As part of the ARCADIA project activities, the Regional Development Agency Centru hosted the RO–IT Twinning Meeting between the Centru Region (Romania) and the Emilia Romagna Region (Italy) from 3 to 7 November 2025.
The week-long programme combined field visits, expert exchanges, and collaborative sessions focused on strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable forest management and climate resilience. Participants explored the forests of the Centru Region, visiting both actively managed and protected areas, including the Old Growth UNESCO Forest “Șinca Veche” and the Brașov Municipality Forest. These visits provided valuable insights into the region’s diverse approaches to forest conservation and sustainable resource management.
The study visit also included meetings with local wood-processing companies, a self-sufficient energy community, and a guided tour of the Piatra Craiului National Park. These experiences highlighted the potential of circular economy practices and community-driven innovation in enhancing regional sustainability.
A key part of the event was the Regional Conference on Climate Change, held in Brașov. The conference offered a platform for dialogue and exchange on sustainable forest management, ecosystem services, and mechanisms for accessing payments for these services. During the event, the co-innovation labs developed within the ARCADIA project in the Emilia Romagna Region were also presented, illustrating how collaborative innovation can accelerate climate adaptation and institutional learning.
The twinning between the Centru Region and the Emilia Romagna Region continues to be a dynamic and participatory process that fosters collaboration, co-reflection, and mutual learning. Through this exchange, both regions are strengthening institutional capacities, sharing good practices, and advancing their commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient development.
