Local stakeholder meeting in Gerace (July 2024)
The 2nd Stakeholder Meeting of the KARMA Project, titled “Building the Future: Circular Economy and Construction. Municipal Sustainability Plans and Experiences – PAESC,” held on July 9, 2024, at the Gerace Municipal Palace, received significant consensus. Organized by the Eurokom Association in collaboration with the Calabria Region and the Municipality of Gerace, the event brought together industry experts, local administrators, and representatives from nonprofit organizations to discuss circular economy opportunities and challenges in the construction sector.
The meeting started with institutional greetings from Loredana Panetta, Vice President of Eurokom, and Nicolò Palermo, Vice President of the Eurokom Board of Directors. Giovanna Petrungaro and Nicola Mayerà, project leads for KARMA, represented the Calabria Region. Marisa Larosa, the Gerace councilor, conveyed greetings from Mayor Rudi Lizzi and the local community.
Caterina Praticò, an expert in Eurokom’s cooperation programs, introduced and presented the KARMA project, emphasizing the importance of promoting circular economy practices in construction to achieve environmental sustainability and economic development goals. She explained that the circular economy approach, based on the three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle), is fundamental. Reducing involves producing goods and services using fewer natural resources, reuse applies to models like renting and using second-hand goods, and recycling entails transforming waste into new products or useful materials.
Following this, Michelangelo Giansiracusa, Mayor of the Municipality of Ferla (SR), shared his community’s experiences in implementing the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (PAESC). He also outlined initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency in public and private buildings, emphasizing the importance of PAESC planning to raise awareness within administrations and finding practical solutions related to water, energy, and waste.
Valter Puliti, Responsible for Circular Economy Actions at the Non-Profit Association Sfera Sociale, discussed concrete actions supporting the goals of AGENDA 2030. He highlighted how circular economy practices can significantly contribute to the PAESC implementation by improving waste management and promoting material reuse. Sustainable design, material recovery, and the use of renewable sources were also emphasized.
Barbara Sarnari, Vice President of SVI.MED – Euro-Mediterranean Center for Sustainable Development, presented the CARDIMED project and other related initiatives (WALL2WATER, NAWAMED, URWAN). These projects aim to transform buildings from consumers into water producers, using advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
The meeting ended with a question-and-answer session moderated by Alessandra Tuzza, Journalist and President of the Eurokom Board of Directors. Participants had the opportunity to delve into the discussed topics and exchange ideas on implementing solutions in their local contexts. Organizers and participants expressed great satisfaction with the achieved results, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration to build a sustainable future.
Author: Stefano (Eurokom Association)