The Villars Institute’s Post

Introducing MERGE Sibling Projects We are proud to be building a bridging network between the four sibling projects in MERGE! 🌐 Each project is dedicated to advancing our understanding of multidimensional wellbeing and exploring alternative and sustainable policy options for a brighter future. SPES Sustainability Performances, Evidence & Scenarios generates new knowledge and evidence about the nexus between economic growth, human flourishing, and sustainability. The objective is to elaborate a novel integrated framework on sustainability transition to reconcile productivity enhancement and value-generation with inclusiveness and environmental protection. ToBe Research has focus on integrated policy models and transformative indicators with the aim to build understanding of a sustainable well-being economy by combining green growth and postgrowth initiatives. It studies how mindsets, indicators, innovations and policies could work towards the sustainability paradigm and pathways leading there. WISE Horizons creates a synthesis of the current post-growth initiatives. It clarifies the concepts and the determinants of the trade-offs/synergies for policy and society. The project will create environmental, social and economic indicators in a novel and open WISE accounting/database. The REAL offers pathways for universal human well-being removed from dependence on economic growth. It focuses on possibilities, policies, politics, and provisioning and how these could be implemented in practice. The project develops equitable North-South scenarios, human well-being models and post-growth policy packages. 💡 Together, we are creating a dynamic network of knowledge exchange and collaboration to drive positive societal change on a global scale. ➡ Discover more about MERGE and its sibling projects by visiting the websites and stay tuned for updates on our collaborative efforts towards building a well-being-oriented future!

🏙 Everyone knows that city councils and communities play an important role in #urbangreening. But what about businesses and enterprise? Much less is known about their involvement - what challenges and opportunities do they face? What changes would they like to see? These and many other questions are explored in this blog post which draws on a panel discussion chaired by Horizon Nua as part of the global TNOC Festival in April 2024. The panellists were asked, "What one thing would you like most to see change to encourage more businesses to get involved in urban greening?" Gillian: “Change the public sector funding model to focus on stewardship” Hans: “Wisely unlock the creativity of entrepreneurs” Moein: “I would like to see the public sector take more risks - there is an expectation that the private sector takes all the risks” Vera: “I would like to see higher quality standards for biodiversity in all countries” Read more on their insights from the session 👉 https://lnkd.in/dDuf8Yuf Siobhan McQuaid

Wow, has it been 10 years already! On 31 August 2014, I first set foot in the Faroe Islands to build a new Master's Programme in West Nordic Studies, Governance and Sustainable Management together with four other universities in Greenland, Iceland, and Norway as well as working with the University of the Arctic. Thank you Sigurð í Jákupsstovu and The University of the Faroe Islands for trusting me to do all of this. It was highly motivating to be able to design a programme from scratch from a combined student, sustainability, and practice perspective. In one key publication about what Martin Mohr Olsen, PhD and I did, I think this captures the essence: "Students can play a significant role as driving force for sustainable development in the Arctic. Their unique combination of highly specialized skills, innovative thinking and strong entrepreneurial spirit can make a substantial contribution to the development of the Arctic region. Many students are intrinsically motivated towards engaging themselves in sustainable change. It is a well-documented attitude among the so-called “millennial generation” that they are looking beyond profit and strive to make a difference in their communities and to make an impact on pertinent social and environmental issues." https://lnkd.in/e4-U-F3t However, all the fun we had also suddenly came to a stop because of institutional and practical reasons. This is captured here, if you want the long-read: https://lnkd.in/ekcanYu4

Green Business Ideation Workshop Date: 23 February 2024 Venue: Brixton Multipurpose Centre, 78 Foyle Ave, Mayfair West Attention all South African Youth, School goers, University Students and Graduates! Are you ready to take your business idea to the next level? Imvelisi Enviropreneurs is hosting a mini-ideation workshop. This event creates a supportive and innovative environment for young entrepreneurs who are considering business opportunities in the water, biodiversity and environmental sectors. For those that excel in the programme, you Stand a chance of being selected to be part of the Imvelisi Enviropreneurs Bootcamp! What are you waiting for? Come and join us at the forefront of change as Imvelisi embraces sustainability, circularity, and greener practices at @cityofjoburg Green Jobs Youth Expo 2024 #greenjobsyouthexpo Why Participate? - Learn how you can formulate your own innovative ideas for Green Businesses. - Connect with like-minded businesses shaping the future. - Gain exposure and recognition for your sustainable initiatives. - Stand a chance of being selected to be part of the Imvelisi Enviropreneurs -Bootcamp to further develop your idea and fulfil your dreams. To participate : 1) Firstly, register for the Green Jobs Expo, to complete the form click here: https://shorturl.at/bCPTW 2) Book your space for the Imvelisi Ideation workshop, to complete the form click on the link here: https://lnkd.in/dbNBAE2C We have a limited space of 30 participants thus, don't miss out on this chance to make a difference and thrive in the evolving landscape of green businesses.

Exciting news! 🌱 Introducing: GREEN AGRIPRENEURS OF FUTURE 🌍 Our Erasmus+ project, coordinated by Bursa Provincial Directorate of National Education, brings partners from Türkiye, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Poland, and Macedonia together to empower teachers and students in sustainable agriculture and green entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for updates on our journey towards a greener future! 🌿 #GreenAgripreneurs #ErasmusPlus #SustainableFuture

🌿🎓 Explore the importance of upcycling in education! 🌟 The Erasmus+ project "Upcycling" aims to raise awareness among students about environmental challenges and climate change. 💡 Through innovative practices, we strive to empower students to become change agents, using fewer resources, reducing waste consumption, and offsetting carbon emissions. 🌍 Additionally, we enhance the sustainability skills of teachers, leaders, and staff by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative learning, and creativity development. 💡 Our project fosters interdisciplinary teaching in culture, environment, business, design, and other fields, reinforcing students' initiative and entrepreneurial spirit. ✨ We aim to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in various education sectors, widely disseminating our results and creating a network of interested institutions and stakeholders. 🌿🌍 Follow us on our social networks to stay updated on all our activities and news: Project "Upcycling" Facebook: https://lnkd.in/dFe9MhYa Open Europe Facebook: https://lnkd.in/dYJm2-7k Olena Korzhykova Júlia Vilafranca Molero Ellen Garcia Harrison Cinta Gascon Ana Isabel Herranz Zentarski Marta Fernandez Jimenez Mª Elena C. Arianna Vitiello #upcycling #sustainability

I'd highly recommend this to any Passivhaus designers, such a great example of how retrofits can lead to significant efficiencies, now only requiring 15% of the energy requirement of the original building! #sustainability #retrofit #passivhaus

Calling all eco-enthusiasts! 🌱 Dive into the world of Social Circular Economy (SCE) with our Erasmus+ project, SCE-VET! 🚀 Join us as we unveil our guide, the first outcome of the project! 📘 Our guide provides insights into national plans and EU policies for sustainability, as well as the social aspect of the Circular Economy (CE) and its connection to social entrepreneurship. Explore innovative VET systems and get a glimpse of our e-learning platform (MOOC) on the social circular economy. Discover how we're shaping a socially and environmentally conscious workforce, aligning with EU sustainability goals, and embracing inclusive transitions. Together, let's shape a future that's not just environmentally friendly but socially responsible too!

Are you interested in Challenge-based Learning? We have investigated how companies and students together create innovations for a more sustainable society. On April 26th 10:00-12:00 we will present the results and have a discussion amongst teachers, companies, and maybe some students too? Sign up and join the discussion! If you want to learn more but can't join, write something in the comments and I will send you the report in two weeks (as we have not finished the design yet...) This post brought to you by Challenge4Impact #sustainability #challengebasedlearning #cbl

I am thrilled to share a recent collaborative venture that has truly warmed my heart—a meaningful partnership with a local learning institution dedicated to uplifting the lives of nearby communities through innovative socio-economic programs. Together, we agreed to embarked on a transformative mission, weaving together threads of environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and the cultivation of invaluable skills within the community. 🎣 Sustainable Fisheries and Beyond: Our focus extended to the local ecosystem, with initiatives like spot-fishing and island hopping, designed not only to promote tourism but also to enhance the socio-economic fabric of the area. Planting the seeds for tomorrow, we delved into creating sustainable fish resources, employing advanced techniques such as underwater mapping through multibeam sonar. 🗺️ Mapping the Depths: One of the cornerstones of our endeavor involved a comprehensive study on underwater imaging through multibeam sonar, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the domain. Exploring the efficacy of different types of artificial beams from past projects, our team delved into the intricate world beneath the waves, contributing to a greater understanding of our underwater landscapes. The end in minds is: Right Artificial Reef is drop at the right location for efficient growth. 🤝 Investing in Human Capital: Recognizing the significance of human capital, we identified key programs aimed at empowering individuals. From honing effective communication skills to providing essential first aid training, we believe in nurturing a community that is not only economically resilient but also equipped with the skills necessary for personal and collective growth. 🚀 Looking Ahead: As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the collaborative spirit that fueled our efforts. This is not just a project; it's a testament to what can be achieved when communities, educational institutions, and passionate individuals come together with a shared vision for a better tomorrow. Insha'Allah together we can continue to build bridges, break barriers, and create a ripple effect of positive transformation within our communities.