Abruzzo Region Network of Education Centre for Environment: a reference for education

Abruzzo Regional Energy Agency (ARAEN) is a key player in the region’s sustainability efforts. In particular, it has been instrumental in developing the regional climate adaptation plan. It has collaborated with the Environment Education Centres (CEAs) on the Joint_SECAP project under the Interreg Italy-Croatia program to integrate climate change education into regional energy and environmental policies. This collaboration enhanced climate resilience and promoted sustainable energy solutions for Abruzzo’s citizens.

Climate Threats and the Role of CEAs

Abruzzo region faces significant climate threats, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, heatwaves, and droughts. These challenges demand proactive disaster preparedness and sustainable land management strategies.

As one part of the response, the region committed to environmental education through its dense network of over 40 Environmental Education Centres (CEAs). These centres play a vital role in fostering awareness of sustainable development and climate change adaptation among citizens, schools, local authorities, and businesses.

A Comprehensive Network of CEAs

The CEAs are part of the INFEA Abruzzo system, and legally recognised as being of regional interest. Spread across diverse geographical areas—from coastal zones to mountainous regions—they reflect the heterogeneity of the territory. Their location-specific approach enables them to implement tailored initiatives such as educational courses, training programs, and the creation of dissemination materials, which are adapted to the unique environmental challenges of their respective areas.

Their integration within the INFEA Abruzzo framework highlights their role in advancing participatory and educational processes. Supported by regional funds, EU grants, and contributions from local entities, the CEAs promote sustainable practices and enhance climate resilience. Their activities are monitored to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with sustainability goals.

Recognition and Impact

The network of CEAs in Abruzzo has been recognised as a good practice by the Interreg Europe programme, underscoring their success in integrating education, conservation, and climate adaptation. By leveraging local expertise and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the CEAs embody a model of environmental education that is both impactful and scalable.

This best practice has also been selected as an Adaptation Story on MIP4Adapt‘s platform, which highlights local and regional climate adaptation actions. Explore this story and others to gain insights and inspiration for planning, implementing, and monitoring climate adaptation solutions.

As the region continues to navigate the dual imperatives of environmental conservation and climate resilience, the CEAs remain pivotal in shaping an informed and proactive community capable of addressing future challenges.

The Role of the Abruzzo Regional Energy Agency

The Abruzzo Regional Energy Agency (ARAEN) plays a key role in both mitigating climate change and helping the region adapt to its effects. ARAEN supports a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, closely linked to the work of the CEAs. Notably, ARAEN collaborates with local municipalities to implement energy-saving programs and develop smart grids, which reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the resilience of energy infrastructure.

ARAEN has also supported the creation of a Regional Energy Plan, outlining strategies for energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. These strategies are incorporated into the CEAs’ educational programs, ensuring that citizens, schools, and businesses are equipped to take actionable steps toward sustainability.

The “Save the Marsican Bear” Campaign

One standout initiative is the “Save the Marsican Bear” campaign, led by the Environmental Education Centre (CEA) Ecotur. The Marsican brown bear, an endangered species native to Abruzzo, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Apennine mountains. The campaign works to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, particularly between farmers and the bear population.

Funds raised by the campaign have allowed the CEA Ecotur to provide low-voltage electrified fencing and secure livestock enclosures, significantly reducing predation on domestic livestock. Additionally, the CEA Ecotur organises educational programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about the bear’s role in the ecosystem and the importance of biodiversity conservation. This initiative not only supports conservation efforts but also enhances climate change adaptation by promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The Abruzzo Region exemplifies how environmental education and energy innovation can work together to build climate resilience. Through the network of CEAs, collaboration with the Abruzzo Regional Energy Agency, and active community engagement, Abruzzo is setting the stage for a sustainable future. As the region continues to address the impacts of climate change, its commitment to education, energy efficiency, and conservation will be crucial in fostering a resilient and proactive society.

This best practice is issued from our publication Sustainable Regions in Action 2022. Read it now to discover many more best practices from FEDARENE members as well as an overview of our activities.