Street For The Youth - the first studio visit behind us! In the second part of the event we had an unusual opportunity to co-create a creative space, we independently created mock-ups on the broad design of public spaces, experimented and shared knowledge and ideas, using a range of materials available at the MaM - Mind- And Makerspace studio. The idea stating that everyone can become a creator, not just a consumer, fit the design guidelines 100%. There was also time to visit the Sports Innovation Campus in Brugge. (https://www.howest.be/nl/campussen/brugge/sportinnovatiecampus) and to be active at Sportscube, an innovative sports space aimed at supporting physical activity and technology development in the field of sports (Sport Vlaanderen Brugge). We were also enriched with knowledge of good practices regarding other projects in which young people actively co-create solutions, spaces, events and initiatives, such as art, technology, urban planning, education or sustainability projects.
The next physical meeting of the partners will take place at the end of this year in Poland, and until then we will continue implementing the planned project activities.
Street For The Youth - a visit to Brugge
As part of the Street For The Youth project, a visit to the Belgian city of Brugge is underway. As this is the first physical meeting, the agenda included a lot of space for getting to know each other, presenting their priorities in relation to the project assumptions, and identifying potential places to be adopted and designed by the youth. We invited representatives from Gdynia, Elblag and Dzierzgon to implement project activities. Young delegates from the Youth City Council of Gdynia, the Youth City Council of Elbląg and the Youth City Council of Dzierzgon Municipality, who accompanied us on the delegation, presented interesting proposals for the vision of the city of the future. We also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop on the future of cities, taking into account the needs of younger generations, and took part in an exploratory walk through Bruges, combining it with a challenge using the YET mobile application, through which young people can creatively share their ideas in the area of public space. And there are still more workshops and presentations and activities ahead.
The Streets for the Youth project is implemented from the Erasmus+ program
Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic (PL)
HOWEST Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (BE)
Comunidade Intermunicipal do Cávado (PT)
Funded by the European Union
Funded by the European UnionThe European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflect the views only of the authors; the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
WaterMan Study Trip Water recycling as an instrument for safeguarding climate-resilient water supply in humid regions
As part of the Waterman project, a second study trip took place from January 14–16, 2025, focusing on water recycling practices in a humid region. This trip, held in Belgium, offered participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative water management systems across four locations. The study visits demonstrated practical approaches to recycling water and adapting to climate challenges in both urban and industrial contexts.
Day 1: Pioneering Water Reuse Schemes in Belgium
Case Study 1: The Torreele / St-André Water Reuse Scheme
The first visit took participants to Koksijde, where Aquaduin, a regional water company, operates the Torreele / St-André water reuse system. Established in 2002, this facility was one of the first in humid regions to adopt indirect potable reuse. The facility transforms treated wastewater from the Torreele WWTP into infiltration water, which is then used to recharge the groundwater in the nearby dunes.
Key features include:
A multi-stage cleaning process to ensure water quality.
Seasonal chlorination levels: lower in winter, higher in summer.
A system producing approximately 50% of its infiltration water from recycled wastewater.
This project underscores the importance of collaboration with municipalities and local stakeholders to sustain potable water supplies in a tourist-heavy region.
Case Study 2: Water Recycling in the "De Nieuwe Dokken" District
The second stop was the "De Nieuwe Dokken" urban development in Ghent, Flanders' first circular city district. Managed by DuCoop, the site integrates water recycling into a broader circular economy model, addressing energy, waste, and water management in a closed-loop system.
Highlights include:
Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for 244 households, offices, and a nearby factory.
Source separation for black water, grey water, and kitchen waste.
Recovery of approximately 20% of heat from wastewater.
Energy storage systems and air-source heat pumps for sustainable heating.
This district exemplifies how urban planning can reduce water consumption, with residents using only 60 liters daily (compared to Belgium’s average of 100 liters). Future plans include connecting nearby neighborhoods to maximize resource sharing.
Day 2: Innovative Industrial Water Reuse
Case Study 3: Reuse of Municipal Wastewater at Dow in Terneuzen
The second day began with a visit to Terneuzen in the Netherlands, where Dow, a petrochemical company, collaborates with local partners to recycle municipal wastewater for industrial use. Initiated in the 1990s, this large-scale project treats wastewater at the local WWTP and transports it 12 km to Dow’s facility. There, it undergoes further purification and is reused in manufacturing and cooling processes.
Notable achievements:
The addition of constructed wetlands for pre-treatment, moving closer to a fully circular water system.
Reduction of freshwater demand, addressing both seasonal droughts and flood risks common in the Netherlands.
Integration of rainwater harvesting for agricultural use in nearby greenhouses.
This public-private partnership demonstrates the potential of nature-based solutions and cross-sector collaboration to tackle water scarcity challenges.
The participants then went to the University of Ghent, more precisely to the Kortrijk Campus. There they discussed the recycling of water for industrial purposes in the South of the Netherlands, based on the case of the Dow petrochemical complex in Terneuzen. The next topic was the use of artificial wetlands as a natural solution for pre-treatment in the water recycling system of the Dow petrochemical complex in Terneuzen.
In addition, the participants visited the artificial wetlands on the Kortrijk Campus, where a representative of the University of Ghent spoke about the investment.
Day 2: Climate-Resilient Neighborhoods
Case Study 4: Rainwater Recycling in Wiekevorst
The final visit showcased the innovative "smart street" concept in Wiekevorst, a greenfield residential project with 33 homes and supermarket. The development incorporates collective rainwater harvesting, recycling, and urban raingardens to create a climate-resilient community.
Key features include:
Rainwater accounting for two-thirds of water use for toilets and gardens.
Municipal water reserved for drinking purposes.
Design elements that buffer, infiltrate, and delay drainage to prevent flooding and water shortages.
The project’s success relies on involving new participants, such as schools and businesses, while educating residents about the benefits of sustainable water management.
Key Takeaways and Discussions
On the final day, participants gathered to discuss the broader implications of water recycling for the South Baltic Region, particularly in the context of climate adaptation. The Waterman project, initiated in 2023, has evolved from focusing on water quality to addressing water reuse and climate resilience.
Challenges Highlighted:
Regulatory gaps and a lack of quality standards for recycled water in agriculture and industry.
High investment costs and limited funding for less affluent regions.
Social resistance in some European countries.
Success Stories:
The Swedish city of Kalmar piloted UV-disinfected treated wastewater for urban irrigation.
Belgium's "Blue Deal" program funds innovative water projects with regional and EU support.
Looking Ahead
Water recycling has the potential to strengthen local water systems against climate change, but success depends on collaboration across local, regional, and EU levels. Key priorities include raising public awareness, establishing clear legal frameworks, and expanding financial support.
Upcoming events will continue fostering knowledge exchange and best practices among stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable future for water management in the Baltic and beyond.
Circular Muse - Kick-off Conference 20-21.11.2024 - part 2
The kick-off conference of Circular MuSe project took place in Sopot and was organized by the project leader, Gdańsk University of Technology, on 20-21 of November 2024.
Day 2 - 21.11.2024
The second day was dedicated to internal work on administrative and financial activities and work with target groups. During the meeting, representatives of the Joint Secretariat gave a presentation on the work during the project and the way of preparing partner reports.
The representative of the Gdańsk University of Technology presented the part related to finances in the project and also mentioned the principles of preparing partner settlements. The first of them is waiting for partners in mid-January 2025.
The end of the day was dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of the project results. An important element of project implementation is the involvement of target groups, which will be the recipients of the implemented activities and the developed ideas.
The kick-off conference of Circular MuSe project took place in Sopot and was organized by the project leader, Gdańsk University of Technology, on 20-21 of November 2024.
Day 1 - 20.11.2024
The meeting was attended by partners from Poland, Lithuania, Sweden and Denmark. They were welcomed by the host and the plan for the next two days was presented. The first day was devoted to a world coffee workshop on individual action packages. Each leader responsible for the implementation of the WP (work package) presented the scope of activities that will be carried out. Participants changed tables as part of the work in the form of a world cafe, where each table had a different question related to a given WP. This allowed for the collection of ideas from partners and information related to the situation, among others, the legal situation in the given countries.
As part of gathering inspiration, the project leader took the participants on a study visit to the Karlikowska Retention Reservoir, where there are interesting solutions for water use and land development.
“D-Effect” project - Youth participation and democracy in practice
On November 28, 2024, the inaugural meeting of one of the activities of the “D-Effect” project, whose main goal is to activate young people through the development of civic participation and the organization of democratic festivals, was held at the “Światowid” European Meeting Center. The project was created in response to the needs of young people, resulting from consultations and workshops held over the past two years.
The initiative began with the idea of supporting cultural institutions and youth organizations. Over time, it evolved into a project promoting democratic attitudes and civic activism among young people. “D-Effect” includes activities in five countries in the Baltic Sea region, thanks to the cooperation of an international network of local governments, NGOs and Euroregions. Polish partners include the municipalities of Olsztynek, Dzierzgoń and Elbląg, as well as the Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic and the Światowid European Meeting Center in Elblag.
The project emphasizes practical activities. One of its key elements are democracy festivals - spaces where young people can not only learn about the principles of democracy, but also co-create cultural and educational events. During the course of the project, participants will have the opportunity to see how youth participation works in other countries, such as Sweden, Denmark and Lithuania. The experience gained there will serve as inspiration to create local activities.
“D-Effect” is also an opportunity for international exchange of experiences. Young people will have the opportunity to participate in projects such as “Streets for Youth,” where young people plan the future of their cities in the run up to 2050. There will be pilot programs on sustainable development in Elblag and other locations, involving both youth and teachers.
The project is unique because it combines educational activities with practical support. It gives young people the tools to co-determine, create change and implement their own ideas for community development. The partners emphasize that “D-Effect” is a project created “for youth and by youth.” It gives the young generation a real opportunity to co-create the future - their own and their cities'.
We invite you to follow the progress of the project and participate in its events. More information coming soon!
