The network's objective, led by the Municipality of Borgomanero (Italy), is to create local alliances for the sustainable protection and improvement of lake ecosystems, drawing on the experience of Lake Orta. CityLake adapts the principles of the recognized Cusio Lake Contract, combining scientific knowledge, continuous monitoring, and the involvement of citizens, businesses, and NGOs.
The network includes representatives from Silla (Spain), Águeda (Portugal), Ioànnina (Greece), the Tartu County Development Association (Estonia), Kolašin (Montenegro), Edineț (Moldavia), and Ternòpil (Ukraine). The project, with a budget of 750,000 euros, runs until April 2028.
The meeting in Silla will place special emphasis on the involvement of local stakeholders through the URBACT Local Groups (ULG). Partners will exchange experiences on how to engage different stakeholders in the CityLake transfer process, comparing territorial challenges and solutions.
Participants will learn about Silla's local initiatives related to environmental management, such as the Green Filter and the port. The discussion will focus on how to reconcile tourism development with the protection of fragile lake ecosystems, with contributions from sectors like conservation, fishing, agriculture, and tourism.
For Silla, participation is framed within its experience in the Albufera Natural Park area and local environmental protection initiatives.
On the second day, partners will work on developing their Transfer Plans, adapting the principles of the Cusio Lake Contract to each specific context. A study visit to the Albufera lake will provide firsthand insight into the host territory's challenges.
CityLake, co-financed by the European Union through the URBACT IV program, aims to strengthen the capacity of European cities to build long-term local alliances around their lakes.
