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.
Second Transnational Meeting of the SURF Project – Sencur, Slovenia (April 1–2, 2025)
The second transnational meeting of the SURF Project successfully took place in Sencur, Slovenia, on April 1st and 2nd, 2025. The event represented a key moment of exchange and collaboration among partners from Slovenia, Italy, and Spain, strengthening relationships and international cooperation within the project. During the two days, participants discussed upcoming activities, the project’s technical aspects, and the main steps for its implementation.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to share experiences, ideas, and common strategies aimed at promoting sustainability and addressing the challenges of climate change in rural areas. One of the most significant moments of the meeting was the second workshop, during which local representatives applied Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodologies to identify innovative solutions to environmental issues in the region.
The ideas and proposals that emerged highlighted the power of collaboration and participatory approaches in finding effective responses to climate challenges. A heartfelt thank you goes to our Slovenian partners for their warm hospitality and excellent organization of the event.
Third Transnational Meeting of the SURF Project and Final “Engagement Event” – Palermo, Italy (28 October 2025)
The third transnational meeting of the SURF Project took place successfully in Palermo, Italy, on 28 October 2025, marking the official conclusion of the project. The event, hosted by ARCES, was accompanied by the final “Engagement Event,” designed as an open space for dialogue among international partners, students, and representatives of rural communities.
During the working sessions, participants from Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Ukraine shared reflections, outcomes, and strategies developed throughout the project, with the aim of identifying concrete tools to tackle the challenges of climate change in rural areas. Through discussions, workshops, and participatory activities, the Engagement Event encouraged the exchange of experiences and good practices in a spirit of collaboration and openness.
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the creation of the SURF European Rural Network, a platform established to continue the project’s work and to strengthen cooperation among rural actors, institutions, research bodies, and local organizations. The network aims to foster knowledge sharing, sustainable innovation, and mutual support among European communities, contributing to the development of common strategies for resilience and climate change adaptation. This event represented not only the conclusion of a successful collaboration, but also the beginning of a new phase of ongoing European cooperation, founded on the values of sustainability, participation, and solidarity among rural territories.