner in the D4N project. Plan Bleu is working alongside the Region of Crete, which is the project’s lead partner, as well as the IUCN, MedCities, the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the Marine Institute in Croatia and the Ministry of Ecology, Planning and Urban Development in Montenegro. The 13 thematic projects are divided into three types: 3 study projects, 8 test projects and 2 transfer projects. They meet 2 specific objectives of the programme. There are 5 projects O.S 2.4: Promote adaptation to climate change and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account nature-based approaches (priority “A greener Mediterranean”) and there are 8 projects O.S 2.7: Strengthen the protection and conservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reduce all forms of pollution. (Priority for a greener Mediterranean). In order to analyse how SMILO could support Plan Bleu in this institutional dialogue project, the first thing to do was to look at the issues addressed and the link with SMILO, so as to be able to contribute actively to the D4N project. The 6 areas are the following: Managing the risks associated with the effects of climate change, Protecting and restoring the marine environment Reducing human pressures on coastal zones Solutions and tools for wetlands Forest management Soil carbon capture Of the 6 topics, the first 3 are dealt with by SMILO as part of its work with the islands in its network. Under the topic of “managing the risks associated with the effects of climate change”, the projects deal with drought, flooding, rising sea levels and fires. These are risks on which SMILO is working with the islands in its network, as they are highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change and need to develop resilience. It could therefore be interesting to discuss these projects with their managers in order to exchange best practice, to see what has already been put in place on the SMILO islands and to see how the specific nature of islands can be integrated into their projects. Under the theme of “protecting and restoring the marine environment”, projects focus on marine protected areas (MPAs) and Posidonia meadows. Many of the SMILO islands have MPAs. We will therefore be able to contribute to the project on these areas. Finally, with regard to the topic of “Reducing human pressures on coastal areas”, one project focuses on the sustainability of ports, an element that is always present in our islands. Increased collaboration between the stakeholders of this project and SMILO will therefore be relevant. At the moment, the 13 thematic projects are only just beginning, and so is D4N. In order to promote the integration of results into public policies, the stakeholders in the 13 projects will soon be brought together in 4 working groups, namely “Conservation by area”, “Adaptation to climate change and mitigation”, “Assessment of the socio-economic value of biodiversity” and “Ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions”. I will be taking part in these groups to see how SMILO can make its contribution by integrating issues relating to island territories into the discussions. – Ambre, IVY Project Partner for the Interreg Euro-MED project “Dialogue4Med Nature” at the Small Islands Organisation (SMILO) Discover more about the Interreg project Dialogue4Med Nature Click Here Discover more about our host organisation Small Islands Organisation – SMILO Click Here
Navigating Cross-Border Cooperation – My mission for accessible community support
Hello, my name is Moritz and I am 25 years old. After completing my Master’s degree in Border Studies in the Greater Region on the border between Luxembourg, Saarland and Lorraine, I am now a volunteer at the joint secretariat of Interreg Saxony-Czech Republic in Dresden. The border region here is characterized above all by rural areas, but also by increasingly close ties, mutual support and great commitment on the part of the neighbours. The programme’s joint secretariat receives ideas and applications for numerous projects that aim to strengthen cross-border cooperation. The applicants receive all the necessary information and advice for a successful application and implementation of the project. The secretariat also ensures that all regulations are adhered to. To ensure that as many people as possible learn about the opportunities for cross-border projects and that the results are widely shared, the secretariat is also responsible for public relations work for the programme. This is also my main area of responsibility: I support my colleagues in disseminating information via the website and am mainly responsible for ensuring that it is up to date and looks good. I also make sure that information on the project cycle is presented in an understandable and accessible way in guidelines or flow charts. At regular intervals, the Monitoring Committee also takes place, where various stakeholders with voting rights from Saxony and the Czech Republic decide on the funding of new projects. I play an active role in its organization and running. During this work, I have become aware of how many procedures and processes take place in the background of the Interreg programme. These are often lengthy and bureaucratic. This makes it all the more important for me to support the projects through the joint secretariat, so that nobody has to be afraid of the project cycle and all citizens of the border region have access to it. Many people can benefit from the project ideas and often disadvantaged regions receive the necessary attention and resources to implement innovative projects. The IVY experience is great for me as I studied borders and cross-border cooperation before. I knew many projects, their goals, problems and outcomes. But I never had insights into the perspective of the administrative organizations. Thanks to IVY I could broaden my horizon under this aspect. It also enabled me to get to know a great team and exciting stakeholders. I am pleased that I will remain part of the team in the future and can continue to support the cross-border cooperation. – Moritz Schneider, IVY Reporter for the Interreg Germany/Saxony-Czechia Discover more about the Interreg Programme Germany/Saxony – Czechia Click Here
IVY volunteers present the European projects in which they are actively involved
Santiago de Compostela, 26th December. Last December a meeting took place between the IVY volunteers of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation, in which each participant could present the main ideas of the projects they are working on and share their experience as volunteers. In our case, we talked about the Rural Youth Future project, which aims to improve the effectiveness of youth employment policies for sustainable rural development. It was an opportunity to learn about the projects in which the other volunteers collaborate, to share experiences and to take initiative in the elaboration of upcoming events that we can be part of. One of the activities we will attend as volunteers will take place in the first four months of 2024. This international event is part of the Rural Youth of Europe (RUYOU) project, and will be a platform to share best practices and exchange ideas. As an IVY volunteer, my main focus has been in the field of communication, although I have also been able to be present at project launch meetings and other tasks that fall within the Foundation’s remit. Our active participation as IVY volunteers demonstrates the commitment to foster the collaboration of young people in European projects such as Rural Youth Future. RURAL YOUTH FUTURE RuralYouthFuture is a European initiative dedicated to improving the effectiveness of youth employment policies for sustainable rural development. This ambitious endeavour unites municipal, regional and national entities around a common objective: to address the unique needs of young people in rural territories. By reducing inequalities and combating ageing and depopulation, RuralYouthFuture aims to build a better future. This project is supported by the following partners: Fundación Galicia Europa (ES) Dirección General de Juventud, Participación y Voluntariado (ES) Association Centre for Sustainability and Economic Growth (Asociación Centro para la Sostenibilidad y el Crecimiento Económico) (BG) Municipality of Peshtera (Municipio de Peshtera) (BG) Smart House, Institution For Research And Sustainable Development Martjanci (Smart House, Institución de Investigación y Desarrollo Sostenible Martjanci) (SI) University of Latvia (Universidad de Letonia) (LV) Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth, IP (Instituto Portugués del Deporte y la Juventud, IP) (PT) Association of Municipalities of Tartu County (Asociación de Municipios del Condado de Tartu) (EE) – Carla, IVY Project Partner for the Interreg Europe project “RuralYouthFuture” at Fundación Galicia Europa Discover more about the Interreg project RuralYouthFuture Click Here Discover more about our host organisation Fundación Galicia Europa Click Here
