In this edition of ‘Stories of European cooperation,’ Interreg projects focusing on skill enhancement are in the spotlight, coinciding with the European Year of Skills. Throughout the year, EU-funded programs prioritize projects related to skills and youth. The publication features project stories from various cross-border and transnational Interreg programs, narrated by five young volunteers, including Marine Vez, the former IVY Reporter for EUSALP´s Technical Secretariat in Nice.
Marine's contribution delves into sustainable business models intertwined with the forests of the Alpine region. The project Forest EcoValue, closely linked to the Action Groups 2, 6 and 8 comes to the rescue by proposing sustainable business models that focus on circular, green, and bio value chains in areas such as energy, construction, chemistry/pharmaceuticals, food, and recreation. By bringing together the efforts of the public and private sectors, along with the participation of citizens, Forest EcoValue aims to create market frameworks and payment systems for forest ecosystem services. Through these sustainable business models, this initiative can generate green businesses and job opportunities, thus boosting the economy in the entire region.
With financial support from the Interreg Alpine Space program, Forest EcoValue is making significant progress. Through thorough mapping and engagement initiatives in pilot regions across Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, the project is laying the foundation for assessing market potential and developing payment strategies for forest-based value chains. Partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Lombardy Green Chemistry Association and the Slovenia Forest Service, underscore the project's commitment to enhancing skills development and driving economic growth in the regionThe project's transnational approach not only benefits Alpine forests but also sets a precedent for sustainable forestry practices worldwide. By facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities, Forest EcoValue aims to empower local communities and businesses to thrive in harmony with nature. As the project progresses, public events, policy forums, and capacity-building workshops will further amplify its impact, ensuring that stakeholders across the Alpine region are equipped to embrace sustainable forest management practices. In the words of Susanna Longo, Forest EcoValue project coordinator, "The active involvement of stakeholders is key. By engaging forest owners and local communities, we're paving the way for a future where forests thrive, economies flourish, and biodiversity thrives."
For more information about the project, read the full article
(pdf - 7.50 MB)
or visit the Forest EcoValue Project website.