community of practice – CIVICGREEN

Examples of Good Practices

Good Practice 1	The “Ecogenia – Young People, for the Environment, for Greece”
Brief description of good practice	Ecogenia is a new community-based initiative that aims to educate young Greeks about environmental sustainability and foster a culture of civic engagement. It is a new exciting model for Greece. It has a bottom-up approach to the environment and the climate by engaging and educating young people in solving the problems in their communities, to help ease Greece’s sustainability and climate challenge. Duration: Ecogenia is the brainchild of 34-year-old Greek-American Lia Papazoglou, a confident, quick-to-smile woman who is full of energy. She is determined to help Greece with a lead-by-example strategy that ultimately positions the country as a model in sustainability and climate action. Ecogenia is established as a long-term initiative. Aims: This effort will spark ecotourism in the area and hopefully draw more people to other parts of Greece, which are beautiful in a different way, to many of the popular and fragile islands that are often overrun in the summer. Implementation: Ecogenia operates as a youth-led organization with a focus on environmental activism and education. The organization collaborates with schools, universities, and youth groups to organize workshops, campaigns, and events centred around environmental topics. These activities cover a wide range of issues, including waste reduction, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Ecogenia also conducts research and advocacy to influence policy decisions and promote environmentally friendly practices at the local and national levels.
Target group of the good practice	The target groups of Ecogenia are: – High School Students: they represent a key demographic for Ecogenia’s outreach efforts. They are at a formative stage of their lives where they can be influenced to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours and become future leaders in sustainability. Ecogenia engages with high school students through educational workshops, eco-friendly projects, and youth-led initiatives aimed at instilling a sense of environmental responsibility and activism. – University Students: They are often passionate about social and environmental issues, making them an ideal target group for Ecogenia’s advocacy and engagement activities. As young adults, they have the potential to drive positive change within their communities and influence campus-wide sustainability initiatives. Ecogenia connects with university students through awareness campaigns, campus events, and volunteer opportunities, empowering them to take action on environmental challenges and contribute to a greener future for Greece. – Community Leaders and Activists: They play a crucial role in driving environmental initiatives and mobilizing local communities towards sustainable practices. Ecogenia targets this group to leverage their influence and expertise in advocating for policy changes, implementing environmental projects, and fostering grassroots activism.
Partners / Actors of good practice	X
Success factors and difficulties / barriers to good practice	Success factors: – Youth Empowerment and Engagement: Ecogenia’s success hinges on actively involving young people in environmental advocacy and action. By empowering youth to take leadership roles and participate in decision-making processes, Ecogenia cultivates a sense of ownership and dedication among its members, driving the initiative’s sustained impact. – Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration among individuals with diverse backgrounds, including environmental science, engineering, social sciences, and arts, enriches Ecogenia’s approach to addressing environmental challenges. – Education and Awareness: Prioritizing education and awareness-raising initiatives is essential for Ecogenia’s success in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. By providing accessible and engaging educational resources, workshops, and campaigns, Ecogenia equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and take meaningful action for the environment. – Partnerships with Stakeholders: Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and local communities, enhances Ecogenia’s ability to effect systemic change and maximize its impact. – Innovation and Adaptability: Embracing innovation and remaining adaptable to evolving environmental challenges and opportunities are crucial for Ecogenia’s long-term success. Difficulties / Barriers – Limited Funding and Resources: Securing sufficient funding and resources to support Ecogenia’s activities, including educational workshops, outreach campaigns, and environmental projects, can be challenging. Dependence on grants, donations, and sponsorships may introduce uncertainties and constraints on the initiative’s operations and growth. – Youth Engagement and Retention: Maintaining sustained engagement and retention among young participants in Ecogenia may pose challenges due to competing demands on their time and interests. Overcoming apathy, disengagement, or scepticism towards environmental issues requires ongoing efforts to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and impact within the youth community. – Overcoming Resistance: Addressing societal inertia and resistance to change regarding environmental behaviours and attitudes presents a significant barrier for Ecogenia. Convincing individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for environmental conservation often requires overcoming entrenched habits, beliefs, and systemic barriers. – Navigating Bureaucracy and Institutional Challenges: Negotiating bureaucratic hurdles and navigating institutional frameworks, such as government regulations, administrative procedures, and organizational hierarchies, can impede Ecogenia’s efforts to implement and scale its initiatives.
How can this good practice be linked to the CIVIC GREEN project, its scope and its activities?	Ecogenia’s practices align closely with the aims and target groups of the CivicGreen project, making it a valuable partner or participant in advancing the project’s scope and activities, as follows: – Promoting Active Citizenship and Environmental Knowledge: Ecogenia’s emphasis on youth empowerment and environmental education directly contributes to promoting active citizenship and improving citizens’ knowledge of environmental issues. – Engagement in Monitoring Environmental Policies and Projects: Ecogenia’s focus on youth engagement and grassroots activism aligns with the CivicGreen project’s goal of actively involving citizens in monitoring environmental policies and projects. – Targeting Professionals in Adult Education and Civil Society Associations: Ecogenia’s outreach efforts can extend to professionals working in adult education, local associations, and NGOs, who are direct target groups of the CivicGreen project. By collaborating with these professionals, Ecogenia can amplify its impact and reach a broader audience with its environmental education and advocacy initiatives. – Mutual Learning and Exchange: Ecogenia can benefit from participating in the CivicGreen project by gaining access to resources, expertise, and best practices in environmental education, civic engagement, and policy monitoring. Through participation in project activities, Ecogenia can enhance its capacity to effectively engage citizens, advocate for environmental issues, and contribute to democratic participation and decision-making processes at the European level.
Related links	Website of the good practice: https://www.greece-is.com/ecogenia-for-young-people-for-the-environment-for-greece/ Other links: https://utilitiesone.com/the-importance-of-environmental-impact-assessments-in-sustainable-projects (The Importance of Environmental Impact Assessments in Sustainable Projects)

Good Practice 2	The “Greek Eco Island initiative”
Brief description of good practice	The “Greek Eco Island initiative” is a sustainable development project aimed at transforming Greek islands into eco-friendly and resilient communities through innovative environmental practices and green technologies. It encompasses a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various aspects such as energy efficiency, water conservation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable transportation. By promoting a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural environment, the initiative strives to create thriving and sustainable island ecosystems for future generations. Duration: The Greek Eco Island initiative was launched in 2019 as a long-term effort to promote sustainability and combat environmental degradation on Greek islands. Aims: The initiative seeks to reduce the ecological footprint of Greek islands, enhance their natural and cultural heritage, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Key objectives include transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting waste reduction and recycling, and fostering sustainable tourism practices. Implementation: The Greek Eco Island initiative is implemented through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations. Strategies include investing in renewable energy infrastructure, implementing eco-friendly transportation systems, supporting sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and raising awareness about environmental conservation through education and outreach programs.
Target group of the good practice	The target groups of the “Greek Eco Island initiative” are: – Local Residents: Engaging local residents is crucial for the success of the initiative as they are directly affected by the changes and improvements implemented on the islands. Local residents can participate in sustainability efforts, adopt eco-friendly practices, and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities. – Tourists and Visitors: Tourists and visitors represent a significant stakeholder group as they contribute to the economic and environmental dynamics of the islands. Promoting sustainable tourism practices, educating visitors about environmental conservation, and offering eco-friendly tourism experiences can help minimize the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing its benefits for local communities and ecosystems. – Government Agencies and Local Authorities: Collaboration with government agencies and local authorities is essential for implementing policies, regulations, and infrastructure improvements necessary for sustainable development on the islands. These stakeholders play a key role in providing support, funding, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the transition towards eco-friendly practices and green technologies.
Partners / Actors of good practice	N/A
Success factors and difficulties / barriers to good practice	Success factors: – Community Engagement and Participation: Actively involving local residents, businesses, and community organizations in the planning and implementation of sustainability projects fosters a sense of ownership and commitment, leading to greater support and cooperation. By soliciting input, feedback, and ideas from diverse stakeholders, the initiative can leverage local knowledge and expertise to develop tailored solutions that address community needs and priorities. – Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Partnerships: Building partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and academic institutions enables the initiative to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to achieve common sustainability goals. Collaborative approaches facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and coordinated action, enhancing the effectiveness and impact of sustainability initiatives on the islands. – Innovation and Technology Adoption: Embracing innovative technologies and practices, such as renewable energy systems, smart grids, sustainable transportation solutions, and eco-friendly building designs, enables the initiative to achieve greater efficiency, resilience, and environmental performance. By investing in cutting-edge solutions and fostering a culture of innovation, the initiative can stay at the forefront of sustainable development and position the islands as leaders in eco-friendly living and tourism. – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management: Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms allows the initiative to track progress, measure outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. By collecting data, analysing trends, and soliciting feedback from stakeholders, the initiative can make informed decisions, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure accountability and transparency in its operations. Difficulties / Barriers: – Limited Funding and Resources: Securing adequate funding and resources for sustainability projects and infrastructure improvements on the islands can be challenging, particularly for smaller communities with limited budgets and competing priorities. Dependence on external funding sources, fluctuating economic conditions, and bureaucratic processes may introduce uncertainties and delays in project implementation. – Resistance to Change and Cultural Norms: Overcoming resistance to change and entrenched cultural norms that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability can pose significant barriers to the adoption of eco-friendly practices and policies. Deeply rooted attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours may hinder efforts to promote conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption on the islands. – Complex Regulatory and Administrative Processes: Navigating complex regulatory frameworks, administrative procedures, and bureaucratic hurdles at the local, national, and international levels can impede the implementation of sustainability initiatives and infrastructure projects. Compliance with diverse regulations, permitting requirements, and stakeholder interests may introduce delays, increase costs, and create barriers to innovation and experimentation. – Limited Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Engaging and coordinating diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, businesses, and NGOs, in collaborative sustainability efforts can be challenging due to competing interests, differing priorities, and communication barriers. Lack of consensus, coordination, and cooperation among stakeholders may hinder progress, undermine trust, and limit the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives on the islands.
How can this good practice be linked to the CIVIC GREEN project, its scope and its activities?	The Greek Eco Island initiative can be closely related to the scope and activities of the CIVICGREEN project, as both initiatives share common goals of promoting environmental sustainability, civic engagement, and community empowerment, as follows: Environmental Monitoring and Civic Engagement: Both initiatives aim to actively engage citizens in monitoring environmental policies and projects. The Greek Eco Island initiative can collaborate with the CIVICGREEN project to involve island residents in monitoring local environmental conditions, assessing the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, and providing feedback to policymakers. Community-Based Initiatives and Sustainable Development: The Greek Eco Island initiative and the CIVICGREEN project both prioritize community-based approaches to sustainable development. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Collaboration between the Greek Eco Island initiative and the CIVICGREEN project facilitates knowledge sharing, capacity building, and best practice exchange among stakeholders. By participating in joint activities, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events, island communities can learn from experiences and lessons learned in other regions. Policy Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement: The Greek Eco Island initiative and the CIVICGREEN project can collaborate on advocacy efforts to promote supportive policy frameworks and institutional reforms that facilitate environmental sustainability and civic engagement.
Related links	Website of the good practice: https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/gr-eco-islands-initiative-promoting-sustainable-development-green-economy-energy Other links: https://www.ot.gr/2021/11/05/english-edition/gr-eco-initiative-halki-to-become-the-first-green-island-announcements-by-the-greek-pm/ (Halki to become the first “green” island – Announcements by the Greek Prime Minister)

Tools

Tool 1	Dönüştür Gitsin (Recycle It)
Brief description of the tool	Aim: – Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions – Reducing carbon footprint – Reducing food waste – Raising awareness about food waste, recycling and composting – Supporting individuals and farmers with sustainability skills Short Description: Dönüştür Gitsin (Recycle It) is a civil initiative which is taken by a group of volunteers to raise awareness of the individuals with food waste, composting, recycling, sustainability. They have been creating educational videos on their website and YouTube channel to reach the individuals for three years. They have been working with ‘Recycle food waste, change your future’ motto and giving lectures and trainings about the importance of reducing carbon footprint for sustainable ecology and how to recycle food waste. They also collaborate with farmers around Istanbul to support them with sustainable farming skills.
Target group of the tool	This civil initiative aims to reach individuals in the society because most of the people are aware of the food waste problem and willing to do something in their daily lives, but they don’t know how to reduce the food waste, how to recycle or compost at home. Thant’s why this initiative targets to reach adults, schools and public/private institutions to raise the awareness and support them with sustainability skills.
The tool is developed by …	The set of videos are developed by the volunteers of the Dönüştür Gitsin (Recycle It) initiative. Also, they have been collaborating with academicians, schools and teachers, and the followers/participants of the trainings.
How this tool can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	Dönüştür Gitsin (Recycle It) is closely related to the CivicGreen Project and its aims because it supports the individuals with green skills and raise their awareness while presenting them educational materials. Besides, it is not only a civil initiative and started by the volunteers, but also collaborates with other stakeholders such as academicians and schools to expand the impact of the activities. These activities contribute to the social cohesion and solidarity by engaging people in the solution of an environmental issue.
Related links	Access website of the tool: https://www.youtube.com/@donusturgitsin8576/videos Other links: https://donusturgitsin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/donusturgitsin/ https://www.instagram.com/donusturgitsin/

Tool 2	IKLIM TEMA Education Portal
Brief description of the tool	Aim: This education portal aims to upskill school-teachers in climate change, sustainability teaching methodologies and provide them with several training materials to utilize in their classrooms. In the end, it aims to raise the awareness of students on climate change and reinforce their civic action skills and engagement. Short Description: This education portal is developed by the collaboration of Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats and Turkish MoNE. It was created as a “nature-based education platform” and it includes several ready-to-use training materials for teachers who teach at nursery, primary, and secondary schools. These materials mainly focus on climate issues, zero waste, clean energy, and protection of natural resources. Teachers also can find some project ideas, games, puzzles and activities to raise the awareness on civic action and engagement among students. This platform is free of charge and teachers can use all materials after signing up.
Target group of the tool	The target group of this education portal is teachers who teach at nursery, primary and secondary schools, and the final beneficiaries are students to raise their awareness and knowledge on climate change and upskill them with civic action and engagement.
The tool is developed by …	This education portal is created by the collaboration of Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats and Turkish MoNE. Also, many experts, academicians and teachers took part in the development of the portal.
How this tool can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	This education portal firstly aims to upskill teachers with the methodologies of teaching climate change and nature protection, then it aims to support students with environment and sustainability awareness with tailored training materials according to their developmental period. Those content and materials focus on the love of nature, climate change, sustainability skills, zero-waste practices that they can do in their daily lives and several games, projects, and activities to foster their awareness on individual action against climate issues. It is important to target teachers and children because it aims to bring these skills and awareness from the very beginning to create a common sense of environment protection for the future generations.
Related links	Access website of the tool: https://iklimtema.org/ Other links: https://www.tema.org.tr/en

Resources

Resource 1	Measuring Social Capital: An Integrated Questionnaire
Short description of the resource	Aim: is to provide a standardized and comprehensive questionnaire that can be used to measure the level of social capital in a community or society. Social capital is an important concept in community development and citizen engagement, as it refers to the social networks, relationships, and norms that influence collective action and cooperation among individuals. By using this questionnaire, researchers, policymakers, and organizations can gather data on various aspects of social capital, such as trust, social networks, social cohesion, and community participation. The aim is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of social capital within a community, identify areas for improvement, and inform the design of programs and interventions that foster active citizen engagement and community development. Ultimately, the tool aims to contribute to more effective and sustainable development efforts by promoting social cohesion and collective action. Short Description: This tool is a World Bank Working Paper (No. 18) developed by Christiaan Grootaert, Deepa Narayan, Veronica Nyhan Jones, and Michael Woolcock. It provides an integrated questionnaire designed to measure social capital. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and norms that facilitate cooperation and collective action in a community. The aim of the questionnaire is to assess the level of social capital in a given community or society. Date: November 2003.
Target group of the resource	The target group for this tool/resource includes researchers, policymakers, and organizations working on community development, social capital, and citizen engagement projects. The questionnaire is designed to collect data from community members, so participants need to have a basic understanding of their community’s social dynamics and relationships.
The resource is published/broadcasted by …	The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank Working Paper Nº 18
How this resource can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	The CIVICGREEN Project focuses on citizen engagement and community development. This tool, the integrated questionnaire for measuring social capital, can be highly relevant to the project’s objectives. By understanding the level of social capital in different communities, the project can identify areas where citizen engagement is strong or weak, and tailor its activities accordingly. The questionnaire can help in assessing the potential for collective action and cooperation among citizens, providing valuable insights for project planning and implementation. The tool’s transferability and sustainability potential lie in its applicability to various communities and contexts, enabling consistent and comparable data collection on social capital.
Related links	Website of the resource: WORLD BANK WORKING PAPER NO. 18 Measuring Social Capital An Integrated Questionnaire: https://documents1.worldbank.org/ Other links: Social Network Analysis (SNA): SNA is a method for mapping and measuring relationships and interactions within a network. It can help identify key individuals, groups, and their connections, providing insights into the structure and dynamics of social capital. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1466914/ World Values Survey (WVS): The WVS is a global research project that examines people’s values and beliefs, including aspects related to social capital and social cohesion. It collects data on various dimensions, such as trust, social networks, and civic engagement. https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/wvs.jsp

Resource 2	Robert D. Putnam on Our Civic Life in Decline
Short description of the resource	Aim: It aims to raise awareness and provide insights into the challenges and factors contributing to the decline of civic life and active citizen engagement in society. The presentation likely seeks to inform the audience about the importance of civic participation, the consequences of declining civic engagement, and potential solutions to address these issues. Short Description: This tool/resource consists of a lecture or presentation by Robert D. Putnam, addressing the topic of civic life in decline. Robert D. Putnam is a prominent political scientist and author known for his work on social capital and civic engagement. The presentation likely discusses the challenges and factors contributing to the decline of civic life and active citizen engagement in society. By sharing his expertise and research findings, Robert D. Putnam aims to stimulate discussions, prompt action, and inspire individuals, policymakers, and organizations to take steps to revitalize civic life and promote active citizen engagement. The ultimate goal is to strengthen social capital, foster community cohesion, and encourage citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities and societies. Date: March 2016.
Target group of the resource	The target audience for this resource would typically include policymakers, researchers, activists, and individuals interested in community development, citizen engagement, and social capital. It can be particularly relevant for those seeking to understand the decline in civic participation and explore potential solutions for revitalizing civic life.
The resource is published/broadcasted by …	Conversations with Bill Kristol features in-depth conversations with leading figures in American public life.
How this resource can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	This tool/resource can be inspiring for the CIVICGREEN project as it offers valuable insights from a renowned expert on civic life and citizen engagement. By understanding the factors contributing to the decline of civic participation, the CIVICGREEN project can better design strategies and interventions to foster active citizen engagement. The presentation may provide ideas and evidence-based approaches to encourage social cohesion, trust-building, and collective action. The transferability and sustainability potential of this resource rely on its ability to influence project planning and implementation across different communities and contexts.
Related links	Website of the resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZHZc-kcyQQ Other related resources that this resource is based on: Michael Porter: Why business can be good at solving social problems https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=0iIh5YYDR2o&t=2s Social capital: the new frontier in widening participation at universities This article is more than 5 years old Simon Gaskell and Rebecca Lingwood https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2017/oct/02/social-capital-new-frontier-widening-participation-university-higher-education