Initiatives supporting existing and new community projects, in regard to integration, training and the promotion of the social economy and solidarity projects
Recent community projects in the region, along with solidarity initiatives, have been instrumental in providing an effective response to situations of structural unemployment, school dropout rates, family poverty and other socio-economic problems. Strengthening social and solidarity economy (SSE) initiatives, within the framework of what is known as the blue economy, is an opportunity for coastal neighbourhoods. This project’s main objective is to promote the social and solidarity economy linked to the local blue economy.
Actions to support existing and new community projects related to employment, training and the promotion of the social economy and solidarity work in economic sectors linked to the sea (blue economy) aim to maintain, improve and increase employment levels and encourage entrepreneurship in economic activities related to Barcelona’s maritime heritage.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Pillar 5 of the Barcelona Blue Economy Strategy (linking the blue economy to the city and its inhabitants) includes the action ‘Promoting the social and solidarity economy linked to the local blue economy’ to stimulate and support initiatives based on the pillars of the social and solidarity economy.
We also plan to:
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Search for business models that are more disruptive, transformative and scalable, while at the same time sustainable and solidary.
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Work with local stakeholders and services to develop strategies and opportunities, offering support to promote maritime community action and collective participation. Support processes for identifying, designing and strengthening blue community projects that emerge in the neighbourhoods.
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Strengthen collaboration with existing initiatives to promote employment initiatives carried out by organisations and economic actors in the seafront districts, such as the Barceloneta ‘Proa a la Mar’ Community Plan, which is an exemplary project of community work linked to the blue economy. In fact, several citizens’ organisations are developing projects under the Climate Plan and BIT Habitat, with grants for organisations to carry out seafront-related projects in the area.
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Inclusion of actions linked to the blue economy in community development plans or district development plans for coastal neighbourhoods.