On our journey towards building resilient communities, we face many challenges that demand innovative solutions and collective action. This page is dedicated to exploring these obstacles and finding common solutions. Select a challenge of your interest, share your thoughts and take action!
WILDFIRES
The forest fires of August 2022 in Castellón province presented a significant environmental and humanitarian challenge. The fire ravaged 19,159 hectares, including 17,352 hectares of forest, affecting various municipalities and forcing the evacuation of 1,500 residents. The severity of the fire led to the confinement of multiple municipalities in the Alto Palancia area, highlighting the immediate threat to human safety and community stability. Ecologically, the devastation was profound, with an estimated 4,000 hectares deemed "very difficult" to recover due to species with low recovery capacity or previous damage from the 2012 fire. The challenge lies in the recovery efforts of the Mediterranean forest ecosystem, particularly in the province of Castellón, and the development of resilient infrastructure to mitigate future fire risks. Additionally, engaging the affected population, including young people, in awareness campaigns and recovery initiatives is crucial. This fosters their commitment and leadership in rebuilding and enhancing community resilience against wildfires.
REGENERATIVE COMMUNITIES
Regenerating communities requires balancing environmental sustainability, community cooperation, and economic viability. One major hurdle is getting everyone on board, as living sustainably often means changing habits and spending more money upfront. Using green technologies can be expensive and needs regular upkeep. Designing these communities in crowded areas to reduce their impact on the environment is also tricky. It's important but hard to get everyone to work together and care about the environment.
POST-WAR RECOVERY
Post-war recovery is a complex task that involves rebuilding physical infrastructure, reviving the economy, and healing social wounds. Revitalizing the economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses is another critical aspect, often complicated by damaged industries and resources. Socially, helping communities recover from the trauma and loss of war is essential but difficult, needing both emotional support and reconciliation efforts.
RESILIENT MINDS
This challenge aims to address the critical intersection of mental health and crises, acknowledging the profound impact of adverse events on individuals' psychological well-being. In the face of crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, or social upheavals, mental health often takes a severe toll, with heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma affecting individuals' resilience and coping mechanisms. This was particularly evident in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquake that occurred in Zagreb, as well as in Sisak, Petrinja, and the surrounding areas. Additionally, these situations are not the only ones that cause difficulties with mental health, especially among young people. Various life challenges placed before young people, such as major life changes, whether it be enrolling in college, changing jobs, or housing issues during times of inflation, cause stress for young people, which some find increasingly difficult to cope with. Through a multifaceted approach, the challenge will focus on raising awareness, providing education, and offering practical tools for individuals to maintain their mental well-being during crises.
NEET RESPONSE
The Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) status is a long-standing problem that occupies a priority role in the European policy agenda, even more during the post-COVID-19 outbreak. In Italy, 19% of young people are not studying, not working and not in training. After the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of NEET is increasing, especially in southern Italy. The NEET phenomenon, besides being an uneasy condition for those experiencing it, represents a big waste of potential too.