EcoZani: Creative, innovative and inclusive ecosystems towards just work transition in Kozani (Western Macedonia, Greece) 

EcoZani is a project in Kozani, Greece, focused on facilitating a just transition in the post-coal era by harnessing local social capital and preserving cultural heritage. It targets three main areas: “Talent” to promote youth entrepreneurship; “Technology” to develop sustainable products and establish the UpCycle Creative Reuse Centre; and “Tolerance” to encourage inclusivity through participatory processes. The initiative aims to transform the Carnival of Kozani into the first Zero-waste, Zero-emissions, Zero-exclusion (3Z) event in Europe, integrating green and digital transitions while engaging various local stakeholders.

This approach contributes to Kozani’s ambitions to work towards achieving a climate-neutral and smart development, as part of the EU's goal of having 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030. It aligns with EU climate goals and seeks to foster sustainable development in the community.