Sixteen (16) Mediterranean Banks and more than thirty (30) policy makers from Ministries that are key drivers in the transition process from conventional economies to green economies throughout the region, participated in an intensive Horizon 2020 training last week dedicated to Green Banking (22-23 November 2011, Barcelona). This was the first training of its kind in the Mediterranean region with trainees from Albania, Algeria, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Tunisia and Turkey. As acknowledged by the participants themselves, it provided the setting and inspiration to continue the discussions and learning process initiated during these 2 days.
Sixteen (16) Mediterranean Banks and more than thirty (30) policy makers from Ministries that are key drivers in the transition process from conventional economies to green economies throughout the region, participated in an intensive Horizon 2020 training last week dedicated to Green Banking (22-23 November 2011, Barcelona). This was the first training of its kind in the Mediterranean region with trainees from Albania, Algeria, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Tunisia and Turkey. As acknowledged by the participants themselves, it provided the setting and inspiration to continue the discussions and learning process initiated during these 2 days.
The course was organised in conjunction with the V Mediterranean week of economic leaders, and some of the participants had the opportunity to assist in the Eco-Meda Green Forum that took place on the 24th of November which aimed to address the business needs in terms of profitability and competitiveness, while considering the environment as a fundamental part of a company’s strategy.
Being quite extensive, the course covered basic concepts, approaches and frameworks (global, EU, national) on green economy and the links with green banking, all the way to risk management, experiences and lessons learned of Mediterranean countries in financing sustainable projects linked with Horizon 2020 priority areas and the challenges of greening Mediterranean banks. An interactive exercise even allowed trainees to explore the social and environmental impact of banking, investments and business.
The training, although introductory, was considered a success and “an excellent initiative, that deserves to be deepened and appropriately adapted so at to address all economic decision-makers region-wide". The opportunity for exchanging experiences and networking between the different countries was also highly appreciated. Others felt that it would be good to “continue the discussions that started in this Horizon 2020 training", something that CB/MEP is considering to promote with the support of UNEP/MAP’s Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production (CP/RAC) who co-organised it with the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) and the University of Athens.
Read more about the training at: http://www.h2020.net/en/resources/training-materials/viewcategory/136.html
