Kavala’s Green Leap: Sustainability through Co-Creation and Circular Economy

Co-Creation Workshops: From Theory to Practice 

As a cornerstone of the CURE+ project, the Municipality of Kavala has implemented accredited Co-Creation Workshops. These interactive workshops were designed to engage local stakeholders, citizens, and professionals in theoretical and practical learning experiences. The workshops aimed to bridge the gap between conceptual understanding and real-world application, empowering participants with the skills to contribute to the circular economy. The structure of the workshops included two primary components: 

1. Theoretical Learning: Participants were introduced to the core principles of the circular economy through online training sessions. Educational materials, accessible to all participants, provided a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, benefits, and global significance of reuse and recycling. 

2. Hands-On Practice: The practical component of the workshops emphasized skill-building activities under the guidance of specialized professionals. Participants engaged in creative and technical tasks, such as repairing, upcycling, and transforming materials and objects that would otherwise be discarded. 

A total of 66 participants took part in the workshops, divided into three groups of 22 individuals each. The sessions covered three distinct topics, each focusing on a specific aspect of reuse and sustainability: 

Repairing Wooden Furniture

In the first set of workshops (18/11/2024-21/11/2024), participants learned the basic principles of woodworking, which form the foundation for repairing and renewing old wooden objects. The sessions covered essential techniques, such as how to identify and fix cracks in wood structures, remove foreign objects or blemishes from wooden surfaces and sanding techniques to restore smoothness and prepare wood for subsequent treatments. 

Through these activities, participants gained practical knowledge of sustainable resource use, learning how to extend the lifecycle of wooden furniture while reducing waste. The process fostered a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the value of repurposing materials. 

As for the transformation in practice, the participants in the first stage assessed the condition of old furniture and then they applied repair techniques, reshaping and refining materials. The outcome of the workshop was fully restored and functional furniture. The aesthetic and the design of the outcome demonstrate the potential for renewal and reuse. 

Upcycling for Designers

The second set of workshops (22/11-27/11) focused on upcycling, an innovative process transforming waste materials into valuable products. Participants explored creative approaches to designing small furniture and decorative items using wood as the primary material. With support from experienced technical staff, they learned painting and surface treatment techniques to enhance the appearance of reused materials and gluing and assembly methods for creating new, functional items from repurposed wood. 

Participants were encouraged to bring their items to the URC, where they actively repaired and refreshed these objects. This hands-on approach heightened their awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of upcycling, illustrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into meaningful creations. 

Tactical Urbanism

The final series of workshops expanded the scope of reuse to the public domain through Tactical Urbanism. Participants worked with urban equipment, such as old steel and metal components, to create functional objects for public spaces. This approach involved cutting, sanding and polishing metal materials, but also designing and constructing new applications, such as tables or decorative elements, for use in communal areas. 

These activities showcased the potential for creative reuse of urban resources and contributed to improving public spaces in Kavala. The process underscored the importance of sustainable urban development and the role of community collaboration in enhancing the built environment. 

The Impact of the Activities 

The Co-Creation Sessions have had a transformative impact on the community of Kavala. Key outcomes include: 

• Residents developed a stronger sense of belonging and collaboration by participating in hands-on workshops. The initiative fostered a spirit of teamwork and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship. 

• Participants better understood the principles of reuse, recycling, and sustainable resource management. These skills and insights have empowered them to adopt more environmentally conscious practices in their daily lives. 

• Participants received certificates acknowledging their newly acquired skills and knowledge after completing the workshops. These credentials validate their learning and enhance their personal and professional opportunities in fields related to the circular economy. 

Synergies 

The URC initiative was further strengthened through partnerships with educational institutions, including Kohfidisch Mittelschule and the 7th Gymnasium of Kavala, as part of the ERASMUS+KA121 (2024-1-EL01-KA121-SCH-000210334) project focused on green initiatives. This collaboration introduced students to the principles of the circular economy through: 

• Creative workshops emphasizing the reuse of everyday objects. 

• Technical training sessions that developed their ability to repair and repurpose items, fostering innovation and practical problem-solving skills. 

• Students gained a hands-on understanding of the product lifecycle, learning how to give a “second life” to objects. This experience not only raised awareness about sustainable resource management but also inspired the next generation to contribute actively to environmental preservation. 

The Municipality of Kavala’s Co-Creation Sessions under the project “Centres for Urban Resources, Reuse and Remanufacture (CURE+)” represent a powerful model for promoting sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skill-building, these workshops have empowered participants to embrace the principles of the circular economy and apply them in meaningful ways. Through its ongoing efforts, the municipality is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future, serving as an inspiring example for communities across Europe and beyond. 

Riga Energy Agency is implementing EUKI project  CURE+ in cooperation with the Tartu City Government, Municipality of Kavala, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Elisava Barcelona School of Engineering and Design. The project aims to improve the management of construction and demolition waste generated by households through reuse and repair respecting the principles of the circular economy.