Eco-Entrepreneurship: Study visit in Struga, North Macedonia

Study Visit „Eco-Entrepreneurship & Circular Economy: On the Path to Sustainable Change“ took place in Struga, North Macedonia from the 22nd of June till the 28th June 2023, and involved 24 participants from 6 different countries. The main aim of the study visit was to enable participants to explore the realities in the visiting country and local community by direct exploring the work of youth organisations, educational institutions, eco-enterprises, and to support sharing practices, tools, method between the participants.

Check what was the experience of participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in text below.

Esma said that one of the main reason why she decided to apply for this activity was the agenda of the project.

The project was based on study visits with which she did not have much previous experience, which encouraged her to apply because it was one of the best ways to acquire new knowledge.

What Esma would like to emphasise additionally as motivation for this project was the topic that is related to her profession, so she had a great personal benefit from participating in this project. For her, this was an enriching experience that allowed her to gain insight into sustainable business practices and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

During this visit, she had the opportunity to learn about different aspects of eco-entrepreneurship, including sustainable business models, resource efficiency, waste management and the concept of circular economy.

As the most important things she learned, she would single out sustainable business planning and guidelines on how to develop a business plan that includes environmental and social considerations, setting clear goals and strategies for creating a sustainable business, understanding the product life cycle, conducting environmental impact assessments and applying the principles of sustainable design, identification of innovative business opportunities based on resource efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and product life cycle management and improved entrepreneurial mindset and ability to spot market gaps.

Dejan said that he applied to participate in this activity because he has always been interested in the topic of ecology and environmental protection, both through his formal and non-formal education. He was also motivated to apply because the type of activity was “the study visit” which meant he will get a chance to see positive practices and good examples in other country, meet with the successful eco-entrepreneurs and be able to learn new things he could apply to his work and in his local community.

Dejan said that his experience on this study visit was inspiring. He learned so much and specially enjoyed working and learning as part of the international group where people were sharing inspiring stories from their personal experiences. . He also learned that there is always something that we can do to help nature and also help others in the field of Ecology.

Dejan would suggest to all his peers to get active and join the Erasmus+ opportunities. Why? Because, first of all, you are able to travel and explore other countries and cultures, you meet many new inspiring people who are on that project with the same interest and motivation as you have, and finally you can work on your personal and professional development.

Study visit was organised as part of the project “Eco-Entrepreneurship & Circular Economy: On the Path to Sustainable Change”.

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