Abstract
About this talk
The FEED4FOOD project advances a transformative model for urban food security by establishing and enhancing Living Labs (LLs) across diverse socio economic and environmental contexts in three countries that are Greece (Drama), Cyprus (Strovolos) and Romania (Bucharest). Central to the initiative is the empowerment of minority groups (e.g. women) via their participation in community driven urban gardening. The project leverages LLs as experimental, inclusive environments where innovative cultivation techniques, social engagement and sustainable practices converge to strengthen urban food systems.
A key illustration of FEED4FOOD’s approach for Greece is the Drama LL, which spans 12 acres and includes 80 individual gardens of approximately 100–110 m². Targeting vulnerable groups that include women, migrants and dropped out youth, the LL focuses on profitable and low input vegetable cultivation, water use monitoring, organic production, waste reuse strategies, and market linkages with local distributors. Complementary objectives include capacity building, knowledge transfer and hands on training for sustainable urban gardening. Ultimately, FEED4FOOD’s Living Labs foster resilient, inclusive and environmentally sound urban food systems that strengthen long term food security in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Conservation, Minority groups, Sustainability, Urban gardening
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