YCP 2.0: Activity II
On 19 October 2024, we held our second activity of the Young Climate Professionals programme. Continuing to enhance the sustainability competencies of young climate enthusiasts under the #OurFutureEurope programme, we put the focus on Food Systems: From Farm to Fork. The aim was to explore fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food systems, highlighting the role of sustainable entrepreneurship.
We began the session with a brief introduction to the Sofia Platform Foundation, one of the partnering YCP organisations, and learned more about the foundation’s mission to promote civic education and strengthen democracy in Bulgaria. Following that, the participants divided into groups and dicsussed the European Green Deal, sharing key insights about its application in different regions.
Then we delved into the main topic, featuring two talks from inspiring Bulgarian entrepreneurs who have successfully built food-focused businesses with sustainability at their core:
Jane Dimitrova and Velin Kerkov from FoodoBox shared their journey in developing an app that reduces food waste by connecting consumers with businesses that offer surplus food at discounted prices. They spoke about the unique challenges they encountered in adapting their business model to the Eastern European market, especially in overcoming regulatory hurdles and changing consumer mindsets. Their story illustrated how entrepreneurial efforts can turn environmental challenges into business opportunities, while helping local businesses position themselves as sustainable leaders.
Dimitar Dimitrov from BlackSeaCatch followed with an insightful presentation on sustainable fishing. Dimitar explained how his business sources and distributes fish from the Black Sea while prioritising ecological sustainability. He highlighted the delicate balance between economic needs and environmental preservation, showcasing how sustainable fishing practices can support both local ecosystems and international sustainability goals. His presentation demonstrated the broader impact of responsible business models in coastal communities.
Following each of the talks, we had an interactive Q&A segment, where the YCPs had the chance to ask questions and learn more about the speakers’ experiences. These ranged from the technical aspects of building sustainable business models to more practical advice on overcoming local challenges in different European contexts.
The session ended with a hands-on exercise to brainstorm solutions for promoting sustainability in food systems, where we explored how to apply the lessons learned to our own communities and discussed the importance of entrepreneurship in driving sustainable change.
We look forward to our next online activity, which will be a collaboration with the NECE Campus, taking place on 7 November 2024. We will co-host a NECE Campus session, open to the wider public on the intersection of multigenerational divides and climate change. Join us to meet our YCPs and have the chance to get in touch with highly engaged and enthusiastic young people, active in the field of green literacy.
For more information about our YCP programme, please visit our website here: https://thecivics.eu/projects/ycp/
