Green Artic Interreg Awareness Day: understanding the interaction between young people, cohesion policy, and sustainability
27th April 2024 – Luleå tekniska universitet, Sweden On this 24th April 2024, during Earth Week, Luleå tekniska universitet hosted GAIA day, an event which aimed at making cohesion-policy-funded initiatives more accessible to the general public of the Arctic region. Organised by Project Partner Pauline Gauvrit, along with her colleagues at Ar2CorD (an Interreg programme focused on sustainable building materials in Arctic conditions), GAIA day showcased the sustainable development efforts of the Nordic countries. The morning was kickstarted by an interactive activity with the local schoolchildren. Aged between four and six years old, students were invited to learn about recycling by painting concrete sculptures made out of waste from Luleå’s labs. They were introduced to cohesion policy and were expected to collaborate in order to build up their statues from the ground! Despite prevailing notions of the Arctic as “too cold, too dark, and with too many mosquitoes”, as pointed out by one attendee, the afternoon was dedicated to highlighting the region’s burgeoning potential. Indeed, representants for GENGREEN, for example – an initiative supporting Nordic women launching sustainable business – underscored the importance of overcoming fear and leveraging interregional networks of female entrepreneurs. From bee-keeping to slow-fashion, they were making the most of a shared history across the great North, and were challenging gender stereotypes as a collective.Scientists for a programme developing offshore wind farm additionally spoke up about the benefits of working together, in a harsh climate with limited resources: knowledge-sharing amongst expert is an essential component of innovative research! 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Young people commit to a cooperative Europe
27th March 2024 – Nice, France and online This event, carried out through the Citizen Engagement Activities opportunity and the support of the AEBR, made it possible to bring young people and populations closer to the actions supported by the EU Cohesion Policy. Thus, we encouraged the participants to see the concrete actions supported by the European Union and encouraged young people to take part in European cooperation. Credit: Photos and text by Raphaël Guyonnet /*! elementor – v3.20.0 – 26-03-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=”.svg”]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}
Enhancing PGI and PDO Products: Addressing Challenges and Facilitating Support through the Crucial Role of Cohesion Policy
11th January 2024 – Patras, Greece In my recent Citizens Engagement Activity focused on enhancing PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products, we delved into the challenges faced by local producers and the pivotal role of Cohesion Policy in addressing these issues. The event served as a platform to discuss the specific ways in which Cohesion Policy has been instrumental in supporting and elevating the quality of these regionally significant products. Through engaging presentations and open discussions, participants gained insights into the challenges faced by local producers and the transformative impact of EU policies. Notably, we explored a compelling case study highlighting the positive effects of Cohesion Policy on the production of Mavrodaphne wine, a local specialty predominantly cultivated in Patras, Greece. The discussion brought to light how targeted support from EU funds has contributed to the preservation and enhancement of the unique characteristics of Mavrodaphne wine. From sustainable viticulture practices to improved processing facilities, Cohesion Policy played a crucial role in fostering the growth and reputation of this local product. This tangible example underscored the direct link between effective Cohesion Policy and the flourishing of PDO and PGI products, emphasizing the importance of continued support for regional development and sustainable agriculture. Credit: Photos and text by Ioanna Gkolemi
Youth role in the era of blue and green economy. Cohesion policy contribution in sustainable innovation.
24th October 2023 – Athens, Greece and online On 24th of October, in Plaka, Athens a Citizens Engagement Activity took place, with the title “Youth role in the era of blue and green economy. Cohesion policy contribution in sustainable innovation.” Experts on European cooperation, Government representatives and University professors were invited: each speaker raised interesting topics on how innovation and interregional cooperation accelerate the economy. At the end of the event, several successful stories of cooperation were presented and a youth Living Lab took place, where young people expressed their ideas on future project for a better cohesion. Credit: Photos and text by Ioannis Mardikis
Navigando fra la Politiche di Coesione: i benefici delle politiche di Coesione per i nostri mari – Navigating through EU Cohesion Policies: the benefits of Cohesion Policies for our seas
27th May 2023 – Trieste, Italy On Saturday, May the 27th, the citizens’ engagement activity “Navigando fra le Politiche di Coesione, i benefici delle Politiche di Coesione per i nostri mari” was held at the Bioma of Riserva Naturale di Miramare, Trieste. The event was organised by Chiara Volponi, IVY project partner at Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia. Moreover, the event was held concurrently with the info day of the project MARLESS, on which Chiara is volunteering as an IVY. Navigando fra le politiche di Coesione had the purpose of providing an understanding of the role and functioning of Cohesion Policies along with shedding light on the crucial role of Cohesion Policies in safeguarding our seas. Indeed, the event has drawn attention to the importance of territorial cooperation in relation to the marine environment, which represents a space where cooperation becomes essential to cope with common challenges. To successfully address a reflection on Cohesion Policies as vital tools for improving the conditions for a more inclusive and sustainable Europe and the benefit of territorial cooperation for safeguarding the marine environment, young people and the general public were involved in a presentation delivered by Chiara Volponi and Nicolò Tudorov, organizational position for Community programming and Sustainable development at Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia. The presentation provided insights about Cohesion Policies and concrete examples of regional territorial cooperation involving the sea and it created a dynamic exchange of ideas and thoughts and it answered some of the questions of the participants. To follow, a nature-based learning experience consisting of small boat tours within the natural reserve of Miramare, encouraged the participants to further reflects on the vital importance of the intervention of Cohesion Policies in coping with the problems which the marine environment faces every day. Interestingly, by experiencing the natural beauty and the biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea, participants expressed their willingness to be more active and informed citizens, particularly in regard to what as European citizens can be done to preserve the marine environment. Finally, the event was concluded with a networking refreshment where participants brought interesting reflections while enjoying some food and drinks. In particular, the event raises an interesting issue to reflect upon: Young people considerably trust the European Union’s action in dealing with big challenges and thus they demand a European Union that fosters youth engagement, staring form more civic education in schools. Credit: Photos and text by Chiara Volponi
“CrossEdu“: How Cohesion Policy contributes to creating knowledge and tools for diversity and intercultural education in a multi-ethnic area, overcoming administrative and governance challenges.
3rd March 2023 – Trieste, Italy. On Friday 3rd March, the Citizens Engagement Activity “CrossEdu” took place at Polo Giovani Toti Youth Centre in Trieste, Italy. The event, organized by IVY Interreg Reporter Anna, had the goal of showcasing how the EU Cohesion Policy contributes to creating knowledge and tools for diversity and intercultural education in a multi-ethnic area, overcoming administrative and governance challenges. From 3:30 to 7:00 pm teachers, students, and members of local associations interested in diversity education were invited to take part in an informative conference followed by a session of focus groups and a final aperitif. More specifically, during the conference the audience learnt about the EU Cohesion Policy, ETC, ERDF and EDUKA2 project funded by the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Programme while during the second part of the event the audience was divided into three groups to discuss deeply – with the help of facilitators- about EU funded projects in the local area and useful calls for proposals linked to EU funds. The discussion was followed by an invigorating aperitif that has contributed to networking. /*! elementor – v3.6.5 – 27-04-2022 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=”.svg”]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}
