In a joint effort from October 2023 to January 2024, ITC, leading Work Package 4 (WP4), ULPGC, serving as the EXPER Project coordinator, and UAC have diligently conducted multiple meetings aimed at establishing the “societal challenges working groups (SCWG)” within the framework of the EXPER Project. The initiative focuses on addressing societal challenges in peripheral areas, aligning with EU missions, regional strategies (RIS3) of the Canary Islands and Azores, and other criteria.
The outcomes of these meetings have given rise to two crucial working groups: SCWG1 – Adaptation to Climate Change in the Blue and/or Circular Economy, and SCWG2 – Restore our Ocean and Waters in the Blue and/or Circular Economy. These groups aim to foster a sustainable approach by leveraging the expertise of researchers from various EXPER partner universities, along with active participation from entrepreneurs and representatives of societal and economic sectors committed to green transition and blue growth.
The first working group, SCWG1, focuses on developing strategies to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in the context of the blue and circular economies. Meanwhile, SCWG2 centres its efforts on restoring and preserving the ocean and its waters within the same economic framework. Both groups will formulate comprehensive Action Plans outlining objectives, tasks, and a timeframe, carefully considering the unique needs of ultra-peripheral regions.
As we step into February 2024, researchers from UAC and ULPGC are gearing up for meetings dedicated to crafting the detailed Action Plans. The objective is to map out the next steps for effectively addressing the identified societal challenges. The proposed Action Plans will undergo validation from all EXPER partners, ensuring broad awareness and involvement from various sectors in anticipation of their future implementation.
The implementation phase is scheduled from March 2024 to March 2025, during which the Action Plans will be put into action. The EXPER Project emphasises not only the active support of all partner institutions but also invites wider society to actively participate in and contribute to the initiatives, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach towards sustainable solutions.
Stay tuned for further updates as the EXPER Project continues to make strides towards a resilient and sustainable future for peripheral regions, leveraging innovation, research, and societal collaboration.
