SafeNet: Safeguarding Biodiversity and Carbon-rich Forest Networks in Europe

Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, SafeNet works to counter biodiversity loss and bolster ecosystem resilience across European forests. In 2025, SafeNet produced its first key scientific outputs, including Europe wide maps of forest carbon distribution and future forest expansion under different land use scenarios. The project also completed early dissemination and communication materials and carried out its first EU level stakeholder engagement meeting, which brought together organisations working on forests, climate and conservation to help guide the project’s next steps.

In 2026, SafeNet will deliver several important scientific results, including new biodiversity modelling outputs and the first set of practice abstracts highlighting options to support biodiversity in our case study regions. This year will also see the continuation of the project’s stakeholder engagement work, building on the EU level workshop held in December 2025 and expanding the dialogue with local and sectoral actors. The consortium will also meet in April in Córdoba, Spain, where partners will visit one of the project’s case study sites, engage with local stakeholders, and plan the next phase of research on forest biodiversity, carbon dynamics and resilience.

Mathilde Vidal, ERINN Innovation Senior Project Officer, is leading Work Package 8: “SafeNet is addressing an urgent need to develop practical, forward looking strategies for conserving Europe’s forests in a changing climate. I am glad to contribute to this work and to help ensure that the knowledge we produce reaches the people who can turn it into real world impact.”

OptiForValue: Optimising Forest Operations for Sustainable Forest Management and High-Value Applications

The OptiForValue project, funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), is working to advance sustainable forestry by developing innovative approaches that strengthen the resilience of forest-based value chains. Since its launch in 2024, the project has implemented a harmonised monitoring system across Austria, Spain, Sweden, and Finland, combining drone, satellite, and field data to support the development of early warning tools for drought, insect damage, snow impacts, and long-term stress. In parallel, the team has advanced climate resilient management strategies and developed operational practices that improve harvesting efficiency, wood quality assessment, engineered wood prototypes and supply planning.

In 2026, OptiForValue will continue its stakeholder engagement through a number of events. This year will also see continued delivery of important scientific results, progress across case studies, participation in conferences (including FORMEC 2026), and growing collaboration with relevant forestry projects. The consortium will also meet in September in Spain, where partners will visit the Case Study 2 site.

Olga Ormond, Senior Project Manager at ERINN Innovation, leads Comms in WP6: “I really enjoy being part of the OptiForValue consortium because it brings together strong partners who are committed to improving how we understand and manage our forests and timber resources. This work has also given me a deeper appreciation of the years of growth and effort behind the forest products in our everyday lives. Being involved in this project aligns perfectly with ERINN’s mission and my own passion for turning robust science into insights that shape better policy, industry practice, and sustainability outcomes.”

Trees4Adapt: Tree-based Solutions 4 Climate Change Adaptation & Biodiversity Conservation

The Trees4Adapt project launched in October 2025 with the consortium meeting in Helsinki for an in person kick off meeting. Here, partners set priorities and explored how tree-based solutions can help Europe adapt to the combined risks of climate change and biodiversity loss. The team also visited the Satakunta tree species diversity experiment in western Finland, one of the world’s longest running forest diversity trials.

The Trees4Adapt website will go live in March, and 2026 marks the start of fieldwork across the TreeDivNet and FunDivEUROPE study sites and the three case study regions in Finland, Germany and Portugal. Several important deliverables are also expected, including an assessment of ecological and socioeconomic risks in each case study, and a conceptual framework exploring the economics of tree-based solutions in forestry and agriculture. The early co-creation activities with stakeholders will continue, helping ensure that the project’s scientific results are grounded in real needs and practical contexts.

Mathilde Vidal, Senior Project Officer at ERINN Innovation, is the WP5 Communications Lead: “Trees4Adapt is a project I am genuinely glad to be part of. It addresses the complex risks of climate change and biodiversity loss at a moment when their impacts are increasingly visible. As a biodiversity advocate, I see this work as a necessity. With such a strong and motivated team, I am hopeful that the project will bring forward effective tree-based solutions that help protect ecosystems and support resilience across Europe.”

Explore ERINN Innovation’s portfolio of projects.

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1. Read the call topic clearly

When it comes to writing a proposal for Horizon Europe, it is crucial to thoroughly read and understand the call topic. Many proposals suffer because they fail to align closely with the specific requirements outlined in the call. As human beings, we often have biases and tend to focus on the parts of our research that align with the call and overlook other essential aspects. Take the time to carefully read and analyse all elements of the call topic, and then go one step further. Start to analyse why certain terminology was included, question the phrasing and critically assess what the scope is asking for to ensure a robust understanding.

2. Consortium is key

Consortium composition is at the basis of a successful proposal. When forming your consortium, carefully consider the expertise required for each work package and ensure that the participating organisations or individuals have a track record of excellence in their respective fields. The evaluators are assessing whether or not you can credibly drive European-level impact and complete project goals – it’s extremely hard to convince the evaluators this is possible if the whole value-chain is not represented or if the geographic spread is limited.

3. Complete your concept note before you start writing

Before delving into the writing process, finalise your concept note as best as you can. This means outlining the work packages and objectives, and being clear about who is doing what. By completing the concept note first, you establish a strong foundation that guides the rest of your proposal, allowing you to organise your thoughts, identify any potential gaps or inconsistencies, and refine your project’s objectives and methodology. Adjustments to the design after the proposal has been written requires a huge amount of effort to cover your tracks and course correct.

4. Read it as an evaluator

When you have completed your initial proposal draft, step into the shoes of an evaluator. Try to objectively assess your proposal, considering the evaluation criteria and the perspective of the reviewers, identifying inconsistencies, weaknesses or unclarities in the proposal. This is often easier said than done, so support can be provided by colleagues or external reviewers to provide that fresh perspective.

5. What we write, we have to implement

Keep in mind that if your project is funded, you and your team will have to implement the project. Thus, it is crucial to assess the feasibility and coherence of your proposed activities and objectives, particularly those results that multiple work packages make use of/depend on for progression. Evaluators will also be assessing the viability of your proposal, and if it is deemed impractical or unrealistic, it will reduce your chances of receiving funding. Find the balance between writing a winning and innovative proposal, that will be meaningful and possible for your team to implement.

Learn more about our services.

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A 14-Year Journey of Collaboration

Since the first project launched, AQUAEXCEL, followed by AQUAEXCEL2020 and AQUAEXCEL3.0, one of the most extensive and effective collaborative networks in European aquaculture research has been built. The projects’ shared vision was both ambitious and transformative: to make it possible for any aquaculture researcher, no matter where they work, to access Europe’s best facilities, expertise, and technologies. By opening world-class research infrastructures to external users and by connecting scientists, industry partners, and communities, the projects helped strengthen the European Research Area and supported the development of a more innovative, sustainable aquaculture sector.

Turning this vision into reality required a culture of cooperation that grew stronger with each phase of the project series. Over the years, AQUAEXCEL initiatives worked to harmonise standards across institutions, promote best practices, and encourage collaboration between disciplines and countries. Networking activities brought people together, while joint research efforts advanced knowledge in critical areas such as ethical and welfare-oriented farming, real-time biotelemetry, virtual laboratory tools, microbiome monitoring, and techniques for emerging and alternative species. These developments provided researchers and industry with new ways to conduct experiments, improve fish welfare, and accelerate innovation.

Reflecting on AQUAEXCEL’s Impacts

The impact of these efforts is evident in the achievements delivered throughout the AQUAEXCEL projects. More than 360 fully funded Transnational Access (TNA) projects allowed researchers from across Europe and beyond to work inside 40 unique aquaculture facilities. These infrastructures, ranging from disease challenge units to systems designed for testing sustainable production methods, benefitted from broader usage, strengthened services, and increased relevance to industry needs. Alongside this, within AQUAEXCEL3.0, the project’s training activities reached nearly 800 participants, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge that will continue to support the sector long after the project ends. Mobility grants enabled almost 30 aquaculture technicians to spend time inside partner laboratories, creating new professional links and strengthening technical expertise across institutions.

The scientific outputs generated through AQUAEXCEL3.0 also extend well beyond academic research. By combining transnational access, networking, and focused joint research, the project delivered practical solutions that can be applied directly by farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Whether improving welfare standards, supporting new technologies, or offering insights into sustainable farming practices, the project’s results contribute meaningful, tangible value to the aquaculture sector.

ERINN Innovation’s Role

ERINN Innovation has been a key contributor to the success and visibility of AQUAEXCEL3.0. We played a central role in communication, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement, helping to translate complex scientific outputs into accessible, practical information for policy makers, industry partners, and the wider public.

Our work also ensured that the knowledge generated throughout the project reached the people and sectors who could benefit from it most. This knowledge transfer was delivered through substantial contributions to Work Package 2 (WP2). Our expertise in knowledge management and impact strategy helped showcase the value of the project’s research results, reinforce connections between science and industry, and support the long-term uptake of new tools, methods, and innovations developed throughout the project. By driving awareness, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring that AQUAEXCEL3.0’s achievements were widely shared, ERINN Innovation contributed significantly to the project’s lasting impact and legacy.

This work and commitment has led to the development of the project’s Success Stories. This section serves as a testament to the impact of the Transnational Access program and the research activities that were facilitated by the project, showcasing the project’s transformative influence on the aquaculture landscape.

Reflecting on her time with the project, ERINN Innovation Project Officer Karla Corrales said:

“It has been deeply inspiring to drive the knowledge transfer activities within AQUAEXCEL3.0. Engaging directly with the researchers and compiling their Success Stories has given us a clear view of how the project’s resources have helped them significantly advance their research. Hearing these partners present their achievements firsthand at our final meeting truly proved the impact of the project.”

The Project’s Legacy

Although AQUAEXCEL3.0 concluded in 2025, the legacy of the entire AQUAEXCEL programme will continue. Over 14 years, the projects built a deeply connected European aquaculture community equipped with advanced tools, shared expertise, and strong partnerships. These foundations will support new discoveries and collaborations for years to come, ensuring that aquaculture remains innovative, resilient, and sustainable.

Ultimately, the AQUAEXCEL journey has shown what is possible when researchers, industry, and communities work together. By opening access, sharing knowledge, and encouraging cooperation across borders and disciplines, the projects have helped strengthen Europe’s capacity to produce healthy food, support thriving coastal regions, and building a sustainable aquaculture sector for the future.

Want to find out more about our services? Explore how ERINN Innovation can support your project.

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To address this gap, the European Union has launched Trees4Adapt – Addressing complex risks from climate change and biodiversity loss across systems and scales: Leveraging the potential of tree-based solutions for adaptation in Europe, a Horizon Europe project under the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change.

Starting in October 2025 and running for four years, Trees4Adapt brings together 12 partners from across Europe, coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), with a budget of €4 million. The project aims to improve understanding of climate–biodiversity risks and support decision-makers in designing and implementing tree-based solutions that build resilience, restore biodiversity, and avoid maladaptation.

“Mitigation will not help us fast enough – the time is for adaptation,” said Prisca Haemers, Policy Officer for the Mission Adaptation to Climate Change, during the project’s kick-off meeting. “Projects like Trees4Adapt are essential to accelerate Europe’s resilience and must work together through the Mission networks to maximise impact.”

Trees4Adapt combines cutting-edge research with practical solutions. It uses long-standing European research platforms to study how tree species and mixtures deliver multiple benefits, including buffering microclimates and strengthening ecosystems. The project will also assess the economic viability of tree-based solutions through bioeconomic and spatial modelling, creating scenarios that show how different decisions could shape future landscapes.

To ground this work in reality, Trees4Adapt draws on three case studies. In Finland’s boreal forests, researchers are building on a unique 26-year-old tree diversity experiment to see how adding species diversity can improve resilience in monoculture landscapes. In Germany, the focus is on agroforestry networks and how integrating trees into farming systems can boost biodiversity and support farmers. In Portugal, the case study examines Mediterranean landscapes recovering from wildfires, investigating whether greater tree diversity can slow fire spread and accelerate recovery. From the start, Trees4Adapt works hand-in-hand with local stakeholders and EU-level actors to co-create solutions that are practical and ready for real-world application.

The project kicked off with a two-day meeting in Helsinki in November, where partners came together to set priorities and explore strategies for impact. The sessions were lively and forward-looking, featuring opportunities to connect with related projects and discuss case studies, modelling approaches, and stakeholder engagement plans. Partners also embraced Finnish traditions with a ferry ride to the historic Suomenlinna fortress and a sauna evening, moments that strengthened connections and set the tone for a partnership built on trust and shared goals.

ERINN Innovation leads the dissemination and communication activities within Work Package 5 of Trees4Adapt. The team ensures the project’s visibility and impact by developing strategic messaging, managing dissemination channels, and helping project outputs reach relevant audiences across Europe.

“Trees4Adapt is a very promising project. It brings together highly skilled and motivated people with a shared goal: adapting to climate change while protecting forests and biodiversity, essential to our world. The project begins with lots of optimism and great ideas, giving me hope that we can achieve meaningful change!” said ERINN Innovation Project Officer Mathilde Vidal, Project Communications for Trees4Adapt.

Over the next four years, Trees4Adapt will turn research into action, providing guidance and tools to help communities and policymakers make informed choices. These results will feed directly into EU policies and investment plans, ensuring that Europe is better prepared for climate change while safeguarding biodiversity.

ERINN Innovation is currently supporting 24 active European projects. We want to support our projects to have maximum impact to society. Discover our portfolio of EU-funded projects.

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Celebrating Projects That Reached Completion

Several flagship Horizon Europe projects concluded successfully in 2025, each leaving a strong legacy of results, tools and networks.

• EmpowerUs closed after three years of close collaboration with coastal communities across Europe, delivering Transition Coastal Labs, policy insights, inclusive methodologies and Ocean Literacy resources that will continue to inform EU marine policy and local action.
• SCORE reached its conclusion with a strong focus on citizen science and coastal resilience, demonstrating how community-led monitoring and engagement can support climate adaptation and environmental stewardship.
• AQUAEXCEL concluded 14 years of continuous collaboration, scientific progress, and shared ambition within the aquaculture community.
• PREP4BLUE also came to a close having supported the R&I goals of ‘Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’.

These projects exemplified the value of long-term collaboration, co-creation and impact-driven research — themes that ran throughout our 2025 content.

Guiding the Next Generation of EU Projects

Alongside project conclusions, 2025 saw the launch and early-stage development of several ambitious new Horizon Europe initiatives, each tackling critical environmental and societal challenges:

• OptiForValue – optimising forest-based value chains for high-value applications and enhancing forest management
• SafeNet – working with local communities to develop solutions that balance conservation with the use of natural resources
• XTREAM – unlocking the potential of nature’s most tenacious organisms
• GUARDIAS – improving prevention and management of invasive alien species
• Trees4Adapt – supporting the design and implementation of tree-based solutions across Europe

Our blogs captured the excitement and ambition of these early project phases, highlighting the importance of strong foundations, aligned partnerships and clear impact pathways from the outset.

A Year of Events, Exchange and Visibility

2025 was also a busy year for our teams supporting events and knowledge transfer, with ERINN Innovation actively contributing to major local, European and international forums. These blogs reflected our role as a connector between research, policy and practice, including:

• INORMS 2025 – engaging with the global research management community
• European Maritime Day (EMD) – contributing to conversations shaping Europe’s blue future
• Co-creation and stakeholder workshops across multiple projects
• Aquaculture Europe 2025 – strengthening connections across the aquaculture sector
• Climate Carnival – celebrating creativity, community and climate action
• CAP Network Ireland – transferring innovative agricultural knowledge

These moments of exchange reinforced the importance of dialogue, collaboration and shared learning in delivering impactful research outcomes.

Building Capacity Through Training and Knowledge Sharing

Beyond projects and events, 2025 marked a significant step forward in how ERINN Innovation supports the research community more broadly.

We launched our Online Proposal Writing Bootcamp, designed to help researchers and institutions strengthen their Horizon Europe proposals with practical, expert-led guidance. This was complemented by the publication of two dedicated proposal tips blogs, sharing actionable insights on developing strong concepts, structuring proposals and maximising impact:

• Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid
• Plan Early, Win Big: Horizon Europe Proposals 2025

Together with our in-person training and support, these initiatives reflect our commitment to capacity building and empowering researchers to succeed in highly competitive funding environments.

Looking Ahead

Taken together, the blogs published in 2025 tell a story of transition and momentum — projects concluding with strong legacies, new initiatives taking shape, and an organisation continuing to grow in experience, expertise and reach.

As Europe’s research and innovation landscape evolves, ERINN Innovation remains focused on supporting ambitious ideas, meaningful collaboration and outcomes that matter — for communities, ecosystems and policy alike.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re preparing a Horizon Europe proposal, coordinating an EU-funded project, or seeking a trusted partner to strengthen impact, engagement and knowledge transfer — we’d love to hear from you.

Contact ERINN Innovation to explore how we can support your next project and help turn research into lasting impact.

The post ERINN Innovation 2025 Year in Review | Horizon Europe Projects & Impact appeared first on ERINN.

Focusing on Bold, Brave Leadership, this two-day event brought together climate activists, changemakers and thought leaders in Ireland’s climate space, as well as speakers from the international stage.

The event kicked off with a fantastic networking dinner curated by GIY Waterford. During the evening, an insightful post-dinner discussion between Tony Juniper and Anja Murray inspired attendees and musical performances by Lírnan and Zoe Hayter added to the night’s atmosphere.

Highlighting Peatlands and People

On the day, we were stationed at the Peatlands and People tent, showcasing the project’s work with peatland restoration in Ireland. ERINN Innovation leads the Peatlands and People activities under the Just Transition Accelerator and we are also managing the project’s communication activities

In the tent, visitors had the chance to experience a “bog in a box”, which highlighted the wonders of Irish bogs, along with the project’s progress planting Sphagnum moss on Bord na Mona bogs in Ireland’s midlands.

The tent also showcased successful companies who have completed the Accelerate Green Programme – a scaling accelerator for green innovators. Samples and demos from Novelplast, BiaSol, Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice, HaPPE Earth and Borrisoleigh Bottling Ltd were on display.

Climate House Ireland: A New Home for Ireland’s Climate and Nature Action

At the Climate Carnival, we were keen to engage with participants around Peatlands and People’s social and cultural catalyst. This activity focused on Climate House Ireland.

Situated in Ireland’s midlands, Climate House Ireland will have a transformative impact locally and globally. It will bring together nature, innovation and community in one inspiring place dedicated to tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity and designing more sustainable futures.

Climate House Ireland won’t just be another visitor destination – it will act as an integrated, action-driven hub where everyone has a role to play. Through an immersive, interactive Encounter Experience, a state-of-the-art Futures Hub for businesses and changemakers, and a living Regenerative Park, Climate House will spark reflection, connection, and creative collaboration.

Visitors will find inspiration, hope and agency to take climate action into their own hands. From playful storytelling and hands-on learning to meaningful dialogue and solution-building, this is a place where discovery leads to action.

Ultimately, Climate House Ireland aims to:

• Immerse and inspire visitors with the beauty and importance of nature through playful storytelling and hands-on learning
• Showcase sustainable design and innovation
• Support communities and businesses in climate and nature action
• Build capacity to respond to climate and biodiversity challenges and create lasting economic, ecological and social benefits

A Day Full of Energy and Hope

During the Climate Carnival, we engaged with attendees through a video, positive discussions around the potential of the Climate House and an online forum where opinions could be shared. The focus was on gathering participants’ thoughts and views to help shape what Climate House Ireland should be and do. Illustrator Eimear McNally brought the ideas to life during the event with a beautiful illustration.

Conversations with attendees on the day really highlighted the need for a space that brings people together to innovate and scale their solutions in support of a just and sustainable future. This event provided a moment of hope and connection with passionate like-minded individuals and we left feeling energised and hopeful.

Thank you to Tom Popple (Climate Cocktail Club) and his team for organising such a wonderful event.

Learn more about Climate House Ireland and how you can get involved on the Climate House Ireland website.

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The EATiP Innovation Forum

A major highlight of the week was our involvement in the EATiP Innovation Forum on 24th September, which featured five presentations from AQUAEXCEL3.0 partners. The session drew a full audience of researchers, policymakers and industry representatives, and was followed by an energetic networking event that encouraged new exchanges and collaborations. We also contributed to the AQUAEXCEL3.0 brokerage activities during the event, facilitating connections between research infrastructures and potential users.

Connecting With The European Aquaculture Industry

Throughout the conference, the ERINN Innovation team met with partners and collaborators from across Europe, including EATiP and its Mirror Platforms (MiPs), EMBRC, BIM, NTNU, HCMR, and the University of Ghent, among many others. These interactions strengthened existing partnerships and helped identify new opportunities to bridge research, policy and industry in sustainable aquaculture.

The Importance of Marine Projects

At the ERINN Innovation booth, visitors explored materials from several key Horizon Europe and H2020 projects, including AQUAEXCEL3.0, Cure4Aqua, MARBLES, NETTAG+, and BlueRemediomics. The displays showcased the breadth of our engagement in aquaculture innovation, from infrastructure access and biodiversity discovery to disease prevention and data integration. Among the exhibits were posters for AQUAEXCEL3.0 and Cure4Aqua, an example of the NETTAG+ floating gear tag, and synthetic fish tissue samples produced through Cure4Aqua’s work on improved diagnostic and health-monitoring methods.

AQUAEXCEL3.0 continues to play a leading role in advancing access to world-class aquaculture research facilities across Europe, while Cure4Aqua is developing innovative tools for early disease detection, non-antibiotic treatments and improved fish welfare. Together with projects such as NETTAG+ and BlueRemediomics, these initiatives demonstrate the growing impact of collaborative research in shaping a resilient and responsible aquaculture sector.

Reflecting on his time at Aquaculture Europe 2025, ERINN Innovation Senior Knowledge Transfer Officer, Keegan Porter, said:

“Events like Aquaculture Europe 2025 remind us how much progress depends on collaboration…Research, particularly in the aquaculture sector, is never done in vacuum, and talking with attendees at our booth and around the expo really underscored the importance of everyone, from knowledge generation to policy and industry implementation, working together to ensure that research outcomes are properly translated into practical advances for the aquaculture sector.”

We look forward to building on the connections made in Valencia and continuing to support the translation of European research into real-world solutions for sustainable aquaculture.

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About The Project

The project focused on enhancing sustainable, inclusive and resilient coastal development, incorporating key principles like co-creation, inclusive transition mechanisms and ‘Leaving No One Behind’ to develop and implement local pilot initiatives in six Transition Coastal Labs (TCLs) across Europe. The TCLs are located in:

• Bulgaria: Burgas
• Cyprus: Eastern Limassol Region
• Finland: Åland Islands
• Ireland: Connemara and the Aran Islands
• Norway: Træna
• Spain: Cap de Creus

The six pilot initiatives were co-designed based on the identified challenges and needs of the local communities. Coordinated by both an Academic Lead and Local Host partner, each pilot aimed to enhance the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the respective TCL.

In addition to the pilot initiatives, the project has produced a number of key results, including a Handbook of Inclusive Methodologies, a Transition Roadmap, various policy briefs and academic papers, among others. These results will provide a variety of stakeholders (from local communities to policymakers at the EU level) with key insights and inspiration to support and design similar coastal initiatives in the future. Discover the full suite of results and resources on the EmpowerUs website.

ERINN Innovation’s Role

ERINN Innovation played a pivotal role in the project’s success, leading the communication, dissemination, exploitation, and knowledge management work. As leading experts within this space, we worked in collaboration with partners to ensure that the project’s results were widely disseminated and reached the relevant audiences at the local, national and European levels.

We also worked closely with the coordinating partner, Nordland Research Institute, providing project management support to the team and coordinating the project task on Ocean Literacy activities. Each TCL team was supported in organising local Ocean Literacy activities in their communities, and we co-developed a number of Ocean Literacy resources, most notably the Women Making Waves Activity Book. We also collaborated with Nordland Research Institute on the rollout of the Ocean & Society Survey, and produced and disseminated a series of policy briefs, capturing national Ocean Literacy needs and policy recommendations for the six TCL countries.

Reflecting on his time working on the EmpowerUs project, Donnchadh Kindlon, ERINN Innovation Senior Project Officer, said:

“It’s been a real pleasure working on the EmpowerUs project. The highlight for me has undoubtedly been getting to work with such fantastic partners over the last three years and getting to work on marine social sciences, an often underappreciated yet very important field. I’m looking forward to exploring future opportunities to work with the partners again!”

Project Legacy

While the project has officially wrapped up, the legacy of EmpowerUs continues. With six Transition Coastal Labs established and strong relationships built, the local host partners will continue to engage with the communities to ensure the results are taken up and the project has a lasting positive impact.

The project has ended at an exciting time for EU marine policy, with the launch of the European Ocean Pact by DG MARE earlier this year. The Pact includes a dedicated strategy for the development and resilience of EU coastal communities, and EmpowerUs partners plan to continue to engage with DG MARE to ensure that the key insights from the project are taken into consideration within the strategy.

EmpowerUs has also recently been featured on Euronews on their Ocean Documentary series. Watch here.

Want to find out more about ERINN Innovation’s co-creation work in EmpowerUs and other projects? Discover insights from our recent Co-Creation event.

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Co-Creating Change: Participatory Approaches for a Resilient Ireland was an event organised by ERINN Innovation in partnership with EU Projects EmpowerUs, SCORE, and WaterLANDS to act as a timely and action-oriented showcase and discussion space, to bring together practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore how participatory approaches can unlock new possibilities for transformative change across Ireland, both in shaping policy and in driving on-the-ground practices.

Through case studies, expert panels and interactive discussions, the event spotlighted how co-creation and participatory processes can be meaningfully implemented as a powerful method for addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental issues, tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and ensuring a just transition.

Panel 1: Using Living Labs and Regional Networks to Co-Create Solutions

The first panel discussed the complexities and various implementations of co-creation in addressing significant challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on how to move beyond mere “ticking the box” exercises. The panel was facilitated by Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation) and featured contributions from Salem Gharbia (Atlantic Technological University Sligo, SCORE Project), Alex Miller (Queen’s University Belfast, EmpowerUs Project), Sarah Prosser (Bioregioning South East Ireland), and Micheál Ó Cinnéide (Irish Ocean Literacy Network). Each panellist shared experiences from their respective initiatives, exploring what truly works in these processes.

The first panel explored the multifaceted nature of co-creation, from its potential to its challenges, emphasising the importance of clear problem definition, inclusive processes, innovative tools, and sustained engagement to empower communities and achieve tangible, sustainable outcomes.

Panel 2: Implementing Restoration Solutions, Together

The second panel of the day focused on the practicalities and challenges of implementing participatory approaches to nature restoration, facilitated by Laoise Dillon (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation) and featuring insights from Gary Goggins (National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE), Sonia Mena (Wetlands International, WaterLANDS), Bernie Duffy (FarmPEAT), and Ray Ó Foghlú (Hometree).

Each speaker summarised these initiatives and the elements of co-creation that they have integrated into their work. The panel discussion noted that fragmented land ownership is a significant challenge in Ireland, where land is owned by numerous individuals (sometimes hundreds for commonage), making large-scale restoration difficult and expensive. Additionally, there’s a need for policymakers to move beyond solely ecological data in prioritisation and incorporate socio-economic and cultural factors, as farmers often have genuine concerns that need to be addressed.

Reflecting on her panel, Laoise Dillon said: “It was amazing to hear from people working to embed community-centric approaches within restoration in Ireland and Europe. A key takeaway for me was that the technical aspects of restoration like blocking drains or planting trees aren’t the main challenge. What’s needed is a stronger focus on social thinking, acceptance, and economic innovation. There’s a clear need to bring people together to achieve this going forward – not just local communities on the ground, but also policymakers, funders, and others involved in the system.”

Panel 3 – Bridging the Gap Between Society and Policy

The final panel examined the role of participatory approaches in shaping policy and driving systemic change, facilitated by David Murphy (Chief Executive Officer, ERINN Innovation) and featuring perspectives from Desmond O’Mahony (Behavioural Insights Team Lead, Environmental Protection Agency), Jacqueline Healy (Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment – DCEE), Ali Sheridan (Chair of the Just Transition Commission), and Christine Domegan (Peatlands and People Foundation, Climate House Ireland).

An initial discussion focused on the urgency of climate action versus the “slow emergency.” While the need for climate action is urgent, it’s often not perceived as such by the public due to more immediate concerns like bills and jobs, making it a marketing challenge to reframe the narrative. Further, panellists repeatedly emphasised that trust is hard-won and easily lost, especially with short-term projects and inconsistent support. Effective co-creation requires deep, structured engagement and often involves non-traditional methods to include marginalised voices and address inherent power imbalances.

The panel also grappled with how to accelerate policy implementation, balance top-down mandates with bottom-up community needs and manage the complex interdependencies between various sectors (e.g., agriculture, energy, textiles). The importance of understanding social norms and designing interventions based on people’s actual needs and motivations, rather than just what policymakers want, was highlighted through social marketing examples.

Continuing The Conversation

Following all three panels, an open discussion and Q&A took place. The session focused on several interconnected challenges and opportunities related to co-creation, climate action, and community engagement. Co-Creating Change: Participatory Approaches for a Resilient Ireland highlighted the vital role of participatory approaches in building a more resilient and sustainable Ireland.

Speaking about the event, ERINN Innovation Executive Director Michael Papapetrou said: “At ERINN Innovation, we’re always trying to maximise the impact of our European projects. This event was a good reminder that we should always prioritise the time and resources needed to build trust in the communities where projects are taking place. An important first step in that process is to make sure to establish a common understanding with all necessary stakeholders of the problem that we’re trying to solve.”

A sincere thank you from ERINN Innovation to all the panellists and attendees who made the event a success. We are looking forward to continuing this work towards a more inclusive, resilient Ireland.

Read the full event report, created in collaboration with all panelists, here.

Visit our Projects Page to explore the different European projects ERINN Innovation is working with.

ERINN Innovation will be continuing these conversations around co-creation at the upcoming Climate Carnival.

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Led by ERINN Innovation, the purpose of the Innovation Hub is to foster innovation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and promote knowledge exchange across the agricultural landscape. The thematic pilots are a key part of this strategy, looking to source and transfer valuable knowledge from across Europe to those who need it most in Ireland. The Horticulture pilot is guided by the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, while the Organics pilot aligns with the National Organic Strategy 2024-2030.

Utilising ERINN Innovation’s KT Methodology

The Innovation Hub employs a robust, step-wise Knowledge Transfer (KT) methodology that is needs-driven and focused on creating real-world impact:

Mining & Collection: The phase involved mapping the specific needs and challenges of the Irish horticulture and organic sectors and relevant past EIP-AGRI projects. The team then used this information to guide a focused search for innovative solutions and knowledge to key challenges, capturing them as individual ‘Knowledge Outputs’ (KOs). This was done with structured interviews with project owners and coordinators across Ireland and Europe.

Analysis: Once collected, these KOs were analysed by experts from industry, academia, and government bodies including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This phase involved prioritising the KOs that have the highest potential for the Irish sector and mapping out the steps to impact.

Transfer: The final phase in the process targets action. For each prioritised KO, the Hub will develop a bespoke transfer plan, outlining target users, key actions that need to take place, such as workshops or factsheet development, to ensure the knowledge is actively transferred and adopted by end users.

Transferring Agricultural Knowledge

The CAP Network Innovation Hub is currently entering the Transfer phase, developing bespoke transfer plans under each of the three Thematic pilots in Horticulture, Organics and EIP-AGRI Projects.

Through the first round of this process, the Hub has successfully identified a wealth of innovative knowledge. The team has collected 29 Knowledge Outputs (KOs) for the horticulture sector, 22 for the organics sector, and 33 from the EIP-AGRI projects.

Speaking about the pilots and the work of the Hub, Leo McGrane, CAP Network Innovation Hub lead and ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager, said:

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the CAP Network Ireland’s Knowledge Transfer Pilots, applying ERINN Innovation’s KT methodology to collect, analyse and transfer the most promising innovations from across Europe in horticulture, organics, and EIP-AGRI. It’s about making sure the best ideas don’t just stay on paper but make a real difference to Irish farmers. Our Innovation Hub is the central platform where we share the validated practices and innovations we collect directly with Irish farmers to help them build more sustainable and successful Irish farming sector.”

A Call for Knowledge

The success of these pilots relies on collaboration and the sharing of expertise. As the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub continues its work, with a second round of knowledge collection planned for the latter half of 2025, it extends an invitation to all stakeholders in the Irish horticulture and organic sectors, and to past Operational Group (OG) Coordinators involved in successful EIP Projects.

If you are aware of any relevant innovative knowledge, practices, or tools that could benefit Irish farmers, the Innovation Hub wants to hear from you. Your contribution could help shape the future of Irish agriculture, fostering sustainable growth and building a more resilient and profitable industry for all.

To share your knowledge or learn more, please visit the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub or contact members of the ERINN Innovation CAP Network Ireland team (Leo McGrane, Claire Kearney, Sarah Glascott) via the Network’s Helpdesk.

Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s KT service and methodology and contact us if you would like to discuss KT opportunities with ERINN Innovation.

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