Aiming to co-develop and scale innovative soil management practices across Europe, enhancing soil health and sustainability.

SOILCRATES (Soil Innovation Labs: Co-Regenerating and Transforming European Soils) is a Horizon Europe research project that aims to tackle the urgent issue of soil degradation across Europe by promoting soil regeneration, resilience, and sustainable management practices. Recognizing soil as a key component for food production, climate mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and ecosystem stability, SOILCRATES adopts a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to soil innovation.

The project’s primary objective is the establishment of regional Soil Innovation Labs that bring together stakeholders from farming communities, research institutions, businesses, and policy-making bodies. These Labs are designed as collaborative spaces for co-creation, experimentation, and knowledge exchange, enabling local adaptation of sustainable soil practices based on scientific evidence and practical experience.

Key Goals of SOILCRATES:

• Co-develop innovative soil management practices tailored to local and regional needs.
• Foster stakeholder engagement and behavioral change toward sustainable land stewardship.
• Strengthen the resilience and functionality of European soils by promoting regenerative agricultural techniques.
• Support the objectives of the EU Soil Mission, aiming for healthy soils across 75% of Europe’s lands by 2030.
• Develop and disseminate practical tools and policy recommendations to guide soil governance at multiple scales.

Expected Outcomes:

• Establishment of a Europe-wide network of operational Soil Innovation Labs.
• Demonstrable improvements in soil health indicators across pilot sites.
• Increased adoption of sustainable soil management practices by farmers and land managers.
• Policy briefs and guidelines supporting national and EU-level soil strategies.
• Enhanced public awareness about the critical importance of soil resources.

By integrating scientific knowledge, local wisdom, policy innovation, and societal participation, SOILCRATES envisions a future where European soils are resilient, productive, and central to sustainable development pathways.

For more information, visit: soilcrates.eu

Supports inclusive regional transitions by addressing digital, green, and social innovation strategies.

JustReDI (Resilience, Inclusion and Development: Toward a Just, Green and Digital Transition in Greek Regions) is a national research and innovation initiative funded by Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Facility under the "Greece 2.0" plan. The project addresses the critical need to ensure that the transition toward a greener, more digital economy is both fair and inclusive, particularly at the regional and local levels.

JustReDI recognizes that achieving environmental and digital transformation must not exacerbate social or economic inequalities. It focuses on designing evidence-based policies, tools, and strategies that promote resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development across Greece’s diverse regions.

Key Goals of JustReDI:

• Identify challenges and opportunities arising from the green and digital transitions at the regional scale.
• Develop inclusive strategies that ensure no region or community is left behind during economic restructuring.
• Foster resilience in local economies by promoting sustainable practices, digital innovation, and social cohesion.
• Enhance the capacity of regional authorities and stakeholders through participatory governance and tailored policy frameworks.

Expected Outcomes:

• Comprehensive regional assessments highlighting vulnerabilities and potentials.
• Policy proposals and roadmaps for a fair and green transition at national and regional levels.
• Capacity-building programs to empower local institutions and communities.
• Strengthened networks among researchers, policymakers, businesses, and civil society actors in supporting inclusive growth.
• Contributions to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Digital Europe Programme within the Greek context.

By emphasizing fairness, sustainability, and participation, JustReDI seeks to create a model for inclusive regional development that can inform broader efforts toward a just transition in Europe.

For more information, visit: justredi.gr

An international capacity-building program to support environmental education and circular economy principles in Asian universities.

GREEN Waste EDU (Green Waste Management: New Education System for Recycling and Environmental Protection in Asia) is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building project aimed at strengthening higher education systems in Asia through innovation in environmental education. The project addresses the growing need for sustainable waste management practices and supports the transition toward a circular economy by integrating recycling and environmental protection principles into academic curricula.

The initiative focuses on equipping universities in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam with the knowledge, tools, and pedagogical methods needed to foster green competencies among students and future professionals. By bridging gaps in education and capacity, GREEN Waste EDU contributes to environmental sustainability goals at both regional and global levels.

Key Goals of GREEN Waste EDU:

• Develop innovative academic programs in waste management, recycling, and environmental sustainability.
• Enhance institutional capacities of Asian universities through curriculum development, staff training, and infrastructure support.
• Promote awareness and behavioral change among students and communities regarding sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
• Foster international collaboration between European and Asian institutions to exchange best practices and co-create solutions.

Expected Outcomes:

• New degree programs and specialized courses on green waste management launched in partner universities.
• Increased academic staff competencies through targeted training programs and workshops.
• Strengthened regional cooperation networks for sustainability education and practice.
• Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to responsible consumption, climate action, and education quality.

By cultivating future leaders in environmental stewardship, GREEN Waste EDU plays a vital role in advancing the global transition toward sustainable development and circular economy practices.

For more information, visit: https://greenus-project.eu/