In 2022, 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 (development projects) identified in the strategy.
Connecting the Bioeconomy & the agri-food sector
The circular systemic solutions identified in the circular bioeconomy strategy are designed so that everyone who wishes, can participate in realising and building a greener future for the region. The chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, Nataša Ritonija, (East Slovenia, SI) therefore took part in Agra, a major international Agri-food fair event, with 1700 exhibitors from 35 participating countries, where the region organised an event to showcase the potential of the circular bioeconomy and engage stakeholders in the field.
Indeed, the Regional development agency of Podravje – Maribor recognises the important connection between the Bioeconomy and the food and agriculture sector. Presenting the Circular Bioeconomy Strategy at the fair was therefore a significant move for the engagement of interested parties.
Multistakeholder collaboration: an essential feature of the Strategy
The Regional Strategy for the transition to a bio-circular economy and the draft Action Plan were presented at the event. This was followed by a lively debate among the participants from municipalities, public companies, academia, NGOs, and public administration.
At the same time, the event provided an excellent networking opportunity for the various stakeholders who are working or would like to work more intensively in the field of bioeconomy, which will undoubtedly contribute to its further development within the region and beyond.
AER Breakfast Briefing on Circular Bioeconomy Strategies
The AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy is organising a Breakfast Briefing on Circular Bioeconomy Strategies on October 8th from 09:00-10:30 at the AER Office in Brussels.
The event is organised together with key representatives from the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) for the pilot region of Podravje.
Join us to receive first-hand insights into how this topic is being addressed within the European Commission, and discuss possible project ideas together with like-minded peers from other regions, around coffee and croissants.
Picture: A regional strategy for a transition to circular bioeconomy – Podravje 2023 – 2030
