FINAL CONFERENCE: “IDEAHL, EU Digital Health Literacy Strategy Project”

On March 6, 2024, the final conference of our Horizon Europe IDEAHL “EU Digital Health Literacy Strategy” project took place at the European Parliament in Brussels. At the conference, the outcomes of the project were discussed, emphasising the impact of digital education on the promotion of healthier and more active lifestyles among citizens across Europe.

Within the IDEAHL project, our team from Consulta Europa is the leader of Work Package 2 (WP2) on co-creation of solutions for the improvement of the digital health literacy (dHL) levels of EU citizens. Particularly, Consulta Europa led the development and implementation of a sound co-creation methodology for the organisation of project co-creation exercises across the 10 project countries. Over 1,400 citizens and professionals were engaged in IDEAHL co-creation across 19 different target groups and through the organisation of an overall 140 co-creation sessions.

Co-creation entailed a wide range of stakeholders, from policymakers to healthcare professionals and students, informal caregivers, social agents, and a variety of citizen groups, including, among others, young women, senior people, children, migrants, and prisoners.

The co-creation experience was target- and result-oriented to feed the development of the main expected outcome of the IDEAHL project, the EU dHL Strategy. This strategy offers detailed directions for enhancing digital health literacy for the entire population. It emphasises health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, self-management, and monitoring of the effects on quality of life, well-being, productivity, and the economy. It also addresses geographical, social, and economic factors that contribute to inequalities in digital health literacy.

The strategy is the result of a synergy between different organisations and experts who share a single goal: to provide individuals with the tools they need to access, understand, and effectively use health information from digital sources. The strategy focuses on several key areas, such as training and skills development, content and curriculum creation, evaluation and monitoring, policy and strategy development, access to and understanding of information, critical evaluation, and application. These elements form the foundation of digital health literacy and are essential to enabling individuals to become informed and aware users of digital health resources.

Within the Final Conference of the IDEAHL project, Consulta Europa had its own space, where our Managing Director Beatrice Avagnina coordinated an interesting panel on ‘WP2 Co-Creation Activities for the EU Strategy’. Moreover, our ethics expert, Dr. Carina Dantas, participated in another panel of the event, presenting the work implemented under Work Package 4, focusing on ethics, privacy, and social inclusion for dHL.

The conference was an engaging and stimulating occasion with outstanding speakers, a way to share the important results the project managed to achieve, and a way to network with like-minded individuals sharing ideas and exploring possibilities for collaboration and future exploitation of the outcomes.

The Power of Multi-Actor Projects in Horizon Europe

Embarking on a Journey of Collaboration, Innovation, and Real-world Impact

In the realm of Horizon Europe, the multi-actor approach (MAA) stands as a beacon of collaborative innovation, a methodology where diverse stakeholders unite to co-create solutions addressing the genuine needs and challenges faced by farmers, foresters, and rural communities. This paradigm shift towards a more demand-driven, reliable, and socially relevant Research and Innovation (R&I) process is evident in the Horizon-funded multi-actor projects, which are forging new paths in the interactive innovation model.

Understanding the Multi-Actor Approach

At its core, the multi-actor approach is an interactive innovation model that brings together actors with complementary backgrounds and expertise. This holistic engagement involves researchers, farmers, foresters, advisors, businesses, consumer associations, and more, creating a dynamic collaboration that spans the entire project lifecycle. The approach is deeply embedded in the fabric of Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6 Work Programme, exemplifying a form of responsible R&I that resonates with society’s needs.

The Interactive Innovation Model in Action

The interactive innovation model is not a theoretical construct but a living, breathing entity manifesting in various Horizon-funded initiatives, including thematic projects, advisory networks, living labs, and CAP-funded Operational Groups (OG). These projects are not merely research endeavours; they are co-creative processes that emphasise tacit knowledge, real-world needs, and the active participation of practitioners.

Building Blocks for Success: Key Actors in Multi-Actor Projects

In a multi-actor project, success hinges on the genuine and sufficient involvement of a diverse array of stakeholders, each playing a crucial role. These actors include researchers, farmers, foresters, advisors, businesses, and even local communities and citizens. The goal is not merely to disseminate results but to ensure a co-creation process where practical and local knowledge converge with entrepreneurial skills to develop solutions. This collaborative effort accelerates the acceptance and uptake of new ideas, approaches, and solutions.

Evolution under Horizon Europe

Under Horizon Europe, the multi-actor approach has undergone reinforcement, with revised and simplified definitions and requirements. It has also expanded its scope to cover all sectors under Cluster 6, including agriculture, forestry, rural areas, food, bioeconomy, environment, fisheries, and aquaculture. In the two consecutive Cluster 6 work programmes, 44% of the topics required multi-actor engagement, showcasing a commitment to this collaborative model.

Crucial Requirements for Multi-Actor Project Proposals

Detailed requirements for multi-actor project proposals are outlined in the Horizon Europe work programme. Proposals must meticulously demonstrate their alignment with the needs of end-users, the balanced composition of relevant key actors, the use of existing practices and tacit knowledge, and the facilitation of the multi-actor engagement process. The emphasis is placed on generating practical and ready-to-use knowledge that can be easily understood and freely accessed.

EU-Wide Communication through Practice Abstracts

To ensure widespread communication, areas related to the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) specific objectives must be summarised in ‘practice abstracts.’ These abstracts, following the EIP-AGRI format, act as conduits for sharing knowledge on agriculture, forestry, and rural development across the EU.

Multi-actor projects in Horizon Europe are not just projects; they are collaborative journeys that bridge the gap between research and practice, creating tangible solutions for the challenges faced by our agricultural and rural communities. The era of interactive innovation has dawned, and with it comes a promise of a more responsive, practical, and impactful future for European research and innovation.

Join the TWINNEDbySTARS Project

We would like to call on all enthusiasts, explorers and companies to join our TWINNEDbySTARS project, an initiative that aims to transform maritime tourism in the Outermost Regions (ORs). Driven by the desire to conserve marine biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage and develop marine astro-tourism, this project has the potential to turn these areas into sustainable and captivating tourist destinations.

Vision for the Outermost Regions: A Sustainable Haven

Inspired by the legacy of ancient navigators, TWINNEDbySTARS envisions the Outermost Regions as a beacon for sustainable tourism. The plan focuses on developing a distinctive tourism destination with shared attractions focused on biodiversity, cultural history and astro-tourism. We focus on creating regional and trans-regional ecotourism products and packages that highlight the unique charm of the ORs.

Benefits of Participating: Shaping the Future of Tourism

Participating in this visionary project offers a multitude of benefits, including:

  • Open Innovation Spaces in the Future: Participate in cutting-edge discussions and innovation forums.
  • Free Employee Training Sessions: Access free, customised training sessions to enhance your team’s capabilities.
    Access to Innovation Hubs: Be part of the innovation hub and take advantage of its services, designed especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Collaboration Opportunities: Collaborate with companies in the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores and Martinique to develop and launch innovative ecotourism and astrotourism experiences in the marine environment.
  • Advisory Board Membership: Join the advisory board to contribute to the identification and implementation of best practices and business concepts for protecting the ocean and improving tourism competitiveness.

Building a Sustainable Tourism Community

By participating, you will play a key role in creating a community of like-minded individuals and businesses. This community will be kept informed about the activities and results of the project, forming the backbone of a collaborative effort to shape the future of marine tourism and astro-tourism in the Outermost Regions.

Your participation is key to creating a sustainable and exciting future for tourism in the ORs. We invite you to subscribe to our form and become part of our project network.

You will have the opportunity to receive newsletters and to be contacted to participate in upcoming activities and events.

Join TWINNEDbySTARS on this celestial journey towards a sustainable and exciting future for OER!

To get involved, click here

 

EU Funding: Six Essential Insights from the European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Applying for European Union (EU) funding can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it becomes a rewarding journey. The European Research Executive Agency (REA) offers valuable insights to ensure applicants are well-prepared at every step. Here are six crucial things to know before diving into the world of EU funding:

1. Who Can Apply?

EU funding is designed for collaborative efforts, requiring a team of at least three partner organisations from different EU or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. One of these partners must hail from an EU country. The list of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe serves as a handy reference to confirm partner eligibility. Depending on the specific call, applicants should include diverse stakeholders such as universities, SMEs, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. Some calls even necessitate a multi-actor approach, emphasising the involvement of various stakeholders.

Find out more about who should apply on the REA website.

2. Join the Info Days

Participating in Horizon Europe Info Days is a golden opportunity to delve into the topics earmarked for funding. These events, coupled with Brokerage Events, offer a chance to network and form or join a consortium for EU funding applications. REA organises Info Days covering specific Horizon Europe topics, and attendance or viewing of recordings is highly encouraged.

Stay updated on upcoming Info Days through the REA events calendar and register to attend or watch recordings.

3. Discover the DOs and DON’Ts

Crafting a successful project proposal demands meticulous planning, accurate budgeting, and seamless collaboration. REA provides a comprehensive list of Dos and Don’ts to guide applicants in preparing a high-quality proposal. Avoiding common mistakes is essential for a smooth application process.

Check out the Dos and Don’ts on the REA website.

4. Follow Open Science Principles

Open Science is a cornerstone of research under Horizon Europe, emphasising the early and wide dissemination of knowledge, results, and tools. Compliance with open access and open data principles is mandatory. EU-funded project data must adhere to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable).

Read the Q&A page on Open Science for guidance on complying with open access, open data, and Intellectual Property Rights.

5. Support Gender Equality

Gender Equality is not just a consideration but a ranking criterion in Horizon Europe. Gender Equality Plans are mandatory for higher education establishments, research organisations, and public bodies applying for the program. Integrating gender aspects is now a requirement in all research and innovation projects unless explicitly specified otherwise.

Access the information package and Q&A series on gender equality to align with Horizon Europe funding principles.

6. Plan the 3 Essentials: Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation

Visibility is key to the success of EU-funded projects. Communication activities inform and promote project activities and results, while dissemination and exploitation activities make knowledge publicly available and facilitate concrete utilisation of results. Compliance with these activities is a legal obligation under the grant agreement.

Plan your Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation activities in line with your grant agreement obligations.

For those seeking more information, stay updated on upcoming funding opportunities, timelines, specific advice, news, and events in the Research and Innovation world by visiting the REA website. The path to EU funding becomes more manageable with the guidance provided by the European Research Executive Agency, or just simply contact us, and we will guide you all the way through the process.

Empowering Youth in EU Outermost Regions: YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS Launches Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Development

In a bid to address the unique challenges faced by the approximately five million European Union citizens residing in the outermost regions, YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS has embarked on a mission to empower the youth in these distant areas. Spanning the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Caribbean Sea, and South America, these regions are integral to the EU but grapple with issues such as remoteness, insularity, small size, challenging topography, and susceptibility to extreme weather events.

To address these challenges, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive strategy in May 2022 titled “Putting People First, Securing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, Unlocking the Potential of the EU’s Outermost Regions.” The strategy aims to enhance the quality of life in these regions while promoting sustainable recovery and growth.

As part of this broader initiative, the YOUTH4ORs project has been developed, aligning with the European Year of Youth (2022). The European Year of Youth underscored the significance of engaging and supporting young people to become active and informed citizens.

The YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS project is co-funded by the European Union and carried out by SERN. SERN is a European network of regional stakeholders working to foster a culture of social and economic innovation. YOUTH4ORs focuses on providing financial support for youth-led initiatives within the outermost regions through the launch of two calls for action. The project encourages young individuals or teams, as well as organisations working with young people, to propose actions aimed at enhancing their local communities or regions. This encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, allowing for a diverse range of proposals that address the specific needs and aspirations of these regions.

Young changemakers are invited to apply for financial support to bring their ideas to life and contribute to the overall development and well-being of their communities. To learn more about the initiative and to submit proposals, interested individuals and organisations can visit YOUTH4ORs’ official website.

YOUTH 4 OUTERMOST REGIONS is poised to play a crucial role in fostering positive change, empowering the youth, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development in the outermost regions of the European Union.

Successful Launch of the Rural Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to EU Funding for Rural Development in the European Union

In a stride towards fostering rural development, the European Union has successfully launched the Rural Toolkit today, February 6, 2024. This comprehensive guide serves as an invaluable resource for local authorities, institutions, stakeholders, businesses, and individuals, providing crucial information on EU funding and support opportunities tailored specifically for rural areas within the European Union.

Key Features of the Rural Toolkit:

The Rural Toolkit boasts a funding finder, a user-friendly platform that allows users to explore various financing opportunities. Additionally, the resources section includes detailed guides on EU funding opportunities available from 2021 to 2027, focusing on sectors such as broadband, culture, education, energy, environment, and tourism.

The toolkit aims to guide rural communities in implementing integrated strategies and projects, such as Community-led local development (CLLDs) and Integrated territorial investments (ITIs). By doing so, it facilitates the design and execution of initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by rural areas.

How the Rural Toolkit is Helpful:

The toolkit acts as a unique entry point for all existing initiatives, offering comprehensive information on available resources and explaining their relevance to rural areas. Practical examples featured on the platform encourage knowledge sharing and peer learning among rural communities. The “Get Inspired” section provides insights into successful initiatives implemented in rural areas across the EU, illustrating effective combinations of EU funds to maximise impact and address specific local needs.

Equipped with handbooks and guidance on EU funding opportunities, the toolkit empowers users and applicants with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the distinctive challenges faced by rural areas. It encourages an effective, integrated, and place-based approach to rural development.

Funding Opportunities Categorised:

The toolkit serves as a gateway to various EU Funding and Financing initiatives, categorised into three main groups:

  1. EU initiatives – direct application
  2. EU initiatives – application via national or regional authorities
  3. Financial Instruments

Why a Funding Guide for Rural Areas:

Although not explicitly designed for rural development, many EU funding programmes and initiatives play a crucial role in revitalising and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. However, identifying the right source of funding and understanding how to make the best use of it can be challenging.

The Rural Toolkit aims to streamline this process, serving as a guide for local institutions, businesses, associations, and individuals in rural areas. By navigating the diverse EU funding and support options, the toolkit empowers stakeholders to take full advantage of the available resources.

The Rural Toolkit aligns with the European Commission’s long-term vision for stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous rural areas in the EU. It exemplifies how initiatives and practices supported by EU funding schemes and policies can contribute to the revitalization of rural communities and territories.

Explore the digital toolkit here: https://funding.rural-vision.europa.eu/?lng=en

ATHENAs’ 4th newsletter is ONLINE!

We are glad to announce that the 4th newsletter of the ATHENAs’ project is now online.

Read the newsletter here 👉 https://www.athenaequality.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ATHENA-Newsletter_issue_04_v3.pdf

ATHENA is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, focused on Gender Equality.

The newsletter summarises the activities implemented during the past months, such as the Webinar on “Synergies among R&I organisations and policy makers for gender equality”, Athena’s participation in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Athena’s Consortium meeting and the 3rd Mutual Learning Workshop in Ponta Delgada, Azores, an article on empowering Gender Equality Good Practices in European Research Institution, few interesting documents published on Gender Equality and the list of Future events on Gender Equality.

Discover, engage, and be part of the gender equality movement!

ATHENA project – implementing gender equality plans to unlock research potential of RPOs and RFOs in Europe

In the framework of the ATHENA project, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the 3rd Mutual Learning Workshop was held in the Azores (Portugal) on the 16th of January. Athenas’ project involves 6 Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and 2 Research Funding Organisations (RFOs), in the development and implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) to generate systemic institutional changes.

During the event the project partners have met to share their experience with the implementation of the Gender Equality Plan so far and with the collection of monitoring data.

The event was opened by Dr. Michelle Perello, project coordinator at Consulta Europa, who emphasised how the ATHENA project made a difference in the adoption of the Gender Equality Plan and who underlined the positive relationship between gender equality and the research and innovation performance of research organisations and countries.

This was followed by speeches from the other project partners, who showed their satisfaction with the results achieved through ATHENA and presented the main lessons learnt, emphasising the importance of respecting the GEP as an essential tool to correct gender gaps at university.

After the individual presentations, a discussion between the partners was then initiated, focusing on the sustainability of the plans and the replicability of the measures included in the plans.

It was remarked how some gender mechanisms in academia meritocracy are still “invisible” and how the trainings and focus groups implemented during the project were helpful to highlight those dynamics.

The discussion was very fruitful and was not limited to the gender gap: it also touched upon the concept of intersectionality, which is essential to understand how different forms of oppression can interact and add up, leading to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. All partners acknowledge that hardly any measures have been devoted to this aspect in their current GEPs: the next important step is to consider intersectionality in future GEPs, for further inclusiveness and equity.

Erasmus+ Project CARE4YOUTH Begins: Transforming Lives through Inclusion and Outdoor Sports

The CARE4YOUTH Project, co-financed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, aims to enhance the lives of young people at risk of social exclusion.

CARE4YOUTH, an acronym for “inclusion for youth through non-formal education, leisure, and outdoor sports,” has embarked on a promising journey towards a better future for a group of young people facing the risk of social exclusion, such as those from low-income backgrounds, disadvantaged ethnic or racial backgrounds, or those who have prematurely left the education system. On September 25, 2023, the first international meeting took place, gathering enthusiastic representatives from various participating organisations in this significant initiative from Spain, Serbia, and Italy.

The CARE4YOUTH Project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, aims to improve the lives of these young people. On the one hand, it provides outdoor sports and leisure activities to enhance their health and emotional well-being. On the other hand, it focuses on improving their employability and skills through non-formal education, all aimed at fostering active citizenship and social inclusion. At the same time, CARE4YOUTH represents a unique collaboration between various organisations committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society.

The consortium is composed of four institutions:

  1. Coordinator: Escafandra Diving Club (Spain), a non-profit sports entity in the Canary Islands that engages in sea-related leisure activities, such as diving experiences, aiming to promote social inclusion through sports and contact with nature.
  2. PRISM Impresa Sociale S.R.L. (Italy) is a non-profit social enterprise based in Palermo with the mission of creating equal opportunities.
  3. JUMP (SKOK UDRUZENJE) (Serbia) is a youth association in Prijepolje supporting the development of vital skills for young people through community building.
  4. Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation (Spain) is a SME located in the Canary Islands, specialising in research, innovation, and education projects and promoting European solutions for local issues.

The first meeting commenced with partner introductions, fostering a sense of collaboration and unity among the diverse organizations. Following this, the project overview was presented, outlining CARE4YOUTH’s objectives. Participants emphasised the project’s essential components, concluding the meeting with a roadmap for the upcoming implementation steps.

CARE4YOUTH’s main objectives include a holistic approach to help these young people strengthen their self-esteem and emotional well-being. This involves building positive social relationships through various outdoor sports and leisure activities (including scuba diving, volleyball, and hiking). The project also aims to enhance the youths’ skills by providing opportunities for non-formal education and imparting crucial digital and entrepreneurial competencies for their future.

In the coming months, each participating organisation will conduct an analysis of local needs, existing tools, and approaches to support social inclusion. This will serve as the foundation for creating workshop and activity methodologies. Simultaneously, key stakeholders, including young people and social workers, will be identified to participate in this phase of the project. Furthermore, a workshop at PRISM’s headquarters in Palermo, Italy, next year promises to expand the project’s impact during the co-creation process of the applicable methodology.

Erasmus Success Story Shared by Beatrice Avagnina at the EEN Annual Conference 2023

In a captivating address at the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Annual Conference 2023 held in Bilbao, Spain, Beatrice Avagnina, Managing Director at Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation (CE), shared her inspiring journey of post-Erasmus success. The conference, which took place on November 17, 2023, served as a prominent platform for industry leaders to discuss and emphasise the crucial role of European programmes in fostering cross-border collaboration.

Beatrice Avagnina’s insightful address shed light on the transformative power of European programmes, particularly her discovery through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme. She underscored the pivotal role played by EEN in expanding cross-border networks and creating invaluable business and funding opportunities.

During her presentation, Avagnina emphasised the critical need for promoting closer synergies between EYE and EEN, citing their highly complementary scopes and activities. Her address aimed to inspire stakeholders to foster collaboration between these programmes to maximise their collective impact on empowering entrepreneurs and businesses.

Avagnina’s success story serves as a testament to the tangible benefits that arise when European programmes are strategically interconnected. Her journey, from the Erasmus programme to the Enterprise Europe Network, exemplifies the potential for sustained and impactful growth when these connections are nurtured.

Since integrating with EEN, CE has experienced a multitude of advantages, including:

  1. Networking and Business Contacts: EEN facilitated partner searches, enabling CE to establish and implement EU or regional projects.
  2. Dissemination of Project Activities: EEN played a pivotal role in disseminating CE’s project activities and key results, enhancing visibility and impact on a broader scale.
  3. Search for Funding Calls and Opportunities: EEN proved instrumental in assisting CE in identifying new funding calls and opportunities, contributing to their financial sustainability and growth.

Beatrice Avagnina’s address at the EEN Annual Conference 2023 serves as a rallying call for continued collaboration, urging stakeholders to recognise the interconnected nature of European programmes and leverage them collectively for the benefit of entrepreneurs and innovators. Her story resonates as an inspiring example of the positive outcomes that can arise from strategic engagement with European initiatives.

Unlocking Rural Potential: Highlights from the High-Level Policy Forum by the Rural Pact

At the recent High-Level Rural Policy Forum convened in Sigüenza, Spain, the Rural Pact Community highlighted the critical need to streamline access to financial opportunities for local actors and communities. This strategic imperative seeks to empower these entities to realise their projects and aspirations, fostering a more unified and comprehensive development of rural territories with a strong emphasis on inclusivity.

A noteworthy initiative in this direction is the Rural Toolkit for EU funding, a collaborative endeavour between DG REGIO and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, operating under the Rural Action Plan. This tool, currently under development, is poised to play a pivotal role in assisting rural actors in effectively accessing and utilising EU funds. Crafted to offer practical guidance, tools, and best practices, its goal is to elevate the territorial development of rural areas in alignment with the objectives outlined in the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas.

The High-Level Rural Policy Forum, attended by over 200 participants representing all EU Member States, served as a dynamic platform to advance the political agenda for the future of rural areas. The event united European and national high-level political representatives, including European Commissioners, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Secretaries of State, and senior managers responsible for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion Policy (CP).

The Forum fostered a structured dialogue to explore how EU policies and funds can be optimally deployed to realise the Rural Vision, aligning with the policy priorities of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU. Additionally, it sought to enhance the design of rural policies and encourage active participation within the framework of the Rural Pact. The discussions delved into improving multi-level governance frameworks, participatory structures, and avenues to amplify the voices of rural actors and stakeholders. The overarching goal was to identify pathways through which the Rural Pact can bring added value to rural development.

To delve into the nuanced insights and key messages from this significant event, a comprehensive report has been compiled. This report aims to contribute valuable perspectives to the conclusions of the Council of the EU on the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. For those eager to gain an in-depth understanding of the discussions and outcomes, the full report is available for download. It serves as an informative resource for stakeholders, policymakers, and anyone invested in the sustainable development of rural territories.

Call for Proposals Open for Conservation Actions in the EU Overseas

The European Union’s initiative, BESTLIFE2030, has officially opened its doors to environmental champions and conservation enthusiasts in the EU Overseas. Consulta Europa, as the Regional Focal Point for Macaronesia, is leading the way in this programme, which aims to fund over 220 conservation projects over the next eight years, spanning six regions, including the breathtaking Macaronesia, encompassing the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira.

In the wake of the remarkable conservation successes accomplished by the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas (BEST), BESTLIFE2030 is thrilled to announce the launch of its first call for proposals on October 31, 2023. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve our planet’s natural heritage.

Why is this call significant?

Overseas entities, especially within the European Union, serve as the vanguard in safeguarding Europe’s biodiversity. The Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) house a staggering 80% of Europe’s biodiversity. As our planet’s biodiversity becomes more diverse and abundant, it also becomes more precious. Unfortunately, these overseas territories find themselves on the front lines of the ongoing climate crisis, facing unique challenges that require urgent attention and action.

The BEST initiative, which had humble beginnings in 2010 with a modest budget of EUR 2 million, has evolved into an integral part of the European Union’s Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). With BESTLIFE2030, the programme will disburse over 200 grants across the ORs and OCTs, boasting a substantial budget of EUR 23.2 million until 2030.

About the Programme

BEST has made significant strides since its inception, focusing on knowledge acquisition, promotion, and preservation of biodiversity within overseas entities. Local communities and grassroots organisations are the unsung heroes of this endeavour, and their contributions have earned unequivocal recognition and support from European Union representatives at the launch of BESTLIFE2030 in June 2023.

However, these local actors require more than just financial support. The recent Knowledge Sharing Journey, organised to reflect on the grant-making experience, revealed that project implementers also need networking opportunities, collaboration, lesson sharing, and communication support, all of which are core components of BESTLIFE2030.

The time has come to expedite the exchange of solutions and best practices, with a particular focus on fostering cooperation and integrating the ORs and OCTs into the broader conservation narrative.

If you aspire to join this crucial endeavour and become a prospective applicant for BESTLIFE2030, guidelines and application forms are accessible on the BESTLIFE2030 website here:  https://bestlife2030.org/for-applicants/

Guidelines are now accessible here.

Join the Information Webinar for Macaronesian regions

In addition to the call for proposals, we invite you to participate in an Information Webinar designed for potential applicants from the Macaronesia region. This webinar will be held on November 14at 11h00 am GMT and you can register through this formhttps://forms.gle/Q7YWAhDR4t1WUdwa6

If you aspire to be part of this crucial conservation effort and become a prospective applicant for BESTLIFE2030, we encourage you to read the detailed article linked here.
To ensure that your project complements previous BEST-funded initiatives and avoids duplication of activities, please visit the relevant sections of the LIFE4BEST and BEST2.0+ websites.
Your expertise and dedication to conservation can significantly contribute to the success of BESTLIFE2030. We look forward to meet you in the webinar and to hear about your potential involvement in this important conservation initiative.

Interested in submitting a project proposal? Contact bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com for more information and to get involved in preserving the incredible biodiversity of the EU Overseas.

Launch of the TWINNEDbySTARS Project: Transforming Europe’s Outermost Regions into International Maritime Ecotourism Destinations

The island of Gran Canaria has been the chosen venue for the launch of the European project TWINNEDbySTARS, an innovative initiative that seeks to transform the Outermost Regions of Europe into internationally recognised marine ecotourism destinations. This project aims to harness the benefits of tourism for marine biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

The project launch event took place on Wednesday 25 October at the Science and Technology Park of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Subsequently, a public presentation was held on Thursday 26 October at the facilities of the Canarian Lateen Sailing Federation (Federación Canaria de Vela Latina).

The TWINNEDbySTARS project is led from the Canary Islands by the ULPGC and has the collaboration of strategic partners from France (Martinique), Belgium, Portugal (Madeira and Azores), and Spain. Among the consortium members is also Consulta Europa Projects and Innovation, which will play a key role in the development and implementation of the various actions of the project.

Inspired by the success of previous initiatives in the Macaronesia region, the project seeks to build on achievements in the design and refinement of maritime ecotourism products and activities. These have involved small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located on various islands, implementing practices such as on-board marine environmental education, sailing, responsible wildlife watching and stargazing. These actions have resulted in highly satisfactory tourism experiences and more responsible behaviour on the part of SMEs and tourists.

TWINNEDbySTARS aims to expand these successes to other European Outermost Regions, promoting green and digital innovation within these communities. It also aims to strengthen existing partnerships, build capacity and foster opportunities for co-creation.

The objectives of the project include improving the competitiveness of the maritime tourism sector in the Outermost Regions, contributing to the protection of marine biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage and developing marine astro-tourism. The latter aims to celebrate ancient mariners and to position these remote territories as sustainable destinations.

To achieve these objectives, the project will focus on strengthening the sustainability of an already established collaborative network of tourism stakeholders in the four Atlantic Outermost Regions. An analysis of the existing cooperation networks in maritime and coastal tourism within these regions will be carried out, mapping the actors of the quadruple helix.

In the second phase of the project, a training programme will be designed to sensitise and equip tourism businesses and other stakeholders with tools to accelerate the digital and ecological transitions. In addition, opportunities for open and social innovation will be identified with actors from other Outermost Regions.

The consortium will conclude its efforts by analysing available coastal and maritime tourism products and development sites in the four Outermost Regions. This information will be used to design and implement tourism product co-creation workshops, which will be tested with real customers.

The TWINNEDbySTARS project has received significant support, with 85% co-financing of almost 1 million euros from the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment, through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

For more information on the TWINNEDbySTARS project, please visit our website at www.twinnedbystars.eu and follow us on our social media to keep up to date with all the latest news. Join us on this exciting journey towards more sustainable and responsible tourism!

IDEAHL first pilot action in Spain

We are glad to announce that the first activity of the Spanish pilots foreseen within the IDEAHL project will begin on 30th October 2023.

In the framework of this pilot, a dedicated capacity building action – titled ‘Actívate Por tu Salud On-line’ (Take action for your health online) – will be offered by the IDEAHL Coordinator – the Asturias’ Regional Ministry of Health to carers and people suffering from a chronic illness or at risk of suffering from it, although those who wish to acquire self-care tools can also benefit from it.

This training action is based on a self-care education programme so that people suffering from a chronic illness or people responsible for their care, or in general, anyone interested in healthy lifestyle habits, can acquire tools to improve their health and lifestyles habits.

The programme will be held entirely online, without timetables, with connection availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information, you can watch the following videos that will inform about the usefulness of the activity and the experience of some of the people who participated in previous similar editions:

The start date of the training activity is 30th October 2023, and the total duration will be 6 weeks.

ATHENA WEBINAR “Synergies among R&I organisations and policy makers for gender equality”

SAVE THE DATE! ATHENA is promoting a new webinar to facilitate exchange between policymakers and R&I organisations on gender equality! The upcoming webinar aims to understand how the implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEP) in research organisations can further support the achievement of gender equality in R&I ecosystems and how policy instruments and initiatives can support the deployment of GEP in research organisations. The event will focus on introducing ATHENA’s partners’ GEPs and its first results, followed by a roundtable of National and Regional policymakers presenting existing initiatives and good practices that are promoting gender equality in R&I in their territories.

  • Kika Fumero. Policy Advisor on equality, Gender-based Violence and Human Rights. Gender Consultant. Former Director of the Canarian Institute for Equality.
  • Silvia Rueda Pascual. Director of the Women and Science Unit. Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain.
  • Ivana Radonova. Member of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of EU team at the Ministry of Education and Science.
  • Sandra Garcia. Regional Directress for the Promotion of Equality and Social Inclusion of the Azores Government.
  • Tomaž Boh. Acting Director-General of the Science Directorate of Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

Policymakers will be joined by ATHENA representatives and sisters’ projects, MINDtheGEPs and LeTSGEPs, to identify and discuss shortcomings and opportunities and cooperation between R&I organisations and policymakers in the launch and implementation of gender equality initiatives. No registration is needed! On the 27th of October, at 14:00 CEST, just tune in to the YouTube broadcast:

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