On 2 June, after months of meticulous planning, rigorous development, and obtaining all necessary permits, the AquaWind project reached a major milestone with the successful launch of its Multi-Use prototype at the ASTICAN shipyard facilities in the harbour of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. This event marks the beginning of the final testing phase, as the project awaits a suitable maritime weather window for offshore deployment at the Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (PLOCAN).

The innovative prototype integrates an enhanced version of the W2Power floating dual-turbine wind platform—developed by Spanish company EnerOcean—with a purpose-built aquaculture cage designed by the ASIICI/ULPGC team. The cage features novel mesh materials, advanced digitalisation for remote operation, and is ready for biological evaluation using both a model fish species and a high-value new species aimed at promoting aquaculture diversification.

W2Power is a proven floating wind technology, particularly well suited for multi-use applications. The platform has been retrofitted to incorporate aquaculture components. For the first time, this project will conduct proof-of-concept trials that combine marine energy production with live fish aquaculture in the Atlantic region.

“The prototype launch marks a foundational milestone in the AquaWind project. It demonstrates our readiness to move forward while ensuring that we take every technical and scientific measure before the offshore phase,” said Javier Fernández, Engineering Director at EnerOcean.

The project aims to demonstrate how wind energy production and fish farming can be remotely operated in the same maritime space, involving different fish species and evaluating how the two activities influence each other. The ultimate goal is to pave the way toward commercialising this Multi-Use solution.

 

Rigorous Testing Prior to Offshore Deployment

Before heading offshore, the prototype underwent rigorous testing at the Taliarte port test site (Gran Canaria), operated by the ECOAQUA Institute from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Spain.

In recent months, researchers from ACIISI/ECOAQUA at ULPGC have fine-tuned the remote operation systems of the AquaWind fish cage prototype. As part of their work, they conducted comparative biological assessments of fish performance in the AquaWind system versus conventional aquaculture cages at the Canexmar aquaculture farm site. These studies ensured optimal integration of the cage with the W2Power platform and validated its capacity to support healthy fish growth under controlled conditions.

“The land-based trials allowed us to validate the cage’s mechanical performance and digital systems, but more importantly, they provided critical insights into fish welfare and product quality,” said Dr. Javier Roo, AquaWind Coordinator and Principal Investigator at ACIISI/ULPGC.

By monitoring the biological performance of the fish, the team established baseline parameters for stress biomarkers and the biochemical composition of scales and flesh. These indicators will be essential for comparative studies during offshore deployment, ensuring that the AquaWind system meets biological standards for sustainable aquaculture.

The testing, which lasted over 180 days at the Taliarte harbour, focused on rearing the commercial model species Sparus aurata (gilt-head sea bream). Researchers tracked fish growth, biochemical markers, and overall health within the AquaWind prototype cage and compared the results to those from traditional cages.

This preparatory study was a crucial step in validating AquaWind’s aquaculture innovation before proceeding to full-scale offshore demonstrations.

 

Real-World Implementation and Testing

Following extensive design and development work, the successful launch of the Multi-Use prototype represents a major achievement. Implementing the aquaculture system involved not only physical construction, but also the integration of remote monitoring, feeding, and detection systems.

The next step involves towing the prototype to PLOCAN, where it will undergo a critical offshore testing phase lasting up to six months. During this period, researchers will assess fish growth, survival rates, and product quality, while also evaluating environmental impact and system durability under real maritime conditions. The initial test phase will focus on Sparus aurata, followed by preliminary trials with Seriola dumerili (greater amberjack), enabling a comprehensive performance assessment.

Additionally, researchers will study biofouling control on both the fish cage and the W2Power platform—an essential factor for maintaining operational efficiency. Data collected throughout the offshore testing will inform potential improvements to the system.

“We are entering a decisive phase that will deliver real-world data on the interplay between aquaculture and offshore renewable energy. These findings will inform the next generation of integrated marine infrastructure,” said the Engineering Director at EnerOcean.

 

A Key Step for Sustainability and the Blue Economy

The AquaWind Multi-Use concept tackles one of the European Union’s major challenges: optimising the sustainable and efficient use of marine space. By integrating renewable energy and aquaculture at a single location, the project significantly reduces its carbon footprint and aligns with EU climate and energy goals.

 

A Replicable Model for the Future

The launch of this prototype represents a fundamental step in redefining how marine spaces are managed in Europe and beyond. AquaWind not only tests the technical feasibility of multi-use infrastructures, but also lays the groundwork for future blue economy initiatives by promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

This milestone highlights the potential to transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy model. With this deployment, AquaWind positions itself as a key reference point for future developments in offshore multi-use solutions.

 

Towards the Future

Following successful offshore demonstrations, the next phase of the AquaWind project will focus on moving from pilot to pre-commercial and commercial deployment. This includes scaling up systems within the Atlantic Basin, enhancing digital tools and materials, and conducting in-depth environmental and economic analyses.

In addition, AquaWind will work on developing a scalable business model, strengthening stakeholder engagement through local benefits, and creating supportive regulatory frameworks. By applying circular economy principles, fostering international partnerships, and embedding sustainable practices, the project aims to become a global benchmark for multi-use offshore solutions.

“This is not the end but a beginning. AquaWind paves the way for broader applications in sustainable marine space management, setting the foundations for a scalable and replicable model across the Atlantic and other oceanic regions such as the Outermost Regions,” said Dr. Roo, Coordinator of the AquaWind Project.

About the Consortium

In addition to the aforementioned partners ACIISI, ULPGC, EnerOcean, CANEXMAR, and PLOCAN, the AquaWind project consortium also includes Consulta Europa, the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, WAVEC, and INNOSEA. These entities are actively contributing to the development of this pioneering initiative, which brings together offshore renewable energy and aquaculture.

The AquaWind project is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101077600. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The European Commission has launched the EU Gender Equality Champion Award, an award that recognises academic and research organisations that are driving institutional transformations towards gender equality through Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).

Objective of the award

This initiative aims to make visible the commitment of institutions to gender equality, to encourage the implementation of inclusive plans and to strengthen the creation of a European community of leading organisations in this field. The award also complements the requirements of Horizon Europe and is aligned with the transformation of the European Research Area (ERA), in synergy with the European Education Area (ERA) and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Award categories

The call for proposals includes three categories for which organisations can apply, choosing only one.

The first is Sustainable Gender Equality Champions, aimed at those organisations that can demonstrate a consolidated and sustained track record in the implementation of their gender equality plans.

The second category is New Gender Equality Champions, for organisations that have recently completed their first gender equality plan and can demonstrate significant progress since its implementation.

Finally, the Inclusive Gender Equality Champions category will reward those institutions that have developed particularly innovative and inclusive plans, addressing gender from an intersectional perspective – for example, also considering factors such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability – and can demonstrate concrete results in their implementation.

Endowment and conditions

Four prizes of EUR 100,000 each will be awarded, totalling EUR 800,000 between the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

Only one category per organisation is allowed to participate. In addition to the main application, additional documentation may be required during the process, such as legal or bank validations, and a short video explaining the achievements, to be used for communication purposes only.

An opportunity to lead change

This award represents a unique opportunity for universities and research centres to consolidate their leadership in gender equality at European level and become a reference for institutional transformation in the framework of the new ERA.

For more information and details click here

On 22 April 2025, Consulta Europa hosted an informative webinar aimed at potential applicants from the Macaronesian region interested in submitting a proposal to the second call of the BESTLIFE2030 programme.

The session was a success, gathering a wide range of stakeholders from the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira, including NGOs, research institutions, and local authorities. The webinar provided detailed guidance on the structure of the call, eligibility criteria, application process, and evaluation timeline.

We are pleased to make available the full recording of the session, now accessible on our YouTube channel, as well as the presentation used during the event, which includes useful links and key points covered during the session.

▶ Watch the webinar recording
📄 Download the presentation 

For any further questions, participants are encouraged to contact us directly at bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates and don’t miss the opportunity to join this important funding initiative for biodiversity in the EU outermost regions.

Consulta Europa is pleased to invite organisations and stakeholders to an informative webinar dedicated to the second call for proposals under the BestLife2030 programme, specifically for the Macaronesian region (Madeira, Azores, and Canary Islands).

The webinar will take place on:

• Date: Tuesday, 22 April 2025
• Time: 10:00 a.m. (Canary Islands time)
• Format: Online

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key elements of the new call for proposals, including:

• Eligibility criteria for applicants
• Detailed explanation of the application process
• Overview of the thematic priorities of the call
• Information on the support available through the Consulta Europa Regional Hub for Macaronesia.

This webinar is particularly relevant for organisations and stakeholders actively involved or interested in developing biodiversity conservation projects within the Macaronesian archipelago.

Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance through the following link: https://forms.gle/Zb2FMxXadzvVXErFA

Consulta Europa encourages attendees to share this invitation with other relevant actors within their networks who may benefit from this information.

For any enquiries regarding the webinar or the BestLife2030 programme, please do not hesitate to contact us at bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.

The BestLife2030 programme, funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, has launched its second call for proposals to support biodiversity conservation projects in the EU’s Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). This call is not just a funding opportunity but a call to action to protect unique and threatened ecosystems that play a key role in achieving global conservation goals.

Eligible Projects and Territorial Focus

This call will fund small-scale, high-impact projects that provide practical solutions to local biodiversity challenges. Actions may include habitat restoration, species conservation, tackling invasive species, or measures to enhance ecosystem and community resilience.

Projects should last between 18 and 36 months and can receive up to €100,000, with a 95% co-financing rate.

The call is open to civil society organisations, NGOs, local authorities, research centres, SMEs, and other relevant stakeholders. Priority will be given to projects located in ecologically sensitive areas, such as:

• Protected areas
• Natura 2000 sites
• Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
• Ramsar wetlands
• UNESCO World Heritage sites
• IUCN Green List sites
• Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)

The programme also encourages collaboration between territorial governments and local actors to strengthen the impact and sustainability of conservation actions.

Deadlines and Available Resources

The first phase of the call requires applicants to submit a concept note by 30 May 2025 at 14:00 (CET). Pre-selected proposals will then be invited to submit a full application in the second phase.

Guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application forms are available at:
https://bestlife2030.org/applicants

Support in Macaronesia

In the Macaronesia region (Madeira, Azores, and Canary Islands), Consulta Europa acts as the regional hub for the programme, providing technical support throughout both the proposal preparation and project implementation phases.

A dedicated informative webinar will soon be organised for potential applicants in the region.

Contact

For further information, please contact:
bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com

As Europe strengthens its commitment to gender equality in research and innovation, the ATHENA project is set to deliver key policy recommendations for during a high-level Policy Event at the European Parliament, on 13 May 2025, followed by its Final Conference in Brussels, on 14 May 2025.

These events will bring together policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders to foster evidence-based policies that drive gender equality and research excellence within research-performing and funding organisations. ATHENA has addressed systemic barriers by implementing Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) in eight institutions across Europe, highlighting the importance of monitoring gender progress and embedding diversity and inclusion in research governance.

“The ATHENA project has demonstrated that gender equality is not only a fundamental value but also a key factor in strengthening research performance and institutional success,” said Michelle Perello, Project Coordinator at Consulta Europa. “Through these final events, we aim to ensure that the lessons learned, and best practices developed over the past four years are translated into concrete policies that will shape the future of European research.”

The Policy Event at the European Parliament will serve as a platform to present ATHENA’s key policy briefs, which synthesise the project’s insights and experiences into actionable recommendations. These resources will guide policymakers, research institutions, and funding bodies in embedding gender equality within research governance and funding policies.

Topics will include measuring gender equality’s impact on research excellence and addressing disparities in smaller, younger, and remote research institutions. “Our goal is to ensure that no research institution is left behind in the push for gender equality,” Perello stated. “From well-established universities to emerging institutions in remote regions, every organisation must have the tools and policies in place to foster inclusive research environments.”

Michelle Perello, ATHENA Project Coordinator at Consulta Europa, also highlighted the project’s broader impact: “ATHENA has laid a foundation for sustainable gender equality in research institutions across Europe. By addressing both institutional and cultural aspects and engaging the entire research community in the implementation of GEPs, we are ensuring that all researchers, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to Europe’s innovation and progress.”

The Final Conference will mark the culmination of the ATHENA project, bringing together with ATHENA, representatives of sister projects and other gender experts, to reflect on its achievements and explore pathways for sustaining gender equality initiatives. The conference will feature discussions on the importance of data collection, capacity-building initiatives, and strategies for embedding gender equality into institutional frameworks.

Join ATHENA’s Final Events to explore key policy recommendations and contribute to shaping a more inclusive research landscape in Europe.

• Registration: https://bit.ly/athenaeventregistration

We are pleased to announce the second Call for Proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme. This is more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a call to action for projects that will deliver tangible conservation results in Europe’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. These areas are not only critical for Europe’s biodiversity but also play a vital role in achieving global conservation goals.

Restoring Nature, One Island at a Time

The impact of conservation is best seen on the ground, where real change happens. One powerful example is the restoration of Kamaka Island in French Polynesia, which is helping the endangered Polynesian storm-petrel reclaim its lost habitat. Once abundant, the species faced a sharp decline due to invasive rats. In 2022, thanks to the support of BEST 2.0+, conservationists eradicated the rats using innovative drone technology, and by 2023, the island became a predator-free sanctuary. But the work did not stop there—conservationists used social attraction methods, including recorded seabird calls and artificial burrows, to lure the storm-petrels back. Within months, they returned, creating a rare chance to re-establish a breeding colony.

“With only 250 to 1,000 mature individuals left in the wild, restoring Kamaka Island is crucial for the Polynesian storm-petrel’s recovery,” said Coral Wolf, Conservation Impact Manager at Island Conservation. “The birds’ quick return provides a rare chance to establish a secure breeding population. Our social attraction efforts worked rapidly—storm-petrels arrived early in the nesting season, became regular visitors, and began using nest boxes,” added Thomas Ghestemme from SOP Manu. “Six seabird species now breed on the island, including the Near Threatened Tahiti Petrel.”

The restoration of Kamaka Island is not just a step forward for one species but a giant leap toward preserving a delicate ecosystem for generations to come.

Join the Movement: Apply for BESTLIFE2030 Funding

Building on the momentum of transformative efforts like this, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme seeks to fund additional local initiatives that provide practical, scalable solutions benefiting both ecosystems and communities.

Europe’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories hold over 80% of Europe’s biodiversity. These unique and fragile ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, and overexploitation. The Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 3 calls for the protection of 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2030. By supporting community-driven conservation efforts, the BESTLIFE2030 Programme plays a pivotal role in helping EU countries meet this commitment and drive impactful, lasting change.

Why Should You Apply?

• Support biodiversity hotspots: Your project will help protect ecosystems that are home to rare and endangered species, from marine habitats to rainforests.
• Deliver tangible results: We seek projects with clear, actionable plans that lead to measurable conservation outcomes, such as habitat restoration and species conservation.
• Scale-up impact: Funding will help expand successful conservation models or develop innovative approaches that can be replicated elsewhere.

To further strengthen conservation efforts, we are broadening the Programme’s reach by bringing territorial governments into the fold. By co-applying with local actors, these partnerships can foster stronger collaborations, help create synergies across sectors, and enhance capacity development. This approach fosters more efficient use of resources, long-term sustainability, and meaningful change at local and regional levels.

What We Are Looking For:

• Projects that directly address local biodiversity challenges through hands-on conservation actions.
• Initiatives that build upon or enhance existing conservation efforts, including those supported by previous BEST initiatives, the first BESTLIFE2030 Call for Proposals, or other LIFE Programme projects. We can facilitate direct contact with these existing projects upon request.
• Proposals with clearly defined goals aligned with BEST indicators to effectively track progress and measure success.

What We Offer:

• Guidelines and resources to help you craft a strong proposal, available on the BESTLIFE2030 website.
• Capacity-building opportunities through our regional hubs, providing tailored support to maximise your project’s success.

The deadline for submitting your proposal is May 30, 2025. We encourage you to start preparing early and take full advantage of the support and resources available to you. Apply here: https://bestlife2030.org/news/empowering-conservation-action-europes-overseas-biodiversity-hotspots/

Need help? For more information, contact us at bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.

Consulta Europa, with the support of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), successfully led the organisation of the Final Conference of the EXPER Project (Excellent Peripheries for a Strong European Research Area), a flagship event that marks the culmination of 30 months of collaboration to strengthen research and innovation capacity in Europe’s Outermost Regions.

Held at ULPGC’s Salón de Actos of the Humanities Building on 10 March 2025, the conference brought together key representatives from the European Commission, leading European universities, national and regional authorities, and experts in innovation, research, and knowledge transfer.

The event was masterfully coordinated by Víctor R. Martínez, Communication Manager of the EXPER Project and member of Consulta Europa, who has led the communication and dissemination activities of EXPER since its inception.

A Platform to Reflect on the Future of Research and Innovation in Widening Regions

The EXPER Final Conference served as a space to discuss strategies for excellence in research, knowledge transfer, talent retention, and institutional modernisation in regions such as the Canary Islands and the Azores, partners of this Horizon Europe-funded initiative.

Structured around four strategic pillars, the conference explored concrete solutions to advance research ecosystems in Outermost Regions:

1. Capacity Building for Talent Retention
Experts from University of Calabria (UNICAL), EMERGE, and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) explored how to tackle brain drain and improve career opportunities for researchers in remote territories, sharing key outcomes of the project’s work on researcher capacity development.

2. Strengthening Knowledge Transfer and Spin-Offs
Representatives from Atrineo, Terinov, University of the Azores, and University of Rostock discussed how to transform research results into real-world solutions, highlighting spin-offs, university-industry collaborations, and models of effective knowledge transfer.

3. Enhancing Interdisciplinary Research and Societal Impact
With a strong focus on inclusive and multidisciplinary research, the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC), Consulta Europa, and Atrineo showcased how integrating societal challenges and gender equality into research processes can strengthen the impact of science in Outermost Regions.

4. Improving Research Careers and Institutional Conditions
The session on research careers featured Michele Rosa-Clot (European Commission), alongside representatives from University of Calabria and ULPGC, focusing on Human Resources Excellence in Research (HRS4R) and institutional strategies to improve the working conditions of researchers.

High-Level Institutional Support and Forward-Looking Perspectives

The conference was inaugurated by Magda De Carli, Head of Unit for ERA, Spreading Excellence & Research Careers at the European Commission, and Federica Roffi, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Research Executive Agency, who underscored the importance of supporting Widening regions to ensure a stronger and more competitive European Research Area.

Additionally, Anselmo Sosa, Spain’s National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe Widening, shared an inspiring keynote on the future of widening participation in Europe.

Bringing a broader perspective on institutional transformation and university alliances, Luís Coelho, Coordinator of the Ent-r-e-novators project and representative of the European University Alliance E3UDRES2, presented the project’s results and its alignment with the goals of EXPER.

Furthermore, Laura Ruiz Caramés, from ACIISI (Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society), introduced the WiderAdvance Facility, a new platform supporting dissemination and exploitation of research outcomes in Widening regions.

Consulta Europa’s Leadership in Ensuring Impact and Sustainability

As the main organiser of the Final Conference, Consulta Europa ensured a highly interactive, international, and impactful event, successfully involving key European, national, and regional actors. Víctor R. Martínez, as Conference Coordinator, played a leading role in conceptualising the event’s structure and fostering synergies between European projects, researchers, and policymakers.

The EXPER Final Conference has laid the groundwork for future collaborations, reinforcing a long-term vision for strengthening research ecosystems, building European University Alliances, and supporting innovation in remote and peripheral regions.

Consulta Europa has successfully completed the two trainings scheduled within the Care4Youth project, which aims to promote the personal and professional development of the young participants.

The first training, focused on Communication and Job Search, took place on 15 November 2024. In this session, the young people acquired key competences to improve their communication skills and prepare them to face the world of work more confidently and effectively.

The second training, on Emotional Intelligence, was held on 6 February. Through interactive dynamics, the young people learned to recognise and manage their emotions, essential tools to improve their personal well-being and interpersonal relationships. This training also included a Tango workshop, an activity that promoted confidence, teamwork and emotional connection among the participants.

Both trainings are part of Consulta Europa’s commitment to the integral development of young people, offering them the necessary tools to face the challenges of the present and future. The success of these activities reflects the positive impact of Care4Youth on the youth community.

Consulta Europa, as communication leader of the FLIARA project, supports the dissemination of key insights from this milestone event

On January 29-30, 2025, the FLIARA project (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) successfully hosted its 3rd Community of Practice (CoP) in Rende, Italy, bringing together over 70 researchers, policymakers, rural innovators, and key stakeholders from across Europe. The event, organised in collaboration with the University of Calabria and the Italian CAP Rural Network, provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, shaping future policies, and strengthening networks to support women-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas.

Shaping Policies to Support Women in Rural Innovation

Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and field visits, participants explored key challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in rural and agricultural sectors. One of the central outcomes of the event was the collaborative development of policy insights, gathered from direct stakeholder engagement. The Ambassador Innovation Journey showcased the experiences of six FLIARA Innovation Ambassadors, who shared their success stories in transforming rural economies, pioneering sustainable farming practices, and leading local development initiatives.

Additionally, FLIARA project partners presented key research findings, including:

• The FLIARA Framework: Insights for Future Rural and Farm Policy, presented by Louise Weir, outlining policy directions to better support women-led innovation.
• Empowering Women for Rural Sustainability: Insights from FLIARA’s Foresight and Trend Analysis, by Tuomas Kuhmonen, exploring long-term rural development trends.
• Empowering Female-Led Innovations in Rural Europe: Insights from FLIARA’s Case Studies, presented by Silvia Sivini and Annie Roos, which highlighted real-world examples of successful women-led initiatives.

Reflecting on the significance of these discussions, Maura Farrell, FLIARA’s Project Coordinator, stated:

“Over the coming months, we aim to engage with key stakeholders and policymakers—people who are truly committed to advancing women in agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. We want to hear their perspectives, ensure they have access to FLIARA’s findings, and work together to shape policies that genuinely benefit women in the agricultural sector.”

Engaging with Rural Innovators in the Valle Crati Region

The second day of the event took participants into the Valle Crati region, where they engaged directly with women entrepreneurs driving sustainable innovation in rural areas. Among them was Rita Bilotti, leader of Serragiumenta, an agricultural estate combining organic farming, high-quality food production, and renewable energy solutions. The visit provided first-hand insights into how innovation, tradition, and sustainability can coexist to strengthen rural economies.

Participants also explored the experiences of other women-led initiatives through documentary screenings and video testimonies, including those of Sofia De Matteis (Avamposto Agricolo Autonomo) and Giulia Montepaone (We’re the South). These stories highlighted the challenges faced by women in rural entrepreneurship and demonstrated the resilience, hard work, and impact of their projects on local communities.

Expert Insights on the Future of Women in Agriculture

Several members of the FLIARA Stakeholder Advisory Board shared their perspectives on the event’s impact.

Teresa Roche, Chair of the IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Committee, emphasised the critical need for access to finance, training in digitalisation, and stronger policy support to empower the next generation of women in agriculture. She noted that FLIARA is opening doors to funding and opportunities while also creating ambassadors who will support future female leaders in the field.

Similarly, Valentina Carta (CREA, Italy) highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration, stressing that while local initiatives exist, more needs to be done to empower women in rural areas through policy and community support.

Inge De Bo, Scientific Coordinator of EU-FarmBook, underscored the value of sharing success stories and making female-led innovation more visible and accessible through platforms like EU-FarmBook, ensuring that women’s contributions to rural development are recognised and celebrated.

Consulta Europa: Driving the Communication of FLIARA

As the communication leader of the FLIARA project, Consulta Europa plays a key role in ensuring that the insights, discussions, and outcomes of events like this CoP reach a wider audience. Through strategic dissemination efforts, Consulta Europa supports the project’s mission of empowering women in rural areas and ensuring that their innovations contribute to long-term, sustainable rural development.

The 3rd Community of Practice in Rende reinforced the need for inclusive policies, strong networks, and continued collaboration to support women-led innovation in rural areas. With this momentum, FLIARA will continue to bridge research and action, shaping a future where women innovators drive sustainable and thriving rural communities across Europe.

For more information, visit www.fliara.eu.

The TWINNEDbySTARS project has generated concrete and transformative results for the tourism sector in Europe’s outermost regions. After months of work in collaboration with local stakeholders, businesses and experts, significant progress has been made, positioning these areas as benchmarks in innovative and sustainable tourism.

Tangible Results: Tourism Innovations and Transformative Experiences
Within the framework of the project, results have been generated that reflect the commitment to offer high quality products, focused on the integration of astronomy, navigation, education and local culture.

Astronavigation Experiences is a product that combines navigation and astronomy, two elements deeply linked to the history and cultural identity of the outermost regions. Designed to take advantage of the exceptional conditions of these territories, such as clear skies and low light pollution, this experience allows visitors to learn to orient themselves by following the stars, replicating techniques used by ancient navigators. Aboard traditional boats, participants not only enjoy the sea and the night sky, but also immerse themselves in local maritime history. Sessions include hands-on workshops teaching basic concepts of celestial navigation, historical accounts of how the stars guided explorers, and cultural activities linking astronomy and heritage. This product, more than a tourist experience, becomes a bridge between the past and the present, showing how local communities have used the sky as a resource for centuries.

On the other hand, the Internships and Knowledge Exchange product focuses on training and knowledge exchange, consolidating the foundations for sustainable and responsible tourism in the future. This programme creates opportunities for students, professionals and local entrepreneurs to work directly on real projects within tourism companies, gaining practical experience in the sector. It also fosters international collaboration by connecting participants from different outermost regions, allowing for the exchange of ideas and strategies adapted to local needs. The focus on sustainability and astro-tourism ensures that the knowledge acquired is aligned with current market trends and respect for the natural environment. In the long term, this product not only strengthens the competencies of participants, but also boosts the competitiveness of local businesses, preparing them to lead the tourism sector in their regions.

Regional and Global Impact: Beyond Traditional Tourism
The products developed not only offer unique experiences to visitors, but also generate a positive impact on local communities. Participating companies have highlighted how these initiatives have driven collaboration, innovation and sustainability in their operations. In addition, multi-destination products foster networked tourism, connecting the outermost regions and promoting their joint positioning in the global market.

The Future of TWINNEDbySTARS
As the project progresses, further stages of development and promotion of these tourism products are foreseen, with pilot tests, evaluations with real customers and internationalisation strategies. Work will also continue on strengthening local skills, ensuring that the outermost regions are prepared to lead in tourism that is both innovative and sustainable.

As ATHENA enters its final six months, we are excited to share the progress we have made in fostering the adoption of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) within research-performing and research-funding organisations in Widening countries.

To mark the culmination of this impactful journey, we are organising two pivotal events:

Policy Event: In collaboration with the European Parliament, on May 13, 2025, in Brussels.

ATHENA Final Conference: On May 14, 2025, also in Brussels.

These events will showcase two newly developed policy briefs that explore:

• The essential role of gender equality in driving research excellence and innovation across Europe.
• Tailored strategies to achieve gender balance in smaller, younger, and remote universities, addressing their specific challenges and opportunities.

The conference will highlight the transformative impact of gender equality on research and innovation, share key findings from the ATHENA project, and provide opportunities to foster collaboration and advocate for systemic change in academia.

Save the dates and join us in shaping a more inclusive academic future!

The ATHENA project has published its first policy brief, presenting practical recommendations aimed at advancing gender equality in research and innovation (R&I). These insights were developed under Deliverable 6.7: Policy Brief for Feedback to the European Commission – 1 (2023) and draw from ATHENA’s extensive experience and collaborations with sister projects such as SPEAR, CALIPER, GENDERACTION, and LeTSGEPs.

The recommendations are designed to support European and national policymakers, as well as Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs), in their efforts to foster more inclusive and equitable environments.

What do the recommendations cover?

1. Promoting Gender Equality in the European Research Area (ERA):
   Strengthening gender diversity in research teams, decision-making bodies, and evaluation panels is essential for creating a more balanced and innovative research landscape.
2. Strengthening Gender Equality in financing programmes:
   Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship funding programme, serves as a cornerstone for gender mainstreaming in R&I. The recommendations emphasise building on its momentum to enhance policies and ensure inclusivity in future frameworks.
3. Empowering RPOs and RFOs with tailored Gender Equality Plans (GEPs):
   Using tools like the ATHENA Toolkit, organisations are encouraged to design GEPs that go beyond compliance, focusing on systemic change through leadership commitment, targeted training, and robust monitoring.

Why Are These Recommendations Important?

Gender equality remains a keystone of innovation and competitiveness in Europe. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering diversity, research institutions and policymakers can unlock the full potential of all individuals, regardless of gender.

These recommendations also serve as a practical guide for organisations designing, implementing, and monitoring inclusive GEPs. They build on real-world examples and best practices that can be tailored to different institutional contexts.

Infographics for Key Recommendations

To make these recommendations more accessible, the ATHENA project has created three infographics, each focusing on one of the key areas. These visual tools are available for download below:

1- Policy Recommendations for Strengthening GENDER EQUALITY in the European Research Area & Member States

2- Policy Recommendations for Strengthening GENDER EQUALITY in European and National Financing Programmes

3- Policy Recommendations for Promoting GENDER EQUALITY in the Research Performing and Funding Organisations

 

BESTLIFE2030 Macaronesia Regional Hub is set to launch its Second Call for Proposals in early spring 2025. This initiative, aimed at fostering sustainable development in the region, invites public, private, and civil society entities to submit innovative projects addressing pressing environmental and social challenges.

Priority Areas for the Second Call:

• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate change impacts.
• Circular and Low-Carbon Economies: Initiatives promoting sustainable resource management and reducing carbon footprints.
• Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration: Efforts to protect and restore ecosystems and their biodiversity.
• Social Innovation for Resilient Communities: Projects fostering community-led solutions to social and environmental problems.

Building on the Success of the First Call:

The first call, which awarded €5.52 million in grants, supported projects in Macaronesia and other regions to address critical biodiversity challenges. In Macaronesia, €697,000 was allocated to projects focused on species conservation, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns.

How to Participate:

To be eligible, projects must demonstrate:

• Sustainability and Scalability: Long-term impact and potential for replication.
• Tangible Conservation Results: Measurable benefits for biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Complementarity: Building on existing initiatives or addressing gaps in current efforts.
• Collaboration: Partnerships between diverse stakeholders.

For more information and to access resources, visit https://bestlife2030.org/