As Cities2030 progresses toward its mission of co-creating resilient and sustainable food systems, IAAD further develops a socio-ecological system approach to foster impactful synergies at the local and regional level. A standout example of this collaboration unfolded through workshops until 2023 involving Cities2030 and the ERASMUS+ project BSPORT+ (REF. 613508-EPP-1-2019-1-ES-SPO-SCP), culminating in December 2023 with the completion of BSPORT+.
The socio-ecological framework adopted by IAAD integrates transdisciplinary methods to address diverse social, environmental, and economic dynamics. Workshops conducted in November and December 2023 bridged the themes of healthy diets, Health Enhancing Physical Activities (HEPA), and community engagement. These workshops extended Cities2030’s reach into local schools, where informal sessions brought together students, educators, and local stakeholders to explore innovative solutions grounded in participatory governance and behavioural change.
Leveraging the Simplified Socio-Ecological System (SIMSES) model, these initiatives aligned with broader European Union Missions launched in 2021, especially on soil and water. By embedding citizen participation, co-creation, and education, the workshops exemplified how the principles of sustainability and resilience can translate into meaningful local actions.
The culmination of project BSPORT+ on 31 December 2023 provided a natural closing point for these joint efforts. The synergies between the two projects demonstrate how transdisciplinary collaboration and socio-ecological strategies can drive impactful change, empowering communities to play an active role in shaping sustainable futures.