Networks and cities' news

Opportunities and challenges of civic participation in Siracusa

There are many opportunities for civic participation in Siracusa, a partner of URBACT ACTive NGOs project, but there are also challenges mainly connected with the lack of physical space for different NGOs to implement their activities. Gianni Saraceno, member of URBACT local group and a representaive of association S.D. Syrako Rugby Club shares his experience of involvement in the project. 

The power of Honey

The Municipality of Amarante, one of the most beautiful and “sweet” cities of Portugal, is a destination in the north of the country. It is recognized for its honey in varieties such as heather, rosemary, eucalyptus or orange which is so special, that it is labelled with the EU Protected geographical indication. Originating from traditional use of honey in the culinary field and due to locals with dreams and visions, who joined small beekeepers and developed their business, local honey and diverse products made with honey or other bee products are distributed across the country and abroad. Today, beekeeping is a growing sector of the local industry especially important for the rural areas.  

The Aha! Moment - How Poznan turned its potential into an Education Innovation Network

“Creativity is about making connections and usually depends more on collaboration than individual efforts” Ken Robinson, Out of our Minds: Learning to be Creative.

“How is it possible that we have not tried out more durable and permanent cooperation prior to commencement of the ON BOARD project?” remarked one teacher involved in the ON BOARD project, locally coordinated by the city of Poznań. “Why didn’t we do this earlier?”

The Strategic and Responsible Public Procurement Policy of Pamplona Recognized as Good Practice by the European Commission

The Executive Agency of the European Commission for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) has recently published the guide Making Socially Responsible Public Procurement Work: 71 Good Practices Cases, which includes the case study called Strategy for Socially Responsible Public Procurement at Pamplona City Council. In this way, Pamplona's responsible public procurement policy is recognized at European level as a good practice to be replicated.

How to communicate environmental/climate issues effectively?

Health&Greenspace Action Planning Network member cities are planning effective and engaging communication for the 2nd phase. Here are a few pieces of valuable advice they can share with you.

Youth Information Center -Racó Jove – a key space of involvement of young people in Santa Pola (ES)

The Youth Information Center Racó Jove as such, and with this name, was born in 2020, although it comes from a long tradition that started in 1990 with the creation of the Youth Information Center. It has evolved and developed more and more activities until it became the Racó of today. In this way, one of the key moments has been the inauguration of the Santa Pola Civic and Social Center in 2000, which incorporated the activities of the Youth Information Center and represented a great change to expand its services, activities and spaces for young people. Interview with Antonio López Lafuente - coordinator of the Racó Jove of Santa Pola provides some insights about the work of the youth center.