On May 15, 2024, a stakeholder workshop was held at Eko Uranjek Farm as part of the Interreg Mediterranean project: “Developing Community-Based Innovative Business Models for the Revival of the Internal Areas in the Mediterranean – REVIVE.” The purpose of the workshop was to engage local stakeholders in a pilot project aimed at revitalizing rural areas in the Podravje region through innovative community-based business models.
The workshop followed a structured agenda, with sessions focusing on various aspects of the REVIVE project and opportunities for stakeholder participation:
Mr. Darko Ferčej, Head of EU Project Office, eZavod provided an in-depth overview of the REVIVE project, emphasizing its goal to develop innovative business models that can drive the economic and social revitalization of rural areas in the Podravje region. He highlighted the project’s alignment with broader regional and European development strategies.
Mr. Boris Uranjek, Eko Farm shared valuable experiences from Baron’s agritourism initiatives. His presentation showcased practical examples of how agritourism can contribute to rural development, attract tourists, and generate sustainable income for local communities.
Mrs. Olga Pregl, Project Manager, eZavod explained the various ways stakeholders could participate in the REVIVE project. She outlined the potential benefits of involvement, including access to shared resources, collaboration opportunities, and the chance to influence the project’s direction to meet local needs.
Participants were engaged in a guided brainstorming session where they discussed potential community-based business models and innovative strategies for rural revitalization. This interactive segment allowed stakeholders to network, share ideas, and propose concrete actions.
The final session involved presenting the proposals generated during the brainstorming session. The key conclusions focused on actionable steps for implementing the pilot project and fostering ongoing collaboration among stakeholders.
The workshop successfully brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment to discuss and plan the REVIVE project’s next steps. The insights and proposals generated during the workshop will be crucial in shaping the pilot project’s implementation and ensuring its alignment with local needs and aspirations.
