The Just Transition Platform (JTP) provides a single access point to support and knowledge on Europe’s transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral economy. This, their tenth conference, was the first time that they showcased individual projects both in an exhibition and during the opening session with the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Ms Elisa Ferreira. The Commissioner emphasised the important role of local people and communities in making the transition real and beneficial.
Shirley Clerkin, Tóchar project manager, introduced the wetlands restoration scheme ambitions to the assembled audience at the Maison du Bois, which is a restored and repurposed nineteenth-century industrial building. Attendees were mainly from the Just Transition territories of the European Union, areas that were formerly coal mining, peat extraction and other fossil-fuel intensive zones, now working towards a different future ensuring a fair and just transition that leaves no person or region behind. A variety of EU Just Transition Funded projects were highlighted from across the EU, including the re-purposing of redundant industrial buildings, re-using former mine sites for renewable energy, and the construction of housing to support the retention of rural communities.
The European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Ms Elisa Ferreira, when welcoming Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration Scheme commended the project for its broad Expressions of Interest call and engagement mechanisms which includes a heritage and cultural custodianship element. There was genuine interest from the panel in the choice of project name which comes directly from the archaeology of the region, an important cultural and symbolic link with people and landscapes past, present and future.
During the audience polling, Tóchar came joint-first place for the most inspirational project of the nine examples that were presented in the opening session of the 10th annual Just Transition Platform conference. The exhibition of projects, including Tóchar will now tour a number of EU Commission buildings to promote further dissemination of these case studies.
The Just Transition Platform can be accessed here.
