Living Lab and NbS Working Group in Wejherowo

On 7 July 2026, a partners’ meeting of the CONE – Co-creating Nature-based Solutions for urban areas project took place in Wejherowo. The event provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved so far, exchange experiences, and discuss the next steps in implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

One of the key elements of the meeting was the Living Lab event – a “living laboratory”, where residents, local authorities, experts, and project partners jointly create and test solutions responding to local challenges.

As part of the Living Lab activities, participants planted vegetation together in the developing rain garden at Śmiechowska Street 8 in Wejherowo – the first NbS pilot implemented within the CONE project.

Not long ago, this area was an undeveloped space where challenges related to rainwater management had been identified. Thanks to the cooperation between the city, residents, and project partners, the site is being transformed into a green space demonstrating how nature-based solutions can support water retention and improve the quality of urban environments.

The rain garden will serve as a demonstration site, allowing Wejherowo residents to see in practice how NbS solutions work and what benefits they can bring to local communities. At the same time, it will represent an example of climate adaptation measures that can be applied in other urban areas.

“This is a pilot site, a so-called Living Lab, which will serve as a demonstration rain garden in Wejherowo. Everyone will be able to visit and see how such a solution works in practice. We hope that more similar initiatives will appear in the city in the future” – representatives of the City of Wejherowo emphasise.

During the event, residents had the opportunity to actively participate in creating the new green space. The joint activities were not only part of the pilot implementation process but also an example of the participatory approach that is one of the key principles of the CONE project.

NbS Working Group – cooperation and planning future activities

The meeting also included an NbS Working Group Meeting. It provided a platform to discuss the further development of nature-based solutions in Wejherowo and cooperation with local stakeholders.

Participants discussed, among others, the involvement of residents and local authorities in future activities, preparation of further pilot actions, and opportunities to use the experience gained during the project implementation. The discussions also focused on the synergistic activities planned within the CONE project for autumn 2026.

The meeting was attended by representatives of APC ERB, the City of Wejherowo, Politechnika Gdańska and invited guests.

Webinar - Sustainability and Business Education: Potential or Paradox?

Join us for a webinar this September!

Sustainability and Business Education: Potential or Paradox?

Can business education effectively contribute to sustainable development? How can we prepare young people to make responsible decisions in a world where economic goals increasingly need to be balanced with environmental and social responsibility?

During this webinar, experts will explore the relationship between education, business, and sustainability, discussing whether these areas reinforce one another or present new challenges and paradoxes. The session will provide an opportunity to gain fresh insights, exchange experiences, and reflect on how education can foster the competencies needed for a more sustainable future.

📅 Date: 8 September 2026
🕑 Time: 14:00–14:45 (CEST)
💻 Format: Online (Zoom)

Join the webinar:
https://uni-rostock-de.zoom-x.de/j/61224721864?pwd=QIpldtDIhSnRkRAmJ3VsAVMd49Jv4k.1

We warmly invite teachers, educators, representatives of educational institutions, local authorities, and everyone interested in education for sustainable development and responsible business to join us.

We look forward to seeing you online!

Call for Entries for the 6th National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government

Applications are now being accepted for the 6th National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government – 2026 Edition

The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Institute of Energy Policy has announced the 6th edition of the National Competition for Local Government Units for the Most Energy-Innovative Local Government. The aim is to recognize municipalities that implement measures for energy transition in a systematic, innovative, and sustainable manner and strengthen local energy security.

Competition Objectives

The competition is open to municipalities and—starting with this edition—entities affiliated with municipal governments. The goal of the competition is to showcase the best examples of both investments and community initiatives. The competition organizers interpret the concept of innovation very broadly. This includes product, process, organizational, environmental, marketing, and social innovations, as well as innovations in the field of public policy.

As every year, participation in the competition is free of charge. A jury composed of experts will evaluate projects, initiatives, and tasks completed in 2025. The jury’s composition can be viewed here: https://www.instytutpe.pl/konkurs-jst-2026/kapitula-konkursu/

For the second time, the National Association of Local Government Organizations is serving as the honorary patron of the competition.

For local governments, participation in the competition is an opportunity to showcase their achievements, receive an impartial evaluation by experts, and gain exposure on a national and industry-specific level (through the competition’s media partners and among participants at the Rzeszów energy conference).

Competition Categories

Entries will be evaluated in the following categories:

The last of these categories (Innovation – Local and Community Energy) is a new addition introduced this year. It includes, for example, energy cooperatives, energy communities, energy clusters, and distributed energy models involving municipalities.

A well-organized energy community is an important tool for local governments committed to the energy transition. It is worth promoting such examples and rewarding the best ones. The Łukasiewicz Institute of Energy Policy has experience in the fields of local and community-based energy, primarily through its collaboration with municipalities in establishing energy cooperatives.

Summary of 5 years of the competition – see the winners of previous editions (PL)

In this year’s edition, for the first time, municipalities may submit projects carried out by municipal companies and other entities affiliated with local governments.

The call for entries will remain open until September 11, 2026. The official award ceremony will take place during the 11th Conference “Energy Security – Pillars and Development Prospects” in Rzeszów on September 28, 2026. The conference itself is the largest gathering of the energy sector in the region and one of the most significant in the country. In recent years, energy issues from a local government perspective have taken on increasing prominence at the event.

Patrons

The honorary patrons include:

How to Apply

Details and the application form are available on the organizer’s website: https://www.instytutpe.pl/konkurs-jst-2026/

Regulamin-Konkurs (PDF) - Contest Rules

Zal-1-Formularz-zgłoszenia (PDF) - Attachment 1-Application Form

Zal-2-Kryteria-merytoryczne (PDF) - Attachment 2-Substantive Criteria

Zal-3-Karta-oceny-merytorycznej (PDF) Attachment 3-Substantive Evaluation Form

About the Institute

The conference “Energy Security—Pillars and Prospects for Development” is being held for the eleventh time. Participants include government officials, energy company executives, members of parliament, local government officials, industry experts, and researchers. In addition to panel discussions, the event features workshops, business meetings, and company presentations.

3rd Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Association of Polish Municipalities – Baltic Euroregion

On June 30, 2026, the third meeting of the Board of Directors of the Association of Polish Municipalities – Baltic Euroregion was held at the Latin School Culture and Education Center in Malbork.

During the meeting, the Association’s activities to date were reviewed, and the most important challenges and plans for the coming months were discussed.

One of the topics was the activities of the Euroregion Baltic EGTC, including a summary of the 3rd General Assembly meeting in Kalmar and the further development of international cooperation.

The Executive Board also reviewed information regarding:

Progress on the following projects was discussed: CONE, SCONE, D-Effect, BALTWRECK, Circular MuSe, and Streets for the Youth.

Information was also presented on the newly approved Youth4Agri project and on project initiatives currently in the works.

Another important item on the agenda was the preparation for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion.

Resolutions and decisions of the Executive Board were adopted, and the organization of upcoming meetings and preparations for the 56th Extraordinary General Assembly of Members were discussed.

Project meeting in Tolkmicko – CONE project

The meeting in Tolkmicko dedicated to the implementation of the CONE project was another step in the preparation of the pilot deployment of Nature-Based Solutions. The discussions focused on the organisation of activities and the subsequent stages of the investment, which is intended to combine environmental, educational, and social functions within the local space.

On 23 June 2026, a project meeting was held in Tolkmicko concerning the implementation of a pilot action under the CONE project, co-financed by the Interreg Central Europe programme.

The event gathered project partners, experts, and representatives of local institutions and stakeholders involved in the process of preparing and implementing the investment. The meeting had a working character and formed part of the ongoing coordination of activities related to the pilot implementation in Tolkmicko.

The pilot action carried out in Tolkmicko represents an integrated demonstration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) aimed at supporting climate change adaptation and improving the management of stormwater in urban areas. The project combines infrastructural, educational, and participatory components, creating a coherent implementation model that can be replicated in other municipalities and cities in the region.

The central element of the initiative is the construction of a rain garden at the Primary School named after Mikołaj Kopernik in Tolkmicko. The facility performs retention and infiltration functions, enabling temporary storage and natural treatment of stormwater. This solution is aligned with the green infrastructure approach and serves as a practical example of local-scale climate adaptation measures.

The pilot also includes infrastructural improvements to enhance site accessibility and integrate the new space with the existing school grounds and sports infrastructure. An important component of the project is the creation of an educational space enabling the presentation of Nature-Based Solutions, including activities supporting environmental education as well as on-site informational and interpretative materials.

The project is implemented according to the Living Lab methodology, which assumes active involvement of end users and stakeholders in the co-creation and testing of solutions. This approach enables better alignment of activities with local needs and strengthens the social embeddedness of the investment.

The CONE project is implemented by an international partnership, including, among others, APC ERB and GUT, which support the development and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in the Central Europe and Baltic Sea regions.

The pilot action in Tolkmicko serves a demonstrative function and constitutes an example of NBS implementation in the context of a small town. The experience gained will form the basis for further knowledge exchange and the potential replication of solutions in other locations.

The implementation of the project is part of a broader process of transforming approaches to stormwater management and the design of public spaces in the context of climate change. The integration of green infrastructure, educational activities, and public participation enables the creation of solutions that are durable, functional, and responsive to local needs. The pilot action represents an important step towards building more resilient and sustainable cities and municipalities in the Central Europe region.

How can we effectively involve young people in the planning and design of public spaces?

Representatives of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion and local governments from Elbląg, Gdynia, and Dzierzgoń participated in the international meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Streets for the Youth” in Braga and Vila Verde, Portugal, on June 15–18, 2026. The main goal of the event was to exchange experiences regarding the involvement of young people in the planning of public spaces and to develop tools that support the participation of young residents.

The meeting was attended by project partners from France, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. The program included presentations of local initiatives, workshops with young people, study visits, and discussions with experts in urban planning, architecture, and urban development.

On the first day, the partners presented examples of projects in which young people participated in the process of shaping public spaces. Particular attention was paid to methods for studying how spaces are used following renovations, as well as to experiences related to the creation and use of the YET app. This tool supports dialogue between young people and local authorities and enables the collection of feedback on public spaces.

Over the following days, participants met with young people involved in local projects in Vila Verde and with experts in urban planning. An important part of the program was a research walk through the city, combined with the use of the YET app to analyze public spaces and identify urban planning challenges.

During the case study session, the partners from Poland presented three initiatives:

The presentations served as a starting point for a discussion on effectively documenting and disseminating best practices related to youth participation. The partners analyzed what information is most useful for local governments, civic organizations, and professionals planning similar initiatives in their communities.

The “Streets for the Youth” project is being implemented as part of the Erasmus+ program and focuses on strengthening young people’s participation in decision-making processes regarding public spaces. International cooperation allows partners to exchange experiences, test new solutions, and develop methods that support young people’s active participation in shaping the cities and towns where they live.

The Cone Project - a study trip to Hungary and Slovenia

From June 9–12, 2026, as part of the CONE project, representatives from Wejherowo, Sztum, Tolkmicko, STG ERB, and Gdańsk University of Technology took part in a study trip to Hungary and Slovenia, serving as experts in the assessment and evaluation of pilot projects developing nature-based practical solutions. The purpose of the visit was to exchange experiences, summarize and coordinate project activities to date across five Central European countries, and learn about best practices and pilot nature-based solutions.

In Budapest, we had the opportunity to learn about solutions that enhance urban resilience through the use of trees and the impact of creating green spaces in urban areas, particularly during periods of high temperatures and water shortages.

In Jászberény, we learned about methods for combating the forces of nature, retaining water in reservoirs and the tributaries of the city’s river, which help increase cities’ resilience to the effects of drought and extreme weather events.

We then visited Studenice, where local authorities presented measures to mitigate the effects of river flooding and prevent bank erosion.

We are particularly pleased that the trip was attended by representatives of local governments who are implementing and planning dedicated solutions in their communities; we believe that the knowledge and experience gained will be utilized in future initiatives, making our cities and municipalities more sustainable and resilient

These were two intensive days filled with inspiring meetings, the exchange of experiences, and practical knowledge on climate change adaptation and nature-based solutions.

Circular MuSe - Pilot Projects and International Expert Review

Circular MuSe is moving the discussion on the circular economy from theory to practice. In Wejherowo, project partners are presenting pilot solutions, discussing technical assumptions, and presenting investment plans. Each project undergoes an international expert review including presentation, technical questions, risk analysis, and recommendations from other partners and invited experts. This method allows rapid identification of gaps, cost optimization, and preparation of scalable models ready for implementation in other cities and municipalities.

Examples of pilot projects and their practical significance
• Wejherowo – reuse of sand from winter street cleaning
We analyze material quality, cleaning methods, and potential applications in urban infrastructure (e.g. sub-bases, green areas). Benefits: reduced waste, lower raw material purchase costs, and reduced environmental burden.
• Denmark – use of sediment from swimming pools
Research focuses on safe processing of sediments and possibilities of using them in urban greenery or as a raw material for construction materials. This approach combines public health protection with efficient resource management.
• Sweden – management of sediments in municipal services 🇸🇪
A comprehensive approach combining technical, regulatory, and social aspects, with an emphasis on long-term environmental and economic benefits. The project shows how to integrate circular solutions into local policies and practices.

Why it matters and what the goal is
All pilot projects pursue one goal: reducing waste, extending the lifecycle of resources, and creating practical, replicable models. International expert feedback helps refine solutions so that they are safe, cost-effective, and socially acceptable. Thanks to this, small towns and rural areas receive real tools for circular transformation that can be implemented with limited budgets. 🛠️📈

Call for cooperation
Do you represent a municipality, public utility company, university, or NGO and want to test similar solutions in your area? Contact us – joint pilot projects, workshops, and expert reviews are the fastest way to practical change and real savings. Together we can create solutions that work locally and have a positive environmental impact.