What’s happening in EXO’s ecosystem?
EUROPEAN FOCUS
June ended with an event in Split (Croatia), as part of the Paths that Last initiative. EXO had the opportunity to participate in several workshops focused on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean and to explore some of the best Interreg project case studies.
Among them, our recently funded Interreg NEXT-MED project CLUSTERATLAS4MED!
STAY TUNED: the journey is about to start!
SOCIAL INNOVATION
Co-Design and digitalisation for sustainable rural tourism in Basilicata
EXO is working with 16 professionals in communication, cultural planning, training, and stakeholder engagement on a project that positions rural tourism as both a strategic and practical tool to strengthen Basilicata’s hospitality network, with a strong emphasis on social and environmental sustainability.
As lead partner of the Basilicata Rurale project in two areas of the region, EXO is coordinating initiatives involving 11 partner organisations and the participation of over 80 local tourism businesses and schools.
EXO’s contribution focuses on engaging tourism enterprises through co-design workshops based on the HumanLab methodology, and on developing an AI-driven platform that helps promote local tourism by curating discovery itineraries tailored to travelers’ needs.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FOCUS
Supporting Rural and Inner Areas Development
MITI-CO2
RDP – Submeasure 16.5 Call, Special Inner Areas Marmo-Platano
On 30th June, the Final Project Summit took place at CREA-ZA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics – Animal Production and Aquaculture Research Centre), in Bella (PZ, Italy).
The event offered an important moment of discussion on the results achieved through cooperation between the Basilicata Region, CREA-ZA, local municipalities, research institutions, farmers’ associations, and local businesses. The project has been recognised as a valuable example of public-private cooperation, and the importance of agro-environmental agreements was emphasised.
FORSTAG – Improvement of the Cheese Aging Process through the Introduction of Mature Technologies for Temperature, Humidity, and Airflow Control within Existing Farm Facilities (Measure 16)
As part of ongoing efforts to support the development of rural areas, an important activity was held under the FORSTAG project.
The project aims to not only provide economic benefits to local farmers, but also promote environmental sustainability, while inspiring young farmers to implement entrepreneurial approaches to agriculture. On July 2nd, a significant step was taken with the installation of prototypes to explore innovative solutions, to enhance farming practices in the Marmo Platano inner area of Basilicata.
The aim of this intervention was to improve the cheese aging process through better management of temperature, humidity, and ventilation, ensuring high-quality production in a more sustainable way.
FORZOMIS 3.0
Measure 1 – Submeasure 1.3 Special Call for Inner Areas – Marmo Platano and Montagna Materana Special Edition 2024
Following the April study visits in Valsesia (Italy), two new events took place this month in the Marmo Platano and Montagna Materana areas of Basilicata addressing Mountain Pasture Management & Ecosystem Services and Forest Management.
July 9th, Ruoti, Marmo-Platano area
Mountain Pasture Management & Ecosystem Services
July 11th, Gallipoli Cognato Regional Park, Montagna Materana area
Forest Management & Ecosystem Services
NEWS FROM EUROPE
AI ACT: Governance Rules for general-purpose AI Models to apply from August 2025
The European Commission has established that, under the new Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the governance rules and specific obligations for general-purpose AI Models — systems capable of performing a wide range of tasks not limited to a single purpose — will become applicable starting August 2, 2025.
This milestone marks a crucial step in the implementation of the AI Act, aiming to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and safety in the use of AI technologies across the European Union.
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Best practice: Ireland’s National Organic Strategy 2024-2030 for sustainable growth
This strategy aims to increase organic farming to 10% of the country’s land area by 2030. Key priorities include supporting organic farming participation, expanding the domestic market, boosting exports, and enhancing skills and public procurement. The strategy emphasizes sustainable growth.
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EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards 2025:
Shaping tomorrow together
#ARIAwards25 are now open for submissions!
This year, the focus is on ‘Generational Renewal’, recognising projects that support rural economies and involve young people in shaping the future of rural communities.
Projects funded by EAFRD and EAGF are eligible, with a special Gender Equality Award also on offer.
Deadline: July 22nd!
FIND OUT MORE
Rural Pact Community Platform: this platform offers great opportunities for staying up-to-date on the latest news in rural development.
There are several “Community Groups” to engage in discussions on topics that interest you, or create your own group to bring together all stakeholders around a specific theme or issue: rural development, rural tourism, digital and more
FIND OUT MORE
We’re taking a short summer break!
We’ll be back in September with fresh updates and exciting news!
In the meantime, enjoy your summer!
Stay tuned for updates on exciting projects, events, and opportunities!
EXO