The European Green Week 2021 edition, launching today, aims to engage stakeholders across the EU on how to minimize pollution and achieve a toxic-free environment. Under the stewardship of the EU Action Plan toward Zero Pollution, nations are invited to discuss and implement policies and economic actions to strengthen the EU’s green leadership. The Recursive reviewed the key sustainability events in Southeast Europe organized on the occasion.
Circular economy in Romania
1. The event: “Are you ready to change the world?,” is the bold question at the core of the Circular Economy Hackathon’s mission. The event seeks to unleash innovation in tackling urban circular economy challenges among students and recent graduates at Romanian universities. Focusing on cities is key – they account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. In this hack-and-learn race, participants are expected to define and present their solution in only two days. The hackathon is organized by IRCEM, the Ernest Lupan Institute for Research in Circular Economy and the Environment.
When & where: June 11-12, 2021, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2. The event: Education is a pillar for any sustainable development plan. The West University of Timisoara is organizing the fourth edition of the Green Week @UVT, with a focus on the circular economy. The event explores the role of education and European Universities in accelerating the circular economy. Discussions also include the need for citizen participation in research projects and the role of sustainable entrepreneurship.
When & where: May 31-June 4, 2021, Timisoara, Romania
Green fashion & sustainable tourism investment in Bulgaria
3. The event: One of the EU Green Week 2021’s partners in Bulgaria, the Association of Recyclers and Traders of Second-Hand Clothes, will be organizing an event on sustainable textiles in early June. Every year, the organization recycles over 50k tons of textiles and exports another 20K tons for reuse. The Green Week is an opportunity to coordinate a sustainability discussion between experts, policy-makers, and textile businesses. Key items on the agenda include the implementation of the EU strategy for sustainable textile in Bulgaria; best practices for textile recycling and reuse; the economic roles of second-hand clothes activities, and the dynamics of setting up a national system for the separate collection of textiles.
When & where: June 8th, Sofia, Bulgaria
4. The event: In 2018 alone, Bulgaria attracted over 9.2 million tourists, adding up to a ticket value of $7.6 billion. Tourism is a prime engine for the country’s future economic growth. The Investing in Tourism Sustainability Conference will raise awareness of the investment potential in the country and the SEE region and discuss a common vision for solving challenges in the area. It is hosted by the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism in partnership with ITIC. One of the goals is to bring more investment in tourism infrastructure and services. In turn, this will increase self-employment and other economic opportunities for local communities.
When & where: June 10-11, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Roadmaps towards sustainable development in Greece
5. The event: The 2nd Athens Circular Forum aims to showcase the activities through which the country can achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050. The sustainability event is organized by the Sporos Platform, a multipurpose organisation that combines an impact investment fund, a consultancy firm to assist the circular economy transition, and a communication and advocacy platform. The program includes keynotes and sessions on green and responsible investment, blue economy and sustainable tourism, and innovative smart farming.
When & where: May 31 – June 1, Athens, Greece
6. The event: In Greece, the KEAN organization has prepared two weeks full of community-based events under the Green Roadmap program. The event focuses on how municipalities can become more sustainable places to live and work, in particular on issues concerning air quality, biodiversity, and water management. Additionally, children and students will participate in Planetbook, an environmental education game, and a recycling laboratory. An online platform for the collection and development of sustainable development ideas has also been created on the occasion.
When & where: May 31 – June 13, Greece
If you know or represent any other sustainability events during this period, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
