The conference explored the fundamental role of local communities in creating a more sustainable future and examined how the bioeconomy can contribute to more sustainable everyday life. Discussions focused on the practical use of biomass, including plant-based materials, organic waste, manure and wool, as well as circular approaches to organic waste management and regenerative design. The event also presented innovative solutions and best practices from international companies working with bio-based materials, products and technologies. Participants gained practical insights into how communities, municipalities, businesses and individuals can apply bioeconomy principles and contribute to sustainable change. The programme concluded with a visit to the BIOECO-UP Bioeconomy Fair, where further innovative bioeconomy solutions were presented.
Moderator: Anett Szabó, PhD
Agenda
Part 1: Promoting Sustainability through a Bioeconomy Approach
10.00-10.05 Welcome – Kristóf Ákos (Head of Unit, Ministry of Agriculture)
10.00-10.15 Brief Introduction to the BIOECO-UP Project – Anett Szabó, PhD (Financial and Communication Project Leader BIOECO-UP, Ministry of Agriculture) Topic: Presentation of the project’s objectives and how the results contribute to the development of a biomass-based economy in the region 10.15-10.25 About the Circular Bioeconomy in a Nutshell – Rita Soós (project leader BIOECO-UP Ministry of Agriculture) Topic: The role of biomass in sustainable development, a way out of the resource-intensive economy, a response to the environmental crisis and rural depopulation 10.25-10.40 The role of communities in sustainable development – Péter Kajner (lecturer, Eötvös Lóránd University, Human Ecology, MA) Topic: Local community initiatives for sustainability in Hungary – challenges, solutions, opportunities
10.40-10.55 Circular model in organic waste management. Keeping humus local in District XVI – Kristóf Chillik (Director of the District Manager Service Organization, Municipality of Budapest District XVI)
Topic: What can a municipality do to renew the district’s gardens?
10.55-11.10 We Design Health! or: What does WHOLE health mean in practice? – Anita Fodor (Director, Regenerative Habitat Design)
Topic: Regenerative Habitat Design in Practice 11.10-11.25 The Role of Wool in Soil Fertility Management – Andrea Veres, PhD (Agrologica Ltd., Managing Director)
Topic: Wool as a Unique Mulching Material and Organic Fertilizer
11.25-11.40 Q&A
11.40-12.00 Coffee Break
Part II: Presentations by International Companies
Topic: Presentation of Innovative Ideas from the Bioeconomy
12.00-12.10 ekolive.eu
12.10-12.20 Probiotics
12.20-12.30 Wajko
12.30-12.40 NONSTOP FOOD
12.40-12.50 TomaPaint
12.50-13.00 Closing Remarks
13.00-14.00 Lunch
Watch the highlights video from the conference and the Bioeconomy Fair.