The Project

Green employment in the management of bio- waste with the acronym “GREEN-CREW.

The project implemented by the municipality of Serres (as the lead partner) in cooperation with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the municipality of Nestos and the municipality of Blagoevrand (Bulgaria), is co-funded by the European Union and the National Resources cross-border cooperation programme “Greece – Bulgaria 2014-2020”.

The project is going to try and act as a means of accelerating social entrepreneurship in the field of “eco-innovation”, in the broad area of Bulgaria-Greece through the creation of certain conditions concerning the aid of certain types of entrepreneurship, along with rural development. An example of the application of this cooperative entrepreneurship is the creation of Social Cooperative Enterprises.

Adding to what was mentioned above, the “eco-innovation” acts as a means of decreasing costs, while establishing new opportunities for growth and focuses on the quality as the customers’ best choice. Thus, the specific programme will be a genuine example of “eco- innovation” (collection and composting of organic waste).

The main target of this project will be the strengthening of the social economy, with a focus on the social enterprises through “Green Qualifications” and encourage the creation “green” employment opportunities. The programme will contribute to the growth, organization, consulting support and guidance of the social enterprises in the field of waste management. Thereby, the social character of this project will be pointed out as it is crucial for the growth of the economy that is a key element of the strategic plan of both countries.

The objectives of the project are the following;

The development of already existing enterprises and the creation of new social
enterprises;

–  The increase of social services within communities with negative socioeconomic indicators;
– Promotion of alternative management of waste through new measures and infrastructures concerning the collection and composting of “green” waste;
– Raising citizens’ awareness concerning solidarity and collegiality;
– Environmental benefits.