REUSE4WILL Kicks Off in Spain: First International Event in Herrera del Duque
REUSE4WILL officially launched its activities with the first international event held in Herrera del Duque (Spain), bringing together partners from across Europe for a dynamic and engaging start to this two-year journey focused on volunteering, sustainability, and reuse.
The event gathered representatives from partner organisations, local authorities, and citizens, fostering a strong sense of cooperation and shared purpose from the very beginning.
The meeting opened with the arrival of delegations and a welcome orientation, followed by the Official Opening Ceremony, where local authorities and the project coordinator introduced the vision and objectives of REUSE4WILL, the CERV programme and the funding acknowledgements. The mayors signed the Guestbook of the municipality.
The first day concluded with a welcome dinner and networking session, offering participants the opportunity to get to know each other, present their organisations, and discover the local culture of Herrera del Duque.
The second day was dedicated to experiencing local traditions and community engagement. Participants took part in the “Rockrose in Bloom Festival”, a vibrant event showcasing local folklore, artisan markets, and active citizen participation and visited the Cerro Masatrigo Natural Monument
This immersive experience highlighted the importance of community involvement and local identity in promoting sustainable practices.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of the REUSE4WILL project and its connection to its predecessor, 3WILL, focusing on the evolution from civic engagement to environmental sustainability and reuse. The interactive workshop titled:
“REUSE4WILL: a 3WILL Prosecution – Volunteering Actions for Reusing” brought partners together in a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Through a speed presentation format, each organisation presented local initiatives related to volunteering and reuse, encouraging dialogue, inspiration, and the sharing of best practices. Participants also explored the work of the volunteer network of the La Siberia Biosphere Reserve, gaining insight into successful models of environmental engagement.
The event combined discussion with hands-on activities. One of the highlights was an outdoor environmental action, where participants cleaned a riverbank and collected and sorted recyclable materials to create a shared “Land Art” installation. This activity embodied the core values of the project, turning ideas into concrete action. Beyond the formal sessions, the event offered numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and relationship building, such as exchanges of reflections and gifts.
A special moment of community engagement was also represented by a friendly football match between local teams, reinforcing the spirit of inclusion and cooperation.
The first REUSE4WILL event successfully laid the foundations for a strong and collaborative European network, setting the tone for the upcoming activities across partner countries.
By combining volunteering, environmental awareness, and intercultural dialogue, the project aims to empower citizens and communities to actively contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive Europe.
Next stop: Wieliszew, Poland
