B4C project launches with Biochar360 exhibition in France
On 23 January 2024, the first transnational partner meeting to launch the Biochar and Circular Carbon Economy Competences (B4C) project took place in France, coinciding with the Biochar360 exhibition. The project, which aims to promote innovative approaches to integrating biochar and the circular carbon economy into vocational education and training, promises to push the boundaries of sustainable development across Europe.
Highlights from the meeting
Getting to know the team
The Meeting provided an important opportunity for partners to introduce themselves and share their organisation’s expertise and potential contribution to the B4C project. Each partner gave a short presentation highlighting their organisation’s specialisation and experience with related projects.
Project overview
The session included an overview of the objectives, deliverables and work packages of the B4C project:
- A focus on integrating biochar and circular carbon economy (CCE) practices into vocational training programmes.
- The alignment of B4C with the broader THREE C framework provided an important strategic foundation for the project.
Partners discussed how to improve VET programmes with practical, sustainable solutions related to CCE and how to engage target audiences such as educators, learners and industry stakeholders.
Innovative learning formats
The first steps of Work Package 2 (WP2) were also discussed, focusing on the collection of innovative learning formats that integrate biochar and the circular carbon economy into curricula. Partners agreed on a two-pronged approach to data collection:
- A short 5-minute questionnaire aimed at teachers, focusing on the integration of CCE and biochar.
Focus groups with experts to gain deeper insights. - The survey is expected to be published after 5 March 2024, with partners working together to ensure wide dissemination and active participation.
Biochar360 Exhibition and Networking:
The Biochar360 exhibition, held alongside the meetings, provided an excellent opportunity to network and exchange ideas with industry leaders and researchers in the biochar sector. Partners engaged in productive discussions on how biochar can further advance the circular carbon economy, reinforcing the broader goals of the project.
Next steps:
The next partner meeting will be held virtually on 6 February 2024 to discuss the draft survey and follow up on the initial phases of the project. In the meantime, the partners will start recruiting potential participants for the focus groups and ensure that dissemination activities are set in motion, including publication on the EPALE platform.