NEWS: Formation of the Transnational GREENSMES Network: 1st Learning and Exchange Visit Held in Bari, Italy

The GREENSMES PPs recognized that exchange visits are valuable for networking, experiencing diverse cultures, establishing new collaborations, and boosting capitalization. These visits help generate project ideas, foster participation in ETC programs, and build connections with local stakeholders beyond the project partnership. To maximize the value of the 9 Steering Committee and Partnership meetings across 9 countries, on-site networking activities will be organized.

These activities aim to transfer knowledge, identify shared needs, and capitalize on best practices. A well-structured agenda was created to focus on green business opportunities in the Puglia region, encouraging active participation, knowledge sharing, and fostering long-term collaboration for joint projects.

TECNOPOLIS strategically organized learning visits on November 13, 2024, in the Puglia region to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the area and foster stronger international cooperation. These visits proved to be a powerful tool for enhancing knowledge and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders from various countries.

Knowledge Enhancement:

  • First-hand observation: Participants gain a deeper understanding of the territory by directly observing its challenges and successes.
  • Exposure to diverse perspectives: Interactions with local stakeholders offer insights into different cultures, perspectives, and local contexts, enriching understanding.
  • Identification of best practices: Learning visits highlight successful initiatives that participants can adapt to their own contexts.
  • Understanding complex issues: These visits help participants grasp multifaceted territorial challenges and explore potential solutions.

Improved Cooperation:

  • Building relationships: Personal interactions foster trust and collaboration among participants.
  • Shared learning: Sharing experiences leads to identifying common challenges and opportunities, encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
  • Cross-border partnerships: Learning visits can form cross-border partnerships, enabling the exchange of resources and expertise.
  • Strengthening networks: Participants expand their networks and connect with potential international partners.

Locations and Major Topics Presented and Discussed
AQP – Acquedotto Pugliese S.p.A.
AQP is one of Italy’s largest integrated water service companies, covering the Apulian region and parts of Campania and Basilicata. It manages water supply, wastewater treatment, and composting, serving 250 municipalities and 4 million inhabitants. AQP’s subsidiary, ASECO, handles organic waste treatment. The International Water School of AQP focuses on sharing best practices in water management across Mediterranean countries, aiming to foster social and economic development. The organization also runs R&D projects and international missions focused on sustainable water solutions. AQP’s headquarters, Palazzo dell’Acqua in Bari, is a neo-Romanesque building from 1924 and hosts around 6,000 visitors annually through free guided tours.
Municipality of Bari
Bari faces several environmental challenges, including climate change effects, air pollution, and waste management issues. To address these, the city is pursuing sustainable urban planning, integrating renewable energy sources, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing waste reduction programs. Bari is also investing in green jobs and industries. The city’s commitment to sustainability was discussed by Deputy Mayor Ms. Elda Perlino and Prof. Luigi Ranieri, Director for Strategic Planning of the Metropolitan City of Bari.
Municipality of Castellana Grotte
The Municipality presented two significant initiatives:
• Rainwater Collection and Reintroduction into Aquifers: A system to collect and treat rainwater for reintegration into local aquifers, addressing water scarcity in the karst region.
• Parco Diffuso – Valorizzazione del Patrimonio Naturale e Paesaggio: A project creating five green areas totaling 23,000 square meters, intended to enhance environmental, cultural, and tourism value. The project adopts an “Urban Greening” approach to regenerate peripheral areas, with participatory design involving citizens.
AWARE (Aquaponics from WAstewater REclamation) – Pilot Plant
The AWARE project, launched in June 2024, is the first European aquaponic farm using treated wastewater to cultivate fish and vegetables. Located in Castellana Grotte, the plant is part of a HorizonCl6-2022-Farm2Fork-01-05 European Commission-funded initiative. The project aims to create a sustainable farm-to-fork value chain, establish a new business model for urban farming, and provide scientific evidence for policy development in aquaponics. The plant uses a Recirculation Aquaponic System (RAS) and is located at the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
For more information, visit AWARE Project.

 

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