Educational gardens

Summary of the challenge
The educational garden in Koropi, Attiki, is designed to be a transformative space that blends modern agricultural practices with a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental education. The innovation, quality, and approach of the campus are key elements that set it apart as a model for both educational institutions and farming communities in Greece and beyond.
Detailed description
The approach of the farm is holistic, focusing not only on sustainable agriculture but also on education and community engagement. This approach can be broken down into several key areas: Educational Programs: The farm offers hands-on educational programs aimed at schools, universities, and the broader community. These programs focus on topics such as sustainable farming, agroecology, renewable energy, and food security. Visitors are encouraged to participate in farm activities, providing them with practical experience and knowledge. Research and Development: The farm serves as a research hub for the development of new agricultural techniques and technologies. Collaborations with universities, research institutions, and agricultural organizations help drive innovation and ensure that the farm remains a leader in sustainable farming practices. Community Engagement: The farm places a strong emphasis on engaging with the local community. It provides a space for local farmers to learn new techniques, share knowledge, and collaborate on sustainability initiatives. The farm also hosts workshops and events, fostering a sense of community around sustainable agriculture.
Which SoilTribes priority area(s) does your challenge address?
Soil Democracy
How does your challenge respond to the selected SoilTribes priority area(s)?
We aim to organise compost workshops to raise awareness about sustainable farming, food security, and the importance of responsible consumption. These programs will engage students and local communities empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. The farm will also create jobs, offering employment opportunities in sustainable farming and education. Cultural creative industries and civil society organizations are uniquely positioned to give visibility and raise awareness on environmental issues. While creative, participatory and arts-based methodologies can connect with people that otherwise would not be able to access more scientific or technical information, particularly on topics like soil. Engage citizens as social innovators by making them collaborate with projects founders, to co-design/ co-evaluate / co-implement more sustainable business model,
Which EU Soil Mission goal(s) does your challenge contribute to?
Reduce soil sealing / reuse urban soils
Reduce soil pollution / enhance restoration
Reduce EU global soil footprint
Challenge typology
Seeds (small, replicable initiatives)
Expected outputs / actions
Awareness-raising / communications
Creative or cultural events
Capacity-building (training, guides, mentorship)
Policy or advocacy initiatives
Who is involved or affected by the challenge?
Network of municipalities such as SPAY,students and local teachers network.
Where is your challenge located?
Koropi and Nea Smyrni, Region of Attika
Which SoilTribes pillar(s) are you connected to?
Public Sector
Civil Society
What public policies or institutional frameworks does your challenge engage with or seek to change?
The European Union Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” aims to pioneer, showcase, and accelerate the transition to healthy soils by 2030, supporting the long-term commitments at European and global level within the EU Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. The Mission focuses on eight specific goals to improve soil health: 1. Reduce desertification 2. Conserve soil organic carbon stocks 3. Stop soil sealing and increase re-use of urban soils 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration 5. Prevent erosion 6. Improve soil structure to enhance soil biodiversity 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils 8. Improve soil literacy in society
How do you imagine the Bootcamp will benefit your initiative — and others?
The most important challenge that today's citizens face, taking responsible action and initiatives in an ever-changing global environment, is the climate crisis. In the context of preparing our students to become active citizens who will contribute to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and to the creation of a just, peaceful and sustainable future, the necessity emerges that the Greek school, among other things, should be a place of experiential education for sustainability.