How can cities and companies help the circular economy? UWB students discussed this topic in Sweden

Recommendations for nature restoration and support for the circular economy were prepared at an international conference in Borås, Sweden, by teams of young people from the European Union. Two students from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen were among those shortlisted.

Patricie Houšková from the Faculty of Arts and Jiří Fiala from the Faculty of Economics at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen were selected to join a group of young people who traveled to Sweden to discuss economic and environmental issues facing society. The theme of this year's conference, From Brussels to Borås – Biodiversity and Circularity in Focus, was primarily focused on the introduction of new EU regulations on nature restoration and issues surrounding the circular economy. Participants worked in international teams, analyzed European strategies focused on nature conservation, and proposed practical solutions to support sustainable resource management. They presented the results of their work during a joint meeting.

"The conference was an opportunity for me to gain new insights into the topic of nature conservation and to meet people who have been working on sustainability for a long time," said Patricie Houšková. According to them, teamwork in an international environment brought them new perspectives and suitable examples of solutions from different regions. "Working in an international team of young people was particularly beneficial. I appreciate the opportunity to present our findings to experts and political representatives and to receive their feedback," added Jiří Fiala.

The Pilsen Region presented the Healthy Landscape project, focused on sustainable land management, at an international conference. The participation of students from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen was part of a long-term cooperation with the Pilsen Region, which was strengthened this year by the signing of a memorandum on supporting sustainable development between the region and the university.

Since 2010, the Pilsen Region has been a member of the European organization ENCORE, which brings together regions active in environmental protection. Every two years, it organizes conferences dedicated to current environmental issues.