Held at the Clarion Congress Hotel and streamed online, the event welcomed 55 in-person and 17 virtual attendees, ranging from local pioneers to international experts in circular economy practices.
The event kicked off with speeches from Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Mayor of City of České Budějovice, and Christophe Ebermann, Head of Project Unit Interreg Central Europe Programme. They highlighted the project’s progress and the growing importance of sustainability across regions.
Jana Vítková from INCIEN and the Circular Food Futures project delivered an inspiring keynote on how circular practices can transform the food industry. She shared:
- The environmental and economic costs of traditional, wasteful systems.
- How reducing waste and optimizing resources can create a sustainable food chain.
- Real-world success stories, like biodegradable packaging and community-driven food initiatives.
- The power of collaboration between businesses, governments, and communities to drive change.
Panel Discussions:
Two lively panels offered practical insights and real-world examples:
1. Boosting Circularity in Communities & SMEs
Moderated by Katharina Schöps, experts from Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Croatia shared success stories, funding opportunities, and tools for implementing circular solutions at the local level.
2. Policies & Support for Circular Practices
Led by Helena Cvenkel, panelists from Hungary, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic explored regulatory challenges and how smart policies can support sustainable innovations.
Networking & Collaboration:
The event provided great opportunities to connect with professionals, both in-person and online. Interactive sessions allowed participants to share ideas and build partnerships.
Zoltán Bendó (LP, STRIA) and Michaela Novotná (hosting project partner, JAIP) wrapped up the day, thanking participants and highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration to advance the CIREVALC project.
🎥 Watch the Video:
Catch all the highlights, success stories, and expert insights in our recap video: www.youtube.com/@CIREVALC