The pioneering project of the association FromZero and UP FTŠ sTOUdio Turistica, winner of the EU Smart Village hackathon, brings together responsible travelers and young change-makers whose goal is the revitalization of rural and peripheral communities.
Temnica, June 24-29, 2023 – The Living Learning Lab, an innovative and winning initiative of last year's EU Smart Village hackathon, had its premiere in the Slovenian Karst region. The project, organized by the partner consortium FromZero and UP FTŠ sTOUdio Turistica in collaboration with the local Sport-Cultural-Tourist Society Farjovca, represents a new achievement in the field of responsible tourism and local community development.
The team and participants of the event spent five inspiring days, full of experiences exploring the region, connecting travel and education, understanding unique challenges and opportunities through the lens of sustainable development and rural revitalization.
Twelve local providers participated, sharing invaluable insights into their lives, local challenges, and visions for the future. Open discussions, events for young people, and networking between locals and participants were organized to deepen intercultural understanding and foster new friendships.
In addition to their participation, the Living Learning Lab event participants also contributed €50 to the Vrabček upanja foundation for reforestation efforts in the Karst region, aimed at mitigating the consequences of the largest fire in Slovenia's history. They also provided assistance to local stakeholders through activities such as working in vineyards and other physical tasks, as well as offering advice and multidirectional knowledge and experience exchange.
Photo: Alan Bučar Vukšić
The event was carried out with the support of the Municipality of Miren-Kostanjevica, Sport-Cultural-Tourist Society Farjovca and the Miren Kras Tourism Board.
Photo: Alan Bučar Vukšić
Orgnisers
Student sustainable TOUrism Development & Innovation Office – UP FTŠ sTOUdio Turistica is a pilot R&D program that connects students, business and the academic world. They are located at UP FTŠ Turistica in Portorož, Slovenia.
Members of the FromZero association are global pioneers in the field of innovation and sustainability in tourism, striving to establish a new generation of responsible travelers and young change-makers. Through initiatives like the Living Learning Lab, they enable individuals to make a positive contribution to the communities they visit.
