Eco-Entrepreneurship & Circular Economy: Our Journey Towards Sustainable Change

In the heart of Struga, North Macedonia, we embarked on an extraordinary journey from the 22nd to the 28th of June 2023. Hosted by YOUTH COUNCIL NEXT GENERATION SKOPJE, our Study Visit was centred on 'Eco-Entrepreneurship & Circular Economy: On the Path to Sustainable Change'.

Journey Begins

Our adventure commenced with a unique team-building exercise: "The Eco-Chain". A friendly game designed to familiarize participants with each other and stimulate an introduction to key ecological terms. Each participant was assigned an eco-related term starting with their first name's initial, and the game carried on with each person repeating and adding onto the growing 'eco-chain'. This engaging activity encouraged participants to dive deep into ecological concepts and understand the interconnectedness symbolic of a circular economy. After setting the tone for the following days, we reviewed the agenda, hotel rules, and agreed on a workflow.

Immersion into Eco-Entrepreneurship

The subsequent day we journeyed to local eco-entrepreneurial establishments - the ZAUM Organic Hazelnut Spread Factory and a recycling company. Tours led by the owners provided valuable insights into their business, showcasing how they incorporated principles of circular economy into their practices.

Post-visit, we organized a reflective session to share impressions and aspirations, followed by a fun-filled City Game. Participants formed eco-teams, each with unique tasks of city exploration, bargaining for eco products, and showcasing their journey online. The day encapsulated learning, reflection, and fun.

Unveiling the Realms of Eco-Entrepreneurship

On day three, our group delved deeper into the principles of eco-entrepreneurship and circular economy, brainstorming eco-project proposals. This day also included a field trip to Kasarna Hub, a local environmentally-focused organization situated in the old military base in Ohrid. Engaging in discussions with representatives from the NGO furthered our understanding of successful eco-projects and future sustainability plans. The day concluded with a mid-term evaluation, assessing our progress and personal growth.

Embracing Nature

The following day, we ventured to the eco-environmental organization 'Eko Svest' in Vevchani, committed to the protection of Jablanica Mountain and Vevcani spring. An invigorating hike led by the NGO representative led us to a panoramic viewpoint displaying the region's breathtaking biodiversity. We further formed reflection circles to deeply analyze the concepts studied so far.

Case Study Development

Day five emphasized case study development from the previous visits. After compiling our collective experiences, we embarked on a field trip to a local eco-entrepreneurial enterprise specializing in boat and kayak manufacturing. This unique perspective showcased how eco-principles can be implemented even in industrial settings. We wrapped up the day relishing locally sourced watermelons and melons, showing our support for sustainable agriculture.

Wrapping Up

The final full working day was dedicated to the creation of various dissemination materials like case studies, booklets, and videos. We shared our work, appreciating each other's efforts, and conducted a final evaluation to assess our collective achievements. The day culminated in a lively farewell party, bidding adieu to our memorable journey.

On our last day, we brainstormed on dissemination strategies, emphasizing the importance of sharing our learnings with wider audiences. As the study visit concluded, each participant was filled with memories, insights, and an enriched understanding of eco-entrepreneurship and circular economy, marking a successful end to our enlightening adventure.