Contribution of Smart Villages to the European Green Deal
A new report by the Smart Rural 27 project reveals a need for greater alignment between rural communities and the European Green Deal, highlighting the importance of local approaches to addressing global challenges.
Image by Ganamartisheva on Canva
The report sets out a range of recommendations on better aligning rural development priorities, Smart Village strategies and European strategies on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
It outlines a number of ‘smart solutions’ and their contribution to clean energy, Farm-to-Fork and biodiversity strategies – explore some of the topics and smart solutions associated with each:
Clean energy
- Solar and wind power: e.g. the Solar Energy Roofs project in Melpignano (IT) or Estonia’s first wind farm in the village of Virtsu;
- Energy communities: e.g. the Stanz (AT) energy community supported by blockchain;
Farm-to-fork
- Smart farming: e.g. internet-connected water barrels for cows in Veberöd (SE);
- Sustainable food education: e.g. Mouans-Sartoux’ (FR) Biocanteens initiative enables school canteens to serve 100% organic food;
Biodiversity
- Ecosystem restoration: e.g. the Village Protection Zone in Ferraria de São João, Portugal replacing highly flammable tree species with more fire-resistant ones;
- Ecotourism: e.g. the Hilvarenbeek Smart Village’s (NL) biodiversity tours.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of Smart Villages and exchange with peers in the dedicated online discussion group.