The Municipality of Kozani is the largest in the Region of Western Macedonia, with its administrative center in the city of Kozani and its historical seat in the town of Aiani. As the commercial and scientific hub of Western Macedonia, Kozani is known for its dynamic character, enriched by a wide range of cultural and social activities. Its strategic geographical position establishes it as a key transportation link between Macedonia, Epirus, and Thessaly. The residents of the Municipality are committed to preserving their rich cultural heritage and local traditions, while actively investing in modern infrastructure and sustainable development, striving to create a prosperous and functional urban environment for present and future generations.
The Municipality of Kozani (MoK), as the Main Urban Authority (MUA), plays a key role in the EcoZani project, holding overall responsibility for its management. It monitors progress through regular meetings of the Steering Committee and the Project Team, ensuring coordination and collaboration among all partners. At the same time, it handles sound financial management and oversees the timely and high-quality delivery of all activities. Through the use of digital monitoring tools and established evaluation and control procedures, MoK ensures that the project advances with transparency, consistency, and in full alignment with the shared vision of the partnership.
The Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia (CluBE) is a non-profit company established among local actors and stakeholders of the Region of Western Macedonia in Greece. CluBE emerged since early ’00s from the continuous collaboration of regional players during previous projects, analysing regional bioenergy and biomass potentials, the core cluster structures, and the regional innovation systems devoted to the energy sector.
The mission of CluBE is to enhance collaboration and increase regional knowledge by promoting innovation and synergies between regional stakeholders in the fields of bioeconomy and environment.
CluBE is developing R&D and business activities in the fields of bioeconomy, bioenergy and environment, in order to reinforce green, smart and circular economy in the region and the neighbouring areas, namely through:
CluBE’s role in the EcoZani project is multi-dimensional. Firstly, having the appropriate experience in communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement in European projects, CluBE undertakes, together with the Municipality of Kozani, the development and implementation of an effective communication strategy, aiming at promoting EcoZani at local, regional and European level. At the same time, CluBE undertakes the coordination of the design and implementation of innovative solutions with zero waste, zero emissions and zero inclusions, in the context of the redesign of Kozani Halloween. In addition, it is actively involved in the creation of the Municipal Inclusive Circu-Tech Hub (MICTH), an innovation and collaboration hub to support new and existing businesses. In conclusion, CluBE strengthens the interconnection with partners from other regions of Europe, facilitating the exchange of experiences and transfer of know-how. Through these actions, it contributes to expanding the impact of EcoZani beyond the boundaries of Kozani, promoting the adoption of good practices by other European cities.
DIADYMA S.A. is the official Solid Waste Management Organization (National Law 4071/2012) for Western Macedonia and was established in 1998 by the municipalities of Western Macedonia to serve the needs of the region. The main objective of the company since its establishment has been the design, implementation and operation of Integrated Waste Management Plans in the Region of Western Macedonia through the application of sustainable management methods, in order to achieve the objectives of National and European legislation on waste management at the lowest cost for the citizen. Since its inception, the company has developed expertise in areas such as environmental engineering, analysis and evaluation of waste management systems (collection/transport, recycling/treatment of mixed solid waste, hazardous waste management) and environmental impacts.
DIADYMΑ S.A. is responsible for the operation of the Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) which has been operating since 2005 and consists of:
Within a few years, DIADYMA S.A. evolved into a competitive solid waste management company, resulting in the design of systems, such as the Integrated Waste Management System of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, the Waste Management of the Athens Olympic Games, etc., as well as the implementation of circular economy activities, resulting in the alternative management of waste streams for the development of new products and services through the participation and management of various European Horizon, INTERREG and LIFE projects.
DIADYMA plays a key role in EcoZani by participating in the production of practical 3Z solutions utilizing both materials and objects from the Reuse Centers, as well as recyclable materials that will be used to create equipment/products of the Kozani carnival through 3D printing, towards the utilization of waste streams within the framework of circularity in order to develop new products and services. Through EcoZani, DIADYMΑ will transfer its know-how on issues of circularity and sustainability through targeted educational actions and participation in the development of the MICTH (Municipal Inclusive Circu-Tech Hub) in collaboration with cultural associations and special groups, as well as through awareness-raising and public information campaigns aimed at sustainable waste management.
The University of Western Macedonia (UoWM) is a public university with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, serving as a key driver of development in Western Macedonia. It has extensive experience in business mentoring through its Entrepreneurship Unit, which has supported the creation of start-ups and spin-offs by offering guidance, training, and networking opportunities with experienced mentors and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it participates in business competitions and collaborates with local and international organizations to enhance innovation and technology transfer, significantly contributing to the development of a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The University of Western Macedonia plays a crucial role in the EcoZani project as the lead partner of the “Talent Ecosystem” Work Package, promoting the engagement and activation of local youth, students, and other social groups. It designs and implements actions to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation, such as the annual “EcoCarnival Business Challenge”, circular economy workshops in collaboration with fab labs, and support for start-ups through the MICTH (Municipal Inclusive Circu-Tech Hub). Furthermore, UoWM actively contributes to the development of a methodology for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the talent ecosystem, leveraging the expertise of its Schools of Engineering, Economic Sciences, and Fine Arts. Through targeted mobilization and social innovation initiatives, the university reinforces the region’s Just Transition towards a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future.
The Foundation for the Support of Entrepreneurship “JOIN4CS” based in Kozani is a multi-purpose institution, which aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and support the development of innovative ideas that lead to a sustainable and inclusive future for the region of Western Macedonia. Our areas of action are, among others, the strengthening of competitiveness and extroversion of small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of the prospects of alternative tourism and especially agro-tourism, the training of new, existing and budding entrepreneurs in the areas of the Sustainable Development Goals and in the dual green and digital transition, as well as the cooperation and partnership with Local Authorities, Universities, Research Institutes and Civil Society bodies in order to design and implement activities with positive social and environmental impact.
The Entrepreneurship Support Foundation JOIN4CS supports the development of rural and urban entrepreneurship by facilitating collaborations and synergies among stakeholders from the public sector, the business community, the research and academic sector, and civil society at both national and international level. Within the framework of ECOZANI, the core objectives of JOIN4CS include the strengthening of social capital, the promotion of participatory practices, and the implementation of 3Z-type urban interventions that reflect the principles of zero waste, zero emissions, and zero exclusion. By mapping and empowering a wide range of stakeholders, JOIN4CS aims to inspire best practices and train the local workforce, ensuring that professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to implement and sustain 3Z initiatives.
Impact Hub Athens is a vibrant hub of multi-stakeholder innovation and social entrepreneurship in the heart of Athens, founded in 2013. As part of a global network comprising over 100 hubs across 60 countries and five continents, Impact Hub Athens serves as a nucleus for visionaries, social entrepreneurs, and innovators.
With a mission to promote a fair and sustainable world, Impact Hub Athens supports businesses and organizations in leveraging entrepreneurship and profitability for the benefit of both people and the planet. Driven by a passion for addressing complex local and global challenges, Impact Hub Athens connects entrepreneurs and pioneers with major organizations, investors, and the public sector to foster impactful collaborations.
Through this curated networking, Impact Hub Athens facilitates inclusive and sustainable innovation at a scale that can truly make a difference.
Impact Hub Athens, with long-standing experience in social innovation and community empowerment, strengthens the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Western Macedonia and coordinates the work package for the Development of the Talent Ecosystem in the region. It designs and implements incubation programmes to support start-ups and existing businesses that adopt and develop sustainable practices, skills development activities for green transition, as well as networking and policy-making initiatives with correlation and participatory tools, in collaboration with the EcoZani consortium actors. It coordinates participatory urban acupuncture processes and activates the local community to transform the old railway warehouses into a multifunctional hub for education, entrepreneurship, and culture. Through programs, events and networking activities, the space will connect the young generation, entrepreneurs and creative forces with key structures of the city’s culture and economy to opportunities and contemporary tools related to green growth and inclusion.
The CIVINET Greece-Cyprus Network is the Greek-speaking national network of CIVITAS. Its main mission is to promote the principles and goals of CIVITAS at the local level, as well as to highlight the specificities and achievements of Greek and Cypriot local authorities in Europe. At the same time, it serves as the national multiplier of the EU Urban Mobility Observatory in the two countries, an institution of the European Commission that operates as an observatory and knowledge platform for sustainable mobility in the European area.
The Role of CIVINET Greece-Cyprus:
The CIVINET Greece-Cyprus network was established in March 2018 and currently comprises:
Network Achievements:
Participation of the Network in 15 European projects (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, Interreg MED, Interreg Adrion, EIT UM, EUI)
The CIVINET Greece-Cyprus team participates in the EcoZani project by institutionalizing the results and translating the project’s innovations into local development strategies. It will contribute to updating the strategies of the Municipality of Kozani for a climate-neutral city and a just development transition. Policy documents will be developed for zero waste, zero emissions, and zero exclusions at local level. Additionally, a roadmap for fair work will be created for cities facing the challenges of the post-lignite era, such as Kozani, Florina and Megalopolis. In addition, CIVINET offers its expertise in sustainable mobility, strengthening the new entrepreneurship ecosystem that is being developed and strengthened within the project.
SYMBOLO GP was founded in 2021 in Athens and operates in a range of services and projects related to urban and cultural development and innovation, research, and consulting. We collaborate with communities (citizens, businesses), spatial authorities, universities, and the private sector. Our vision is to achieve sustainable urban and cultural development centered on people and their needs through projects with a comprehensive approach to addressing real challenges in the environment, communities, culture, and productive activities.
In the EcoZani project, Symbolo leads the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) activities, following a clear strategy to collect, analyse, and use data in compliance with GDPR and scientific ethics. Regular M&E reports will track progress, identify challenges, and provide recommendations to the municipality and the project partners. A quality control system will be implemented in the form of Reflective Sessions, incorporating feedback from all partners, including transfer partners. Moreover, Symbolo will conduct an in-depth socio-economic impact assessment to evaluate the project’s contribution to the city’s Just Work Transition. The results will inform municipal and regional strategies, contributing to an Integrated EcoZani Legacy Roadmap. Ultimately, Symbolo will help align EcoZani with the city’s long-term transition goals.
Cocoon Modules disrupts the conventional construction industry through upcycling shipping containers by upgrading and converting them into modular structures for uses such as holiday homes, tourist facilities, pop-up shops, offices and ephemeral structures, among others mainly on B2B operations.
The construction method it promotes is based on prefabrication through the up-cycling of shipping containers. Utilizing these ISO structures, a modular system is created that allows for the methodical expansion of units based on the needs of each user and building program. Each unit is processed off-site and then transported and assembled on-site.
Cocoon Modules focuses on sustainable housing with a reduced energy footprint through advanced technology in materials and ergonomic design.
Cocoon Modules participates in the EcoZani project with a key role in the design and implementation of the Municipal Inclusive Circu-Tech Hub (MICTH) in Kozani. Within its responsibilities, Cocoon Modules undertakes the renovation and architectural upgrade of the old warehouse building at the OSE railway station, aiming to transform it into a modern space for collaboration, education, and innovation in the field of circular economy. At the same time, Cocoon Modules designs and installs four prefabricated units (shipping containers) in the surrounding outdoor area, creating additional functional spaces and facilities to support additional cultural activities and the Hub’s operations. The intervention follows the principles of sustainable construction, ergonomic design, flexibility to accommodate different programs and innovative techniques to utilise space.
The company CHLIAPAS SA has a long tradition in wood processing. Its foundation dates back to around 1930 and it is in the fourth consecutive generation of successors. Starting from the logging of the raw material and after a thorough process according to European specifications and methods, we produce a wide range of final products. Specifically, the company produces sawn and impregnated timber, various profiles for external cladding and many wooden structures, such as gazebos, pergolas, and lifeguard towers. In addition, since 2015, the variety of use of design programs as well as a CNC cutting machine (Hundegger K2) has been expanded, offering its customers prefabricated solutions for wooden structures.
As part of our company’s involvement, <<CHLIAPAS S.A.>> wood processing factory in the ΕcoZani project, our role is to supply structural wood materials for the renovation of the municipal warehouse of OSE. This includes products for the reconstruction of the old roof, flooring, exterior frames, and any additional services requested. With our long-standing experience and expertise, we will invest significantly in the aesthetics, durability over time, and sustainability of the project, respecting the environmental impact and the overall philosophy of the program.
AN.DH.KO S.A. – Organization For Local Development provides scientific and technical support to the Municipalities of Velventos and Kozani, fostering infrastructure upgrades and sustainable development. It plays a key role in implementing development policies, leveraging financial instruments and programs, and promoting environmental initiatives for the responsible management of natural resources. Additionally, the organization focuses on enhancing social cohesion, advancing public health, developing tourism and the rural economy, and participating in interregional programs.
Kozani’s Development Organization (AN.DH.KO) participates in the EcoZani project with the aim of facilitating all bureaucratic procedures that are often delayed when handled by a public authority. As a more flexible entity than the Municipality, AN.DH.KO is able to provide immediate solutions and accelerate processes in order to effectively serve the objectives of the project.
Limassol is a city distinguished by its rich cultural heritage and dynamic tradition of artistic and social engagement. The Municipal Cultural Department plays a central role in curating and organizing a wide array of cultural, artistic, and community events throughout the year. Notably, the Limassol Carnival holds a special place as one of the city’s most iconic and cherished traditions. With roots tracing back to the 19th century and formally celebrated since the 1940s, the Carnival attracts thousands of participants and spectators annually, both local residents and international visitors, underscoring its significance as a major cultural landmark.
Cologne is widely recognized as a cultural capital of Germany, celebrated for its longstanding traditions and festive spirit. At the heart of its cultural identity is the Cologne Carnival, a world-famous celebration known as the “fifth season.” This centuries-old event draws millions of visitors each year and features grand parades, live music, and fascinating costumes that transform the city into a festive spectacle. Supported by the municipality and local communities, the Carnival reflects Cologne’s commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and shared cultural expression. It remains a unique event in the city’s cultural calendar and a major attraction for guests throughout the world.
The Municipality of Kyustendil, located in southwestern Bulgaria, is renowned for its rich cultural legacy and historical significance. Often referred to as the “Town of Springs,” it hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events that celebrate its exceptional traditions and natural charm. The Kyustendil Spring Festival is one of the municipality’s most distinguished events, symbolizing renewal and local pride. Featuring traditional music, lively parades, and artistic performances, the festival draws visitors from across Bulgaria and beyond. It serves as a foundation of Kyustendil’s cultural life, fostering community cohesion and showcasing the distinct character of the region.