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
A dive into the Interreg Euro-MED Programme: being an IVY at the italian National Contact Point
It has been a couple months since I stepped into the communication office at the Italian National Contact Point of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, and here’s a glimpse of what I’ve had the chance to experience up to now. The Interreg Euro-MED Programme brings together 16 countries of the Mediterranean region with the aim of contributing to the transition towards a climate-neutral and resilient society, while improving governance between its stakeholders. It does so by providing funds to projects which focus on 4 different missions, namely Strengthening an innovative sustainable economy, Valorising the natural environment and heritage, Promoting green living areas and Enhancing sustainable tourism. Project partnerships necessarily have to involve at least 4 different countries, in the spirit of cooperation and transnationality. This results in unique projects drawing together far away but similar territories that share common challenges and make a joint effort to find sustainable solutions. Providing representative examples of Euro-MED projects is not easy, as they really operate in multiple and diverse fields and involve different partners and beneficiaries (research institutes, universities, entrepreneurs, civil society and many others). Euro-MED is the new sustainable public transport in your city, it is behind the new floods risk prevention strategy of your region, it is a project on wind marine energy, but also on restoration of seagrass, carbon removal, and the driving force of the new Renewable energy community in a marginalized neighborhood, and possibly an innovative platform to manage tourism flows on your favorite beaches, just to name a few. Here at the Euro-MED National Contact Point Italia, in Florence (Regione Toscana), we provide support and guidance to Italian applicants and project partners, and we are involved in every strategic step of the programme. But who am I and how do I contribute? My name is Maya and I’m a 24 years old graduate in International Relations, with a strong passion for climate justice and environment protection, who aspires to work on climate change governance, storytelling and hopefully soon take part in significant initiatives that take concrete action to bring about a needed paradigm shift. My role as an IVY Reporter here at the Euro-MED NCP Italy is to contribute to the communication activities and support the capitalization process. Actually, before entering this world I didn’t even know what capitalisation (which is the transfer and sharing of knowledge and good practices/solutions) was, while now I believe it is one of the most fascinating aspects of cooperation. Communicating on the programme means I need to be aware of everything that is going on, from decisional processes, ‘high level’ seminars, citizens consultation and projects description; which enables me to constantly learn something new on communication tools and strategies but most of all about how European cooperation works, while discovering the latest innovations and projects to tackle climate change. I manage social media accounts and website, write newsletters, prepare summary documents and take part in programme initiatives, such as the Multiprogramme mechanism, which we are currently shaping together with other Interreg Programmes. Moreover, my colleagues are young people I can relate with but also learn from, and I am so lucky to be doing my IVY experience together with not 1, not 2 but 3 other IVYs that are deployed here at Regione Toscana working on other Programmes. Interreg Volunteer Youth gave me the hands-on experience I was looking for and enabled me to put in practice skills learned during my study years and work in an enriching environment. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, which I believe to be an empowering, affordable and most of all needed and unique way for every young person willing to take the first steps in the field of cooperation and the working world. I’m looking forward to the months to come! – Maya, IVY Reporter for the Italian National Contact Point of the Interreg Euro-MED programme Discover more about the Interreg programme Euro-MED Click Here
Life as: an IVY Volunteer @Managing Authority INTERREG 2021-2027
Hey everyone! I am Maria, a 23 year-old Greek IVY Volunteer. My volunteer experience is based in my hometown Thessaloniki, Greece where I volunteer for the Managing Authority (MA) INTERREG 2021-2027, as an Interreg Reporter. Let me walk you through my first month of volunteering. So, for starters, The Managing Authority (MA) INTERREG 2021-2027, based in Thessaloniki – Greece, manages and monitors European Territorial Cooperation (INTERREG) Programmes. The Programmes aim to address common cross-border and transnational challenges, support synergies through joint partnerships and consolidate strong cooperation with a view to enable a balanced, economic, social and spatial development at European level. It is involved with projects including North Macedonia, Albania, Italy, Cyprus, Bulgaria and is included in bigger ones concerning the Adriatic, Mediterranean, Black Sea and European regions. My role in this is to help with communication activities, such as email and social media marketing, photo and video editing as well as to assist with events. I would like to believe that my background in political science and communications has made me a contributing member of the team that is able to assist in multiple activities. I am, certainly, thankful to get to experience an intensive and versatile work environment, where I can be creative and free to suggest alternatives to already established practices. Thankfully my mentor is a great professional, who gives me the opportunity to be involved in everything I like, provides me with flexibility and is interested in my views and feedback. It happens so, that I have been added as a member of the Authority’s team for its representation at the Thessaloniki International Fair. The Thessaloniki Internationl Fair (TIF) is an annual trade fair held in Thessaloniki, Greece. It is the largest and most important trade fair in Greece, and it attracts exhibitors from over 50 countries. The fair showcases the latest products and technologies from a wide range of industries, including food and beverages, agriculture, machinery, tourism, and energy. The 87th TIF is being held from September 9 to 17, 2023, and the honored country is Bulgaria. You would find us in Pavillion 15, alongside other authorities and institutions from Ministry of Economics, informing beneficiaries regarding various opportunities provided by the National Strategic Reference Framework, a funding program from the European Union that supports Greece’s economic development and social cohesion. As someone, who has been living in Thessaloniki the last 6 years and has been in the fair multiple times, it has been extremely interesting experiencing it from another point of view. My overall experience has been fulfilling and with each passing day, my enthusiasm grows, and I eagerly anticipate inventing ways to make a positive impact in the months to come. As an individual interested in my region, I am grateful that I can witness projects being made from scratch and experience the hard work and dedication, something extremely simple and unimportant to a participant, requires. Becoming a part of this project has proven to be an immensely purposeful choice. It not only grants me the opportunity to attain fresh practical skills but also engrosses me within an entirely novel setting, featuring new coworkers, an unfamiliar environment, and distinct working culture. All in all, I sense a profound enrichment both in my professional and personal capabilities. I get to learn new things everyday and that is the highest reward. – Maria-Parthena, IVY Reporter at the Managing Authority “Interreg Greece 2021-2027” Discover more about the Interreg Greece 2021-2027 Click Here
