Kick-off for the Craft2Biodiversity Interreg Project

Crafting a greener future: Biodiversity in the craft sector

Biodiversity – what exactly is it? And what does it have to do with craftsmanship?

This question set the stage for the kick-off meeting of the Craft2Biodiversity project in Bolzano, hosted by our partner LVH-Bildung und Service Gen. The project aims to explore the intersection between biodiversity and traditional craftsmanship. The meeting, held on March 17 and 18, was marked by lively discussions and a rich exchange of ideas.

Inspiration: Understanding Biodiversity
Our second project partner, FH Kärnten, gave a presentation on the importance of biodiversity and shared illustrative examples from their region. Their particular strength lies in 21st-century nature conservation: they support individuals, institutions, and communities in addressing future challenges related to the management of protected areas.

What Does This Mean for Our Project?
With this knowledge as a foundation, we, as MCI, presented our work package within this project. Questions like: How can we encourage craftspeople to integrate biodiversity-friendly practices? What are biodiversity-friendly practices? What is already out there? And what guidelines can we create to benefit both businesses and nature?

Brainstorming and Collaboration
We kicked off an open brainstorming session to discuss the current state of biodiversity in the craft sector. Together, we defined potential target groups, identified possible obstacles, and exchanged ideas on how to make the project appealing to artisans, public institutions, and other stakeholders.

Next Steps: From Ideas to Action
On the second day, we further defined the goals of the partners within this research project. Afterwards, we moved from discussion to action, outlining a global plan for the next two years. We defined key to-do’s, set milestones, and mapped out the next steps to keep the momentum going.

Project Goal: Crafting for Biodiversity
The Craft2Biodiversity project investigates how craftsmanship, biodiversity, and sustainable development intersect. Our objective is to identify and implement practical approaches that improve biodiversity while enhancing the craft sector’s resilience and innovation.

Our focus areas include:

Energy efficiency and infrastructure: How can workplaces be designed to promote biodiversity?

Product innovation: Which materials and techniques benefit both craftsmanship and nature?

New business models: Can biodiversity-friendly practices offer a competitive advantage?

Social sustainability: Raising awareness and providing practical training for craft businesses.

The first phase involves mapping the current state of biodiversity in the craft sector and conducting a trend analysis. This will be followed by creative workshops with pilot companies to co-develop and implement concrete measures. The training modules and guidelines developed in the project aim to raise awareness and provide businesses with practical tools to integrate biodiversity into their operations.

Partners:

LVH-Bidung und Service Gen. – Bozen (IT)

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School^® – Tirol (AT)

Vivius Konsortial – Bozen (IT)

FH Kärnten – Carinthia (AT)

Confartigianato Imprese Vicenza – Vicenza (IT)