Introduction
The local training paths for the “CO-GREEN activators” were coordinated by the partner NGOs and the Municipality of Karditsa, leveraging their extensive networks of experts and stakeholders.
Each country’s training programme for the 15 CO-GREEN activators followed this structure: 20 hours dedicated to knowledge acquisition, comprising a mix of seminars, participatory sessions, and hands-on experiences, followed by 20 hours allocated for on-the-job mentoring and community building activities. During these latter hours, the trainees were guided by their trainers to engage with local communities and initiate awareness-raising activities and initial meetings. Trainers served as mentors throughout the entire duration of the program. Additionally, meetings with local stakeholders were arranged as part of the training to ensure the path’s consistency and effectiveness in real-time.
However, the planned figures for participation were surpassed, highlighting the enthusiastic response to the programme by the local stakeholders (experts, activists, schools, citizens). In total, more than 300 stakeholders were actively involved, 26 CO-GREEN trainers were engaged, and 39 CO-GREEN activators were trained and engaged in hands-on activities in the local territories.
description
The local training sessions for the CO-GREEN activators took place in the engaged communities in the period comprised between January and March 2024. The trainers who took part in the Karditsa Winter School (as described in Event 8) mobilised the selected activators and a number of local stakeholders, experts, activists and citizens to carry out hands-on and participatory training pathways.
The training was based on the concept of learning by doing. According to this approach, the most effective way to learn is to actively participate in the learning process through practical activities and experiences. Rather than passively acquiring knowledge, participants engage in practical tasks, experiment, take action and learn from their experiences. Therefore, attending the local training pathways, the selected activators managed to acquire competences and knowledge in order to:
- inspire people and share a vision
- identify local interests and moderating potential conflicts
- stimulate communities towards sustainable development
- explain to the community the benefits that are expected from the green transition
- engage experts, who can guide the community on the important green issues
- collect the views and experiences of the community in relation to the local green issues
- discuss and prioritise the identified needs for green transition with the community
- place the needs for green transition within the “vision for the future” of the community
- suggest the necessary actions to put in place measures that promote green issues
- recruit “allies” in this effort: local government, NGOs active in the area, local development agencies etc.
- cooperate with these “allies” and bring about the expected results
In Poland
In Górno, community cooperation thrived through practical engagement in green actions. A 3-day event united locals, from schools to village chiefs, in a collective effort. Day one saw schools leading cleaning actions, followed by a community-wide cleanup on day two. The climax, a vibrant green festival on day three, celebrated their achievements. Ecological contests and clothes exchanges complemented the main event. Participants learned to plan, motivate, and integrate their community into sustainable practices.
Similarly, in Starachowice, a learning-by-doing approach fostered eco-awareness. Seniors and schoolchildren collaborated on eco-books, blending fairy tales with ecological lessons. Local activists facilitated the process, nurturing cooperation and knowledge sharing. The project culminated in a festive presentation, uniting the community around environmental stewardship. Distributed to schools, these books continue to inspire ecological action.
Meanwhile, in Elbląg, workshops empowered green activators to transform their cityscape. Discussions focused on visualizing and revitalizing an unused square, drawing in new partners like local government and forestry authorities. Collaborative efforts refined strategies and plans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to urban greening. Through hands-on learning, Elbląg’s activists honed their skills in project management, partnership building, and community engagement.
In Italy
In Cosenza, community activators and trainers spearheaded impactful meetings addressing crucial themes. The initial session delved into citizen participation, global citizenship, and community development, fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Subsequently, a mapping exercise identified pressing concerns such as discrimination and peace. Activators responded by establishing a network and scheduling monthly engagements to address these issues head-on. Prior training equipped them to tackle themes like energy, gender equality, combating discrimination, promoting peace, and embracing circular economy principles. This proactive approach underscores Cosenza’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable community development.
In Magione, the annual Recycling Municipalities report sparked discussions on vital topics. Circular waste economy, leveraging best practices among municipalities, citizens, and businesses, and understanding material supply chains were at the forefront. Trainers from the co-green project and community activators led the discourse, enriching the dialogue with their expertise and experiences. Concurrently, environmental education sessions in schools furthered the conversation, nurturing future stewards of sustainable practices.
In Greece
The participatory sessions in Karditsa involved diverse discussions and practical exercises to address local environmental challenges. Participants engaged in a multifaceted approach, beginning with a presentation of key green issues identified through prior consultations. These ranged from disaster prevention to water resource management, reflecting the community’s concerns.
Working groups were then tasked with selecting and developing interventions for their chosen issues. They crafted targeted proposals, outlining areas for improvement, necessary changes, and actionable steps. Subsequent meetings focused on sharing and refining these proposals, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
Training sessions for green activators further equipped them with essential skills and knowledge. They learned the importance of effective public engagement, project management, and communication strategies. Through interactive workshops and real-world examples, they honed their abilities to mobilize communities and drive sustainable initiatives forward.
As the sessions progressed, working groups delved deeper into their projects, guided by project management principles and templates. They identified green issues, set clear objectives, and devised action plans with participatory methods and awareness campaigns in mind. Ongoing support from the project team ensured their efforts were well-informed and effectively executed.
Overall, the participatory sessions in Karditsa demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. By fostering collaboration, equipping activists with essential skills, and empowering communities, they laid a foundation for meaningful change and sustainable development.
In Croatia
The participatory sessions in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County provided a platform for activists and stakeholders to address key environmental challenges and drive the green transition forward. Mentors facilitated discussions on various aspects, including communication strategies, civic engagement, and legal frameworks, tailored to the local context.
In the initial sessions, mentors highlighted the importance of engaging citizens and local governments in the transition process. They identified hurdles such as apathy and lack of dialogue, emphasizing the need for animating communities and fostering accountability. Through practical exercises and presentations, activators learned effective communication techniques and explored ways to mobilize citizens for sustainable action.
Subsequent workshops focused on enhancing communication skills and leveraging digital platforms for outreach. Experts provided insights into crafting compelling messages and engaging with diverse audiences online. Participants gained practical knowledge in content creation and social media marketing, empowering them to amplify their impact in the digital age.
Legal issues and advocacy were also addressed, with sessions dedicated to understanding environmental regulations and citizen participation in decision-making processes. Activators learned how to navigate legal frameworks and advocate for environmental protection effectively, drawing inspiration from successful campaigns and case studies.
Throughout the sessions, stakeholders actively participated, enriching discussions and providing valuable insights. Collaborative efforts were made to address specific challenges, such as urbanization and tourism development, while preserving natural resources and biodiversity.
Community engagement activities, including meetings with local organizations and citizens, highlighted the importance of grassroots involvement in the green transition. Activators initiated dialogues, organized events, and advocated for sustainable practices, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility among residents.
Overall, the participatory sessions fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and empowerment, laying the groundwork for meaningful action and positive change in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County’s environmental landscape.