Extremadura, a scenario of international cooperation for sustainability: VET trainers and university students from Benin and Kenya visit Extremadura to learn about innovative projects in the fields of circular economy, water and waste management, and sustainable agriculture within the framework of the ERASMUS SEED4Africa project.
From November 18 to 22, 2024, the Job Shadowing program for vocational training and university teachers), organized by Innogestiona Ambiental as part of the Erasmus+ SEED4Africa project, took place in Extremadura. This event brought together trainers from Africa with local organizations, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and practices related to circular economy and sustainable waste and water management, topics of great relevance for the educational projects of the participants.
Development of Job Shadowing
The event started in Badajoz, in one of Innogestiona Ambiental’s offices located in the Science and Technology Park of Extremadura (PCTEX). The opening session served to welcome the participants, give an overview of the program and detail the planned activities. In addition, teachers had the opportunity to present their projects, establishing a link with the visits scheduled throughout the week, which allowed contextualizing and connecting learning.
Afterwards, the University of Extremadura (Silvia Román- Applied Physics Dept.) and the company Metanogenia were visited, where innovative techniques for energy recovery from waste, such as pyrolysis, were analyzed, and advances in biotechnology applied to biogas production were presented.
The next day, in Cáceres, began at INTROMAC, where the importance of the circular economy was highlighted through the use of waste such as cork, wood and plastics for the development of new materials. Later, at the Iberian Energy Storage Research Center (CIIAE), advanced technologies for energy storage and battery reuse were explored, promoting sustainability in a key sector for the energy transition.
In Mérida, activities continued at IPROCOR, where technological advances related to the sustainable use of cork and other plant materials were explained, including innovations in their transformation and in projects that seek to expand their applications. In the afternoon, participants visited the “La Rinconada” farm, where a smart drinking trough system designed by Innogestiona to optimize water management for livestock was presented, along with sustainable agricultural practices that exemplify efficient resource management.
In Badajoz, the focus was on water and waste management, with visits to PROMEDIO and the La Albuera WWTP. There, attendees learned about advanced wastewater treatment systems and water management technologies that stand out for their sustainability and efficiency, applicable both locally and globally.
The program ended with a concluding session, where participants shared the progress of their projects and reflected on the lessons learned. Topics addressed included: reuse of plastics and sawdust, sustainable water management, educational projects in sustainability and municipal solid waste management.
Impact and relevance
The Job Shadowing organized by Innogestiona Ambiental as a partner of the European ERASMUS SEED4AFRICA project not only promoted mutual learning among participants, but also strengthened international cooperation around sustainable practices. This program reinforces the commitment of Extremadura and the European Union in promoting innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.
The success of this initiative highlights the ability of the SEED4Africa project to build bridges between continents, connecting ideas and resources for a more sustainable future.
