TRANSNATIONAL PROJECT MEETINGS
THE FIRST TRANSNATIONAL PROJECT MEETING OF SURF IN CASTELLON (Spain)
The University Jaume I hosted on Monday 11 March the first transnational meeting of the SURF (Sustainable Rural Future) project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220 Adult Education), in which the University is a partner, and which aims to empower rural communities to face the effects of climate change through participatory processes.
The meeting included representatives from several European partners, such as INEUROPA and ARCES from Italy, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (CTPRK), and the University of Ljubljana from Slovenia, along with the Low Carbon Economy Foundation, which is coordinating the project.
The main objective of the meeting was to align the efforts to achieve project’s objectives, discuss management and implementation strategies and lay the foundations for dissemination activities. The kick-off meeting confirmed the importance of cooperation between the consortium and educational institutions and the local community in promoting sustainable development and the possibility of replicating this case of exit in other countries of the European Union through the SURF project.
The Second Transnational meeting in Slovenia (March-April 2025)
This intermediate meeting, along with Local Research Workshop, is scheduled to take place in Slovenia between March and April 2025 as part of the Transnational meetings.
These gatherings aim to foster stronger relationships among stakeholders and partnerships. This collaboration is particularly crucial given the significant impact of climate change on rural areas, which can exacerbate challenges such as agricultural productivity, water resources, and community resilience. By bringing together various stakeholders, the meetings will focus on developing strategies to address these pressing issues while enhancing cooperation across the region.
The third Transnational meeting in Palermo (October/November 2025)
The third Transnational meeting will take place in Palermo, Italy, between October and November 2025. This final meeting, along with an associated “Engagement Event”, will serve as a pivotal point for the project.
The Engagement Event is designed not only to disseminate the project’s results but also to foster new partnerships and collaborations. By showcasing the achievements gained throughout the project, this event will provide an excellent platform for stakeholders to discuss the implications of the findings and explore opportunities for future cooperation.
Participants will have the chance to network, share best practices, and contribute to a collective vision for addressing the challenges faced by rural areas, particularly in the context of ongoing climate change. An European Rural network will be created as result of this event to facilitate collaborations and knowledge exchange among rural stakeholders.
