The city of Durrës hosted the fourth incoming mission and Green Workshop of the Interreg IPA South Adriatic project EDEN – Ecological Development through Farming for Enhancing the Urban Environment on 19–20 May 2026. Representatives from partner organizations in Albania, Italy, and Montenegro came together to strengthen cooperation and exchange knowledge on sustainable urban farming, biodiversity protection, and community engagement.
The two-day programme included institutional meetings, presentations of good practices, expert discussions, and field visits to educational institutions where pilot urban farming initiatives will be developed. Participants explored innovative approaches to public space regeneration, governance models, environmental impact monitoring, and urban agriculture education for young people.
The event provided an important platform for dialogue among local authorities, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating greener, healthier, and more resilient urban environments across the South Adriatic region.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Urban and peri-urban areas are increasingly affected by environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and declining soil quality. These challenges limit the availability of green spaces and reduce the quality of life for local communities, while also impacting ecosystems and sustainable development.
To tackle this, the EDEN EU-funded project focuses on promoting sustainable farming solutions by transforming underused spaces into green, productive, and community-oriented environments. The project supports innovative approaches that integrate agriculture into urban planning, encouraging environmental awareness, social inclusion, and cooperation among local stakeholders.
Expected results include the development of pilot urban farms, improved strategies for biodiversity and urban sustainability, and stronger cross-border cooperation among Italy, Albania, and Montenegro. Through a shared approach, the project aims to contribute to greener, more resilient, and inclusive urban environments across the South Adriatic area.
The EDEN consortium brings together 6 partners from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro:
- Municipality of Conversano (Lead Partner)
- Fondazione Orto Botanico del Salento
- Udhetim i Lire – Free to Travel
- Local Community Stara Varoš – Municipality of Nikšić
- Municipality of Durrës
- GAL Molise Rurale
