LOPPO
Land of Opportunities
Challenge
Rural areas in Europe face a double challenge: increasing abandonment of agricultural land and the depopulation of the countryside, especially among young people. At the same time, young adults struggle to find sustainable living, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly in inland regions. Abandoned land holds great potential, but access, training, and support mechanisms are needed to make these areas attractive, productive, and sustainable. Additionally, the climate crisis demands new, eco-conscious agricultural and production practices.
Solution
The “Land of Opportunities” project creates new economic and social opportunities in rural territories by repurposing abandoned land. Through a set of interconnected activities, the project promotes access to land for new farmers and rural entrepreneurs, coupled with practical training and the application of sustainable technologies. The initiative also encourages social cohesion and the co-creation of collaborative work environments, promoting environmental sustainability and climate action.
Objectives, Activities and Results expected / achieved
The project aims to:
1. Promote access to uncultivated and/or abandoned land for new farmers;
2. Raise awareness of climate change and sustainable agricultural practices;
3. Improve key skills and training for people in rural areas, focusing on low-skilled adults, women, migrants, refugees, and unemployed young adults.
Main activities:
• Organization of local social hackathons to explore community needs and opportunities;
• Development of specific training itineraries for new farmers, tailored to various target groups (e.g., migrants, women, NEET youth);
• Mapping of uncultivated and/or abandoned land and implementation of a facilitated land transfer system;
• Promotion of collaborative work environments through co-creation and social innovation.
Expected impact:
• Increased use of underutilized land for sustainable rural projects;
• Social and professional inclusion of vulnerable groups in rural areas;
• Active contribution to climate change mitigation and territorial revitalization.
Contractualized indicators
• No. of new farmers with land access
• No. of participants in training itineraries
• No. of hectares mapped and transferred
• No. of hackathons and co-working spaces implemented
Project Reference
Funding
Total Investment
250.000,00IPN Investment
44.050,00Total Eligible
250.000,00IPN Eligible
44.050,00EC Funding – Total
250.000,00EC Funding – IPN
44.050,00Duration
30 mesesStart Date
2023-12-01End Date
2026-05-31Approval Date
2023-07-31Consortium
1. Asociaciòn Cultural Ingalicia;2. Asociación para o desenvolvemento rural da Comarca de Lugo;
3. IPN Incubadora/HIESE;
4. Bia Innovator Campus CLG
5. Educational Association,z.s.
6. Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities
Keywords
ruralsustainability
environment
