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Author: Veronica Charalambous

Why Must Cyprus Lead in Sustainable Tourism?

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

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!

Digital Harmony Project Kicks Off in Valencia to Bridge Generations and Promote Digital Well-Being

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Digital Harmony project officially launched on 28 May 2025 in Valencia with a dynamic partner meeting hosted by IFESCOOP. This groundbreaking European initiative aims to foster digital well-being within school communities by facilitating meaningful intergenerational learning between students and older adults.

By bringing together partners from across Europe, Digital Harmony seeks to co-create inclusive digital learning environments that improve digital literacy, encourage responsible online behavior, and prioritise mental health. At the heart of the project lies a vision of connected communities—where generations learn from and support one another in navigating the digital world.

During the kick-off meeting, project partners presented the main work packages, which span project management, research, training development, communication and dissemination, and long-term sustainability planning. The gathering laid the foundation for upcoming activities, including the creation of tailored training materials and the organisation of community-based multiplier events in participating countries.

With a strong focus on youth empowerment, Digital Harmony also recognises the value of older generations’ experience, fostering mutual respect and understanding through shared digital exploration. The project’s mission is clear: bridging generations is a powerful step toward bridging the digital divide—and shaping a safer, healthier, and more inclusive digital future for all.

For more information and updates on the project, follow our journey as we build Digital Harmony across Europe. Further details and the official project website will be shared soon. Stay tuned.

From Theory To Practice – Why Testing the MILES Training Matters?

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

Now that the MILES platform is live and available in all partner languages, the project has entered a crucial new phase: piloting the training course with teachers and teacher trainees across Europe. But what exactly is the value of this testing phase, and why do we place such emphasis on it?

Piloting is about more than just ticking a box in project development. It’s where we transition from theory to practice, where our meticulously designed modules align with the practical needs and experiences of educators in diverse classrooms. It’s an essential step that ensures the training is pedagogically sound, practical, engaging and adaptable to different educational contexts.

Throughout the MILES piloting phase, participants explore five key modules covering everything from understanding disinformation to building robust media literacy practices. As they engage with the materials, however, they also provide us with something equally important: feedback. Their feedback helps us to understand what is working well, what needs refining and how the training can be improved to better support teachers and learners.

To support the pilot, we have also introduced a self-assessment tool that enables participants to reflect on their current level of media literacy. This tool tailors their learning experience and provides valuable insights into the varying levels of knowledge and awareness among educators. You can try the English version here: MILES Media Literacy Assessment.

This real-time testing phase will inform the final version of the training and prepare us for the next exciting steps.

–        Co-designed workshops with students

–        Workshops to further explore media literacy in youth environments

–        Flipped classroom sessions involving teachers and families

Piloting is important because it brings us closer to the people who will use and benefit from the training. It helps us to listen, adapt and grow. Ultimately, it ensures that the MILES course has a lasting impact in the places that matter most: classrooms, schools and communities.

Are you curious about our training or eager to get involved? Reach out to us here: Contact Us

Together, let’s shape a future of critical and confident media users.

For more information about the project, visit the official website: MILES Project.

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 #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.