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Author: Veronica Charalambous

UxGE: Young Changemakers Present Green Proposals to Local Decision Makers in Strovolos

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

In a key milestone for the United for a Green Europe (UxGE) project, CARDET and the three finalist teams of young participants in the national UxGE competition met on Thursday, 12th of June 2025, with local decision-makers in Strovolos Municipality. The meeting was attended by municipal officers, including the President of the Youth Council of Strovolos Municipality.

The event offered a unique opportunity for the young changemakers to present the proposals they developed as part of the UxGE competition—proposals aimed at promoting a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable Europe. Each team showcased their innovative ideas and engaged in constructive dialogue with the municipal representatives.

More than just a platform to share their visions, the meeting served to empower the youth by allowing them to practice their public speaking and presentation skills, build confidence, and actively participate in discussions on sustainable development at the local level. The presentations delivered by the teams were met with enthusiasm and interest. The young participants confidently responded to questions and received encouraging feedback from the municipal representatives.

This meeting marked a significant achievement not only for the competition but for the broader objectives of the UxGE project. The positive impact of the initiative is already evident in the motivation, creativity, and civic engagement displayed by the young participants. CARDET extends its sincere appreciation to Strovolos Municipality for their support and commitment to fostering youth participation and environmental awareness.

The United for a Green Europe (UxGE) project aims to foster a community of young leaders who are equipped to navigate and address the complexities of the modern world, particularly within the framework of the European Green Pact. By focusing on leadership, critical thinking, sustainability, and environmental awareness, the project seeks to holistically develop youth leaders and key stakeholders. Its goal is to create a robust foundation for both personal and professional growth, cultivating a new generation of young individuals who are not only informed about environmental challenges but also empowered to lead their communities in adopting sustainable practices and shaping effective, forward-looking policies.

Learn more about the UxGE Project here!

Civic Champions: New Report Highlights Threats to Civic Space in Southern Europe

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A new Comparative Report sheds light on the state of civic space in Southern Europe, focusing on Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Italy. The study, led by CESIE, provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, legal, and societal challenges facing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the region.

Through a multidimensional research approach combining desk research and qualitative data collection, the report identifies key threats and attacks targeting civil society actors. It reveals both common trends and country-specific issues, offering valuable insights into the shrinking civic space in Southern Europe.

The findings underscore the growing pressures on civil society, ranging from restrictive legislation and political interference to negative public discourse and limited access to resources. The report aims to support informed advocacy and policy responses by presenting a structured overview of the current landscape and emerging risks.

This comparative analysis serves as a crucial resource for stakeholders seeking to understand and address the complex factors undermining civic engagement and democratic participation across the region.

Read more information about the project, here.

Why Must Cyprus Lead in Sustainable Tourism?

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News. 24 Comments on Why Must Cyprus Lead in Sustainable Tourism?

Cyprus stands at a critical crossroads. Tourism remains the backbone of its economy, but it also places immense pressure on the island’s natural and cultural resources — from water scarcity and coastal erosion to overdevelopment and habitat loss. With the island welcoming nearly four times its population in visitors each year, sustainable tourism is no longer a policy choice — it’s a matter of necessity. That’s why CARDET, through the Upskilling for Sustainable Tourism (UST) project, is equipping local actors with the tools, training, and knowledge to lead a bottom up approach.

A Fragile Balance

Cyprus enjoys a thriving tourism industry built on its beaches and natural landscapes, cultural wealth, and Mediterranean charm. Yet this success comes with mounting challenges: water scarcity, climate change-induced coastal erosion, overdevelopment, and forest fires. These are further intensified by a seasonal, high-impact tourism model, heavily concentrated on the coast during the summer months. Unless Cyprus recalibrates its approach, it risks depleting the very assets that make it a desirable destination.

The recent local governance reform, reducing the number of Municipalities and creating district-level organisations, presents a timely opportunity. However, structural change alone isn’t enough. Real progress demands genuine decentralisation, giving local authorities the resources and autonomy to actively shape and manage sustainable tourism.

Local Leadership: The Missing Piece

Today, according to researchers, most of the Municipalities, for the most part, remain dependent on the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and regional Tourism Development and Promotion Companies (TDPCs) to craft and implement tourism strategies. While programs like The Heartland of Legends, Cyprus Breakfast, and the Cyprus Agrotourism Company are commendable, most Municipalities still lack the capacity due to skills, financial and legal constraints, to lead systemic change.

As a leading research and development centre, CARDET is addressing this gap through the Upskilling for Sustainable Tourism (UST) project — co-funded by the European Union (Project Number: 2022-1-SE01-KA220-VET-000089744). The initiative builds vocational and entrepreneurial skills, promotes community-led tourism, and nurtures a shift toward environmentally and socially responsible practices. By investing in local capacity-building, UST is laying the foundations for long-term, place-based transformation.

Empowering municipalities can be a game-changer. Local councils understand their regions’ unique cultural and environmental assets. From the promotion of natural landscapes through the creation of natural trails, and supporting local producers and communities to embracing circular economy practices, they can define and promote their identity. Small, visible projects can have an outsized impact — guiding tourists, engaging residents, and setting new industry expectations.

Partnerships and Policy: A Unified Vision

But local efforts alone are not enough. Partnerships are essential. Municipalities should collaborate with NGOs, environmental groups, small businesses, and tourism professionals. These stakeholders already offer innovation and community-rooted solutions. What’s often missing is coordination, leadership, and more importantly a unified strategic vision.

Cyprus must also step up its national advocacy. This includes ratifying key sustainability protocols, like the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and adopting a cohesive national strategy for sustainable tourism. The island cannot afford fragmented or cosmetic efforts. What’s needed is a long-term, joined-up approach that aligns environmental protection with economic and social resilience.

From Challenge to Competitive Edge

This isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about competitive advantage. Global tourism trends are changing. More travellers seek authentic, low-impact experiences. They want to hike nature trails, taste local wines, and stay in heritage villages. Cyprus is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, if it moves decisively and inclusively.

The roadmap is clear. With initiatives like UST, genuine local empowerment, and strong national commitment, Cyprus has the potential not only to protect its future but to lead the Mediterranean — and beyond — in sustainable tourism.

More information about this forward-looking initiative is available at ustproject.eu.

Marios Demosthenous
Senior Researcher / Sustainability Expert at CARDET

DataGame Platform Launches to Strengthen Data Privacy in Education

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A new e-learning platform, DataGame, has officially launched, offering essential support for Data Protection Officers, adult educators, VET trainers, and other professionals working to ensure data privacy and safety in education.

At the heart of the platform are nine interactive, scenario-based training modules that immerse users in real-life data protection dilemmas often encountered in educational settings. By encouraging users to make decisions and view the outcomes of their choices, the modules foster critical thinking and practical understanding of complex data protection issues.

To support learning and implementation, the platform also features a comprehensive Toolbox with ready-to-use resources, including:

  • Privacy notice templates
  • DPIA checklists
  • Encryption tools
  • Curated educational materials

For trainers and institutions seeking to adopt or adapt the platform, a Technical Manual provides detailed guidance on setting up Moodle, using H5P and Articulate Storyline, and tracking learner progress effectively.

Whether you’re working to protect student data, deliver staff training, or develop institutional policies, DataGame is a timely and practical tool for enhancing data safety and digital literacy in higher education and beyond.

Learn more at: www.datagame-project.eu
Explore the platform directly: datagame.cardetprojects.com

Education, Innovation, and Impact: Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2025

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET proudly participated as a sponsor of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2025, a landmark event that brought together members of the Cypriot diaspora to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment, and cultural exchange. Held in Nicosia, the Forum provided a vibrant platform for dialogue around Cyprus’s future, with a strong focus on education, entrepreneurship, and global partnerships.

A highlight of the event was the interview with Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, CARDET’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, conducted by renowned journalist George Donikian. Dr. Vrasidas shared insights on the pivotal role of education in empowering communities and fostering innovation. Reflecting on CARDET’s 20-year journey, he emphasized the organisation’s unwavering commitment to creating a world where “people learn and thrive.”

Through this engagement, CARDET reaffirmed its mission to bridge local knowledge with global expertise and support initiatives that promote inclusive growth and lifelong learning. The Forum marked an inspiring milestone for connecting Cypriots worldwide and advancing shared goals for a more resilient and globally engaged Cyprus.

Watch the full interview to hear his insights and vision for the future!

Successful Event in Cyprus Highlights Pathway to a Skilled Offshore Renewable Energy Workforce

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On May 27, 2025, the University of Cyprus hosted a forward-looking and collaborative event titled “BUILDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE IN OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY”, gathering educators, industry leaders and experts, students, and policymakers to co-create actionable strategies for workforce development in the growing offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.

Held at the UCY Library “Stelios Ioannou” and streamed online, the event was structured into two interactive sessions:

The Co-Design Session (10:00–12:00) focused on identifying current gaps and opportunities across education and training systems. Key discussion areas included:

  • Assessing how vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) programmes align with ORE industry needs
  • Identifying skill gaps and potential areas for industry-academia collaboration
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of current teaching methods, including experiential and digital learning tools
  • Proposing improvements to training methods to better prepare learners
  • Exploring student career interest and engagement with ORE pathways
  • Addressing preparedness gaps and the support mechanisms needed to guide students into ORE careers.

The Workshop Session (12:00–14:15) transitioned the conversation toward strategic implementation and collaboration. Key themes included:

  • Aligning curricula with rapidly evolving technologies and industry requirements
  • Addressing immediate skill gaps through flexible, targeted training approaches
  • Enhancing student engagement via real-world interaction with industry stakeholders
  • Identifying key stakeholders essential for roadmap development and implementation
  • Exploring types of partnerships that can support long-term collaboration
  • Developing strategies to engage stakeholders across sectors
  • Ensuring the sustainability of collaborations through institutional and policy support

By integrating insights from both academic and industry spheres, this event marked a crucial step toward equipping future professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the offshore renewable energy sector.

Race for the Cure 2025

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Community Actions.

🎗 To CARDET στο Race for the Cure Cyprus 2025!

Κάθε χρόνο, στην Ευρώπη, 500.000 άνθρωποι διαγιγνώσκονται με καρκίνο του μαστού, ενώ καταγράφονται 125.000 θάνατοι από αυτή την αιτία!

Την Κυριακή, 25 Μαΐου, ομάδα εθελοντών του CARDET συμμετείχε δυναμικά σε έναν συμβολικό περίπατο και αγώνα δρόμου, στη μεγαλύτερη αθλητική εκδήλωση στην Ευρώπη, αφιερωμένη στην πρόληψη και στον αγώνα κατά του καρκίνου του μαστού!

Η ετήσια φιλανθρωπική, αθλητική εκδήλωση Race for the Cure, που διοργανώνει η Europa Donna Cyprus, φιλοξενήθηκε φέτος στο Αθλητικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου και υποστηρίζει έμπρακτα οργανισμούς και νοσοκομεία που δραστηριοποιούνται στον αγώνα κατά του καρκίνου του μαστού, συμβάλλοντας στη συγκέντρωση πόρων και στην ευαισθητοποίηση του κοινού.

📍 Με αφορμή τα 20 χρόνια λειτουργίας του CARDET και στο πλαίσιο της καμπάνιας κοινωνικής προσφοράς μας hashtag#twenty4twenty, ενώσαμε τα βήματά μας με χιλιάδες συνανθρώπους μας για έναν σκοπό που μας αφορά όλους!

Μαζί, στείλαμε περήφανα ένα δυνατό μήνυμα ελπίδας και αλληλεγγύης! 💗

#CARDET #RFTC2025 #RaceForTheCureCyprus #EuropaDonnaCyprus #ThinkPink

Civic Champions Consortium Convenes in Palermo for Key Transnational Project Meeting

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Civic Champions consortium successfully held its Mid-Term Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) in Palermo, Italy, on the 22nd and 23rd of May 2025. The two-day event brought together partners from across Europe to reflect on the project’s progress and set the stage for the next phase of implementation, aimed at protecting civic space and supporting civil society actors across the EU.

The meeting focused on reviewing the overall advancement of the project, which seeks to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists defending human rights and democratic values. A key topic of discussion was the development of a regional monitoring tool designed to collect data on physical, verbal, and cyberattacks targeting CSOs and NGOs. This tool will be deployed in the coming months in Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, serving as both a reporting mechanism and an instrument for raising public awareness.

During the first day of the meeting, CARDET presented its progress on Work Package 5, dedicated to raising public awareness about the threats facing civic space. The presentation highlighted the Civic Champions Days initiative, which has already demonstrated significant impact in engaging communities and promoting active citizenship. Discussions also covered the project’s growing digital footprint, including social media engagement and news dissemination strategies. Looking ahead, partners began preparations for the final stages of the project, with the closing event scheduled to take place in April 2026 in Brussels.

The second day was dedicated to the Research and Management Committee Meeting. Key administrative and financial matters were reviewed to ensure smooth coordination across work packages and partner organisations.

The Palermo meeting marked an important milestone for the Civic Champions project, reinforcing a shared commitment to safeguarding civic freedoms and supporting grassroots activism in an increasingly challenging environment.

The Civic Champions project aims to strengthen democratic values and civic participation in Southern Europe by enhancing the capacity of civil society actors to become active agents in addressing and reversing the phenomenon of shrinking civic space.

Learn more about the project by visiting its website: https://cardet.org/civic-champions/

CARDET Participates in Final GreenYOU Meeting and Conference in Lithuania

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET was pleased to participate in the final partner meeting and conference of the GreenYOU project, held in Klaipėda, Lithuania, on 19–20 May 2025. The event marked the conclusion of a successful initiative aimed at empowering young people for the green transition through targeted skill development and awareness-raising activities.

On 19 May, partners gathered at the KVK Faculty of Technology to wrap up the project. Discussions focused on finalizing the project’s deliverables, sustainability planning, and the quality assurance and impact strategy. CARDET led the session on the project’s Quality Assurance and Impact Plan, reaffirming the importance of evaluation in maximizing long-term outcomes and ensuring the replicability of results.

The Final Conference took place on 20 May and was hosted at KVK. The event featured an engaging programme of presentations from project partners and invited speakers, including:

  • “Green You: Enhancing Youth Employability during the Green Transition”
  • “Green Skills for Youth: Challenges and Opportunities in the Job Market”
  • “Green Projects in Action”
  • “Building a Green Future: Youth and Environmental Skills Development in Lithuania”
  • “Environmental Awareness in Social Work: Integrating Green Competences”

The conference showcased innovative approaches and shared experiences on how young people can play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future. CARDET remains committed to supporting youth empowerment and contributing to the green transformation across Europe.

GreenYOU is an innovative project focused on promoting climate action and enhancing the employability of young people during the green transition. The project developed Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) designed to equip young individuals with the skills and competencies needed to actively engage with climate-related challenges. These MOOCs covered a variety of climate action topics and served as accessible learning resources. The project also featured interactive tools, including augmented reality technology, digital escape rooms, and animated videos.

Additionally, GreenYOU designed a dedicated Green Curriculum for youth workers, aimed at building their capacity to mentor and guide young people in developing green skills and key competences. By empowering youth workers, the project seeks to create a strong support network capable of inspiring and guiding young individuals on their path to a sustainable future.

Learn more about the Green You Project here.

ACT-INCLUSIVE Hosts Inspiring Event to Celebrate Inclusion and Diversity

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The ACT-INCLUSIVE project marked a significant milestone with a vibrant and inspiring Inclusive Day celebration on May 17th at the Municipality of Strovolos, Nicosia. The event brought together educators, students, and community members to honour the project’s progress and celebrate its impact so far.

The celebration provided a meaningful space to reflect on ACT-INCLUSIVE’s journey and its growing influence in promoting inclusive education. A highlight of the day was the launch of the project’s comic book, a creative and engaging tool designed to spark conversations about inclusion and encourage personal reflection among participants.

The event also featured an Art Contest on the theme “Inclusive Education”, showcasing imaginative and thought-provoking artworks by students from Agios Antonios High School. These pieces offered powerful interpretations of inclusion, developed through the students’ involvement in ACT-INCLUSIVE workshops.

ACT-INCLUSIVE continues to empower students with disabilities, their allies, classmates, teachers, and school staff by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to become actors of change. The project promotes social inclusion and diversity within school education by working to remove barriers and foster inclusive attitudes throughout entire school communities.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us in making Inclusive Day a meaningful tribute to diversity, creativity, and the ongoing journey toward equity in education!

Don’t miss the opportunity to read the comic book or listen to the audiobook version (available in several languages!)

Learn more about the project here.