An environmentally friendly entrepreneur of the future!

Name of the project

Project number:

1-08/20/2024

Project programme:

State budget programme 21.00.00 “Environmental Protection Fund and Contributions to International Organisations” sub-programme 21.02.00 “Environmental Protection Projects” guidelines “Responsible Lifestyle” in activity “Implementation of Environmental Lifestyle Educational Measures”.

Project implementation period:

01.03.2024. – 30.04.2025. (14 months)

Project partners:

Valmiera Development Agency is the project’s only main partner and implementer, which will ensure the implementation of activities and the achievement of results. The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the schools of Valmiera, Limbazi, Smiltene and Cesis counties.

Project aim:

To create awareness among young people about environmentally friendly behaviour and promote participation through educational and practical implementation of green course principles in their school enterprises.

Project budget:

The total project financing is EUR 50,000, including the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund financing of EUR 45,000.

Planned activities:

Meeting with school teachers involved in the project.
Interactive introductory seminars in schools on the impact of human activity on nature and the environment.
Excursions to entrepreneurs who apply circular economy principles in their daily work (examples of good practice in regions). Seminar “Experience exchange!”, during which young people will share their gained experience.
Creative workshops “Produce, use, recycle!” at the makerspace DARE.
Youth idea generation workshops.
Closing events within the regions – “Idea pitches”.
Digital booklet “Environmentally friendly entrepreneur of the future!” development.
Final project conference “Produce, use, recycle!”.

Results:

About 250 young people (aged 13-25) from schools of Valmiera, Limbaži, Cēsis and Smiltene counties have been addressed about circular economy and consumption reduction.
A total of 5 introductory seminars conducted on the impact of human activity on nature and the environment in schools of Valmiera, Limbaži, Smiltene and Cēsis counties.
In the counties of Limbaži, Valmiera, Smiltene and Cēsis, young people got to know 1-3 examples of good business practices, which practice circular economy principles daily.
Learned effective strategies, methodologies, and technologies in waste reduction, resource efficiency, and recycling, which can potentially be applied in existing or future school enterprises.
Conducted one online seminar “Exchange of experience!”.
Demonstrated and learned principles of circular economy.
Organised 11 creative workshops, in which a total of 250 young people (aged 13-25) participated.
Held idea generation workshops (group works) in schools of Valmiera, Cēsis, Limbaži and Smiltene counties.
Prepared idea pitches (presentations) by young people, on how to improve, transform, or rebuild their existing school enterprises based on circular economy principles, product sustainability principles, and the basic meaning of the ecological footprint.
Organised 3-4 online events, during which school enterprise representatives from Valmiera, Limbaži, Cēsis and Smiltene counties presented their homework.
Nominated ~10 best idea pitches (from 4 participating counties) for the final conference of the project.
Developed one digital booklet “Environmentally friendly entrepreneur of the future!” about a sustainable lifestyle now, sustainable professional activity in the future, and sustainable business ideas.
Organised the final conference of the project “Produce, use, recycle!”, where the young people shared knowledge, skills, and insights gained during the project, as well as evaluated the benefits of the project.

Contact person at Valmiera Development Agency:

Project manager Inna Purmale, e-mail: inna.purmale@valmierasnovads.lv, T. +371 29459332.