Reconnecting with nature
PALENCIA "a huebra"
PALENCIA "A HUEBRA". ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING IMPROVING SHARED SPACES AND LIVING CONDITIONS.
This is a call for aid applications aimed at granting subsidies throughout the province of Palencia to smaller local entities. The purpose is to promote and incentivize volunteer actions among the population of Palencia for the improvement of shared spaces within their locality. This will be achieved through the selection of initiatives that foster shared involvement and responsibility, recognizing the common good as a means to enhance living conditions, reviving the spirit of collaboration.
Spain
Local
THIS PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTED SMALLER LOCAL ENTITIES THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE OF PALENCIA.
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-10-21
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The following actions have been carried out:
• Environmental adaptation of commonly used spaces: Contributing to the protection of human health, combating climate change, improving air and water quality, and providing spaces for leisure and recreation.
• Recovery of spaces: Restoring spaces to regain their ecological function, providing environmental benefits such as atmospheric carbon sinks, environmental pollutant filters, oxygen sources, or reduction of the heat island effect.
• Improvement of municipal green infrastructure: Enhancing parks, gardens, riverbanks, orchards, wetlands, livestock trails, green roofs; as well as improving ecological corridors connecting these areas with peri-urban areas.
• Maintenance or increase of biodiversity: Associated with urban and peri-urban spaces, improving their habitats, managing beneficial species that contribute to biological control, and promoting pollinating species.
• Restoration of traditional elements: Linked to local and popular culture, which, together with landscape values, increase or promote tourism in the municipalities.
• Creation of municipal orchards: Carried out with sustainability criteria, considering composting, seeking the creation of a non-polluting space that promotes biodiversity and improves the environmental quality of the municipality.
• Implementation of dissemination, awareness, or training actions.
• Implementation of community composting programs.
The target groups are intergenerational, ranging from children participating in the project through environmental awareness, to young people who, with their ideas, energy, and dreams for their territory, try to develop projects to improve their municipality
• Environmental adaptation of commonly used spaces: Contributing to the protection of human health, combating climate change, improving air and water quality, and providing spaces for leisure and recreation.
• Recovery of spaces: Restoring spaces to regain their ecological function, providing environmental benefits such as atmospheric carbon sinks, environmental pollutant filters, oxygen sources, or reduction of the heat island effect.
• Improvement of municipal green infrastructure: Enhancing parks, gardens, riverbanks, orchards, wetlands, livestock trails, green roofs; as well as improving ecological corridors connecting these areas with peri-urban areas.
• Maintenance or increase of biodiversity: Associated with urban and peri-urban spaces, improving their habitats, managing beneficial species that contribute to biological control, and promoting pollinating species.
• Restoration of traditional elements: Linked to local and popular culture, which, together with landscape values, increase or promote tourism in the municipalities.
• Creation of municipal orchards: Carried out with sustainability criteria, considering composting, seeking the creation of a non-polluting space that promotes biodiversity and improves the environmental quality of the municipality.
• Implementation of dissemination, awareness, or training actions.
• Implementation of community composting programs.
The target groups are intergenerational, ranging from children participating in the project through environmental awareness, to young people who, with their ideas, energy, and dreams for their territory, try to develop projects to improve their municipality
Volunteering
Intergenerational
Nature
Health
Restoration
The grant's objectives contribute to sustainability in several ways:
• Natural Resource Conservation: By promoting citizen participation in environmental conservation, it seeks to protect the province's natural resources, such as water, soil, and biodiversity. This ensures that these resources are available for future generations.
• Environmental Protection: Environmental volunteer actions can include cleaning natural spaces, reforestation, and restoring degraded ecosystems. These activities help protect the environment from pollution and degradation, which is fundamental to sustainability.
• Environmental Education: By fostering environmental education, it seeks to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and empower citizens to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the environment. This is essential to achieve a sustainable future.
• Development of Sustainable Projects: By supporting projects that contribute to the sustainability of municipalities, it promotes a development model that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of human activities. This is crucial to achieve long-term sustainable development.
The objectives of this project are also aligned with the principles of the circular economy:
• Waste Reduction.
• Efficient Use of Resources.
• Fostering Innovation.
.
The Palencia Provincial Council's environmental volunteering grant is an important tool to promote sustainability and the circular economy in the province. By involving citizens in the protection and improvement of their environment, it seeks to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, also to advance towards a more sustainable future in the province. By aligning its objectives with the SDGs, it ensures that these initiatives contribute to global efforts to address the most urgent challenges facing our planet.
It is important that the projects submitted for the grant clearly highlight how they contribute to the SDGs
• Natural Resource Conservation: By promoting citizen participation in environmental conservation, it seeks to protect the province's natural resources, such as water, soil, and biodiversity. This ensures that these resources are available for future generations.
• Environmental Protection: Environmental volunteer actions can include cleaning natural spaces, reforestation, and restoring degraded ecosystems. These activities help protect the environment from pollution and degradation, which is fundamental to sustainability.
• Environmental Education: By fostering environmental education, it seeks to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and empower citizens to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the environment. This is essential to achieve a sustainable future.
• Development of Sustainable Projects: By supporting projects that contribute to the sustainability of municipalities, it promotes a development model that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of human activities. This is crucial to achieve long-term sustainable development.
The objectives of this project are also aligned with the principles of the circular economy:
• Waste Reduction.
• Efficient Use of Resources.
• Fostering Innovation.
.
The Palencia Provincial Council's environmental volunteering grant is an important tool to promote sustainability and the circular economy in the province. By involving citizens in the protection and improvement of their environment, it seeks to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, also to advance towards a more sustainable future in the province. By aligning its objectives with the SDGs, it ensures that these initiatives contribute to global efforts to address the most urgent challenges facing our planet.
It is important that the projects submitted for the grant clearly highlight how they contribute to the SDGs
The "A Huebra" grant program does not directly focus on aesthetics in the traditional sense of beautifying a place. Its primary focus is the recovery and improvement of common spaces, prioritizing functionality, sustainability, and cultural value. However, aesthetics emerge as a natural consequence of these actions:
• Aesthetics of the Functional: By recovering spaces for community use, such as parks, gardens, or recreation areas, a more pleasant and visually appealing environment is created. Functionality and order contribute to an aesthetic of the practical and well-maintained.
• Quality of Life: The improvement of common spaces directly impacts people's quality of life. A clean, well-maintained environment with spaces for leisure and coexistence fosters physical and emotional well-being.
• Cultural Benefit: "A Huebra" seeks to recover traditions and community practices, strengthening the social fabric and sense of belonging. By involving neighbors in the recovery of their environment, cultural identity and community roots are promoted.
"A Huebra" comes from the Latin "opera," which means "work." In the rural tradition of Palencia, "a huebra" referred to the day of collective work that neighbors carried out to perform tasks for the benefit of the community, such as fixing roads, cleaning fountains, or building walls. It was a form of collaboration and mutual aid that strengthened social ties.
Villota del Páramo is an example of how the term "A Huebra" and its meaning have been recovered. The ringing of bells, which in the past announced the beginning of the community work day, has been recovered as a symbol of this tradition.
The ringing of bells in Villota del Páramo is not just a sound, it is a call to action, to citizen participation and commitment to the community. It is a way of keeping the collective memory alive and transmitting the values of collaboration and mutual aid to new generations.
• Aesthetics of the Functional: By recovering spaces for community use, such as parks, gardens, or recreation areas, a more pleasant and visually appealing environment is created. Functionality and order contribute to an aesthetic of the practical and well-maintained.
• Quality of Life: The improvement of common spaces directly impacts people's quality of life. A clean, well-maintained environment with spaces for leisure and coexistence fosters physical and emotional well-being.
• Cultural Benefit: "A Huebra" seeks to recover traditions and community practices, strengthening the social fabric and sense of belonging. By involving neighbors in the recovery of their environment, cultural identity and community roots are promoted.
"A Huebra" comes from the Latin "opera," which means "work." In the rural tradition of Palencia, "a huebra" referred to the day of collective work that neighbors carried out to perform tasks for the benefit of the community, such as fixing roads, cleaning fountains, or building walls. It was a form of collaboration and mutual aid that strengthened social ties.
Villota del Páramo is an example of how the term "A Huebra" and its meaning have been recovered. The ringing of bells, which in the past announced the beginning of the community work day, has been recovered as a symbol of this tradition.
The ringing of bells in Villota del Páramo is not just a sound, it is a call to action, to citizen participation and commitment to the community. It is a way of keeping the collective memory alive and transmitting the values of collaboration and mutual aid to new generations.
These are the following key objectives:
1. Universal accessibility: A Huebra seeks to ensure that all people can participate in and enjoy public spaces. The creation of multi-sensory gardens, with sensory walks, Braille signage and pictograms, is a clear example of how the project has taken into account the needs of people with visual impairments and other special needs, thus ensuring an accessible experience for all.
2. Affordability for all: The project is based on citizen participation and volunteering, making it an affordable initiative for all people who wish to contribute to the improvement of their environment, such as the participation of diverse women.
3. Inclusive government systems: A Huebra encourages the active participation of citizens in decision-making and in the development of projects that benefit the community,
4. New social models: The project seeks to break with traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The equal participation of men and women in A Huebra's activities contributes to the construction of a more just and equal society.
5. Reduction of inequalities: A Huebra is committed to creating a more just and equal society. The inclusion of elements such as Braille and pictograms in the multisensory gardens seeks to eliminate barriers and ensure that all people have the same opportunities to participate and enjoy.
Fulfillment of objectives:
A Huebra has managed to meet these inclusion objectives in a clear and visible way. The active participation of different groups, the creation of accessible spaces for all and the promotion of gender equality are concrete examples of the project's success. The multisensory gardens, with their inclusive design, are a testament to A Huebra's commitment to universal accessibility and the reduction of inequalities.
1. Universal accessibility: A Huebra seeks to ensure that all people can participate in and enjoy public spaces. The creation of multi-sensory gardens, with sensory walks, Braille signage and pictograms, is a clear example of how the project has taken into account the needs of people with visual impairments and other special needs, thus ensuring an accessible experience for all.
2. Affordability for all: The project is based on citizen participation and volunteering, making it an affordable initiative for all people who wish to contribute to the improvement of their environment, such as the participation of diverse women.
3. Inclusive government systems: A Huebra encourages the active participation of citizens in decision-making and in the development of projects that benefit the community,
4. New social models: The project seeks to break with traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The equal participation of men and women in A Huebra's activities contributes to the construction of a more just and equal society.
5. Reduction of inequalities: A Huebra is committed to creating a more just and equal society. The inclusion of elements such as Braille and pictograms in the multisensory gardens seeks to eliminate barriers and ensure that all people have the same opportunities to participate and enjoy.
Fulfillment of objectives:
A Huebra has managed to meet these inclusion objectives in a clear and visible way. The active participation of different groups, the creation of accessible spaces for all and the promotion of gender equality are concrete examples of the project's success. The multisensory gardens, with their inclusive design, are a testament to A Huebra's commitment to universal accessibility and the reduction of inequalities.
The most important thing about the program is:
The involvement of volunteers:
Volunteers participate in various activities, such as creating multi-sensory gardens, maintaining green spaces, organizing events and workshops, and promoting environmental sustainability. Over the years, there has been a high participation in the project, with a total of 16,250 volunteers who have contributed to improving the quality of life in the province.
Importance of volunteering:
Volunteering in A Huebra benefits both the citizens who participate and civil society in general.
Benefits for volunteers:
• Personal development: They acquire new skills, increase their confidence and self-esteem, and develop their sense of responsibility.
• Social connection: They strengthen their ties with the community, meet new people, and integrate into a positive social environment.
• Contribution to society: They experience the satisfaction of contributing their time and effort to a cause that benefits their community.
• Learning: They acquire knowledge about environmental sustainability, teamwork, and citizen participation.
Benefits for civil society:
• Improved environment: More accessible, pleasant and sustainable public spaces are created.
• Strengthening of the social fabric: Social cohesion, solidarity and citizen participation are encouraged.
• Promotion of inclusion: Spaces are created where all people, regardless of their abilities or origin, can participate and feel part of the community.
• Environmental awareness: Awareness of the importance of protecting the environment is promoted and the adoption of sustainable practices is encouraged.
In short, volunteering is a fundamental pillar of the A Huebra de Palencia project. The high level of citizen participation and the benefits it brings to volunteers and society in general demonstrate the positive impact of this initiative in the province.
The involvement of volunteers:
Volunteers participate in various activities, such as creating multi-sensory gardens, maintaining green spaces, organizing events and workshops, and promoting environmental sustainability. Over the years, there has been a high participation in the project, with a total of 16,250 volunteers who have contributed to improving the quality of life in the province.
Importance of volunteering:
Volunteering in A Huebra benefits both the citizens who participate and civil society in general.
Benefits for volunteers:
• Personal development: They acquire new skills, increase their confidence and self-esteem, and develop their sense of responsibility.
• Social connection: They strengthen their ties with the community, meet new people, and integrate into a positive social environment.
• Contribution to society: They experience the satisfaction of contributing their time and effort to a cause that benefits their community.
• Learning: They acquire knowledge about environmental sustainability, teamwork, and citizen participation.
Benefits for civil society:
• Improved environment: More accessible, pleasant and sustainable public spaces are created.
• Strengthening of the social fabric: Social cohesion, solidarity and citizen participation are encouraged.
• Promotion of inclusion: Spaces are created where all people, regardless of their abilities or origin, can participate and feel part of the community.
• Environmental awareness: Awareness of the importance of protecting the environment is promoted and the adoption of sustainable practices is encouraged.
In short, volunteering is a fundamental pillar of the A Huebra de Palencia project. The high level of citizen participation and the benefits it brings to volunteers and society in general demonstrate the positive impact of this initiative in the province.
The most important thing about the program is:
The involvement of volunteers:
Volunteers participate in various activities, such as creating multi-sensory gardens, maintaining green spaces, organizing events and workshops, and promoting environmental sustainability. Over the years, there has been a high participation in the project, with a total of 16,250 volunteers who have contributed to improving the quality of life in the province.
Importance of volunteering:
Volunteering in A Huebra benefits both the citizens who participate and civil society in general.
Benefits for volunteers:
• Personal development: They acquire new skills, increase their confidence and self-esteem, and develop their sense of responsibility.
• Social connection: They strengthen their ties with the community, meet new people, and integrate into a positive social environment.
• Contribution to society: They experience the satisfaction of contributing their time and effort to a cause that benefits their community.
• Learning: They acquire knowledge about environmental sustainability, teamwork, and citizen participation.
Benefits for civil society:
• Improved environment: More accessible, pleasant and sustainable public spaces are created.
• Strengthening of the social fabric: Social cohesion, solidarity and citizen participation are encouraged.
• Promotion of inclusion: Spaces are created where all people, regardless of their abilities or origin, can participate and feel part of the community.
• Environmental awareness: Awareness of the importance of protecting the environment is promoted and the adoption of sustainable practices is encouraged.
In short, volunteering is a fundamental pillar of the A Huebra de Palencia project. The high level of citizen participation and the benefits it brings to volunteers and society in general demonstrate the positive impact of this initiative in the province.
The involvement of volunteers:
Volunteers participate in various activities, such as creating multi-sensory gardens, maintaining green spaces, organizing events and workshops, and promoting environmental sustainability. Over the years, there has been a high participation in the project, with a total of 16,250 volunteers who have contributed to improving the quality of life in the province.
Importance of volunteering:
Volunteering in A Huebra benefits both the citizens who participate and civil society in general.
Benefits for volunteers:
• Personal development: They acquire new skills, increase their confidence and self-esteem, and develop their sense of responsibility.
• Social connection: They strengthen their ties with the community, meet new people, and integrate into a positive social environment.
• Contribution to society: They experience the satisfaction of contributing their time and effort to a cause that benefits their community.
• Learning: They acquire knowledge about environmental sustainability, teamwork, and citizen participation.
Benefits for civil society:
• Improved environment: More accessible, pleasant and sustainable public spaces are created.
• Strengthening of the social fabric: Social cohesion, solidarity and citizen participation are encouraged.
• Promotion of inclusion: Spaces are created where all people, regardless of their abilities or origin, can participate and feel part of the community.
• Environmental awareness: Awareness of the importance of protecting the environment is promoted and the adoption of sustainable practices is encouraged.
In short, volunteering is a fundamental pillar of the A Huebra de Palencia project. The high level of citizen participation and the benefits it brings to volunteers and society in general demonstrate the positive impact of this initiative in the province.
The design and implementation of the A Huebra project has reflected the interaction of various disciplines, enriching its development and results. The most prominent fields of knowledge are:
• Environmental sciences: The project focuses on improving the natural environment, promoting sustainable practices and the recovery of green spaces.
• Architecture and landscaping: The design of multisensory gardens and the planning of accessible public spaces require the experience of these professionals.
• Social work: The mobilization of volunteers, the organization of community activities and social inclusion are key aspects that are based on the principles of social work.
• Environmental education: A Huebra seeks to raise awareness among the population about the importance of the environment through workshops and educational activities.
• Engineering: The construction of infrastructures and the implementation of technical solutions for environmental sustainability require the participation of engineers.
• Communication: The dissemination of the project and the promotion of citizen participation are based on effective communication strategies.
The interaction between representatives of these fields has been fundamental to the success of A Huebra. Architects and landscapers work with engineers and environmental experts to design functional and sustainable spaces. Social workers coordinate with environmental educators to promote citizen participation. Communicators collaborate with everyone to disseminate the project.
This interdisciplinary process has generated significant added value:
• Comprehensive solutions: It has allowed challenges to be addressed more comprehensively.
• Innovation: It has fostered creativity in the design and implementation of activities.
• Greater impact: Collaboration has allowed the project to have a greater impact on the community, by addressing social and environmental needs more effectively.
• Environmental sciences: The project focuses on improving the natural environment, promoting sustainable practices and the recovery of green spaces.
• Architecture and landscaping: The design of multisensory gardens and the planning of accessible public spaces require the experience of these professionals.
• Social work: The mobilization of volunteers, the organization of community activities and social inclusion are key aspects that are based on the principles of social work.
• Environmental education: A Huebra seeks to raise awareness among the population about the importance of the environment through workshops and educational activities.
• Engineering: The construction of infrastructures and the implementation of technical solutions for environmental sustainability require the participation of engineers.
• Communication: The dissemination of the project and the promotion of citizen participation are based on effective communication strategies.
The interaction between representatives of these fields has been fundamental to the success of A Huebra. Architects and landscapers work with engineers and environmental experts to design functional and sustainable spaces. Social workers coordinate with environmental educators to promote citizen participation. Communicators collaborate with everyone to disseminate the project.
This interdisciplinary process has generated significant added value:
• Comprehensive solutions: It has allowed challenges to be addressed more comprehensively.
• Innovation: It has fostered creativity in the design and implementation of activities.
• Greater impact: Collaboration has allowed the project to have a greater impact on the community, by addressing social and environmental needs more effectively.
The A Huebra project stands out for its comprehensive and participatory approach compared to other actions in the field of community development and environmental sustainability. Its distinctive features are highlighted below:
1. Holistic approach: A Huebra addresses multiple dimensions of community development, including improving the natural environment, promoting social inclusion, strengthening the social fabric and encouraging citizen participation. Many other initiatives focus on a single aspect, such as reforestation or the creation of urban gardens.
2. Active citizen participation: A Huebra is based on neighbourhood involvement and volunteering. Citizens are not only beneficiaries, but become agents of change, actively participating in decision-making and in the implementation of projects. This active participation distinguishes A Huebra from other projects where the community is more passive.
3. Recovery of local traditions: A Huebra is inspired by the ancient tradition of "la huebra", where neighbours came together to carry out community work. This connection to local history and culture gives the project a special meaning and fosters a sense of belonging and community.
4. Comprehensive sustainability: A Huebra promotes sustainability not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective. It seeks to create more resilient, inclusive and equitable communities, where all people have the opportunity to participate and prosper.
5. Long-term impact: A Huebra is not limited to one-off actions, but seeks to generate lasting change in the community. It encourages the creation of local capacities, promotes environmental education and strengthens the social fabric so that the community can continue developing projects autonomously in the future.
1. Holistic approach: A Huebra addresses multiple dimensions of community development, including improving the natural environment, promoting social inclusion, strengthening the social fabric and encouraging citizen participation. Many other initiatives focus on a single aspect, such as reforestation or the creation of urban gardens.
2. Active citizen participation: A Huebra is based on neighbourhood involvement and volunteering. Citizens are not only beneficiaries, but become agents of change, actively participating in decision-making and in the implementation of projects. This active participation distinguishes A Huebra from other projects where the community is more passive.
3. Recovery of local traditions: A Huebra is inspired by the ancient tradition of "la huebra", where neighbours came together to carry out community work. This connection to local history and culture gives the project a special meaning and fosters a sense of belonging and community.
4. Comprehensive sustainability: A Huebra promotes sustainability not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective. It seeks to create more resilient, inclusive and equitable communities, where all people have the opportunity to participate and prosper.
5. Long-term impact: A Huebra is not limited to one-off actions, but seeks to generate lasting change in the community. It encourages the creation of local capacities, promotes environmental education and strengthens the social fabric so that the community can continue developing projects autonomously in the future.
This is methodology a huebra.:
1. Call:
In the case of "A Huebra", the call specifies that the projects must be related to environmental volunteering and the recovery of common spaces. In addition, it establishes the deadlines for submitting applications, the necessary documentation and the evaluation criteria that will be used to select the winning projects.
2. Subsidy: . The subsidy is a financial aid that is granted to finance an activity of public interest.
It is important to note that the subsidy does not cover 100% of the cost of the project. This encourages co-responsibility and the commitment of the municipalities to the projects.
3. The role of volunteers: The strength of "A Huebra"
"A Huebra" is not limited to financing projects. Its main objective is to promote environmental volunteering and citizen participation in the recovery of common spaces. Therefore, the projects presented to the call must involve the neighbors in the activities of improvement and maintenance of their environment.
Volunteering brings added value to "A Huebra". It is not only about carrying out improvement work in common spaces, but also about creating a sense of community and shared responsibility. By involving neighbours, the social fabric is strengthened and the sustainability of the projects is encouraged in the long term.
4. Evaluation criteria:
A series of evaluation criteria are used to guarantee the quality and impact of the initiatives.
• Final result.
• Originality of the idea.
• Neighbourhood participation.
5. Beyond the subsidy: the best projects of each call for proposals are recognised and rewarded, which serves as an incentive and recognition of the efforts of the municipalities and volunteers.
1. Call:
In the case of "A Huebra", the call specifies that the projects must be related to environmental volunteering and the recovery of common spaces. In addition, it establishes the deadlines for submitting applications, the necessary documentation and the evaluation criteria that will be used to select the winning projects.
2. Subsidy: . The subsidy is a financial aid that is granted to finance an activity of public interest.
It is important to note that the subsidy does not cover 100% of the cost of the project. This encourages co-responsibility and the commitment of the municipalities to the projects.
3. The role of volunteers: The strength of "A Huebra"
"A Huebra" is not limited to financing projects. Its main objective is to promote environmental volunteering and citizen participation in the recovery of common spaces. Therefore, the projects presented to the call must involve the neighbors in the activities of improvement and maintenance of their environment.
Volunteering brings added value to "A Huebra". It is not only about carrying out improvement work in common spaces, but also about creating a sense of community and shared responsibility. By involving neighbours, the social fabric is strengthened and the sustainability of the projects is encouraged in the long term.
4. Evaluation criteria:
A series of evaluation criteria are used to guarantee the quality and impact of the initiatives.
• Final result.
• Originality of the idea.
• Neighbourhood participation.
5. Beyond the subsidy: the best projects of each call for proposals are recognised and rewarded, which serves as an incentive and recognition of the efforts of the municipalities and volunteers.
The A Huebra project in Palencia has elements that can be replicated or transferred to other places, groups and contexts.
Methodology:
• Citizen participation: The A Huebra methodology focuses on the active participation of the community. This approach can be replicated in other projects where the aim is to involve citizens in decision-making and in the implementation of actions that directly benefit them.
• Intersectoral collaboration: Collaboration between different disciplines and sectors (environmental, social, architecture, etc.) is a key element of A Huebra. This methodology can be transferred to other contexts where the aim is to address complex problems from a comprehensive perspective.
• Recovery of local traditions: Inspiration from traditions such as "la huebra" can be adapted to other places, seeking cultural elements that can be revitalized and valued through community projects.
Technology:
• Design of multisensory gardens:
• Use of pictograms
Processes:
• Mobilization of volunteers: The processes of calling, organizing and coordinating volunteers in A Huebra can be adapted to other projects where citizen participation is sought.
• Management of community projects: A Huebra's experience in project management, from planning to implementation and evaluation, can be transferred to other contexts where similar initiatives are sought.
Lessons:
• Success of collaboration: A Huebra demonstrates the value of collaboration between different actors (public administration, associations, citizens) to achieve common objectives. .
• Importance of inclusion: A Huebra's experience highlights the importance of designing projects that are accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of their abilities or needs.
Outcomes:
• Multisensory gardens
• Educational material
Methodology:
• Citizen participation: The A Huebra methodology focuses on the active participation of the community. This approach can be replicated in other projects where the aim is to involve citizens in decision-making and in the implementation of actions that directly benefit them.
• Intersectoral collaboration: Collaboration between different disciplines and sectors (environmental, social, architecture, etc.) is a key element of A Huebra. This methodology can be transferred to other contexts where the aim is to address complex problems from a comprehensive perspective.
• Recovery of local traditions: Inspiration from traditions such as "la huebra" can be adapted to other places, seeking cultural elements that can be revitalized and valued through community projects.
Technology:
• Design of multisensory gardens:
• Use of pictograms
Processes:
• Mobilization of volunteers: The processes of calling, organizing and coordinating volunteers in A Huebra can be adapted to other projects where citizen participation is sought.
• Management of community projects: A Huebra's experience in project management, from planning to implementation and evaluation, can be transferred to other contexts where similar initiatives are sought.
Lessons:
• Success of collaboration: A Huebra demonstrates the value of collaboration between different actors (public administration, associations, citizens) to achieve common objectives. .
• Importance of inclusion: A Huebra's experience highlights the importance of designing projects that are accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of their abilities or needs.
Outcomes:
• Multisensory gardens
• Educational material
The A Huebra project addresses several global challenges through local solutions, demonstrating that small-scale action can generate a significant impact at a global level.
1. Climate change
• Global challenge: Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, with devastating consequences for the environment and society.
• Local solutions: A Huebra promotes the adoption of urgent measures to combat climate change and its effects through various actions:
-Promoting the circular economy:
-Improving green infrastructure: o Promoting biodiversity:
2. Environmental degradation
• Global challenge: Environmental degradation, including water and soil pollution, biodiversity loss and deforestation, endangers the health of ecosystems and human well-being.
• Local solutions: A Huebra contributes to the protection and restoration of the environment through:
-Recovery of natural spaces:
-Sustainable waste management: resources more efficiently.
-Promoting sustainable agriculture:
3. Community development
• Global challenge: Lack of citizen participation, social inequality and a weak social fabric hinder the development of resilient and sustainable communities.
• Local solutions: A Huebra promotes community development through:
-Active citizen participation:
-Social inclusion:
-Strengthening the social fabric.
1. Climate change
• Global challenge: Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, with devastating consequences for the environment and society.
• Local solutions: A Huebra promotes the adoption of urgent measures to combat climate change and its effects through various actions:
-Promoting the circular economy:
-Improving green infrastructure: o Promoting biodiversity:
2. Environmental degradation
• Global challenge: Environmental degradation, including water and soil pollution, biodiversity loss and deforestation, endangers the health of ecosystems and human well-being.
• Local solutions: A Huebra contributes to the protection and restoration of the environment through:
-Recovery of natural spaces:
-Sustainable waste management: resources more efficiently.
-Promoting sustainable agriculture:
3. Community development
• Global challenge: Lack of citizen participation, social inequality and a weak social fabric hinder the development of resilient and sustainable communities.
• Local solutions: A Huebra promotes community development through:
-Active citizen participation:
-Social inclusion:
-Strengthening the social fabric.
We can summarise the results by considering:
• High citizen participation: Nearly 100 applications were submitted per call, which demonstrates a high level of neighbourhood involvement in the initiative.
• Diversity of projects: The projects submitted cover a wide range of actions, from the environmental adaptation of common spaces to the creation of municipal gardens and the implementation of community composting programmes.
• Emphasis on sustainability: A significant number of projects focus on the recovery of spaces so that they recover their ecological function, the improvement of municipal green infrastructure and the promotion of biodiversity.
• Support for the circular economy: The 2024 call has given priority to community composting projects, considering them a clear example of the circular economy.
• Contribution to the SDGs: The projects presented in 2024 are aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 1 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action) and SDG 15 (Life on land).
Benefits for beneficiaries
• Direct: Volunteers and participants in A Huebra activities benefit from the improvement of their environment, the development of new skills, the creation of social networks and the opportunity to actively contribute to their community.
• Indirect: All residents of the municipalities where the projects are implemented benefit from the improvement of public spaces, the creation of more sustainable environments and the revitalization of community life.
• High citizen participation: Nearly 100 applications were submitted per call, which demonstrates a high level of neighbourhood involvement in the initiative.
• Diversity of projects: The projects submitted cover a wide range of actions, from the environmental adaptation of common spaces to the creation of municipal gardens and the implementation of community composting programmes.
• Emphasis on sustainability: A significant number of projects focus on the recovery of spaces so that they recover their ecological function, the improvement of municipal green infrastructure and the promotion of biodiversity.
• Support for the circular economy: The 2024 call has given priority to community composting projects, considering them a clear example of the circular economy.
• Contribution to the SDGs: The projects presented in 2024 are aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 1 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action) and SDG 15 (Life on land).
Benefits for beneficiaries
• Direct: Volunteers and participants in A Huebra activities benefit from the improvement of their environment, the development of new skills, the creation of social networks and the opportunity to actively contribute to their community.
• Indirect: All residents of the municipalities where the projects are implemented benefit from the improvement of public spaces, the creation of more sustainable environments and the revitalization of community life.