The PERINEXT project – Development of Knowledge and Vocational Skills for Transition to Sustainable Peri-urban Areas with Integrated Climate Solutions – addresses the growing environmental, economic, and social challenges posed by the rapid expansion of peri-urban areas across Europe. In the past decade, these zones have witnessed a significant increase in population and unregulated urbanization, leading to intensified climate-related vulnerabilities, environmental degradation, and widening social inequalities. Despite their strategic importance in the sustainable urban-rural continuum, peri-urban areas remain underrepresented in EU sustainability strategies. This project responds to this gap by promoting advanced vocational education and interdisciplinary collaboration to foster climate-neutral solutions for these regions.

PROJECT PROGRAMME

The project is funded under the Erasmus+ KA210-VET - Small-scale Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training programme, Call 2024 Round 2. With a duration of 15 months, starting in March 2025, and a total grant of €60,000, it brings together a transnational consortium led by Municipio de Valongo (Portugal) with partners IGEA (Türkiye) and Sustainable Development Studies Network (SDSN) (Belgium).

PROJECT AIM

PERINEXT aims to equip VET professionals with advanced knowledge and interdisciplinary skills to design and implement sustainable planning strategies for peri-urban areas. The project seeks to contribute directly to the EU Green Deal, Cohesion Policy, Rural Development Policy, and the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities & Villages Mission. It fosters innovation in vocational training through the creation of practical tools and collaborative learning environments.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The project has the following specific objectives: to raise awareness among 150 VET professionals about climate-oriented urban planning; to develop an innovative, replicable VET Toolkit for peri-urban skills; to organize participatory workshops that foster interdisciplinary exchange and consensus-building; to integrate good practices into actionable climate-neutral solutions; to enhance the capacity of VET institutions; and to contribute to relevant EU policies and missions.

Primary direct beneficiaries – VET professionals such as urban planners, environmental and energy engineers, mobility experts, and social service specialists, as well as VET trainers and institutions.
Indirect beneficiaries – policymakers, local authorities, NGOs, research institutions, and the wider community in peri-urban areas.

To achieve these goals, PERINEXT will carry out a carefully designed set of interconnected activities. The project will start with Project Management and Implementation, which will ensure effective coordination among partners, quality assurance, and smooth progress across all work packages. This will be followed by the Discover Today – Brainstorm Workshop, where local and international professionals will participate in collaborative sessions aimed at developing innovative, climate-neutral strategies for peri-urban planning. Another core activity is the development of the Climate Neutral Awareness Kit, an open-access digital resource featuring guides, best practices, and strategic frameworks to support sustainable planning efforts. Finally, the project will organize the Design Our Tomorrow – International Ideathon, which will encourage cross-border cooperation and foster the creation of practical and scalable solutions for sustainable urban development.

For more information about the project and its latest updates, please visit our website: https://perinext.eu/