On the occasion of the AER General Assembly in Maribor and the Maribor Innovation Forum, AER members will have the opportunity of sharing good practices and practical experiences on the topic of bioeconomy. Nataša Ritonija, Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, brought together a large coalition of stakeholders to offer a hands-on learning experience, with the support of the Regional Development Agency in Maribor and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).
Towards the Podravje region of 2030: the Regional Strategy
On the occasion of the AER Working Groups’s Breakfast Briefing in October 2024, Nataša Ritonija presented how the Podravje region in Slovenia joined the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative and was selected as one of the 12 Pilots in Europe. After developing the first Regional Strategy for the Transition to Circular Bioeconomy Podravje 2030, the region is now establishing an effective action plan to implement the circular systemic solutions identified in the strategy. Some of these circular systemic solutions will be presented on the occasion of the AER General Assembly taking place on 17-19 June in Maribor.
Innovative good practices
The good practices showcased in Eastern Slovenia highlight the region’s commitment to sustainable development through innovation, circular economy solutions, and cross-sector collaboration. These initiatives show how public and private stakeholders can work together to create practical applications for sustainable resource management and waste reduction. By focusing on secondary raw materials, water reuse, and bio-waste management, these projects contribute to the European Green Deal objectives and demonstrate the potential for replicability across Europe.
Nigrad DEMO Site: Advancing the use of secondary raw materials (SRM)
The Nigrad DEMO site is located in the suburban area of Dogoše, Maribor. This facility is a prime example of how secondary raw materials (SRM) can be efficiently integrated into the construction sector. The site is a key outcome of the CINDERELA project, co-funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020, which aims to develop circular economy business models for urban construction.
At this demonstration site, visitors will witness firsthand how construction materials made from recycled waste streams are produced and used in real-life applications. The Nigrad site not only validates the feasibility of SRM-based materials but also sets a precedent for other municipalities and industries to adopt sustainable construction methods. Additionally, the visit will feature insights into the LIFE IP Restart (LIFE20)) and INTERREG EUROPE (INERTWASTE projects, further showcasing Slovenia’s commitment to sustainable waste management and material reuse.
CircSyst DEMO Site: Sustainable water and waste management
The CyrcSyst DEMO site in Ptuj is a significant initiative within the CircSyst project (Circular Systemic Solutions for plastics, packaging, bio-waste, and water). Funded under the Horizon Europe programme, CircSyst is a collaborative effort of 32 partners from eight European countries, aimed at implementing large-scale pilot schemes for sustainable waste and water management.
In Slovenia, the project focuses on testing innovative irrigation techniques using treated wastewater. The Ptuj Central Wastewater Treatment Plant plays a pivotal role in this experiment, providing treated water for irrigation on agricultural fields managed by the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia. This pilot not only reduces freshwater consumption but also demonstrates how circular economy principles can be applied to agriculture, fostering resilience against water scarcity. By addressing challenges in water and waste management, the CircSyst project contributes to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future for the region and beyond.
Present your region’s practices at the AER General Assembly!
The upcoming AER General Assembly will feature a panel on the Bioeconomy, highlighting innovative regional initiatives in sustainable resource management. We are actively seeking good practices from AER Working Group members to be showcased during this event.
If you are interested in presenting your region’s initiatives, please contact Johanna Pacevicius (j.pacevicius@aer.eu) to learn more about this opportunity.
The AER Working Group on Bioeconomy
The working group currently includes 16 regions to exchange and innovate policies and practices: Innlandet (NO), Värmland (SE), Gelderland (NL), Flevoland (NL), Fribourg (CH), Donegal (IE), Udaras na Gaeltachta (IE), Adana (TR), Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality (TR), Grand Est (FR), Dolj (RO), Tirana (AL), Valencia (ES), East Slovenia (SI), West Slovenia (SI), and Umbria (IT). Any member of the working group can propose an activity.
It’s possible to join anytime!
AER members can join an AER working Group at any time. To join the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, exchange with peers, and contribute to shaping future activities, please fill in this short registration form. To catch-up with the activities of the working group, check the AER Working Group on Bioeconomy webpage.
This article was written by Ana Isabel Méndez López who is doing an internship on Policy & Knowledge Transfer at the AER Secretariat from November 2024 to March 2025.
