In June 2024, the PREPSOIL project envisages the launch of the PREPSOIL Mobile App, a free mobile app helping citizens to acquire knowledge about soil health and supporting research with real-life soil observations. At present, the Prepsoil Mobile App is nearly ready for its alpha release, through which we will be able to collect feedback from users and improve the App’s performance before its official release. Are you ready to test it? Through this free App you will be able learn more about soil management, keep updated on new publications and videos, and interact through the soil quests that can be posed and answered. The App also allows you to understand which actors are addressing soil issues in your territory and reach out to them. Subscribe to the PREPSOIL Newsletter to get updates on the mobile app release or contact Agnese Boccalon (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you are interested in testing the alpha version of the app.

The fourth ACCESS webinar delved into the often-overlooked topic of the environmental impact of sports, particularly on the natural environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Despite the common perception, sports events, infrastructure development, and resource usage significantly affect the surrounding environment, leading to habitat loss, land use issues, and disturbances in ecosystems. Recognising the importance of addressing these impacts, the webinar brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss challenges, solutions, and strategies for mitigating the negative effects of sports on flora and fauna. 

During the event, the International Union for Conservation of Nature provided valuable insights into nature conservation initiatives in sports and presented the "Sports for Nature" charter. Academic perspectives from Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies explored ways to measure ecosystem services value and biodiversity impacts of sport organizations. Additionally, Ireland's GAA and and the Wildlife Management Services shared their experiences and insights into biodiversity projects in sports grounds. 
 
The recording is available here.

ACR+ organised a two-day event providing a comprehensive look at the achievements of the FOODRUS and CO-FRESH projects on 13-14 March, in Brussels. Participants delved into the outcomes of the FOODRUS project, which has been dedicated to creating more resilient food systems in Europe through circular solutions to prevent food losses and waste. The event featured presentations on eco-innovative solutions, digital tools for data collection and monitoring, and co-creative methodologies employed in various living labs across Europe, underscoring the collaborative efforts to address food waste challenges. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the real-world impact of the projects through presentations on the three FOODRUS pilots in Denmark, Spain, and Slovakia. These pilots focused on implementing practical solutions to reduce food waste, such as changing menu options in university cafeterias, improving food transportation processes, and promoting the use of bread leftovers through innovative fermentation processes and recipe development. The events provided valuable insights into the progress made by both projects and facilitated discussions on the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable agri-food value chains. 

Watch the recording here.

Would you like to learn more about circular economy and waste reduction practices across the Mediterranean region? The WES project has released a series of informative videos highlighting best practices in circular economy and waste reduction. Designed to align with Union for the Mediterranean agendas and the Barcelona Convention, WES focuses on pollution reduction and prevention, as well as efficient water resource management in the ENI Southern Neighbourhood region.

Watch the videos here.

ACR+ took part in the conference on Translating the Green Deal into Local Action, held in Brussels last week. It marked a pivotal moment for European mayors and regional leaders, providing a platform to advocate for local action in the context of the EU Green Deal. With over 550 participants, the event underscored the importance of embedding the local level at the heart of environmental policymaking, emphasizing the need for a new multilevel governance framework and increased funding to support green initiatives. The formal handover of the Declaration of European local and regional leaders to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo symbolised a collective commitment to post-2024 recommendations, paving the way for stronger collaboration between local and EU policymakers. 

The conference aimed to translate abstract environmental goals into tangible targets accessible to all communities.  Among key conclusions, we were happy to listen the great attention devoted to: integration of material resource consumption targets into Sustainable Energy and Cliamate Action Plans, multilevel governance and central role of local governments, the role played by human wellbeing in environmental policy planning, and the impact of local Green Deals. 

If you missed it, you can watch the livestream online.

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