iCEAR – Integrated Approaches to Circular Economy in Rural Areas
Background and Objectives:
The Circular Economy (CE) is currently addressed in numerous regional and local programs, covering different sectors, material flows, and value chains, and supporting diverse activities. However, an integrated approach from a territorial perspective is often lacking.
The iCEAR project aims to strengthen the circular economy in rural areas by coordinating and further developing various policy instruments at the regional and municipal levels. The project focuses on:
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knowledge and information on the circular economy,
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networking and coordination of activities,
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strategic approaches,
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innovative measures,
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fostering a culture of innovation and raising awareness about circular economy opportunities.
The project analyzes support and policy instruments at regional, provincial, and national levels from eight EU member states. In addition, the Regional Council of Durrës (Albania) participates as a “Discovery Partner,” which does not revise its own policy instrument. The instruments are based on ERDF programs, LEADER strategies, and local climate protection strategies.
The diversity of policy instruments and partners enables not only peer-to-peer learning among similar policy actors but also a better understanding of complementary measures. The goal is to improve eight policy instruments through interregional exchange of knowledge and experiences and to align them more effectively with other policies to create better conditions for a circular economy in rural areas. The project will also test the development of integrated action plans for CE.
By revising existing policy instruments, iCEAR will contribute to the sustainable use of rural potential, the creation of quality jobs, and the preservation of quality of life.
Project Implementation:
The project involves learning both across and within European regions. Each semester, an interregional workshop and a study visit will take place, showcasing good practices and discussing their transferability. In addition, regional meetings will be held every semester in each region, focusing on a specific theme and step towards improving policy instruments.
Regional Stakeholder Group:
At the regional level, a Regional Stakeholder Group will be established, meeting once per semester. The recommended members include:
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Committee for the Masterplan “100% Climate Protection” (members of political parties in the district council, representatives of research and advisory institutions, LEADER, etc.)
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ReUse Netzwerk Gießen, a reuse and recycling company in the Gießen district
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Ministry of Economy, Energy, Transport, Housing, and Rural Affairs of the State of Hesse
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Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, Viticulture, Forestry, Hunting, and Homeland of the State of Hesse