The project aims to contribute to a more caring and environmentally friendly society, through training and support processes aimed at developing capacities and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices that favour the transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economies.

The project aims to involve a significant number of MSMEs in sustainable supply chains as a result of supporting the adoption of sustainable and/or digitised economic practices. It also aims to generate green and digital jobs in the framework of the new opportunities opened up by the project.

The implementation of the project envisages at least two working days per month - face-to-face or virtual - with the representatives of the MSMEs. The workshops will be informative, training and/or practical application. The approach includes advice and personalised technical support in the field and through digital tools that will provide online assistance in real time, access to key documents and frequently asked questions and answers.

 The work plan contemplates the characterisation of MSMEs through the application of the process-based approach. The aim is to identify management capacity, sustainability factors and challenges, environmental challenges and opportunities, as well as the specific demands for training and support in order to offer attention in accordance with the characteristics of MSMEs to facilitate an effective green transition. 

Among the most important challenges faced by the project are the change of mentality of MSMEs in order to adopt practices oriented towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy; the adoption of sustainable practices in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union; agreements and linkages to enhance export opportunities, as well as the implementation of solidarity, sustainable and profitable business models. The project will support the definition of the new value proposition of each MSME; the management of certifications of interest, as well as access to financial resources. 

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The project targets at least 150 MSMEs and producer organisations in the agricultural, tourism and service sectors. These sectors have a significant impact on the environment, such as water and soil pollution, overexploitation of natural resources in tourism, all critical problems that need to be addressed to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as to reduce carbon emissions.

The extensive work experience of the FCA and TEC with agricultural and tourism producers and organisations in the cantons of Río Cuarto, Sarapiquí and San Carlos, as well as the exchanges with MSMEs and social actors, highlights the major challenges that limit their development and growth. These organisations have expressed their interest in participating in a process of training and technical assistance aimed at improving their effectiveness and promoting the economic growth of their businesses.

Participating MSMEs are also facing the effects of climate change which has caused heavy rains and floods, with significant effects in this area where knowledge and application of sustainable agricultural and tourism practices is limited. MSMEs also face difficulties in accessing national and international markets due to quality and sustainability requirements and the production volumes they demand.

 In a nutshell:

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