Introduction
Event 4 of the Co-Green project encompassed three key activities: stakeholder mapping, trainer selection, and the workshop itself. The event, initially delayed by the DANIEL storm’s disruptions, finally took place on December 6, 2023. A total of 31 participants engaged in a discussion on techniques for raising public awareness and participation, exchanging both past practices and innovative ideas.
Trainer selection involved a process, combining invitations to past participants with an open call. Five qualified trainers, including an oceanographer, agricultural economist, physics teacher, forest engineer, and university professor, were chosen based on their environmental commitment and expertise.
Simultaneously, stakeholder mapping commenced to ensure active community involvement. A questionnaire, covering positive aspects, concerns, community dynamics, environmental evaluation, and community involvement, generated 32 responses so far. This data will be compiled into an Excel sheet, as a resource to identify and connect with individuals eager to participate in green initiatives. These insights will guide tailored Co-Green projects, effectively addressing the community’s unique needs and aspirations.
Event 4: Local workshops: techniques for awareness raising and participation
The workshop originally planned for September was delayed due to unprecedented disruptions in the Thessaly and Karditsa areas caused by the DANIEL storm. The region of Karditsa experienced extensive flooding for over 10 days, resulting in the destruction of homes, roads, and basic infrastructure, significantly impacting everyday activities. Normalcy in daily life began to resume in November, prompting us to re-engage with the stakeholders of the Co-Green project. During the workshop, there was a discussion about techniques for raising public awareness and participation. Participants not only shared previous best practices but also introduced new ideas. In summary, the following techniques were proposed:
- Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread information and encourage participation.
- Organize town hall meetings and workshops to discuss issues and encourage community participation.
- Install easy-to-read information corners in public spaces to provide information and promote community involvement.
- Partner with local newspapers, radio stations, or TV channels to share news and updates about community initiatives.
- Create a user-friendly website or app with interactive features for residents to stay informed and participate in online discussions.
- Visit local schools to educate students about community issues, encouraging them to involve their families.
- Use public art installations to convey messages and create awareness.
- Organize opportunities for community members to actively contribute to local projects or conservation efforts.
- Conduct short surveys, online or offline, to gather feedback and opinions from the public on various community matters.
It was highlighted that there is a need to create and manage a local list of engaged stakeholders. This list will enable anyone interested in receiving feedback from active citizens to connect with these stakeholders. The discussion about the management and use of this list concluded with the decision to start creating it in future Co-Green events.
Other activities
Stakeholder Mapping
To ensure active participation from stakeholders, we initiated a stakeholder mapping process for the Co-Green event. To gather insights about their community, we designed a questionnaire. Our goal is to continually collect responses throughout month 24 to gain a deeper understanding of how stakeholders perceive their surroundings. The questionnaire focuses on the following aspects:
Positive Aspects,Concerns and Challenges, Community Dynamics, Environmental Evaluation, Community Involvement.
As of now, we have received 32 responses. The responses will be compiled and presented in an Excel sheet, and will serve as a valuable resource, identifying individuals eager to participate in initiatives that promote the green transition of the community. By understanding the perspectives and concerns of stakeholders, we aim to tailor Co-Green initiatives to effectively address the community’s needs and aspirations.
Selection of Trainers
The trainers for the Co-Green event were carefully chosen through a systematic selection process. To ensure a diverse and skilled group, invitations were extended to participants from previous Co-Green events. Additionally, an open call was announced through a press release, clearly outlining the project’s objectives, trainer responsibilities, and the desired skills and competences.
The call for trainers remained open for nearly two months, allowing interested individuals to apply. The selection process resulted in the identification of five qualified trainers. These trainers were chosen based on their expertise, commitment to environmental issues, and alignment with the goals of the project.
The selected trainers include:
- D. – An Oceanographer and Environmentalist
- P. – A Graduate of Agricultural Economics
- K. – A retired Physics teacher and specialist in adult education, also a member of NGO ITAMOS
- F. – A Forest Engineer and Environmentalist, affiliated with the Energy Community of Karditsa (ESEK)
- V. – A Professor at the Department of Forestry & Wood and Design Sciences, University of Thessaly
Following the selection, a brief interview was conducted with each trainer to ensure their understanding of the project and to further evaluate their suitability for the Co-Green event. This meticulous selection process aims to guarantee the trainers’ capability to effectively contribute to the event’s success and provide valuable insights to the participants.