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Green skills in agri-food training to face the challenges of the sector in the 21st century
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > Green skills in agri-food training to face the challenges of the sector in the 21st century
  • Experts from 14 countries gathered in Zaragoza to analyse the importance of incorporating green skills in agrifood training
  • Participants saw examples of innovation activities in training and projects at CIHEAM Zaragoza

On 1 and 2 February, CIHEAM Zaragoza hosted a seminar organised together with Union for the Mediterranean, the European Training Foundation and PAERADIGMS, with the support of the German Development Cooperation GIZ and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and skills to advance towards more sustainable food systems and integrate green skills in agrifood research and training.

Experts from scientific and academic institutions in Mediterranean countries, as well as public administrations, NGOs and the business sector took part in the event. The University of Zaragoza and the Polytechnic University of Valencia from Spain also participated in the workshop, together with representatives from other CIHEAM member countries Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia.

The essential role of green skills in education

The seminar focused on the essential role of further education and research to strengthen sustainable thinking and advance towards green transformation and a fair transition. With a holistic focus on the updating of further education, participants explored collaboration efforts through the Quintuple Helix Approach, to engage policy-makers, industry, civil society and academia in a concerted action.

A large part of the debate focused on planetary boundaries, underlining the critical balance required to maintain the resilience of the Earth system. Participants discussed the values that determine our behaviour and decisions, whilst recognising that a change towards sustainability involves changes in mind-set as well as new policies and technologies.

The seminar included several interactive sessions, providing a suitable environment for participants to engage, exchange ideas and share knowledge. This methodology underlines the importance of active participation and practical learning to understand and deal with the complexities of sustainable agriculture and food security. The workshop not only provided a forum for the exchange of knowledge, but also acted as a catalyst of future initiatives to develop green skills in the scope of sustainable food systems (SFS-MED Platform).

PHOTO GALLERY