Project Partners Review Implementation Process with the Turkish National Agency

On 16 April 2026, the NbS4LD+ consortium participated in an online meeting organized with the Turkish National Agency (TNA). The meeting was attended by representatives of all partner institutions, including Mr. Ceyhun Çimen from the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (GDCDE). The Turkish National Agency was represented by Ms. Aslıhan Aşkın Aktaş, Assistant Expert, who provided guidance on the implementation of Erasmus+ project requirements.

During the meeting, partners reviewed the overall implementation of the project, including the responsibilities under each Work Package (WP), project management procedures, financial and administrative obligations, and the preparation of interim reports. Ms. Aslıhan Aşkın Aktaş addressed partners’ questions regarding project implementation and highlighted key points to ensure compliance with Erasmus+ rules and reporting requirements.

The consortium also discussed the participation requirements for the 1st International Conference on Land Degradation and Restoration, to be held in Valencia, Spain, including its contribution to the project’s dissemination, networking, and international cooperation activities.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the project’s administrative and technical requirements, reinforcing the consortium’s commitment to implementing the NbS4LD+ project successfully and in full compliance with Erasmus+ programme standards.

Date: 16 April, 2026

TAGS

#NbS4LD #ErasmusPlus #NbS4LD #NatureBasedSolutions #GreenSkills #VET #LandDegradation #TNA

Project Partners Hold Face-to-Face Coordination Meeting at Kastamonu University

On 8 April 2026, representatives of the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (GDCDE-CEM), serving as the project coordinator, visited the Faculty of Forestry at Kastamonu University (KU) for a face-to-face coordination meeting within the framework of the NbS4LD+ Erasmus+ Project.

The meeting focused on further developing the project’s Training Content for Trainers, with detailed discussions on the structure, learning objectives, teaching methodologies, and expected outcomes of the educational programme. Partners worked together to refine the content of the training modules to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with the project’s objectives.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the design and development of the project’s e-learning system. Participants exchanged ideas on the Learning Management System, digital learning methodologies, user experience, and the integration of interactive educational materials to support online and blended learning activities.

The face-to-face discussions provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the project coordinator and Kastamonu University, resulting in important decisions that will guide the development of the training programme and digital learning platform during the next phase of the project.

Partners Finalize Training Content and Interactive Workshop Programme

On 26 March 2026, the NbS4LD+ consortium held an online coordination meeting, bringing together representatives from all partner institutions to review project progress and prepare the next phase of the Erasmus+ project implementation.

A major focus of the meeting was the finalization of the Draft Training Content Document for Trainers. Partners reviewed the latest feedback, discussed the remaining revisions, and agreed on the distribution of responsibilities according to each institution’s expertise. The consortium also confirmed that the finalized training framework would later be adapted for other target groups, including students, technical staff, and local communities.

Another key agenda item was the planning of the project’s interactive workshop series. Partners agreed on the workshop structure, learning approach, and schedule, covering topics such as Land Degradation, Sustainable Forest Management, Nature-based Solutions for Addressing Land Degradation, Educational and Instructional Processes, Digital Education Methods, Soft Skills for Trainers, and Community Engagement in Rural Areas. The workshops will follow a collaborative learning model, encouraging knowledge exchange, discussions, and interactive participation among trainers.

The consortium also reviewed the progress of the project case studies and agreed that each partner would complete the selection process and submit their case studies to Fondazione European Research Institute ETS (ERI) for technical evaluation. In addition, preparations for the 1st International Conference on Land Degradation and Restoration, to be held in Valencia, Spain, in July 2026, were discussed, with partners exploring the possibility of combining the conference with the project’s second transnational meeting.

The meeting concluded with updates on dissemination activities, including recent webinars on Nature-based Solutions and opportunities to strengthen collaboration with the wider European NbS community through initiatives such as NetworkNature and the Italian NbS Hub. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-quality educational resources and maintaining close cooperation throughout the implementation of the NbS4LD+ project.

TAGS

#NbS4LD #ErasmusPlus #NbS4LD #NatureBasedSolutions #GreenSkills #VET #LandDegradation

Online Meeting Focuses on the Development of Training Module

On 11 March 2026, the project coordination team and Kastamonu University held an online meeting via Zoom to further develop the project’s training modules. The meeting focused on reviewing the structure, content, and learning objectives of the educational modules to ensure consistency with the project’s goals and target groups.

Participants discussed the detailed design of the training modules, including their thematic scope, learning outcomes, delivery methods, and supporting educational materials. The consortium also exchanged ideas on integrating interactive and digital learning components to enhance the quality and accessibility of the training programme.

The meeting concluded with a clear action plan for refining the module content and assigning responsibilities for the preparation of the remaining educational materials, ensuring that the project implementation would continue according to the established timeline.

NbS4LD+ Consortium Holds Online Partner Coordination Meeting

On 2 March 2026, all project partners gathered online via Zoom for the NbS4LD+ Partner Meeting, marking an important milestone in the coordination and implementation of the Erasmus+ project. The meeting brought together representatives from all partner institutions to review the project’s progress and coordinate the next stages of implementation.

The consortium discussed the current status of project activities, evaluated completed tasks, and reviewed the implementation timeline for the upcoming work packages. Particular attention was given to the development of educational content, the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into the training programme, and the preparation of future learning activities aimed at promoting sustainable land management and combating desertification.

Partners also exchanged ideas on improving project communication, dissemination activities, and the use of digital collaboration tools to support effective cooperation across institutions. The meeting provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify potential challenges, and ensure that all partners remained aligned with the project’s objectives and expected deliverables.

The online meeting concluded with agreement on the next implementation steps, reinforcing the consortium’s commitment to delivering high-quality educational resources and strengthening international collaboration throughout the NbS4LD+ project.

Online Coordination Meetings on Task Allocation and Training Module Development

On 20 February 2025 and 25 February 2025, two online coordination meetings were held between the project consortium and Kastamonu University to discuss the distribution of responsibilities and the development of the project’s training modules.

The meetings focused on defining the roles and responsibilities of each project partner, reviewing the work package structure, and establishing a common understanding of the project’s educational framework. Particular attention was given to the preparation of training modules, training kits, and digital learning materials related to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for combating desertification and land degradation.

Participants discussed the target groups of the training programme, the structure and content of the educational modules, certification approaches, and the development of the project’s digital learning platform (LMS). The consortium also addressed the preparation of communication activities, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the project website, ensuring that all dissemination activities would be aligned with the project’s objectives.

During the meetings, partners agreed on the next steps for drafting the training modules, preparing educational materials, finalising the communication plan, and developing the project’s online infrastructure. The discussions strengthened cooperation among partners and established a clear roadmap for the implementation of the project’s educational activities.

The meetings concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining close collaboration and ensuring the timely delivery of project outputs in accordance with the project work plan.

First In-Person Meeting of the NbS4LD Project Held in Istanbul

First in-person meeting of the partners in Erasmus+ project
 
Within the framework of the Erasmus+ program, co-financed by the EU, in the implementation of the project “Enhancing Technical and Vocational Skills for Implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to Combat Land Degradation – NbS4LD”, the first face-to-face meeting of the 6 project partners from 4 European countries was held in Istanbul on 10^th and 11^th February 2026 in the premises of Orhantepe R&D and Training Center of the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works:
– General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion, Türkiye
– Ankara Intercultural Research Association, Türkiye
– Fondazione European Research Institute ETS, Italy
– Kastamonu University, Türkiye
– Mixtura Ambiental, Spain
– Regional Forestry and Rural Development Centre – REFORD, North Macedonia

The project has set several objectives:
-prevention of land degradation by applying nature-based solutions (NbS)
-integration of green skills into the vocational education system
-ensuring a sustainable model of vocational education by improving the capacities of lecturers and technical staff
-preparation of innovative educational materials and digital tools
-strengthening international cooperation
-sharing the vocational education system for practices in the field of NbS

During the two-day work, the partners were introduced in more detail to the scope of work of the partner organizations, their experience in various fields, as well as the potential for synergy in their actions on issues of interest in the above-mentioned goals of the action.
During the work sessions, a detailed plan for the implementation of the project activities was developed, and the foundations for smooth communication for the duration of the project were laid, both among the partners and towards the wider public.
The first thematic interactive meeting of the partners is expected in March to define the thematic concepts of the Nature Based Solutions, with a focus on land degradation of terrestrial ecosystems as the primary interest of this project.

Date: 13 February, 2026

TAGS

#NbS4LD #ErasmusPlus #NbS4LD #NatureBasedSolutions #GreenSkills #VET #LandDegradation #TransnationalMeeting #Istanbul

First In-Person Meeting of the NbS4LD Project Held in Istanbul

NbS4LD Project Kick-off Meeting Held Online via Zoom

The first introductory meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Enhancing Technical and Vocational Skills for Implementing Nature-Based Solutions to Combat Land Degradation (NbS4LD)” was successfully held online via Zoom, bringing together all project partners for the first time.

The meeting served as a formal introduction between partner organisations and provided an overview of the project’s objectives, structure, and implementation framework. Partners had the opportunity to get to know each other and establish the basis for effective cooperation throughout the project lifecycle.

Representatives from the following partner organisations participated in the meeting:

• Mixtura (Spain)
• REFORD (North Macedonia)
• ERI (Italy)
• Kastamonu University (Türkiye)
• AIRA (Türkiye)
• General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (Türkiye)

During the session, the consortium discussed the main objectives of the project, which focuses on integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into vocational education and training (VET) systems to address land degradation challenges. The importance of strengthening green skills, enhancing training capacity, and promoting international collaboration was emphasized.

Key topics covered during the meeting included:

• introduction of partner organisations
• overview of project objectives and expected outcomes
• discussion of work packages, roles, and responsibilities
• communication and coordination mechanisms among partners
• initial planning of upcoming activities

Partners also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong communication and coordination throughout the project to ensure effective implementation of all activities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration and the successful delivery of project objectives in line with the Erasmus+ framework.

Date: 18 December, 2025

TAGS

#NbS4LD #ErasmusPlus #NbS4LD #NatureBasedSolutions #GreenSkills #VET #LandDegradation