Gediminas Kondrackis

Proud to share that Climate Action has officially started its cooperation with the Hungarian Wrestling Federation. This partnership is another strong step forward in integrating sustainability and ESG thinking into national sport systems. Our joint ambition is not only to make sustainability part of daily operations, but also to position Hungarian wrestling as a regional reference point, and to bring these programs to the European and International federation level as well. Step by step, we are building a more responsible and future-proof sports ecosystem. #ClimateAction #SportandSustainability #SustainableSport #ESG #LeadershipInSport #InternationalVision

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The REDIII Level A Risk Assessment for Canada is now available, providing a practical tool for biomass producers to demonstrate compliance with the REDIII Level A requirements and to implement the necessary Level B management systems.

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In this inspiring interview, Sanja Ðorðević from Storyteller shares her journey as an environmental journalist — and why reporting on climate issues isn’t just a job, it’s a responsibility. She reminds us that telling stories about our planet can spark change, especially when the next generation is listening.🌿 Watch the full video and join the movement for honest, impactful environmental reporting. 🌱 You can read more in her interview on the greenovate.online website🔗

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Calls for the Aspektus+ regional grant programme for NGOs are now open The two calls (Hatókör and Helyben ható) are both tailor-made for organisations and are highly suitable for supporting individual development pathways. What they have in common is that organisations must apply once for a three-year funding period. The call for proposals was designed to be as applicant-friendly as possible. Organisations will also be provided with training, organisational development, a professional, mentoring process and space for networking. The overall aim of the Aspektus+ Hatókör (Scope) is to contribute to the strengthening and long-term sustainability of rural civil society organisations in a socio-political context where the conditions for civil society to operate are constantly deteriorating. It offers rural, medium-sized organisations the opportunity for stable, predictable and planned growth. The programme will provide grants to 16 rural NGOs, with a maximum amount of EUR 60.000 per organisation, which can be used essentially at the beneficiary's discretion. Organisations that operate outside Budapest and have their headquarters outside Budapest are eligible to apply. The overall objective of the Aspektus+ Helyben ható (Local Impact) competition is to support civil society organisations in four rural regions of Hungary to become more independent, stable and active actors in democracy. The support is targeted at established NGOs that want to move forward in their development and reach the next level of their operations. In particular, organisations that are responsive to the local community problems they have identified and are open to participating in capacity-building activities to maximise the impact of the support will be considered for funding. As a result of the programme, 24 organisations registered and operating in one of the counties of the Northern Hungary, Northern Great Plain, Southern Great Plain and Southern Transdanubia regions will be able to strengthen their operational infrastructure, with a total budget of EUR 30.000 per beneficiary.

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Calls for the Aspektus+ regional grant programme for NGOs are now open The two calls (Hatókör and Helyben ható) are both tailor-made for organisations and are highly suitable for supporting individual development pathways. 

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2025 Goldman Environmental Prize winner Besjana Guri has launched “River Women,” a podcast spotlighting women shaping the future of conservation. 🌍💧   The podcast is a project of LUMI - Lëvizja për Ujërat Mjedisin dhe Integrimin, Besjana’s newly-founded Albanian NGO that works hand-in-hand with local communities, especially women and youth, to protect rivers, preserve biodiversity, and advocate for sustainable development in Albania. Explore more: https://lumi.al/ 

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Please check our new paper in Energy Economics on motivations, drivers, and barriers to use renewable energy sources (RES) in Lithuanian family farms. This issue is important given changes in Lithuanian farm structure and increasing competition for land resources. A survey showed that 57 % of Lithuanian family farms use RES, whereas 67 % of those not using RES would like to do so. Larger farms ask for higher land prices for RES installations compared to smaller farms. Reduction of financial, institutional, and knowledge gaps is topical for RES adoption among Lithuanian farmers. https://lnkd.in/egPCSsGC Dalia Streimikiene Artiom Volkov Mangirdas Morkūnas Justas Streimikis LCSS Institute of Economics and Rural Development

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Just released online! “From strategy to success: the role of marketing capabilities in food industry SMEs” by Anmari Viljamaa, Sanna Joensuu-Salo, and Elina Varamäki. View the entire paper here: https://lnkd.in/gYbp6qUn #IFAMR #FeedTheWorld #AgribusinessResearch #SMEs #StrategicManagement #MarketingCapability #FoodIndustry #BusinessStrategy The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMR) was founded in 1990 and is the official journal of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA). Find the complete IFAMR Library of research articles and case studies here: https://lnkd.in/g8s5XZa6 Marc Jarmuszewski, Laura Carraresi, PhD, Loïc Sauvée, Hans De Steur

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𝐀 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐈𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐏 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 Our first interview features Teressia Njai, a farmer from Manga in Taita Taveta County, who joined us during the stakeholder launch event in Voi (September 2025). Teressia shares her experience working with local communities and school children on intensive farming practices, and why the potential of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology resonates with her. For her, locally anchored solutions are not just innovations but rather practical tools for producers seeking more stable incomes and long-term sustainability for their households. This conversation marks the beginning of a series that puts a spotlight on the individuals shaping this transition from within. Not distant beneficiaries, but active partners who will determine how the system evolves. In the coming weeks, we will feature perspectives from local policymakers, farmers, university collaborators, and youth groups. Meaningful transitions only take root when the people inside the system help define its direction. INCiTiS-FOOD #horizoneeurope Olga Glumac, Ph.D. Rhodah Mwashigadi Dolphine Kiwinda Nyaguthii Kinyua Dr. Mwamburi Mcharo (PhD), PMP®

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What role do NGOs play in times like the ones we are living through right now? ⌛️ Watch the reel to hear MEP Jan Farský and Senator Miroslav Barta answer the question.

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Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development! We are thrilled to announce the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between St. Paul's University, Maji Na Ufanisi, and the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta a landmark moment that marks the beginning of a powerful tri-institutional collaboration! The signing ceremony, held at the Vice Chancellor's Board Room, St. Paul's University, brought together senior officials from all three institutions, united by a shared vision of creating lasting impact in education, water & sanitation, and humanitarian service. 🎯 What This Partnership Means: 📚 Leveraging St. Paul's University's academic excellence for research and capacity building 💧 Harnessing Maji Na Ufanisi's expertise in water, sanitation, and community development 🌍 Channeling the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta's humanitarian mission and global networks This strategic alliance opens exciting new avenues for joint research, community outreach, resource mobilization, and sustainable development initiatives that will directly benefit communities across the region. As we move forward together, we remain committed to our shared values of service, excellence, and sustainable impact. 🔗 "Your University of Choice!" St. Paul's University #Partnership #MoU #SustainableDevelopment #WaterAndSanitation #HumanitarianService #CommunityDevelopment #Collaboration #StPaulsUniversity #MajiNaUfanisi #HungarianCharityService #Kenya

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Our recent study highlights: ✔️ The importance of new fora for dialogue where young people, minorities, vulnerable groups, and civil society can actively shape the future. ✔️ The role of memory, storytelling, and identity in reinforcing democratic values. ✔️ The need for shared individual and societal values as a foundation for social cohesion. ✔️ Practical recommendations to empower decision-makers and civil society to avoid blind spots in policy and strengthen resilience. ❗ This blueprint is not only for policymakers, but also for visionaries, development enablers, value shapers, and open-minded communicators committed to the future of the Baltic region.

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April 2025_Edition No. 14 of the “Monitoring Moldova’s Public Procurement” Newsletter 📄 Read it here https://lnkd.in/dVGfgquB We're excited to share the latest insights and developments in Moldova’s public procurement landscape, brought to you by IDIS “Viitorul” in partnership with the Partnership for Transparency (PTF). 💬 Highlights from this edition include: 💙 Editorial by Diana Enachi: Public consultation can improve public policy 💙 NPPP meetings: Advancing the professionalization and certification of procurement specialists 💙 Legal reform: Draft of the new procurement law discussed with the NPPP and Monitoring Coalition 💙 Training: Unique aspects of procurement of works explored with civil society experts 💙 Study insight: Why relying only on absolute value methods for abnormally low bids can mislead 💙 Sectoral procurement: New, more transparent rules to increase efficiency 💙 Strategic partnerships: Strengthening collaboration between CSOs and NASC for an improved appeals system 💙 Support services: Hotline launched to assist contracting authorities and procurement entities 💙 Monitoring: How some economic agents bypass the prohibition list 💙 Investigation: Poor procurement planning delays the Macareuca Mansion renovation 💙 Complaints: A 23% rise in procurement complaints in 2024, affecting over 6 billion MDL 💙 Misuse of funds: Case study on mismanaged public funds by Chisinau Electric Transport Authority 📰 This newsletter was part of the “Increasing Integrity of Public Procurement in Moldova” project, implemented by IDIS “Viitorul” in cooperation with Partnership for Transparency – PTF. ➡️ We invite you to explore the findings and share your thoughts! #PublicProcurement #Transparency #Integrity #Moldova #CivicEngagement #NPPP #ProcurementReform #AntiCorruption #PublicPolicy #IDISViitorul #PTF #CSOimpact

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Families in the Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions can now register for financial assistance to support agricultural development. So far, an independent selection committee has held more than five meetings and chosen the first families who qualify under the project’s vulnerability criteria. These families will soon receive funding to buy essential farming supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, animals, animal feed, and agricultural equipment. The project, run by the Charitable Foundation "Angels of Salvation" with support from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, aims to help people not only recover from the crisis but also rebuild and grow their farms. This support will allow families to strengthen their farms, become more self-reliant, and build a better future.

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https://lnkd.in/dqHqNVJr Ageing Women in Regional Georgia: The Zestaponi Case 😊 What does ageing mean for women living in regional Georgia? My recent qualitative research conducted in Zestaponi Municipality explores the lived experiences of women aged 60 and over, focusing on their psycho-social wellbeing, economic vulnerability, and access to social and healthcare services. The findings highlight: • Increasing social isolation • Limited access to essential services • Financial insecurity • Strong resilience despite systemic challenges Understanding these realities is essential for improving municipal social policy and designing more inclusive support systems for older women in regional communities. I welcome dialogue and collaboration with professionals working in gender equality, ageing policy, and regional development. #GenderEquality #AgeingPopulation #SocialPolicy #RegionalDevelopment #Georgia

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🌿 Why #Decarbonisation Matters for #Macedonian #Businesses & the #Climate alike? #GreenInvestments play a crucial role in combating climate change and fostering sustainable economic growth in #NorthMacedonia. As an EU candidate country, North Macedonia aims to reduce GHG emissions by 51% by 2030. However, public sector investments alone won't suffice; increasing #private #sector #involvement is crucial! The European Investment Bank (EIB) is committed to supporting the corporate and banking sectors through its #EU #GreenFinance and #Advice, helping them understand climate risks and roll-out financing programmes for decarbonisation projects. Together, we can achieve North Macedonia's ambitious sustainability targets and promote the growth of Macedonian companies. 👇 https://lnkd.in/duFv6i56

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🖼️ The 30th European Society for Rural Sociology congress in Riga hosted an increadibly rich programme on diverse aspects of rural transitions. As part of the thematic working group "Social participation and rural activism in rural spaces in transition", Mikelis Grivins from the Baltic Studies Centre had the opportunity to also share some insights from the PREMIERE – Strengthening the Multi-Actor Approach for impactful Horizon Europe projects project. 🔎 The presentation focused on the question of how in-depth stakeholder engagement changes the research and research methods used to study the topics listed in the European Union's Horizon Europe Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment). It suggested that stakeholder engagement not only ensures a new route to impact, but also requires significant changes in the way scientific argumentation is constructed in general. #ESRS2025 #MAA

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🌊 Tiny plastics, big problem! Every day, thousands of invisible microplastics wash down our sinks, showers, and washing machines. They’re too small to see, but they end up in our rivers and the Baltic Sea, harming nature and slipping past current wastewater systems. Balt-Plast-Free is changing that. 🇫🇮🇪🇪 Together, experts in Finland and Estonia are testing new filtration systems in the wastewater plants of Mikkeli and Elva that can remove up to 95% of these tiny plastics before they reach the environment. 🚐 A mobile laboratory will also travel to communities to show people how microplastics are detected - raising awareness in a hands-on, engaging way. ✨ The goal is simple: Cleaner water, a healthier Baltic Sea, and smart solutions that any wastewater plant in the region can adopt. Small particles, big impact. This is how we protect our sea - one tiny piece at a time. #centralbaltic #Interreg

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We marked the official conclusion of GreenFORCE, a 3-year journey of regional cooperation focused on advancing a just green transition in the Western Balkans. We connected researchers, communities, and policymakers to discuss and reimagine the region’s green future together. 👥 Over 200 voices joined the conversation across borders, disciplines, and sectors, united by a shared commitment to sustainability, and local resilience. 💡 With support from #HorizonEU and leadership from: Co PLAN, Politecnico di Torino, University of Belgrade, Center for Economic Analyses, Nordregio, and in partnership with POLIS University, GreenFORCE proved that transition is not just about policies, it’s about bold collaboration. 🌍 The work doesn’t end here. The legacy lives on in the networks built, ideas seeded, and futures imagined. #GreenFORCEtwinning #JustGreenTransition #WesternBalkans #GreenFuture

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