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On the 21st and 22nd of October 2023, the Teatro Astra in Vicenza served as the prestigious backdrop for the final conference of the V.A.N.G.A. “Re-generations” project. The event was organised by La Piccionaia, the project lead, with contributions from all the participating partners.

The event commenced at 14:30 at the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza, where participants had the opportunity to partake in an augmented tour using radio headsets to explore the “Golden Ratio” exhibition. This immersive experience was led by Carlo Presotto, a director at La Piccionaia, in collaboration with Marco Dotti, the editorial director of Relazionésimo. This offered participants a chance to reflect on the significance of nurturing relationships with a scientific and humanistic approach. The exhibition focused on the concept of the golden ratio, tracing its evolution from antiquity to the present day, leading participants through thematic pathways underlining the idea that “everything is in relation.”

Subsequently, at 16:00, at the Teatro Astra, a conference targeting the general public, families, and educators took place. It entailed discussions related to integral ecology. Drawing from the accomplishments of the V.A.N.G.A. project, the conference explored how to connect and educate the new generations about environmental issues using alternative methods, such as theatre. Eminent experts participated in these discussions, including Daniele Zovi, the author of “Ale e i boschi” (a book upon which a theatrical performance connected to the V.A.N.G.A. project was based), Paola Cesari, a psychologist and psychotherapist, Stefano Coquinati, a pedagogue, Nina Zanotelli, a theatre director, Roberto Cuppone, a professor of theatre history at the University of Genoa, and Carlo Presotto, a director and artistic director at La Piccionaia.

Following this, two significant tools developed through the involvement of the participating schools during the V.A.N.G.A. project were presented: the educational pack and the reconnaissance and feedback activity, “The City I Wish For,” created by ALDA in collaboration with La Piccionaia.

The educational pack, presented by Gloria Marini from La Piccionaia, is a resource designed for educators to facilitate environmental education for the new generations through participatory, creative, and experiential methods. It contains various activities and tools developed over the course of the project, presented as repeatable and modular actions.

The reconnaissance and feedback activity, “The City I Wish For,” presented by Alessia Marzotto and Sofia Trevisan, Junior Project Manager and Project Manager Assistant at ALDA, involved activities conducted in schools during the concluding phase of the V.A.N.G.A. project. Young students were invited to participate in targeted workshops for collecting feedback on the project and the educational outings at locations designated by the project. They expressed their desires for a personal vision of an ecological city through drawings and questionnaires, which were subsequently presented to the public.

The final report on the feedback activity and the educational pack will soon be available on La Piccionaia’s website on the dedicated V.A.N.G.A. page

The Teatro Astra also served as the venue for the “Il bosco dei bambini” exhibition, where drawings created by students from the L. Zecchetto Primary School in Vicenza, inspired by Daniele Zovi’s narratives, were displayed.

On the morning of Sunday, the 22nd, the Teatro Astra commenced with the Assembly “Cascina Carpaneda Bene Comune,” organised by the Vicenza Community for Agroecology. It served as a gathering to collectively envision the future of this place and discuss the next steps to be taken.

Subsequently, Fabio Girotto, Junior Project Developer at ALDA, together with Alessia Marzotto and Sofia Trevisan, introduced the participants to the HILL (Habitat in Living Landscape) project. Like V.A.N.G.A., this project is also funded by the Cariverona Foundation and addresses environmental issues in the Vicenza region. HILL is a project directed towards the Monte di Malo area (VI) with the aim of expanding the protected area between the Buso della Rana and the Poscole. The presentation of this project sought to acquaint the public with initiatives similar to V.A.N.G.A. in the local territory and to foster opportunities for collaboration among local entities.

In the afternoon, the performance “Ale e i boschi,” curated by Carlo Presotto and based on Daniele Zovi’s narratives, made its debut. This performance combines themes such as youth, the environment, and theatre in a captivating manner.

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AT A GLANCE

The VANGA is a tool used in agriculture to loosen the soil: to till it, to make it suitable for receiving seeds.

Metaphorically, this is an action that well represents what the V.A.N.G.A. project proposes to do with its pedagogical tools and seeds of future: a network project for environmental education and empowerment of the younger generations (3-20 years old) through innovative pedagogical tools – experiential, participatory and creative – differentiated by age group, and the use of arts and performance languages as a privileged mode of involvement and participation. 

The project is developed along two axes: integration of school education and youth activism, by intervening both in schools, from preschool to high school, and with interactive and experiential activities during summer. 

Our methodology is based on a pedagogical approach that integrates the 3 dimensions of the human being: cognitive (mind), experiential (body) and creative (emotions). Focus of the project will be the reconnection between city and countryside, in the light of agro ecological thinking, involving, and relating to landscape and biodiversity, food, climate change, energy resources, responsible production and consumption, and quality of life on land and in water.

Objectives:

The environmental literacy of children, youth and young people, by improving both their scientific knowledge and that of the practical connections between everyday behaviours and the environment. Encourage their active participation in environmental protection, in a local vision and collective dimension;

The reduction of the phenomenon of eco-anxiety widespread among the younger generations, by making young people able to interpret environmental problems and imagine possible responses;

The improvement of schools’ training offerings in environmental education; supporting the training of educators and teachers and providing them with innovative pedagogical tools to be used within the educational curricula.

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Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, participated in the 45th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe which took place in Strasbourg (France) from 24 to 26 October, by addressing the audience with a speech on “Youth engagement as a factor of peace and reconciliation”.

In her address, Mrs. Valmorbida emphasised the importance of the long-standing partnership between ALDA, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and the Council of Europe. She acknowledged that ALDA had its origins in the Council of Europe, evolving from the first Local Democracy Agency opened in Subotica in 1993 into a dynamic network with over 300 members, spanning regions from the EU to the Balkans, the Mediterranean, Türkiye, Eastern Partnership countries, and beyond. ALDA’s impressive work includes over 500 implemented projects, engaging more than 25 million people since its inception.

The core of Mrs. Valmorbida’s address revolved around ALDA’s role in the Balkans over the past three decades and the organisation’s substantial contribution to youth engagement. She outlined several thematic pillars underpinning ALDA’s work, including local democracy, migration and inclusive cities, environment and climate change, digitalisation, gender equality, human rights, anti-discrimination policies, and, significantly, youth engagement.

She stressed the importance of including youth in decision-making processes at all levels and protecting their human rights. She also highlighted the critical role of young people in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and reconciliation.

Local democracy, according to Mrs. Valmorbida, provides a fertile ground for youth to drive sustainable change

Under the framework of its Thematic Hub “Youth Empowerment and Education,” ALDA actively supports the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, with a particular focus on SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The Organisation is dedicated to empowering youth, youth workers, young leaders, and educators, adhering to the European Commission’s priorities and the Quality Standards of the Council of Europe.

To further youth engagement, ALDA is involved in various projects. “PAVE – Peace Awareness through Volunteering and Education” enhances the understanding of peace, conflict management, and international integration among young participants. “PEACE – Peace Education as a Tool for Effective Conflict Management in Secondary School” equips teachers and educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to reduce violence and promote peace education.

ALDA’s “National Compass Training” initiative, in partnership with the Municipality of Vicenza and the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, focuses on raising awareness about democratic participation and human rights among young people.

“VALUEBOX” emphasises inclusive and high-quality education, centred on EU common values such as human dignity, human rights, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

The “Youth in Action” also establishes a broad network of civil society groups across Europe and the Balkans to promote local democracy and engage youth in local-level policymaking.

Mrs. Valmorbida underlined the pivotal role of youth in peace, stability, and development. Youth engagement is a cornerstone of local democracy’s ability to create innovative solutions and foster trust in governance. In line with the 30th-anniversary celebrations, Mrs. Valmorbida highlighted the key role that youth engagement has played in the Balkans, supporting social cohesion and community-building in the face of challenges such as radicalisation and brain drain.

She concluded her address with an optimistic outlook, emphasising the importance of local democracy in saving democracy itself and reinforcing the commitment of ALDA to local and regional governments, citizens’ participation, and the promotion of peace and reconciliation.

Antonella Valmorbida’s insights and ALDA’s work exemplify the profound impact of collaborative efforts in empowering youth and building sustainable, resilient communities.

  • Period:

    -

  • Countries involved:

    Middle East & Africa
    Turkey

  • Donor:

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:


    projects@alda-europe.eu

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Between September 18th-22nd and October 9th-13th, two exciting editions of the “School on Participatory Democracy” took place in Türkiye, co-organized by the Council of Europe. These events aimed to empower change makers and equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to foster effective civil participation at the local level.

A team of international and national experts from the Council of Europe led the training sessions, with the active participation of Anna Ditta, ALDA Head of Programs and Development Unit, representing ALDA as the School’s co-leader.

The first edition unfolded on the picturesque Büyükada Island (Türkiye) and was co-hosted by the Istanbul Citizens’ Assembly and the Argüden Governance Academy. Twenty-two dedicated participants, representing Civil Society Organizations and Local Authorities from the Istanbul Metropolitan city (Türkiye), joined to enhance their expertise in participatory democracy.

The second edition of the School was held in Ankara (Türkiye), co-hosted by STGM – the Association of Civil Society Development Center. It saw the active engagement of 28 representatives from various Civil Society Organizations and Local Authorities across the country. Additionally, experts from the Directorate of EU Affairs, the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye participated as observers, underlining the significance of this initiative.

The primary objective of the School was to enable change makers to design and implement effective participatory processes at the local level

Throughout the training, participants were introduced to a set of invaluable tools developed by the Council of Europe. The curriculum encompassed key principles and standards of the Council of Europe, with a particular focus on its dedicated Democracy pillar. Additionally, participants were acquainted with the Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in Decision-Making, emphasising essential principles and conditions conducive to healthy civil participation.

The training also delved into practical tools, including the Civil Participation in Decision-Making Toolkit, an efficient method for community mapping and stakeholder analysis. Participants were equipped with the Civil Lab Toolkit, facilitating effective consultations and reporting. The U-Change board game provided insights into the decision-making process, considering various factors like resources, responsible individuals, and applicable laws or regulations. Lastly, the School Participatory Budgeting toolkit, designed for young people, encouraged civic engagement, starting from a place of great importance to them: indeed, school.

The concluding day was dedicated to Q&A sessions, particularly on the tools, and facilitated partnership-building among participants. This session provided an opportunity for participants to explore potential collaborations and strategize on how to integrate the acquired tools into their daily work.

The School adhered to the principles of non-formal education, combining theoretical sessions with group work, simulations, debriefings, and feedback sessions. This 5-day School is envisioned as the first step in a broader process, where trained participants will apply their newfound knowledge and incorporate these tools into their work. A training needs assessment will follow, allowing participants to express their interest in further deepening their knowledge and potentially becoming experts themselves, aligned with the Council of Europe’s values.

We eagerly await the proactive initiatives of these change makers, as they transform their communities with the knowledge and tools they’ve acquired during this transformative School on Participatory Democracy.

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AT A GLANCE

ADD Something Meaningful – strengthening youth engagement through local involvement!

Youth participation plays a crucial role in upholding democratic principles and values within society. Unfortunately, young people often find themselves underrepresented in decision-making processes across various levels, leading to a lack of attention towards youth-related issues critical for sustainable development and societal well-being. Studies reveal that this disconnect from the political system and disengagement from democratic processes contribute to feelings of apathy, frustration, and disinterest among young individuals towards civic life.

In response to this pressing need, the project ADD Something Meaningful was created, aiming to establish mechanisms that enable young people to influence all aspects of society and decision-making stages. By providing accessible structures, the project seeks to empower youth and amplify their voices in shaping public policies.

Objectives:

1: To introduce IDEATHON in the youth sector to establish a permanent mechanism for active involvement of young people in public affairs at a local level. 

2: To empower youth organisations and local authorities to implement participatory processes with young people through the use of IDEATHON. 

3: To raise awareness among young people, youth organisations, representatives of local authorities and the general public about the importance of youth participation at the local level.

4: Strengthen young people’s social and political participation by addressing local challenges.

5: Ensure sustainability by achieving systemic funding for IDEATHONs beyond the end of the project.

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    DOCUMENTS

    AT A GLANCE

    Inclusive and Bottom-Up Approach: The project aims to involve rural communities and political actors in a bottom-up participation approach, which fosters long-lasting impact.

    Co-Creation of Educational Content: High-quality educational materials are co-created to meet the specific needs of local communities. Self-analysis workshops play a key role in understanding local contexts.

    Awareness Raising: Active awareness-raising activities are conducted to drive long-term digital transformation in rural areas.

    Teacher and Trainer Training: Educators are equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement co-designed activities with learners.

    Enhancing Competencies: The project focuses on enhancing the competences of both young and adult learners through ICT courses.

    Local and International Promotion: The project aims to promote its impact and results at both local and international levels.

    Objectives:

    1- To initiate a self-analysis process in rural areas through the “Reciprocal Maieutic Approach” in order to identify context-specific needs, increase motivation and raise awareness about the importance and potential of digital and transversal competences necessary for the current and future labour market, education and social life.
    2- To create educational materials through a co-design process, which are adaptable to different educational and geographical contexts aiming to strengthen the digital and transversal skills of teachers, trainers and learners, while developing dedicated tools to evaluate and monitor its quality and transferability.
    3- to test and evaluate the Our Digital Village Activity Kit with teachers and trainers and to implement ICT courses in educational institutions and community locations throughout the rural areas; to foster the digital and transversal skills development of learners
    4- To contribute to a sustainable process of digital transformation in rural areas and to mainstream the project’s approach in order to have a positive impact on educational and training systems in different EU countries on local, national and EU-level.

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    Within the framework of the International Conference on “A Wider European Community: The Importance of Local Governance” held in Skopje on October 19 and 20, 2023, a compelling panel discussion focused on the European Label for Governance Excellence (EloGE) took place on October 20.

    ALDA unveiled plans for a second round of self-assessment with Macedonian Municipalities

    This event provided a valuable opportunity to glean insights from the Municipality of Aerodrom and the Municipality of Berovo, both of which received the EloGE label the previous year after successfully completing the self-assessment process. The Mayor of Aerodrom, Mr. Timco Mucunski, and the Mayor of Berovo, Mr. Zvonko Pekeski, underscored the significance of self-evaluation for municipalities, as it enables them to recognize their achievements and pinpoint areas in need of improvement.

    The panel discussion was further enriched by the contributions of Mr. Zoran Jankulovski, one of the evaluators of the EloGE program, who emphasised the importance of municipalities conducting their own evaluations of their work.

    Mr. Niall Sheerin from the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting EloGE’s implementation. He also announced recent updates in the program, particularly highlighting the 12 Principles of Good Governance.

    It’s noteworthy that in 2022, the first round of the EloGE program was successfully completed by nine Macedonian Municipalities.

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    The remarkable journey of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) spanning three decades was celebrated under the theme “A Successful Story from Conflict Aftermath Toward Europe” as part of the International Conference on “A Wider European Community: The Importance of Local Governance.”

    This significant event took place in Skopje (North Macedonia) on October 19 and 20, 2023

    This international conference provided a unique platform to showcase the extensive work undertaken by ALDA and the LDAs in the Western Balkans region over the past thirty years. The distinguished speakers took the audience on a captivating journey through the establishment of the LDAs and the myriad projects implemented during this momentous period.

    The panel discussion was initiated by ALDA General Secretary, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, who offered a retrospective overview of the creation of the LDAs and their historical contributions. Following that, Stanka Parac from LDA Subotica shared her memories and recounted the success stories of the first LDA established in the Balkans, located in Subotica. Dzenana Dedic, representing LDA Mostar, emphasised the pivotal role of LDAs in the reconstruction of local communities. Vullnet Gusia, a representative from the Municipality of Peja, which hosted LDA Kosovo*, highlighted the value that LDAs bring to local communities and the collaborative efforts with municipalities.

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    ALDA’s Vice-President, Mrs. Natasa Vuckovic, and Governing Board member, Dobrica Milovanovic, held a productive meeting with the Mayor of Karpos Municipality, Stevco Jakimovski, on the 18th of October. This working visit took place in the municipal premises and marked a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration, with a special focus on Karpos Municipality’s membership in ALDA, which commenced this year.

    The collaborative relationship between the Municipality of Karposh and ALDA dates back to 2012, coinciding with the establishment of the ALDA office in Skopje

    Over the years, this partnership has consistently yielded excellent results through mutual engagement and innovative approaches.

    Mayor Jakimovski extended a warm welcome to the attendees and expressed his eagerness to deepen the cooperation between the Municipality of Karpos and ALDA. During their discussions, he emphasised the potential of joint participation in larger regional projects to make a more significant impact on citizens and society as a whole.
    As a dedicated member of ALDA, the Municipality of Karpos consistently lends its support to ALDA’s work and actively participates in various events, project development, and the exchange of ideas. The collaboration between the Municipality of Karpos and ALDA initially began as part of the Normandy – North Macedonia decentralised Cooperation Program, where the municipality was twinned with the city of Fleury in Normandy. Through this partnership, they have successfully executed numerous projects spanning a wide range of topics and exchanged invaluable experiences.

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    On the 18th of October 2023, the ALDA Governing Board convened in Skopje for a pivotal and highly productive meeting. This gathering was marked by a series of discussions that offered updates and invaluable insights into ALDA’s current endeavours and future plans.

    The meeting commenced with a warm and gracious speech by Mr. Goran Gerasimovski, the Mayor of the Municipality of Centar. The Municipality of Centar has been a dedicated member of ALDA since 2016 and plays a pivotal role within the Governing Board.

    Following this warm welcome, the meeting addressed formalities, including the approval of the meeting agenda and the minutes of the prior Governing Board session held in Brussels.

    A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to a comprehensive discussion of ALDA’s activities throughout the year

    The Governing Board members engaged in productive dialogues, sharing valuable insights and innovative ideas to further ALDA’s mission.

    A significant part of the meeting focused on preparations for the General Assembly in 2024, an event of paramount importance for ALDA. The latter part of the meeting featured various updates and discussions, including assessments of strategies and other pertinent matters. The meeting concluded with discussions regarding the next proposal and the upcoming Governing Board session.

    The ALDA Governing Board Meeting in Skopje underscored the organisation’s unwavering commitment to promoting good governance and local democracy. Through these discussions, ALDA reaffirmed its dedication to its mission and the betterment of local communities.

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    In a dedicated effort to celebrate three decades of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in the Balkans, LDA Mostar brought together representatives from ALDA, the Balkan LDAs, and organisations committed to advancing local democracy in the Western Balkans. This exceptional event, titled “Seeing is Believing,” served as a platform for the exchange of best practices between the civic sector and local authorities. This study visit, a part of Project Mostar – Spaces to Activate and Rejuvenate, took place from September 20th to September 22nd, 2023, in the vibrant city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    For thirty years, Local Democracy Agencies have played a pivotal role in championing grassroots democracy and community engagement

    The celebration of this 30th anniversary marks a significant milestone, and there’s no better way to commemorate it than by embarking on a journey to Mostar, a city that embodies the spirit of participatory democracy in action.

    At the core of this event lies Project Mostar – Spaces to Activate and Rejuvenate, an initiative that has ignited a revival within the city. By establishing spaces that nurture community engagement and rejuvenation, Mostar has showcased the immense potential of collaboration between local authorities and the civic sector. The results serve as a testament to the power of participatory democracy and provide a wellspring of inspiration for the entire Western Balkans region.

    The event’s theme, “Seeing is Believing,” encapsulates the essence of the experience. Participants didn’t merely hear about the transformative power of local democracy; they actively engaged with the people, projects, and practices that are shaping Mostar’s future. It’s a powerful reminder that change is possible, and it often begins at the local level.

    The “Seeing is Believing” exchange, organised by LDA Mostar and Balkan Network for Local Democracy (BNLD), provided a unique opportunity to witness the tangible outcomes of participatory democracy and the positive transformation it brings to local communities. This celebration marked three decades of progress, served as a testament to the power of collaboration, and inspired continued efforts to promote participatory democracy throughout the Western Balkans.

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    On 19 and 20 October, 2023, ALDA hosted in Skopje the international conference “A Wider European Community: The Importance of Local Governance – Roadmap for the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine on the Path to EU Accession.”

    The two-day event gathered more than sixty participants at the amphitheatre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia. Government officials, representatives from the international and local organisations, diplomats, professors and experts from the countries in focus shared their insights on the matter.

    Ms. Fatmire Isaki, The Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs of North Macedonia welcomed the participants, emphasising the country’s full commitment to regional integration through political, economic and other initiatives. “I believe that we, as a region, must increase our efforts to contribute to internal reforms, as well as to regional cooperation, and increase the frequency of good neighbourly relations and reconciliations”, said Isaki.

    Ms. Ivana Holoubková, the Deputy Secretary General of Central European Initiative, continued on the importance of regional cooperation, especially in difficult times marked by the war in Ukraine, pandemics, and similar crises.

    Mr. Oriano Otocan, the President of ALDA, welcomed the participants through a video conference, stating that ALDA, in cooperation with the LDAs, is doing precisely what is needed in the enlargement process, referring to the capacities of ALDA to support and manage the EU funds within its international network. 

    The Macedonian media took on his statement comparing the EU enlargement throughout the years, in particular in Croatia, where the EU integration process lasted 8 years. “Now we have a gap of 10 years, which is the biggest since the first enlargement of the European Union, but I am afraid that it might be bigger”, he stated.

    The Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine – Tackling the challenges on their journey towards EU accession


    Despite being at different stages of relations with the EU, from the Stabilisation and Association Process to ongoing accession negotiations, the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine face similar reforms and share key challenges in rule of law, fundamental rights, economic and social development. These topics turned the conference into a platform of exchange and discussions.

    The participants delved into preparations for EU enlargement, highlighting the diverse levels of progress for each country in focus. Recent candidate status grants to Bosnia, Moldova, and Ukraine, along with accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia, showcased a collective commitment to stability and growth.

    There are tangible lessons to be drawn from the EU enlargement experiences of the neighbouring countries, emphasising the importance of strong, transparent institutions and local democracy. The local level was recognized as the starting point for reforms, fostering economic development and improving access to other levels and services.
    Recognizing the need for regional cooperation is a solution for the European perspective, and it can help speed up the long, for some even out of reach, integration process. The EU should support and assist the candidate countries, and build the capacities of local governance.

    The first day concluded with a focus on stability and peace, which are now needed more than ever, as the participants identified the conflicts as a common denominator. EU accession is an extremely complex journey for each country, and the collaboration with the civil society sector is crucial in order to align the road to EU.

    Tools and experiences for better cooperation – Project Eloge

    The conference continued the next day with a good example of citizens’ participation in the process of integration, presenting local and regional initiatives and good practices from the wider European community. The mayors of the Macedonian municipalities described the positive result from the participation in the self-assessment process, sharing their insights and conclusions from the terrain.

    ALDA is accredited for the implementation of the EloGE project in North Macedonia, and revealed the plans for a second round of self-assessment with Macedonian Municipalities scheduled for the following year.

    30 years of Local Democracy Agencies – Celebrating milestones

    To emphasise the importance of local democracy, the event culminated with a celebration marking the three-decade journey of the Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in the Western Balkans. This milestone celebration showcased LDAs’ successful transition from post-conflict situations to a path towards Europe.

    The conference’s final moments were marked by a documentary screening, created for this occasion by Francesco Zarzana. This documentary vividly depicted the difficult early days of LDAs’ work, supported by ALDA and CoE, and recounted the inspiring origin stories from the LDAs’ delegates.

    By focusing on empowering local democracy, the communities can build up to societies of inclusion, progress and peace. Merging the local efforts in national and international joint actions can have a multiplier effect, and the municipalities should be ready to be the drivers of the implementation of the reforms, because they are the closest to the citizens.

    The commitment of Southeast European nations to EU integration aligns with the principles upheld by European institutions. Focusing on empowering local democracy helps the nations to lay the foundation for more inclusive and equitable societies. A thriving local democracy is a necessity for local economic development.

    ALDA as a global network is always trying to build on the shared values, not letting wars and conflicts be the links between the countries, always promoting peace and reconciliation. Regional stability and conflict resolutions are key priorities in line with the EU perspective. The conference served as an insight of the geopolitical factors for the Western Balkans countries, Ukraine and Moldova. 

    One of the fundamental takeaways from the conference is the synergy between local authorities and civil society organisations. This collaboration, characterised by a shared vision, has the potential to bring meaningful changes starting at the local level, in the services of the citizens in their communities.

    This conference marked a significant step towards building a wider European community. It serves as a reminder that true progress begins at the local level, where communities and their leaders come together to effect change. In this pursuit, ALDA has been pivotal in encouraging cooperation and a common vision among all regional partners.

    The event was organised by ALDA in collaboration with the Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine. It is financially supported by the Central European Initiative, the Council of Europe, and its Center of Expertise for Local Government Reform.

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    The Local Democracy Agency Tunisia organised a spectacular event entitled “Caravan to Kairouan” from 26 until 30 September, 2023 during the celebrations of the “Mawled”, which is a cultural celebration widely honored in Kairouan (Tunisia), where visitors come from all over the country and beyond to celebrate it. During the “Mawled” visitors can shop artisan products and souvenirs, visit historical and religious monuments, and taste the local and popular dishes.

    In this sense, the LDA Tunisia was thrilled to welcome its Algerian partner Biking Dz to the event, aimed at promoting sustainable means of transport, which came from Algeria to Kairouan by BICYCLE!

    The staff of LDA Tunisia was delighted to meet the Algerian travelers and learn more about their extraordinary experience and their honourable mission which consists of promoting cultural sites and traditions through documented visits on bikes.

    The LDA Tunisia organised a spectacular event entitled “Caravan to Kairouan” to promote sustainable mobility in Tunisia!

    In addition, LDA Tunisia was also delighted to help Biking_DZ participants and representatives to discover the city of Kairouan, which is rich in historical monuments and traditional features, through guided tours in the Medina and its suburbs, in particular through a group excursion by bicycle to the Reqqada Museum.

    The “Caravan to Kairouan” event was included in the official programme of the city celebrations and gained much attention and visibility from the media especially due to its important aim: promoting bikes and sustainability as a possible means of transportation that involves the transition to a healthy lifestyle, more strength, mindfulness, and patience.

    Lastly, LDA Tunisia has also shared the passion for sustainable mobility and biking in particular through the exchange with the project team of VéloPark and the partners of the Autrement project. 

    Keep your eyes peeled for future updates!

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    On the 16th of October 2023, ALDA Brussels welcomed a group of over 35 young individuals from Romania as part of a visit by the “Group of the European Youth for Change” (GEYC), a recent addition to the ALDA membership.

    GEYC, a Romanian youth organization founded in 2010, operates at the European level and serves as the initiator and coordinator of the PRISMA European Network. This network represents a broad coalition aimed at enhancing the quality of youth projects. GEYC’s overarching mission is to empower young people to instigate positive change within their communities.

    ALDA maintains six offices that are accessible to all its members. During this visit, our colleagues had the pleasure of hosting the GEYC delegation at its Brussels office. The occasion provided an opportunity for a mutual exchange of ideas, with ALDA representatives shedding light on their mission, activities, and the connections that unite the two organizations. Furthermore, the session allowed ALDA to gain insights from the young participants regarding their projects and how ALDA could contribute to their initiatives.

    One project highlighted during the visit, in alignment with both organizations’ commitment to empowering and supporting youth for community-driven change, was “Constanța pentru TINEri!” (Constanta for YOUth!). This initiative is a collaborative effort between GEYC and the Youth Federation of Constanta. Its primary goal is to empower young people to advocate for the establishment of Youth Centers in their communities. These centers will serve as hubs guiding and representing youth in their interactions with local authorities. They will provide information, counseling, promote volunteering, civic engagement, and serve as a vital link between young individuals and decision-makers.

    Both GEYC and ALDA share a common vision of enhancing local environments by fostering connections with local authorities

    Both GEYC and ALDA share a common vision of enhancing local environments by fostering connections with local authorities, with the objective of ensuring good governance and encouraging citizen involvement through grassroots actions.

    Membership in ALDA offers numerous advantages, including integration into a well-established European network, support for project development and funding opportunities, access to information, organizational structures, and dissemination of knowledge, as well as opportunities for training and capacity building, among many other benefits.

    For more information on becoming a member, please visit this page.

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    ENGLISH VERSION, ITALIAN BELOW

    The Alta Via della Grande Guerra in the Vicentine Prealps is a trail spanning approximately 200 kilometers, immersing visitors in the landscape that, a century ago, served as the stage for significant events that left their mark not only on these territories but on modernity as a whole.

    This itinerary connects the four symbolic military shrines of the Province of Vicenza (Italy) and is created by harmonizing various paths established by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) that traverse the key sites of World War I memory. These shrines are monuments housing the remains of the fallen and are intended to be National Memory sites within the broader European context of preserving the landscapes of the First World War.

    Spanning the Pasubio, Novegno, Cimone, the Plateau of the Seven Municipalities, and the Grappa massif, the project aims to promote the Vicentine mountains, with the goal of introducing people to the historical sites and how they can be rediscovered and explored today.

    The Alta Via della Grande Guerra is a journey that rejuvenates the historical and natural aspects of the Vicentine Prealps. It encompasses pristine locations offering magnificent mountain views, providing a tourist experience for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the mountains.

    This hiking route can be traversed over multiple days or in individual stages, offering an opportunity to reacquaint oneself with the tranquility of the woods, the essence of the mountains, and the history they hold.

    The Alta Via della Grande Guerra is a historical and naturalistic rejuvenation path through the Vicentine Prealps

    The route is marked by the intersection of various CAI trails that link the main war memorial sites in the Vicentine region: Pasubio, Cimone, Asiago, and Grappa.

    The logo features a stylized and deconstructed mountain, symbolizing the four Vicentine mountain areas, which were the theaters of major battles. At the base, you’ll find the dark green representing the predominantly coniferous vegetation of Monte Cimone, followed by light green representing the meadows of the Asiago Plateau. The ochre yellow color symbolizes the rocky soil of Monte Grappa, and the sandy gray alludes to the rocky surfaces of Monte Pasubio.

    Since 2001, this open-air museum has undergone numerous restoration and enhancement efforts. The initiative commenced with the Province of Vicenza (Italy) and later entered into an agreement with the “Bim-Bacchiglione” organisation, which tasked the ALDA association with promoting the Alta Via della Grande Guerra.

    From June to September 2023, ALDA+ has organised guided tours led by expert historical and naturalist guides, offering participants a deeper understanding of the events that transpired along this front during World War I, while also allowing them to appreciate the natural, scenic, and culinary delights this route encompasses.

    The next significant engagement is scheduled for November 3rd to 5th, where ALDA + will participate in the International Tourism Fair in Lugano (Swiss), an important event in the global tourism industry. Here, they will present the Alta Via della Grande Guerra as a Destination Management Organisation (DMO).

    Simultaneously, specific meetings are being arranged within the local community to raise awareness and promote the tourist product that is the High Route of the Great War.

    For further updates, please visit our website and on our social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

    DOCUMENTS

    • No documents available

    ENGLISH VERSION, ITALIAN BELOW

    From the 10th to the 13th of October, ALDA organised the “COMPASS National Training Course: Empowering Young Leaders for More Sustainable and Inclusive Communities” on Human Rights Education in Vicenza, Italy. This event received support from the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and was held under the patronage of the Municipality of Vicenza.

    The course brought together youth workers, human rights activists, representatives of youth associations, volunteers, and teachers from various regions across Italy. Its primary goal was to enhance skills related to Human Rights Education (HRE) and to promote the pivotal role of educators and human rights workers in the implementation of HRE activities and programs in their respective contexts. This focus centred on supporting young people’s access to their rights.

    More than 20 participants enthusiastically engaged in the course, which encompassed activities and exchanges grounded in Human Rights Education, utilizing non-formal educational methodologies.

    ALDA’s team of trainers, in collaboration with Emilia Astore, a Council of Europe trainer, and Marialuisa Silvestrini, a representative at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Department for Youth Policies and Universal Civil Service, worked closely with the participants. They conducted a variety of activities based on COMPASS – Manual for Human Rights Education with Young People and other tools and methodologies. The objective was to delve deeper into the principles, methods, and practices related to Human Rights Education.

    In the weeks to come, a comprehensive report of this initiative will be published. This report aims to capitalize on the outcomes of the training and establish the groundwork for further activities related to Human Rights Education through non-formal methodologies in new local contexts, ensuring a long-term impact.

    More than 20 participants enthusiastically engaged in the course, which encompassed activities and exchanges grounded in Human Rights Education, utilizing non-formal educational methodologies

    Dal 10 al 13 Ottobre, ALDA ha organizzato il Corso di Formazione Nazionale COMPASS “Empowering young leaders for more sustainable and inclusive communities” sull’Educazione ai Diritti Umani a Vicenza, con il sostegno del Dipartimento della Gioventù del Consiglio d’Europa e con il patrocinio del Comune di Vicenza.

    Il corso ha coinvolto operatori giovanili, attivisti per i diritti umani, rappresentanti di associazioni giovanili, volontari e insegnanti provenienti da diverse regioni italiane, con lo scopo di rafforzare le competenze relative all’Educazione ai Diritti Umani (EDU) e a promuovere il ruolo degli educatori e degli operatori dei diritti umani nell’implementazione di attività e programmi EDU nei loro contesti, concentrandosi sul sostegno all’accesso dei giovani ai diritti. 

    Oltre 20 partecipanti hanno preso parte con grande entusiasmo al corso, che ha visto momenti di attività e scambio basati sull’Educazione ai Diritti Umani con metodologie di educazione non formale. 

    Il team di trainer di ALDA, insieme ad Emilia Astore, formatrice presso il Consiglio d’Europa, e a Marialuisa Silvestrini, rappresentante presso la Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri Dipartimento per le Politiche giovanili e il Servizio civile universale, hanno lavorato insieme ai partecipanti, realizzando numerose attività basate su COMPASS – Manuale per l’educazione ai Diritti Umani con i giovani ed altri strumenti e metodologie, con l’obiettivo di approfondire principi, metodi e pratiche riguardanti l’Educazione ai Diritti Umani. 

    Le quattro giornate di formazione hanno rappresentato una grande opportunità di apprendimento e confronto per tutte le persone coinvolte, che hanno potuto mettere in gioco le proprie conoscenze e competenze, derivanti dai loro diversi background. E’ stata anche una preziosa opportunità di networking, con l’obiettivo di replicare la formazione e ulteriori idee progettuali nei loro contesti e sviluppare potenziali collaborazioni future. 

    Infine, nelle prossime settimane verrà pubblicato un report relativo all’iniziativa, con lo scopo di capitalizzare sui risultati di questa formazione e di gettare le basi per implementare ulteriori attività legate all’Educazione ai Diritti Umani attraverso metodologie non formali in nuovi contesti locali garantendo un impatto di lungo termine.

    DOCUMENTS

    • No documents available

    ENGLISH VERSION, ITALIAN BELOW

    ALDA Italia APS is a partner in the HILL project (Habitat in Living Landscape), with the Municipality of Monte di Malo leading this three-year initiative, financially supported by the Cariverona Foundation with a total value of 400,000 euros. Other project partners include Cooperativa Biosphaera, Federazione Speleologica Veneta, Gruppo CAI di Malo, Rete Musei Alto Vicentino, and the Istituto Comprensivo “G. Ciscato.”

    Within the framework of the Natura 2000 Network, the Municipality of Monte di Malo hosts two Special Conservation Zones (ZSC) that are critically important sources of biodiversity recognized at the European level: the 149-hectare “Le Poscole” Biotope and the 0.64-hectare “Buso della Rana.” The former is an agrobiotope with extensive stretches of karst origin watercourses (constituted by the Poscola cave) that give rise to wet grassland situations, representing a crucial breeding area for amphibians, including some endangered species, various typical plant associations, and priority habitats. The “Buso della Rana” is a labyrinthine cavity with a sub-horizontal course traversed by numerous streams. The quality and significance of the site are linked to the presence of remarkable troglobitic entities. Both zones currently lack a management plan and are in need of an entity effectively responsible for their monitoring and conservation.

    Among the various actions envisaged in the project is the organization of participatory approaches with stakeholders for the expansion of the Special Conservation Zone “Buso della rana” IT3220008 to include the Biotope “Le Poscole” IT3220039. This activity actively engages all stakeholders through the organization of meetings with the aim of reaching a common vision for the future of indigenous natural resources. This process will enable the initiation of the procedure to obtain European recognition for the expansion and connection of the two ZSCs, “Buso della Rana” and “Le Poscole,” within the project’s territory.

    In October 2023, a participatory process aimed at the local community, managed by ALDA ITALIA, was initiated, seeking to raise awareness among various stakeholders to enhance the natural territory with the ultimate goal of evaluating the possibility of creating a management plan for the area. For more information, please visit the project page or follow us on Facebook.

    The Alta Via della Grande Guerra is a historical and naturalistic rejuvenation path through the Vicentine Prealps

    ALDA Italia APS è partner del progetto H.I.L.L. (Habitat in Living Landscape): a capofila del progetto triennale finanziato da Fondazione Cariverona per un valore complessivo di 400 mila euro, il comune di Monte di Malo (Vicenza). Gli altri partner di progetto sono Cooperativa Biosphaera, Federazione Speleologica Veneta, Gruppo CAI di Malo, Rete Musei Alto Vicentino e l’Istituto Comprensivo “G. Ciscato”. Il comune di Monte di Malo ospita, nell’ambito della Rete Natura 2000, due Zone di Conservazione Speciale (ZSC) che sono delle importantissime fonti di biodiversità riconosciute in ambito europeo: il Biotopo “Le Poscole” di 149 ha e il “Buso della Rana” di 0,64 ha. Il primo sito è un agrobiotopo con ampi tratti di corso d’acqua di origine carsica (costituito dalla grotta della Poscola) che origina situazioni a prato umido, rappresentando un importante zona di riproduzione per gli anfibi, fra i quali alcune specie minacciate, varie associazioni vegetazionali tipiche e habitat prioritari. Il Buso della Rana è una cavità labirintica ad andamento sub-orizzontale percorsa da numerosi torrenti. La qualità ed importanza del sito è legata alla presenza di entità troglobie di notevole interesse. Entrambe le zone sono attualmente prive di un piano di gestione e manchevoli di un Ente effettivamente preposto al loro monitoraggio e salvaguardia.

    Fra le diverse azioni previste nel progetto c’è l’organizzazione di approcci partecipativi con portatori di interesse per l’ampliamento della Zona Speciale di Conservazione “Buso della rana” IT3220008 fino al Biotopo “Le Poscole” IT3220039: questa attività coinvolge attivamente tutti i portatori di interesse grazie all’organizzazione di incontri con la finalità di giungere a una visione comune sul futuro delle risorse naturali autoctone. Questo percorso permetterà di attivare la procedura per ottenere il riconoscimento comunitario dell’ampliamento e congiunzione delle due ZSC “Buso della Rana” e “Le Poscole” presenti nel territorio del progetto.

    Ad ottobre 2023 è iniziato il percorso partecipativo rivolto alla cittadinanza gestito da ALDA ITALIA, grazie al quale si cercherà di sensibilizzare i vari portatori di interesse per valorizzare il territorio naturale con lo scopo finale valutare la possibilità di realizzare un piano di gestione dell’area. Per maggiori info visitate la pagina di progetto oppure seguiteci su FB.

    DOCUMENTS

    • No documents available

    On 13 October 2023, ALDA Governing Board came online to approve new members and discuss the partnership opportunities that could be fulfilled in the field of local democracy and citizens’ participation.

    During the meeting, aspiring members took the floor one after the other and presented their teams, organisations’ activities and strategy.

    The list of new members included:

    • Poltava Regional Council, an administrative body in Ukraine which aim is to uphold democratic process, promoting regional cooperation and citizens well-being an administrative body in Ukraine which aim is to uphold democratic process, promoting regional cooperation and citizens well-being;
    • GSI Italy, an NGO in International Cooperation and territorial solidarity;
    • Trento Municipality, which was a member of ALDA between 2004 and 2012, remained connected to our network thanks to the presence of Mr. Maurizio Camin, affiliated to ALDA’s Governing Board and representative of “Trentino per i Balkani” Association;
    • All-Ukrainian Association of Communities (AUAC), which cooperate with the central government on sustainable rural development;
    • ELARD, an NGO aimed to enhance life in rural areas;
    • LabTs, an Association that promotes active citizenship, especially in the South of Italy.

    As a conclusion of this Governing Board session, all member applications have been approved.

    ALDA is extremely glad to improve its network and cooperation structure and we are looking forward to working side by side with all of our new members!

    ALDA is extremely glad to improve its network and cooperation structure and cannot wait to begin to work side by side with all of its new members in order to keep enhancing local democracy around Europe and its Neighbourhood!

    To learn more about the ALDA membership and its benefits, check out the Membership Infopack and/or contact us to membership@alda-europe.eu