Valencia, June 18th, 2025 – The Albufera Natural Park in Valencia set the stage for a new milestone of the European project Green Cities – Active Cities, a vibrant initiative co-funded by the CERV Programme of the European Commission, aiming to foster civic participation and environmental sustainability across Europe.

Under the theme “Towards Green Jobs: Opportunities in the Green Economy”, the workshop brought together representatives from several European organisations and local authorities from the Ribera region, with the goal of exploring innovative solutions for sustainable employment and empowering citizens for a just green transition.

Throughout the event, inspiring local projects were presented, such as EMPLEAXUQUER, which focuses on green employment opportunities in the region, and PAS Point, a project promoting sustainability-driven labour market inclusion. The agenda also featured sessions on environmental education, green finance, and an engaging group activity — the European Green Mission — where participants imagined and co-created ideas for the future of green jobs and the role of active citizenship in shaping it.

The workshop was hosted by the Mancomunitat de la Ribera Baixa, with opening remarks from local leaders including Jordi Sanjaime i Vivó, Mayor of Mareny de Barraquetes, and Rafael Gisbert Aragó, President of the Mancomunitat de la Ribera Baixa, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions, citizens, and European partners in building greener and more resilient communities.

The day concluded with a hands-on green experience: a boat trip through the stunning Albufera Nature Reserve, giving participants the opportunity to connect with the natural heritage they aim to protect and preserve.

This event represents another meaningful step in the mission of the Green Cities – Active Cities project: to inspire, equip, and mobilise citizens for greener cities, sustainable jobs, and more active participation in shaping local and European policy.