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Have you ever looked up at the night sky and tried to count the stars? How many can you see? Scientists say that, under a clear and dark sky, the human eye can see up to 5,000 stars across the entire celestial sphere – without a telescope. So why can’t we enjoy this breathtaking view most of the time? The answer is light pollution, which makes it increasingly difficult to perceive the presence of stars. Bright city lights at night serve important purposes, but they also contribute to light pollution, which negatively affects both human health and the environment. In many Central European cities, awareness of this issue remains limited. The DARKERSKY4CE project aims to change that by reshaping the perception of light pollution among local authorities, tourism stakeholders, and the general public. The project highlights its harmful impact on ecosystems and promotes dark night skies as a valuable resource for sustainable development. To achieve this, it is building a transnational network and fostering dialogue, laying the groundwork for the creation of a “Dark Skies Macro Region”. We are seven partners from six countries (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia), working in different groups to conduct research, develop a strategy to reduce light pollution, implement pilot action in our regions, organize a traveling exhibition, and create content for social media. The project will last three years, and we are still in its early phase. In the beginning, each partner collected data and information to produce reports, gain an overview of light pollution in their local areas, and define the content for upcoming activities. In April, a partner meeting was held at the DarkSky Park in Pécs, Hungary, to evaluate the project’s current status and coordinate the next steps. We also visited the Planetarium and we observed the sun. As an IVY volunteer, at the moment, I’m in northern Italy, very close to Turin, at the Astronomical Observatory of INAF (National Institute of Astrophysic), which is the lead partner of the project. The main task for now is to develop the repository – an online archive where people can learn more about the issue (e.g., sources of light pollution, data, maps, etc.). I also support my colleagues with the Dynamic Monitoring Tool (DMT), which will help us understand how people perceive ALAN (Artificial Light At Night). Additionally, we created a brochure about our project to bring to events and help people learn about what we are doing. We also occasionally visit a middle school in Pino Torinese – the town where the observatory is located – where we run activities and games with students to explain what light pollution is and how it affects our health and ecosystems. I’ve worked in the field of sustainability for a while, but this is the first time focusing on light pollution. It’s a problem that many people are unaware of, and even at the European level, we still need stronger regulations to reduce the impacts of ALAN. Beyond the DARKERSKY4CE project, there are other important efforts, such as Night Light, the European Light Pollution Manifesto, Adrisky in the Adriatic-Ionian Region, and Darker Sky in the North Sea Region, among others. These initiatives give me hope, and I like the idea that together, we can build diverse pathways toward shared goals and a more sustainable society. – Eleonora, IVY Project Partner for Interreg Project DARKERSKY4CE at Observatory of Turin (INAF) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkersky4ce/ Repository: https://darkersky4ce.inaf.it/ (soon available) DMT Survey for general public: https://forms.gle/2FUKCQeKK6ahFYAy9 Discover more about Interreg project DARKERSKY4CE Click Here Discover more about the host organization Click Here

Hey there! I’m a volunteer through the IVY programme, and I’m excited to be part of the Interreg MED project HERIT ADAPT – Heritage and Resilience of Territories through Sustainable Tourism, Climate Change Adaptation, and Citizen Engagement. HERIT ADAPT is an international collaboration that brings together 11 partners from 8 Mediterranean countries, all working towards making tourism more sustainable and helping our regions become more resilient in the face of climate change. The project kicked off in January 2024 and will run until September 2026. How I’m involved:I’m part of the team from the Region of Western Greece, which actually leads the project. My role includes helping out with communication, research, and getting the local community involved. One cool part of my job is supporting the creation of local working groups (TWGs) made up of local stakeholders, citizens, and tourism professionals. Together, we chat, figure out local needs, and co-design a Sustainable Tourism Model that really fits the unique character of our region. What excites me about HERIT ADAPT:This project isn’t just some theory on paper—it’s hands-on, it makes a real difference in the community, it activates people, and it taps into our rich cultural and natural heritage. It also gives us the tools to rethink tourism in a greener, more sustainable way. Plus, I get to collaborate with people from different countries and backgrounds, which is super inspiring! Who benefits:With pilot activities happening in 8 Mediterranean regions—some well-known, others a bit under the radar—HERIT ADAPT benefits local communities, tourism professionals, visitors, and of course, the natural and cultural resources of each area. It brings everyone together, helping us tackle big challenges like climate change through teamwork and fresh, innovative ideas. – Theodora-Eleftheria Velissari, IVY Project Partner at Interreg project HERIT ADAPT  Discover more about Interreg project HERIT ADAPT Click Here

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

Hello! I’m Carolina and I’m currently IVY Interreg Project Partner in Finnova Foundation for the Interreg Spain-Portugal Program and, namely, for the Interreg FIREPOCTEP+ Project. What is it?  Briefly, “Interreg” stands for European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), is one of the two goals of European Cohesion Policy (that aims to correct imbalances between countries and regions), and has the function to implement joint actions and policy exchanges between different Member States of the European Union.  FIREPOCTEP+ aims to strengthen forest fire prevention and suppression systems in the cross-border region between Spain and Portugal known as “La Raya”, where wildfires have become increasingly common due to climate change and deforestation. To reach this goal, the project partners cooperate by sharing their knowledge, experiences, human, material, and financial resources. Lots of actors will benefit from this Project: the partners of the consortium; the cooperation territory and its population; the regional and local administrations, territorial managers and emergency response operatives; the technical professional groups that are specialized in forest fire prevention and suppression, climate change adaptation and mitigation. But what about my contribution? As an IVY Interreg Project Partner, I am supporting Finnova Foundation’s technicians in the management of the Interreg Project, collaborating with the communication and marketing department in creating FIREPOCTEP+ Project’s promotional materials, press releases, and contents for websites and social media; helping in organizing and managing events related to the project; participating in technical meetings and maintaining contact with the project partners. I am also developing sustainability actions for the project and analyzing contents to find appropriate solutions to the cooperation territory’s challenges.  I am grateful to the IVY Program for allowing me to have this experience, being an opportunity to deepen my understanding of European territorial projects, cooperation and Cohesion policies. Moreover, not only can I take part in promoting cooperation between Spain and Portugal, but I am also learning new things, improving languages, meeting people from different countries and backgrounds, and developing useful skills for my professional career. Contributing to the European Cohesion Policy, and to the FIREPOCTEP+ Project in particular, makes me happy and proud because I care a lot about the environment, and I believe in the positive impact we can make every day with our actions. Discover more about Interreg project FIREPOCTEP+ Click Here Discover more about host organisation Click Here

Hello community, hope you’re taking care of yourself and the world surrounding you! I’m Miriam, a 25-year-old Sicilian girl passionate about sustainability and its multiple and intricate facets. As a graduate in Local and Global Development (International Cooperation) from the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, I am indeed deeply committed to supporting causes related to human rights, environmental sustainability, and social and climate justice. My biggest personal and professional interest lies in addressing the climate crisis and its far-reaching socio-economic implications, being aware of the complexities of global development and the interconnectedness of various socio-economic and environmental factors. I’m convinced that this crisis is not only intergenerational and intersectional but also a multiplier of inequalities and disparities, making it one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Discovering the opportunity of the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) initiative has been both an energizing boost and a relief, especially during these hard times when trying to find your place after your student life seems to be a never-ending process. Getting to know SVI.MED. – Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Sustainable Development, my hosting organization, has been a kind of game-changer to me, as it gave me the opportunity to make one of my life aspirations come true: coming back to my homeland to leverage my experiences and insights and promote local development through European and International Cooperation. I envision a future where Sicily can benefit from sustainable practices and global partnerships, enhancing its resilience to environmental and socio-economic challenges and doing that with a local organization like SVI.MED. with great knowledge and experience on the topics, seems to be the perfect opportunity to reshape and re-establish relations with my territory. I’m actually collaborating with the organization on the ‘URWAN – Urban Regenerative Water Avant-garde(N)’ project, funded under the Interreg EURO-med programme and focusing on the intersection between urban regeneration and resources management, emphasizing nature-based solutions (NbS) to create greener and resilient cities by addressing challenges such as water management and adaptation to climate change in Mediterranean regions and communities. Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the communication and organisation of the various meetings with the school and community of Ferla – a small Sicilian municipality in the province of Siracusa, known for its good practices – as part of the URWAN project, and to discover new methods of stakeholder engagement through the Start-park methodology, which uses gamification to redesign urban spaces by responding concretely to global challenges reflected in the local context. Starting from February, a series of meetings within the URWAN project and as part of the Start Park process have been launched in the Municipality of Ferla, culminating with a co-design workshop on occasion of the World Water Day, with the aim of co-creating a city that is increasingly resilient to climate change, putting nature and its mechanisms back at the heart of urban and climate planning through a bottom-up co-design process. Witnessing and participating in the organisation of these events has been a great opportunity for personal and human growth for me, I think it is always gratifying to see citizens ready to act in front of today’s challenges, from which to seize opportunities for improvement and a reversal of the dominant development model. I believe that stimulating bottom-up participatory processes is one of the keys to tackling systemic problems! What’s more, during my younger years I’ve been struggling with climate anxiety, learning step by step how to navigate all its different phases. Despite all this, the situation is not always that stable in this respect, but the awareness of contributing to something way bigger together with seeing the questioning but also curious eyes of young (and not only young) people gave an impetus to my personal and even collective wounded capacity to feel hope and to act moved by it. We must learn to navigate and care for this light, to protect it: it is an exercise in collective responsibility and global citizenship, and I thank the IVY initiative and SVI.MED. for giving me this opportunity! Take care and keep dreaming of a greener and nature-based revolution, – Miriam, IVY Project Partner for Interreg project URWAN at SVI.MED Discover more about Interreg project URWAN Click Here Discover more about the Interreg Euro-MED Click Here