EcopriseEu

Biomimicry: innovation inspired by nature. Did you know your daily life is full of innovations inspired by nature? It's called biomimicry, and it's mind-blowing how many things actually came straight from observing the natural world. For example, airplane wings were inspired by birds. But did you know that planes mimic how eagles curl their feather to reduce drag and save energy? 🦋The color displays on your screens (such as those found in TVs or laptops) are modeled after butterfly wings, which use microscopic structures to create brilliant colors without pigments. 🪲Greenhouse designs in arid regions mimic the Namib desert beetle’s ability to collect moisture from the air on its shell. And some greenhouses incorporate solar panels that mimic the photosynthesis efficiency of leaves to maximize energy use. LED lights? Fireflies. Swimsuits? Sharkskin. Car tires? Animals’ footpads like cheetahs. Smartphone screens? Spider silk. Biomimicry renders nature’s R&D lab into a blueprint for sustainable innovation. How else can we build like beavers, adapt like coral reefs, or recycle like forests if it is not because we are an integral par of nature. For eco-entrepreneurs, this is a goldmine. What was your favorite example of biomimicry in action? #biomimicry #biomimetics #natureinspireddesigns #ecoentrepreneurs #innovativeideas #greeneconomy https://lnkd.in/e_gwuwiH

In permaculture, the design is made for sustainability by working with nature, not against it. We see this in self-sufficient layered gardens that mimic natural forests, growing fruit, vegetables and even medicinal plants, without pesticides or fertilisers. Another example is houses that heat themselves, using earth berms (natural soil insulation) and a passive solar design that reduces energy consumption without the need for expensive technology. In permaculture, nothing is wasted. Kitchen leftovers are composted, grey water feeds gardens and even human waste can be turned into soil-enriching resources. Moreover, permaculture recreates it unlike traditional agriculture, which depletes the soil. Over time, systems become richer and more productive, not poorer. As you see, permaculture is not just for farms, it's a way of designing resilient homes, neighborhoods as well as cities. Do you know of any other permaculture innovations? https://lnkd.in/d2bbMdrh https://lnkd.in/dc6gkMwB https://lnkd.in/dkAGebyA

It’s amazing how some people's trash can become eco-entrepreneurs' treasure. Eco-entrepreneurs are changing the world, one brilliant idea at a time and it’s an amazing thing to behold! They are transforming recycled plastic into bricks, algae into textiles, and even creating edible coffee cups, mushroom building materials, solar-powered backpacks, and so much more! These incredible innovators show us that innovation thrives where creativity and purpose meet. They don't just build businesses, they inspire entire industries, create meaningful jobs, and prove that profit and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand. The green economy is booming, and it's rewriting the rules of success. So next time you think about starting a business, ask yourself: Can my idea make a difference, not just dollars? We would love to hear about the most innovative eco-friendly solution you've seen lately. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! #ecoentrepreneurship #ecovillages #trashistreasure #sustainability #climatechange #ecoentrepreneurs #greenentrepreneurship #erasmusplus #innovativeideas #greeneconomy https://lnkd.in/eF8EApmB

☘Our team of researchers, together with colleagues across six European countries, conducted a comprehensive research in order to gather insights from European ecovillages and understand the needs of social entrepreneurs. Over six months, more than 100 interviews and 16 focus groups were held in Serbia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Lithuania and this research resulted in a detailed analysis that informed the development of a skillset and entrepreneurial model for Ecoprise Designers. 🙋In response to today’s growing challenges, the ECOPRISE project aims to create an educational course that empowers entrepreneurs to become Ecoprise Designers - leaders in developing enterprises that support and strengthen both the natural and social environment. 🍂Ecovillages, which are co-living communities focused on social, economic, environmental, and cultural renewal, are recognized as experts in practical, hands-on approach to sustainability and regeneration. The project draws on ecovillages’ expertise to shape the competencies, knowledge, and entrepreneurial model that future Ecoprise Designers will need. #ecoentrepreneurship #ecoentrepreneurs #greenentrepreneurship #research #researchinsights

The recent US election could mark a shift in environmental priorities, especially for policies related to sustainability and green business. While new developments in US leadership might affect some environmental policies, the EU continues to lead with its commitment to green growth and sustainable business. Key Impacts on Ecoentrepreneurs: - Potential shifts in US environmental policies, including adjustments to funding for climate research and renewable energy. - Increased focus in the US on traditional energy sectors, with changes to policies affecting clean energy investments. - Possible adjustments in emission standards and renewable energy support in the US. Highlights of EU Sustainability Goals: - Continued commitment to the European Green Deal - Push for a Clean Industrial Deal and Decarbonization Accelerator Act - Strong support for circular economy & sustainable business models - Proposal for a 90% net GHG emission reduction target for 2040 - Development of a European Climate Adaptation Plan - Creation of a European Water Resilience Strategy - Focus on implementing existing climate policies rather than new legislation - Emphasis on sustainable competitiveness of the European economy - Development of new Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships - Proposed European Oceans Pact for sustainable ocean governance - Continued support for the transition to clean energy and e-mobility - Home for innovative ecoentrepreneurship For ecoentrepreneurs, this evolving landscape offers a mix of challenges and opportunities. While some regions may adjust their focus, there remains a supportive environment for green business in Europe and in the private sector globally. Rather than focusing on policy divides, it's about leveraging opportunities for growth and positive impact. Now here's a question to spark discussion: Could these changes ultimately impact the global landscape for green business by creating a “sustainability divide”? Share your thoughts and let’s debate the implications of this evolving landscape for global sustainability efforts! #Ecoentrepreneurs #Ecoprise #Erasmusplus

🌿💼 The #EcopriseProject team talks about the mission of the project. The #EcopriseProject is on a mission to shape the future of green entrepreneurship! Our goals include: 1️⃣ Identifying successful eco-communities and social enterprises while addressing skill gaps to create the role of the Ecoprise Designer. 2️⃣ Developing a European-standard Ecopreneurship course with recognized outcomes. 3️⃣ Piloting the course with practical learning and innovative methods to nurture future ecopreneurs. 4️⃣ Certifying the course with micro-credentials for international recognition. 5️⃣ Advocating for sustainable practices by working with stakeholders and policymakers. 🌍🌱 Together, we’re building a sustainable future! 💚 Center for Social Innovation - CSI CESIE ETS EUROTraining VET Lina Čirvinskaitė GrantXpert Consulting Ltd ECQA GEN Europe Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad The Critical

📢 Our Project Will Be Presented at Live With Earth DC4SD Conference! 🌍🎉 Join us for our presentation Ecoprise Designer | A new entrepreneurial model and skillset for local regenerative development, during Panel 2: Research & Science** on Saturday, October 26th at 16:30 CEST. 🌐 Whether you’re attending in person at PPLSSA – Paisagem Protegida Local das Serras do Socorro e Archeira, or joining online, we look forward to shaping a regenerative and conscious future together. #LWE2024 #EcopriseDesigner #Erasmusplus #Sustainability #ECOPRISE #DC4SD Find more at: https://lnkd.in/dQgjxbYJ

From November 2021 to May 2024, the GEN - Global Ecovillage Network and its members engaged in a collaborative inquiry into the resilience of ecovillages to a +2.5 degree climate change scenario. With expert researchers and facilitators in the field of social-ecological, personal and interpersonal resilience, ecovillage design and social transformation, 20 ecovillages from 18 countries gathered to explore what ecovillages can nurture today to be more resilient tomorrow. The report that emerged from this research can help also the future Ecopreneurs to design resilient models rooted in community resilience that can offer hope and practical pathways in the face of climate change. Read the report:  https://lnkd.in/dK4PzYQX

🌍 Ecoprise joins the conversation on transformative education! 🌱 We’re excited to announce that the #Ecoprise project will be participating in a panel alongside Iscte at the upcoming REC 4.0 event. Join us on Friday, October 25th from 14:30 - 15:50 PM UTC for a session titled: "Reimagining Transformative Education: Academia and Community-led Initiatives as Partners in Participatory Action Research" During this panel, we will highlight how Ecoprise is contributing to innovative approaches in education through collaboration between community-led initiatives and academic institutions. 🌱✨ Our mission? To empower the next generation of changemakers through the development of a certification course in "Regenerative Entrepreneurship", rooted in the Ecovillage Design Education program's integral framework. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dvR3z3P3 #RegenerativeEntrepreneurship #REC4_0 #Iscte #Sustainability #EcovillageDesign CESIE ETS CEI-Iscte

👩🏫🌿 University professor Vladimir Stojanović is one of the experts in our #Ecoprise project! As a leading voice in sustainable development, he is helping us explore how eco-villages can inspire green entrepreneurship and sustainable living. 🌍✨Through Ecoprise project work, we’re learning how to build stronger, eco-friendly communities for a brighter future. 💡🌱 Center for Social Innovation - CSI CESIE ETS LAND Impresa Sociale CEI-Iscte GEN Europe Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad The Critical EUROTraining VET ReadLab Brussels GrantXpert Consulting Ltd Lina Cirvinskiene ECQA #erasmus+ #regeneration #sustainability #greenskills