On May 13, 2024, a stakeholder workshop was held in Lenart, organized 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 workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders to collaborate on a pilot project focused on developing innovative community-based business models to revitalize rural areas in the Podravje region. The workshop, held at the Center Slovenskih goric in Lenart, began at 10:00 AM.
The primary objectives were to:
- Introduce the REVIVE project to local stakeholders.
- Discuss methodologies for community building and network integration.
- Define the structure of the transnational cluster of community cooperatives.
- Explore the roles of external stakeholders and the management of shared resources.
Mrs. Olga Pregl, project manager at eZavod presented the REVIVE project, it’s activities and goals. She explained that the REVIVE project is open to all interested individuals who want to participate in the REVIVE project and contribute to the tourism development and visibility of the Slovenske gorice region. By cooperation in project activities participants will learn about the possibility to participate in a project to develop an innovative community-based pilot model for the revitalization of a rural area within the Podravie region.
Mrs. Polona Flis, an expert with extensive experience in tourism and international projects provided insights into successful models of community based tourism and strategies for enhancing the visibility and development of the Slovenske gorice region.
Participants, including local business owners, public administration officials, and community members, were actively engaged in discussions about the potential impacts of the REVIVE project. They explored how innovative business models could drive economic and social revitalization in rural areas.
The workshop facilitated valuable networking opportunities and laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts to develop and implement the pilot project in the Podravje region. Attendees left with a better understanding of how they could contribute to and benefit from the REVIVE project.
The stakeholder workshop in Lenart was a successful first step towards fostering community involvement in the REVIVE project. The active participation and constructive discussions highlighted the community’s commitment to revitalizing rural areas through innovative, community-based business models. The outcomes of this workshop will guide the next phases of the project, ensuring alignment with regional and European strategies for sustainable development.
