Yesterday, 17th October, the Care4Youth Canary Islands team met to celebrate the Erasmus Days with a dissemination activity that brought together social workers from the associations Fundación Main, Opción 3 and Mojo de Caña. The meeting, held at the Escafandra Diving Club in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was a space for discussion and planning, focused on the organisation of the next sports and training activities that will mark the next chapter of the project.

During the day, the representatives of the associations shared their ideas and strategies to ensure that the programmed activities respond to the needs of the young people, who will actively participate in the process thanks to the collaboration of these entities. Care4Youth will benefit from the joint work with Fundación Main, Opción 3 and Mojo de Caña, which will play a key role in acting as intermediaries between the project and the young people who will be part of the next phases of the project.

This meeting was an opportunity to highlight the progress made to date and to give visibility to the actions to come, consolidating a support network that, through sport and training, will foster the social inclusion of young people in vulnerable situations.

The planned activities will not only provide personal and professional development opportunities for participants, but will also reinforce the Care4Youth project’s commitment to social integration and youth well-being.

@YOUNGSDG is a recently funded Erasmus+ project, coordinated by Consulta Europa. The project has just started, in cooperation with other two organisations from Turkey and Germany. The consortium gathered together online on 14^th October 2024 for the first project meeting in order to kick off the planning and execution of activities and create good teamwork.

@YOUNGSDG is committed to turning young people aged 17-25 into active, responsible, and informed global citizens while informing and training them about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The key specific objectives of the project are:

• To promote and teach young people about SDGs through innovative materials, resources, and action plans;
• To develop a sense of citizenship and interconnectedness by encouraging young people to see themselves as responsible and engaged global citizens;
• To promote collaboration and partnerships between project partners, young people, local youth and education organisations, and other stakeholders to work together on sustainable solutions.

To achieve these goals, the 3 partners – Consulta Europa, BILGEMDER, YouthX – will implement many activities. The main ones relate to the creation of an SDG Youth Methodology and a Training Guide, containing engaging materials, interactive content, and practical action plans.

These actions will serve to continue achieving new results even in the future. The project will last 24 months, from September 2024 to August 2026, for a total grant of € 60.000.

On 29 October 2024, the ULPGC will host the Workshop on Diversity and Gender Equality, an event organised by the Vice-rectorate for Research and Transfer, in collaboration with the Vice-rectorate for Social Projection and Communication and Consulta Europa. This workshop, which will take place in the Aula de Piedra of the Rectorate of the ULPGC from 09:45 hours, is part of the European projects ATHENA and EXPER, funded by the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe (2021-2027) programmes of the European Union.

This event will be attended by leading experts in the fields of Social Policy, Accessibility, Equality and Diversity, and LGTBI Inclusion, who will discuss the challenges and advances in gender equality and diversity both in the academic environment and in society in general. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster a more inclusive and equitable university community.

Why attend?
– Listen to the experts: Learn from professionals in Equality, Diversity and LGTBI Inclusion in Gran Canaria.
– Connect: Interact with people committed to advancing gender equality.
– Be part of the change: Contribute to the dialogue to build a more inclusive and just future.

The promotion of gender equality and diversity are key priorities for our university and society. This workshop offers an opportunity to deepen the topic and contribute to a more respectful environment for all people.

Click here to check the agenda or register here

Michelle Perello, CEO of Consulta Europa, was a key speaker at the Blue Up event, where she presented the AquaWind project, an innovative initiative that fuses offshore wind energy with sustainable aquaculture. This project, co-funded by the European Commission, seeks to generate a positive impact on the maritime sector, promoting an efficient and responsible use of ocean resources.

During his presentation, Perello underlined the role of AquaWind as an example of the solutions that the Canary Islands can offer in the transition towards a sustainable blue economy, thus opening up new opportunities in the maritime and energy sectors at both regional and European levels.

Blue Up, the reference competition in Blue Economy, has been the perfect space to connect AquaWind with the new generations of young innovators. Blue Up participants will have the opportunity to propose creative solutions to current challenges in the marine environment in a competition format that includes events on three islands. In addition to receiving specialised training and working in multidisciplinary teams, the young people will be able to access free online courses on the Blue Economy.

The Science and Technology Park of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (FCPCT-ULPGC) hosted the second edition of the “Training in European Project Development and Management” course from September 17th to 19th, 2024. This course, organised by the European Projects Office (OPE) of the FCPCT and financed by the LidERA OPE-ULPGC project, provided the participants with essential skills to successfully manage European projects.

Michelle Perello, CEO of Consulta Europa, led the training sessions in both days. On September 17th, focussing on critical aspects of European funding programs, such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and LIFE. Participants also delved into the intricacies of project proposal development, including consortium creation, proposal draughting, and budget planning.

On September 19th, participants had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a practical workshop. They worked on identifying funding opportunities, draughting objectives, and forming consortia, concluding the day with a joint evaluation of the projects developed.

The course provided an excellent opportunity for the ULPGC research community to enhance their competencies in European project management. The FCPCT is committed to continuing to provide essential tools to boost participation in European projects from the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, Consulta Europa, a key player in European project management in the region, expressed its gratitude for the platform to share knowledge with interested participants.

Consulta Europa, as a partner of the TWINNEDbySTARS project, is pleased to invite small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the maritime tourism sector in the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores and Martinique to participate in our upcoming co-creation workshops. These workshops are designed to foster innovation, sustainable development and collaboration in the field of maritime tourism.

Dates and Locations of the Co-Creation Workshops:

– Canary Islands: 23 and 24 September

– Madeira: 21 and 25 October

– Martinique: 13 and 14 November

– Azores: 28 November

This event is specifically aimed at SMEs in the maritime tourism sector, with the objective of generating innovative solutions that strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness and efficiency of the sector. During the workshops, participants will have the opportunity to co-create new business models, explore strategic partnerships and receive support to transform their ideas into successful products and services.

Objective of the TWINNEDbySTARS Project:

One of the main objectives of TWINNEDbySTARS is to accompany the best ideas from conception to market entry. However, the co-creation workshops will offer much more: access to international collaboration networks and specialised innovation support for the maritime tourism sector.

Why Participate?

The co-creation workshops provide a unique platform for SMEs in the sector to share ideas, collaborate on projects and develop innovative strategies. Participants will not only receive guidance in bringing their ideas to market, but can also benefit from networking opportunities and synergies with other companies and industry players internationally.

Registration and Additional Information:

SMEs interested in participating can register via the registration form below.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to boost the future of maritime tourism and we look forward to seeing you in the Canary Islands, Madeira, Martinique and the Azores!

The EXPER (Excellent Peripheries for a Strong European Research Area) Summer School, held from July 17 to 19 at the NEXO Building of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), concluded with great success, leaving a significant impact on attendees and the research community.

Over three intensive days, more than 90 participants, including researchers, academics, and representatives from companies and institutions, immersed themselves in a programme designed to enhance the drafting of successful projects and promote excellent research and disruptive innovation. The initiative, part of the EXPER project, aimed to equip attendees with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage funding opportunities offered by Horizon Europe (HE), the European Research Council (ERC), and the European Innovation Council (EIC).

The inaugural day began with a welcome reception and institutional presentation by Sebastián López, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer at ULPGC. The morning session included a detailed presentation of the EXPER project’s Working Groups’ action plans on social challenges, followed by talks on EU missions related to climate change adaptation and the restoration of oceans and water bodies.

Consulta Europa was one of the main contributors on the first day, organising a training session on European project writing and its impact. Led by Beatrice Avagnina, Managing Director at Consulta Europa, the activities included a practical workshop with 60 participants and the analysis of two ongoing European project calls. Seven groups were formed, and, with the support of facilitators from the EXPER member organisations, participants had the opportunity to practically configure a project proposal. They learned how to form a consortium and identify relevant stakeholders for the specific type of call, addressing the call with specific objectives and work packages to enhance the project’s research goals.

The second day focused on the European Research Council (ERC), starting with an introduction to the ERC programme and its evaluation process, led by David Alcántara Parra from SACSIS. The training included practical workshops for preparing research proposals and an inspiring session with Jonathan Alberto Santana Cabrera, who presented a success story from ULPGC.

Ignacio Gárate Alarcón concluded the day with a keynote on Open Science and Research Evaluation in the Spanish context, addressing crucial topics such as the Science Law and the National Open Science Strategy.

The final day was dedicated to the European Innovation Council (EIC) and its Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator programs. Isabel Vinagre from SILO Science & Innovation Link provided key insights for accessing these EIC funding programmes, followed by an inspiring presentation by Roberto Pangallo, Project Manager at Wooptix, on the success of this start-up in securing significant funding via the EIC Accelerator.

The day ended with a session on the Widening Programme, presented by Anselmo Sosa, National Contact Point of the EU in the Canary Islands for this programme, highlighting opportunities to harmonise research and innovation capacities across Europe.

The EXPER Summer School not only provided valuable learning and networking opportunities but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and project proposals. Participants received certificates of participation, and those with promising project proposals will receive continuous support until March 2025.

Gran Canaria, Spain. On June 4 and 11, Consulta Europa successfully conducted two training sessions as part of the course “Training in the Development and Management of European Projects.” Organised by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) in collaboration with the European Projects Office of the Canary Islands Foundation for Science and Technology Park of ULPGC (FCPCT), 2024, by our CEO, Michelle Perello.

The 12-hour course covered both theoretical and practical topics, providing comprehensive insights into various European funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, LIFE, Citizens, Equality, the Rights and Values Programme, the Creative Programme, and Interreg.

Key areas of focus included:

• Methodology for project development and management
• Criteria and processes for project evaluation
• Strategies to enhance participation
• Project objectives
• Work plan structure
• Consortium description
• Budget structure

Participants also engaged in a proposal development laboratory, where they learned how to search for calls, identify and analyse annex documents, draft objectives and competence maps, structure work plans, tasks, deliverables, and milestones, and conduct joint project evaluations.

The course aimed to expand the knowledge and skills of ULPGC’s research community, enabling them to participate in and lead European-funded research projects. This initiative is part of the activities under the LidERA OPE-ULPGC Project: “Training for Leadership in the European Research Area” (Ref: GPE2022-001124). Funded by the State Research Agency, LidERA’s primary objective is to increase the participation of ULPGC’s research community in European Framework Programmes, particularly Horizon Europe, and to improve national return rates in these programmes.

The successful completion of these training sessions marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of researchers at ULPGC, positioning them to secure and manage European research funding more effectively.

In the face of climate change, insular regions are on the frontline, grappling with unprecedented impacts on their fragile ecosystems, rich in endemic species critical to global biodiversity. However, amidst these challenges, opportunities arise to strengthen these territories through tangible Nature-based Solutions and regional climate adaptation strategies.

 

Shedding light on these pathways, Consulta Europa as the Macaronesia Regional Hub of the BESTLIFE2030 programme participated in the CPMR Islands Commission’s General Assembly, held on the 23rd and 24th of April in Ponta Delgada (Azores), focusing on three key topics.

 

Empowering territorial governments

The programme recognised the vital role of territorial governments in supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. By engaging local authorities and stakeholders, BESTLIFE2030 taps into their expertise, enhancing the prospects for long-term sustainability. This collaborative approach guides the implementation of targeted conservation measures tailored to each region’s specific needs.

 

Biodiversity and climate change

The nexus between biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation is undeniable. As ecosystems face unprecedented threats, safeguarding biodiversity becomes paramount in adapting to the impacts of climate change in insular regions. BESTLIFE2030 represents a promising initiative, offering a responsive mechanism to adapt to these challenges head-on. By prioritising biodiversity conservation, the programme not only safeguards ecosystems and human well-being but also enhances resilience to climate change, benefiting both present and future generations.

 

Getting hands-on

Examples of potential projects put forward within the Macaronesia regions by BESTLIFE2030 were promoted at the event serving as compelling case studies to highlight the programme’s efficacy in addressing regional biodiversity challenges. For instance, it was presented how BESTLIFE2030 can the preservation of marine ecosystems through habitat mapping, biodiversity data collection, and environmental impact assessments in the Macaronesian regions (Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira).

 

In conclusion, BESTLIFE2030 underscores the pivotal role of insular governments in biodiversity conservation. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, the programme not only tackles regional biodiversity challenges but also lays the groundwork for context-appropriate and effective responses.

On May 7th, a milestone in the fight against discrimination within the European Union occurred as the Council formally adopted two directives aimed at enhancing the role and effectiveness of equality bodies across member states.

Equality bodies, established to promote equal treatment, combat discrimination, and aid victims, will see their capabilities significantly bolstered under the new directives. These directives introduce EU-wide minimum requirements that ensure these bodies operate with enhanced competence and greater independence.

Key Provisions of the New Directives:

1. Enhanced Competences: Equality bodies will have expanded authority to address discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation in employment, as well as sex-based discrimination in social security.
2. Independence: There is now a legal mandate ensuring equality bodies remain free from external influences, allowing them to operate impartially and effectively.
3. Resource Allocation: Member states are required to provide equality bodies with sufficient human, technical, and financial resources to fulfil their mandates.
4. Consultation and Prevention: Public institutions must consult equality bodies on discrimination-related matters. Equality bodies are empowered to carry out preventive measures and promote equal treatment through positive action and mainstreaming equality.
5. Increased Powers: These bodies are granted greater authority to conduct inquiries and engage in dispute resolution in line with national laws and practices.

The adoption of these directives is a crucial step towards harmonising the standards and operations of equality bodies across the EU, addressing the significant discrepancies that currently exist between member states.

Next Steps: Following the signing and publication in the EU’s Official Journal, member states will have two years to align their national legislation with the new directives.

Implications for the ATHENA Project: The directives are particularly significant for initiatives like the H2020 project ATHENA, coordinated by Consulta Europa, which aims to implement gender equality plans in research organisations across Europe. ATHENA focuses on eliminating barriers to the recruitment, retention, and career progression of female researchers and addressing gender imbalances in decision-making processes.

Michelle Perello, CEO at Consulta Europa and coordinator of the ATHENA Projects, expressed optimism about the directives: “We were all looking forward to the approval of these two directives, which will make the work of equality bodies more efficient and impactful. We hope now that member states will not delay too much in adopting and implementing them.”

For further details, visit the official press release: Strengthening the Role of Equality Bodies Across the EU: The Council Adopts Two Directives.

Attention young Europeans, lovers of the cosmos and seekers of stellar knowledge: TWINNEDbySTARS is pleased to announce the upcoming ‘Stellar Tour’ event! This exciting journey is designed especially for you. Join us on 16 May for an unforgettable experience through the outermost regions, where we will explore the constellations, fascinating mythologies and astronomical curiosities that have captivated mankind for centuries.

 

Embark with us on a virtual tour of the fascinating regions of the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira and Martinique. From the volcanic coasts of the Canaries to the lush rainforests of Martinique, each destination will bring us closer to the stars and the mysteries they hold.

 

During this event, you will also discover the history and meaning behind the constellations that adorn our night sky. Learn how ancient European cultures interpreted the cosmos and how these stories have endured over time.

 

If you are passionate about marine or maritime ecotourism and are intrigued by astrology or astronomy, this event is for you! Immerse yourself in celestial knowledge and expand your horizons with us.

 

Event Details:

Date: 16 May

Time: 19:00 (CET)

Duration: 40 minutes

Location: Online

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the universe and with other young European astronomy enthusiasts – register now and get ready for a stellar experience you won’t forget!