First Regional Stakeholder Meeting: Cantabria Region, Spain

On August 29th, 2024, the first Regional Stakeholder Meeting for the INSPIRE project was held in the Cantabria region, Spain. This inaugural meeting, organized by the Cantabrian Government’s Ministry of Economy,  Finance and European Funds, and OPE CANTABRIA brought together 11 stakeholders and representatives from key institutions and associations across the region.

The primary objective of this meeting was to initiate the project within the region by providing participants with an overview of the project’s objectives and scope and to gather initial feedback and proposals, which will help shape the project’s direction. The discussion focused on the roles that these stakeholders could play as key actors. The same stakeholders were encouraged to propose best practices currently being implemented in the region that align with the project’s themes and objectives.

Participants responded positively to the project, recognizing the importance of implementing effective policies at the local and rural levels. There was strong interest in how these policies can contribute to smarter and more sustainable territorial development, particularly in improving the well-being of local communities. Stakeholders expressed a desire to highlight and support the best practices currently in place within rural areas.

The project team will continue to work closely with these stakeholders to promote inclusive rural development aligned with international best practices. We look forward to sharing more information at the next stakeholder meeting!