GREETINGS FROM REGENERA WATER SPORT!
Second year of Regenera Water Sport -project has included a lot of work from our multinational team from Spain, Ireland, Belgium and Finland in turning the plans into actions and interventions in their pilot sites. In this summary of the year, we will present examples of actions and highlights of 2025 related to the project. Visit our website for more information or contact us!
Project management and coordination
Steering Committee meetings held in Finland and Ireland
Steering committee meetings were arranged in February and October. The first one took place in the beautiful wintery Finland and the second one in the majestic scenery of Western Ireland.
Advisory Board meetings to provide guidance
The Advisory Board supports the project by providing expert guidance to ensure it aligns with other important initiatives, trends and tendencies in Europe, especially in countries not covered by the project itself. The board consists of:
- EUROPARC FEDERATION
- EUROPEAN NETWORK OF OUTDOOR SPORTS (ENOS)
- SURFRIDER FOUNDATION EUROPE
- THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)
The board meets twice a year online to share ideas and advice on strategies and challenges that the project addresses.
Monthly consortium meetings to ensure coordination across partners
To keep up the collaboration between all project partners and tasks proceeding we have had monthly project meetings online, which have offered an important platform for keeping up the project workflow. In addition, it has been an important window for innovative and inspirational discussions, assistance and togetherness despite the distance between us.
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION
Publication of the Regenera Environmental Programme (REEP) and implementation in the pilot sites
The Regenera Environmental Educational Programme (REEP) was published during the year and can be found via the link above or at the project website. The programme offers a training manual and multiple activities to use as a part of environmental education actions and development. So, if you are arranging, organizing or governing sports, events, or recreational activities, this is definitely something to check out!
Delivery of the three workshops in each pilot site
As part of the pilot site activities and management plans, workshops have been arranged in all pilot sites, related to all pilot activities. These workshops act as the foundation of the planning, development and commitment to the selected interventions and actions in the pilot areas.
Implementation of regenerative actions integrated into the sport activities selected by the pilot sites
The previously planned and selected actions and interventions were implemented in each pilot area. It was interesting to see how the plans were finally turned into practice and, at the same time, to monitor how successful the selected measures were and what kind of development steps would need to be taken next.
Completion of the 2nd-year evaluation
Regarding the pilot actions, surveys were conducted to determine how they compare to the previous situation and what conclusions can be drawn from them. You can check out the results from the resources page.
Impact and recommendations for the final project year
Based on the research conducted on the basis of the surveys, as well as the results of the workshops, the impact of the actions and concrete monitoring, development measures for the following year will be planned for each pilot area.
LOOKING AHEAD – 2026 (FINAL YEAR)!
Initial work on the Project Capacity Building structure for long-term transferability
A Capacity Building Programme is to be introduced consisting of five different themed webinars, including:
- Sustainable and Regenerative Management and co-governance of Physical Activity
- Best practices and pilot experiences: Sustainable and regenerative Management of PA and Sport
- Assessment and Learning: Tools to Evaluate Sustainability and Regenerative Impact
- Educational programs in environmental issues
- Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
These webinars are meant to highlight the important aspects related to the project and to promote long-term transferability of the actions.
Production of a web documentary of the project
In order to visualize and summarize the actions, results and outcomes of the project, a web documentary video is produced during the final year of the project. The documentary aims to combine the actions and outcomes from different pilot sites around Europe into one concise production.
Photo: Laura Vanzo / Visit Tampere
Tampere – 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism
One of the project pilot partner cities and pilot sites Tampere, Finland has been selected the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism. Sustainability is a crucial part of the criteria of the selection. Tampere blends accessible culture, heritage protection and nature to create experiences enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
Next Step - Spain
The next steering committee meeting will be held in La Seu d’Urgell, Catalonia, Spain. The visit will take place from 17th to 19th of March 2026.
FOLLOW THE PROJECT
In the Regenera Water Sport project great things happen all the time. If you want to know what’s happening in real time (and why wouldn’t you), remember to follow our website www.regenerawatersport.eu at regular basis.
Make also sure you follow our Instagram account @regenerawatersport where you can easily find the latest information and vibes about our project.
Contact
If you have any questions or ideas related to the Regenera Water Sport -project, don’t hesitate to contact us via email ue.tropsretawareneger@ofni or online contact form on our website.
