Networks and cities' news

“Vitamin N” for everyone – Transforming cities’ relationship with nature and the rise of nature-based solutions to tackle the ecological crisis

Bestseller author Richard Louv defined nature-deficit disorder in his book (Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature, 2016 – where “N” is for “nature”) and launched an international movement to get humans’ connection back to nature, especially in urban areas where this connection has been dramatically lost over the last centuries, as it was painfully, but perfectly showcased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How “Dissonant” Cultural Heritages can foster Democracy in European cities.

The history of Europe has generated a heritage that sometimes is controversial and complex due to belonging to totalitarian regimes or contentious borders. This heritage has been called “Dissonant”, addressing the problematic link between the physical elements like architecture, neighbourhoods, monuments, and urban public spaces, and the historical and political values those elements represent.

ARCHETHICS Network opens a deep reflection on the Dissonant Heritage present in many European cities: it allows us to experience the complex and diverse history of Europe (focusing in particular on the Twentieth Century) and, through a critical examination of the past, come into the present to promote democratic and solidarity values.

Beyond the Urban starts walking at Vic's TNM

Today marks the official launch of URBACT: Beyond the Urban, an ambitious three-year program aimed at fostering a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive Europe by addressing key challenges in urban-rural connectivity. The initiative is funded by the EU through URBACT, and is led by Creacció Agència d’Emprenedoria, Innovació i Coneixement, headquartered in Vic, bringing together a consortium of ten partners from across Europe, including Bram (France), Bucharest (Romania), Hradec (Czechia), Kocani (North Macedonia), Machico (Madeira), Mátészalka (Hungary), Santa Maria da Feira (Portugal), Tartu (Estonia), and Treviso (Italy).

Promoting the 30-minutes Territories - Challenges and Ambitions for Small and Mid-size Communities

Is it all about the parents?

Social isolation: a silent and nearly invisible epidemic that needs to be broken

Humans are, by nature, social creatures. We, humans, need social interactions. We need to talk, to laugh, to cry, to play, to share. Of course, we also enjoy, sometimes, to withdraw and take a break from social interactions. This is the need for solitude. And it’s just fine and a rather healthy practice. Because it’s temporary, it’s about taking time just for yourself.

But what happens when one does not get any social interaction, at all? And when it’s not by choice? When a person has, completely, and for a long period, no meeting, no sharing, no exchanging with his/her fellow human? What happens when one gets truly isolated, left alone? What happens to our society when more and more people get isolated, feel left out, abandoned, unfit for society?