CONE Final Conference - From Local Initiatives to a Joint Urban Greening Strategy

On 22 October 2026, the final conference of the CONE – Cities of Nature project took place in Padova, Italy. The event focused on presenting the results of international cooperation aimed at developing urban green infrastructure and implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in Central European cities. It brought together project partners, representatives of local authorities and experts working on sustainable urban development and climate change adaptation.

Reviewing the Results of International Cooperation

The conference was opened by Ciro Degl’Innocenti, representing the City of Padova, and Gregorio Vichi from the Interreg Central Europe Joint Secretariat.

The event provided an opportunity to present the key results of the CONE project, including practical pilot actions implemented in partner cities, as well as tools, methods and strategies developed to support municipalities in implementing Nature-Based Solutions.

An important aspect of the project was also strengthening cooperation between local authorities, researchers and residents, particularly through local Living Labs. These participatory initiatives enabled stakeholders to jointly identify environmental challenges and develop solutions tailored to the needs of local communities.

Expert Discussions – Experiences, Tools and Opportunities for Replicating CONE Results

Expert discussions formed an important part of the conference, focusing on the project's results and their potential application in other cities and regions across Central Europe.

The first discussion featured Attila Varga, Marcin Żuchowski, Magda Kasprzyk and Michaela Novotná. The conversation focused on experiences gained from implementing pilot investments, the role of local Living Labs and tools supporting municipalities in planning and implementing NBS.

Participants also addressed opportunities to transfer good practices to other cities, taking into account local environmental, organisational and social conditions. Particular attention was given to the guidelines for Living Labs, the NBS Toolbox and the Joint Strategy for Urban Greening Plans across Central Europe developed within the project.

One of the key messages emerging from the project is the need to treat green infrastructure as an integral part of long-term urban development planning rather than as a series of isolated investments. Effective implementation of Nature-Based Solutions requires institutional cooperation, appropriate technical preparation and active involvement of local communities.

Nature Restoration and the Perspective of Local Authorities

The conference programme also included a presentation by Michele Munafò from the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), focusing on the EU Nature Restoration Law.

A further expert discussion brought together representatives of Italian local authorities, including Nicoletta Paiaro from the City of Padova and Francesca Salsi and Graziana Bonvicini from the City of Reggio Emilia. The discussion provided an opportunity to explore the perspective of local governments on the development of urban green infrastructure and the challenges associated with implementing NBS.

Workshops and the Future Use of Project Results

The afternoon session was dedicated to workshops, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore the practical application of the knowledge and results developed within the CONE project.

The final conference was not only an opportunity to review the activities carried out but also to reflect on the future of Nature-Based Solutions in Central European cities. Experiences gained from pilot investments, the development of tools supporting municipalities and international cooperation provide a foundation for further sharing of good practices and strengthening urban resilience to climate change.

The results of the CONE project demonstrate that effective climate change adaptation requires a combination of technical expertise, long-term planning, institutional cooperation and active citizen participation in shaping urban spaces.

CONE Project Partners Meet inbPadova - Study Visits Highlight Practical Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation

On 20–21 October 2026, an international meeting of partners from the CONE – Cities of Nature project took place in Padova, Italy. The two-day programme combined a project consortium meeting with study visits focusing on the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban areas. Participants discussed project progress and explored the CONE pilot investment alongside other examples of green urban infrastructure developed in Padova.

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Consortium Meeting and Review of Project Activities

The first day was dedicated to a consortium meeting, during which project partners discussed project management, the current status of planned activities and preparations for the final project event.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences related to implementing Nature-Based Solutions in partner cities. Particular attention was given to progress in pilot activities and the potential to use the project's results in future initiatives supporting sustainable urban development.

CONE Pilot Investment – Rain Gardens in Padova

On the second day, project partners participated in study visits, with the main focus on the CONE pilot investment located in Via della Ricerca Scientifica in Padova.

The investment involves transforming 256 m² of paved surfaces into a system of 16 rain gardens designed to naturally collect, filter and gradually absorb rainwater. The solution aims to reduce surface runoff, relieve pressure on the urban stormwater drainage system and improve local environmental conditions.

An important component of the pilot investment is the integration of environmental monitoring technologies. A system of sensors enables the collection of data on water retention and meteorological parameters, including temperature and rainfall. The information gathered will help assess the effectiveness of the implemented NBS measures and provide valuable insights for planning similar investments in other urban areas.

The Padua pilot demonstrates how even relatively small interventions in highly urbanised areas can support climate change adaptation, improve stormwater management and contribute to the development of green infrastructure.

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Urban Green Infrastructure – Study Visits to Piazza Savelli and Parco Guizza

The second day's programme also included visits to two other locations in Padova – Piazza Savelli and Parco Guizza. Participants explored initiatives implemented by the City of Padua independently of the CONE project budget, providing additional examples of Nature-Based Solutions in practice.

At Piazza Savelli, the participants learned about the transformation of paved urban space into an area with more permeable surfaces and increased greenery. At Parco Guizza, they explored solutions aimed at expanding urban green spaces, supporting biodiversity and improving environmental and recreational conditions in the city.

Knowledge Exchange and Practical Applications of Nature-Based Solutions

The two-day meeting in Padua provided CONE project partners with an opportunity to exchange experiences and gain first-hand insights into different approaches to urban climate change adaptation.

One of the most valuable aspects of the study visits was the combination of Nature-Based Solutions with technologies designed to monitor their effectiveness. This approach makes it possible not only to implement green infrastructure but also to assess its actual impact on stormwater management and environmental conditions in urban areas.

The experiences gained during the meeting provide a valuable reference for further use of the CONE project's results and the development of similar solutions in partner cities.

3rd Round Table in Elbląg – Young People and Adults Jointly Develop the Programme for the Youth Democracy Festival

On 7 October 2026, the third and final Round Table meeting was held in Elbląg as part of the D-effect project, focusing on preparations for the Youth Democracy Festival (YDF), scheduled for November. During the meeting, young people and adults worked together to develop the festival programme, drawing on experiences from previous festivals and ideas generated during earlier consultations.

The meeting marked the culmination of several months of preparations based on intergenerational dialogue and active participation of the local community. Its main objective was to turn the collected proposals into a preliminary festival agenda, ensuring that the event would not only be aimed at young people but, above all, developed with their direct involvement.

An important part of the meeting was the exchange of experiences among young people who had previously participated in Youth Democracy Festivals held in Kretinga, Lithuania, Odsherred, Denmark, and Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń, Poland.

The young participants identified both the most valuable aspects of these events and areas for improvement. They highlighted the importance of international integration, appropriate division of participants into groups, communication in English, and maintaining a balance between workshops, discussions and time for informal conversations.

They also emphasised the need for greater youth involvement in organising events, reducing the length of panel discussions, and preparing alternative activities in case of unfavourable weather conditions.

These conclusions provided a foundation for further work on the programme of the festival in Elbląg.

Democracy, Disinformation and Intergenerational Dialogue

During the workshops, participants developed numerous proposals concerning both the themes and format of the upcoming event. Ideas included a mock trial addressing the issue of hate speech, workshops on disinformation and the manipulation of health-related information, debates on cultural differences, and activities focusing on civic education and the functioning of e-government services.

Intergenerational relations also played an important role in the discussions. Participants proposed activities that would enable young people and senior citizens to exchange experiences and discuss their mutual expectations and challenges.

Participants stressed that the festival should combine education with active participation and social integration. This led to proposals for intercultural quizzes, dance workshops, artistic events and even a stand-up comedy performance focused on democracy.

The First Outline of a Two-Day Festival

One of the most significant outcomes of the third Round Table meeting was the development of a preliminary programme for the Youth Democracy Festival.

Participants jointly selected priority activities, arranged them along a timeline and discussed how the different parts of the event should unfold. The draft programme included thematic workshops, group activities, opportunities for social interaction and accompanying events.

Participants also worked on a name for the festival. Among the suggestions were "Demokraton" and "Discokracja", reflecting the ideas of democracy, youth engagement and the inclusive nature of the event.

Another important stage of the workshops involved testing the programme "through the eyes of a participant". This exercise allowed participants to assess the planned event from a young person's perspective, considering its attractiveness, accessibility and organisation.

The resulting agenda is preliminary and will serve as a basis for further preparations for the festival in November.

Young People Not Only Participate but Also Help Make Decisions

The third Round Table meeting demonstrated the importance of genuinely involving young people in decision-making processes when organising civic events. Their experiences, needs and ideas became the main reference point for shaping the programme of the upcoming festival.

This approach lies at the heart of the participatory Youth Democracy Festival methodology, developed within the D-effect project. It aims to create opportunities for dialogue, intergenerational cooperation and active youth participation in social and civic life.

The Youth Democracy Festival in Elbląg, scheduled for November, will provide another opportunity to put this methodology into practice and demonstrate that young people can have a real influence on the events organised in their city.

More information about the Youth Democracy Festival methodology and the tools developed as part of the D-effect project can be found at:

D-Effect Toolbox

Youth4Agri - Partners Work on Developing Educational Activities for Young People

During an online meeting held on 8 October 2026, Youth4Agri project partners worked on preparing educational and development activities for young people interested in the future of agriculture and rural areas. The discussions focused primarily on developing an online course and aligning planned training programmes, mentoring activities and youth initiatives with the project's four strategic areas.

The Youth4Agri project is based on cross-border cooperation, bringing together knowledge, experience and good practices from partners across different countries. Its aim is to develop young people's skills, support entrepreneurship and strengthen their involvement in shaping the future of agriculture and rural areas.

Four Strategic Areas of Youth4Agri

All project activities will focus on four interconnected strategic areas:

During the meeting, partners emphasised that all planned activities should incorporate these four areas, creating a coherent and practical educational offer for young people.

Online Course and Skills Development for Young People

One of the key topics of the meeting was the preparation of an online course as part of the project's educational activities. Partners discussed its thematic scope, structure and opportunities to build on existing educational materials and proven learning solutions.

An important objective is to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills that young people can apply in their further education, professional careers and entrepreneurial activities.

Discussions also covered the preparation of training programmes, Summer School, mentoring activities and the Youth Forum. Particular attention was given to engaging young people and developing attractive learning opportunities that respond to their actual needs and interests.

Cross-Border Cooperation and Building on Partners' Experience

An important aspect of the project is making use of the knowledge and experience already gained by its partners. Rather than developing all educational materials from scratch, the project aims to build on existing resources, good practices and proven methods of working with young people.

Cross-border cooperation will bring together different perspectives and experiences while supporting the development of solutions that can be applied in various countries and local communities.

Young People at the Centre of Youth4Agri Activities

Youth4Agri aims to create a space where young people can not only acquire knowledge and new skills but also exchange experiences, develop their own ideas and actively participate in finding solutions for the future of rural areas.

The partners' meeting marked another step in preparing activities that will combine education, innovation, entrepreneurship and international cooperation, empowering the younger generation to address the challenges facing modern agriculture.

International Youth Democracy Festival in Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń

On 23–24 September 2026, Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń became spaces for discussing how young people can actively participate in the life of their local communities. The International Youth Democracy Festival combined workshops, discussions and work on specific local challenges, demonstrating in practice that young people can not only make their voices heard but also contribute to developing solutions that affect their immediate surroundings.

Young people as co-creators of local initiatives

One of the main objectives of the event was to introduce the YDF – Youth Democracy Festival method, based on dialogue, cooperation and active youth participation. In this approach, young people are not simply recipients of a pre-designed programme. Instead, they are given space to express their opinions, identify their needs and work together to develop solutions.

The Festival provided an opportunity to put these principles into practice. Participants discussed issues directly related to their everyday lives and local communities and then worked together on their own ideas and recommendations.

From discussing needs to developing concrete ideas

An important part of the programme consisted of workshops addressing various aspects of young people’s lives. The topics included access to psychological support, sports infrastructure and activities in Olsztynek, the D-effect project and local self-governance.

The workshops went beyond discussion. Participants analysed problems together, exchanged experiences and developed concrete ideas and recommendations, including proposals related to a film and the local budget. This gave them an opportunity to see how their opinions and experiences can contribute to planning activities within their local community.

Democracy in practice

The International Youth Democracy Festival presented democracy primarily as an opportunity to speak up, engage in dialogue and influence issues that directly affect young people and their communities.

This format enables young people not only to talk about their needs but also to listen to different perspectives, seek solutions together and take responsibility for the ideas they develop. At the same time, it creates space for direct exchange between young participants and people involved in public and community life.

Open discussion with Marcin Kruszewski

Another part of the programme was a meeting with Marcin Kruszewski, creator of “Prawo Marcina”. The open discussion gave children and young adults an opportunity to ask questions directly, share their opinions and discuss issues that are important to the younger generation.

The meeting complemented the practical character of the Festival, which focused on creating conditions in which young people could freely express their views and participate in discussions about matters that concern them.

A space for dialogue and participation in decision-making

The events in Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń demonstrated that youth civic engagement can begin with very concrete, local issues – access to support, sports opportunities, decisions on how local funds are spent and opportunities to influence activities undertaken in their communities.

The Youth Democracy Festival format combines civic education with practical experience of cooperation and participation in decision-making. It helps young people see that their role in community life does not have to be limited to passive participation and that their ideas can become a starting point for concrete action.

Youth4Agri Kick-Off Meeting in Conegliano: From Smart Agriculture to Youth Cooperation

Youth4Agri has entered the implementation phase. During the Kick-Off Meeting held on 28–29 September 2026 in Conegliano, Italy, partners from Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and Poland agreed on the next steps towards developing transnational training and entrepreneurship support for young people, establishing the Youth4Agri Forum and Youth Ambassador model, and creating new opportunities for young people to actively shape the future of agriculture in Central Europe.

The meeting marked the transition from project planning to practical implementation. Partners focused on how Youth4Agri can connect the needs and perspectives of young people with the transformation taking place in agriculture – from digitalisation and new technologies to entrepreneurship, climate resilience and the green transition.

From project plans to practical solutions

Youth4Agri will develop two main transnational solutions designed to strengthen the skills and opportunities of young people interested in agriculture and rural development.

The first will focus on training, providing young people with knowledge related to agriculture, innovation and new technologies. The programme will include five online modules, video lessons, learning materials, a test and a certificate.

The second will concentrate on entrepreneurship support, combining business, personal and networking skills with coaching and mentoring. The aim is not only to provide knowledge, but also to help young people develop ideas, build professional networks and strengthen their ability to turn opportunities into practical initiatives.

Both solutions will be tested through project pilots and developed with a view to their future use in different regions of Central Europe.

A Forum created with young people

An important part of Youth4Agri will be the Youth4Agri Forum – a space bringing together young farmers, rural youth, students, entrepreneurs and other young people interested in agriculture and rural innovation.

Its activities will connect four closely related themes:

Agriculture | Green & Digital Transition | Entrepreneurship | Climate Change

Young people will not only participate in the Forum but will also contribute to identifying challenges, sharing experiences and developing recommendations and solutions. This approach is intended to ensure that project activities respond to their actual needs and perspectives.

The project will also introduce a Youth Ambassador model. Youth Ambassadors will act as listeners, connectors, contributors and multipliers, helping to gather young people’s perspectives, connect them with project activities and share Youth4Agri opportunities within their communities.

The first transnational Youth4Agri Round Table is planned for December 2026. It will focus on identifying the needs and challenges faced by young people. Local Round Tables will complement this process, creating an ongoing exchange between young participants, project partners and the Youth4Agri Forum.

Agriculture is changing – and so are the skills it requires

The meeting in Conegliano also placed Youth4Agri activities within the broader context of changes taking place in modern agriculture.

Discussions addressed areas such as precision agriculture and viticulture, artificial intelligence and data processing, robotics, irrigation and water management, soil health and climate resilience.

These examples showed how technological development and environmental challenges are changing both agricultural production and the skills required in the sector. For Youth4Agri, this transformation creates an important opportunity to connect young people with new knowledge, technologies and forms of entrepreneurship.

At the same time, the project looks beyond technical skills. Cooperation, networking, initiative and the ability to develop and communicate ideas will be equally important in preparing young people to take an active role in the future of rural areas.

What comes next for Youth4Agri?

Following the meeting in Conegliano, partners will move forward with the practical development of the project’s key activities.

The coming months will focus on establishing the Youth4Agri Forum, developing the Youth Ambassador model, recruiting young participants and preparing the first transnational Round Table. In parallel, partners will continue developing the training and entrepreneurship solutions that will later be tested through project pilots.

By combining skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and direct youth participation, Youth4Agri aims to create solutions that can be transferred and used across Central Europe, strengthening the role of young people in the ongoing transformation of agriculture and rural areas.

Follow Youth4Agri to stay informed about upcoming training opportunities, Youth4Agri Forum activities, Round Tables and opportunities for young people to get involved.

“This publication has been developed within the Youth4Agri - Transnational Youth Skills for Agriculture twin transition, project No CE0401400 supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme with co-financing from the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the authors and the project partnership and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme, its programme bodies or the European Union. Neither the programme authorities nor the European Union can be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.”

Circular MuSe in Kalmar - Circular Economy in Practice

Representatives of the Circular MuSe project partners and STG ERB member municipalities took part in the first day of a study visit in Kalmar, Sweden, on 29 September. The meeting focused on practical circular economy solutions applied in municipal services – from the reuse of materials and items to the recovery and management of sludge.

The first day of the Circular MuSe Study Trip & All-partner Meeting, organised on 29–30 September 2026, gave participants an opportunity to see how circular solutions are being implemented at the city level and within local public services.

Circular Economy at the City Level

The programme began with a presentation of Kalmar Municipality’s approach to the circular economy. The discussions focused primarily on solutions that can be implemented by local authorities and municipal service providers. An important part of the meeting was the exchange of experiences and the opportunity to discuss the practical aspects of how such services operate.

Representatives of member municipalities of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic also took part in the study visit. This made it possible to analyse the solutions presented in Sweden from the perspective of their potential use and adaptation by Polish local authorities.

From Used Materials to Sports Equipment

The next part of the day focused on specific examples of circular services available to residents and local businesses.

Participants visited Återbruket, a municipal facility that collects and resells used building materials, doors, windows and furniture for both private and office use.

Another example was Fritidsbanken, which operates as a “leisure bank”. Residents can borrow sports and recreational equipment free of charge for up to 14 days.

The programme also included a visit to VIKAB, a city-owned workshop providing services tailored to the needs of businesses, such as refurbishing workwear and repairing furniture, with a particular focus on corporate social responsibility.

Sludge as a Resource

Another important focus of the first day was the removal and reuse of sludge in municipal services.

During a visit to Malmfjärden Bay, participants learned about low-flow sludge removal technology, solutions for semi-passive sludge dewatering, and examples of its potential reuse.

The study visit also included the Skogstorp and Kalmar Dämme sedimentation ponds. Discussions covered factors affecting the frequency of sludge removal and its potential for further use.

The final example presented was the work carried out in Skogsby on Öland, focusing on plant selection and the use of soil and sludge mixtures for cultivation.

The first day of the study visit demonstrated a broad approach to the circular economy – from extending the life cycle of products and reusing materials to recovering resources generated through municipal services. For local government representatives, it was also an opportunity to explore solutions that could inspire the development of more circular services at the local level.

Circular MuSe in Kalmar - Partners Plan Next Steps, Local Government Representatives Explore Solutions in Practice

The second day of the Circular MuSe Study Trip & All-partner Meeting in Kalmar combined partners’ work on the next stages of the project with study visits for local government representatives. The partners focused, among other things, on preparing training and mentoring activities, further developing the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub, and exploring how the project’s results can be used after its completion. The study visit provided an opportunity to learn about practical solutions for water treatment and reuse.

On 30 September, the two-day Circular MuSe project meeting continued in Kalmar. The programme was designed to enable the project partners to work on the further implementation of the project while, at the same time, allowing participants in the study visit – including representatives of member municipalities of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic – to explore Swedish experiences and solutions that may be relevant from a local government perspective.

Next stages of Circular MuSe

During the All-partner Meeting, the partners presented brief updates on activities and achievements since the last joint meeting in Wejherowo. They then focused on planning the next stages of the project.

One of the main topics was the preparation of training activities in Denmark, Poland and Sweden, as well as mentoring in Lithuania. The discussions covered specific dates, recruitment of representatives of local authorities and companies, formats and methods of delivering the training, the duration of individual modules, as well as the selection of trainers and the resources required.

Development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub

Another important part of the meeting was the continued development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub and a portfolio of examples of circular municipal services, primarily intended for smaller towns and rural areas.

The partners reviewed the good practices collected so far, identified thematic areas that still need to be covered, and discussed which solutions could be used during future study visits and training activities. They also considered examples that could be particularly valuable for communicating and disseminating the project’s results.

What will remain after the project ends?

A separate part of the discussions focused on how the results of Circular MuSe could be used after the project has ended. The partners discussed the requirements of the funding programme, initial concepts for the continued use of the results developed within the project, as well as upcoming tasks and future meetings.

This is an important aspect of Circular MuSe, as the project’s activities are intended not only to facilitate the exchange of experience among partners, but also to provide knowledge and practical examples that can be used by local authorities and local municipal service providers.

Solutions for Local Authorities in Practice

At the same time, study visits were an important part of the second day. For the local government representatives participating in the trip, they provided an opportunity to see solutions implemented in Kalmar first-hand and to discuss practical experience gained from their implementation.

One of the solutions presented was a mobile, container-based wastewater disinfection system that enables water recovery and reuse, including for irrigating green areas and sports fields. During the visit, participants learned about experiences related to the implementation and operation of the system, its potential future applications, as well as conclusions and recommendations resulting from its operation.

The study visit programme also included Kalmarsundsverket – a new-generation wastewater treatment and resource recovery facility currently being developed in Kalmar. According to the project assumptions, the facility is designed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus emissions, enable up to 80% of the water to be treated for reuse, and produce a high-quality soil improver as well as biogas used to generate electricity and heat.

Knowledge That Can Be Applied Locally

The second day in Kalmar therefore had two complementary dimensions. Circular MuSe partners worked on the next stages of the project, training activities, the Knowledge Hub and the long-term use of project results, while local government representatives had the opportunity to explore practical solutions related to the circular economy and resource reuse first-hand.

The meeting concluded with a joint exchange of conclusions from the study visit, focusing on the experience gained, opportunities for implementing circular practices in municipal services, and further activities within Circular MuSe.