About Us
PERINEXT – Development of Knowledge and Vocational Skills for Transition to Sustainable Peri-urban Areas with Integrated Climate Solutions use of biomass energy.
Peri-urban areas are where the future is quietly unfolding, spaces shaped by tension, transition, and tremendous potential. PeriNEXT steps into this overlooked zone not just with ideas, but with action. Rooted in collaboration and driven by purpose, the project reimagines how we plan, educate, and innovate for climate-neutral, inclusive, and resilient communities across Europe.
Where Urban Meets Rural: The Challenge We Face
Peri-urban areas, zones between urban and rural regions, are rapidly expanding across Europe, often without adequate planning or sustainability considerations. This unregulated growth leads to environmental degradation, infrastructure pressure, and rising social inequalities. The European Union’s climate goals and sustainability strategies highlight the urgent need to support these areas with climate-smart, inclusive, and scalable solutions. PeriNEXT was born out of this necessity to strengthen the capacities of professionals and institutions working at the intersection of urban development and environmental resilience.
Shaping Climate-Smart Peri-Urban Futures
PeriNEXT aims to support the transition of peri-urban areas into sustainable, climate-neutral zones by empowering VET professionals and institutions through education, innovation, and collaboration. The project addresses local and cross-border sustainability challenges with interdisciplinary strategies and practical tools.
Our Roadmap to Impact
The project focuses on raising awareness, developing a practical VET toolkit, organizing participatory workshops, fostering innovation, enhancing institutional capacity, and aligning with EU sustainability policies. Together, these objectives contribute to long-term impact and transferable solutions for peri-urban development.
Why Now? Why PeriNEXT?
PeriNEXT offers a fresh and action-oriented response to one of Europe’s most overlooked yet critical spaces peri-urban areas. Unlike urban-focused projects, PeriNEXT specifically supports areas where rural and urban issues overlap. By combining climate neutrality with vocational training, it bridges the gap between environmental need and professional capacity-building.
From Vision to Action: What Wo Do
The project consists of three main activities: the Discover Today brainstorm workshops, which gather insights and ideas through participatory methods; the Climate Neutral Awareness Kit, an open-access toolkit offering best practices and guidance and the Design Our Tomorrow Ideathon, where experts collaboratively generate scalable solutions. These activities are designed to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector collaboration.
Empowering the People Who Make Change Happen
PeriNEXT works with a diverse group of stakeholders, including urban planners, environmental and energy engineers, mobility experts, social service professionals, and VET trainers. Additionally, local policymakers and authorities are engaged to ensure the project’s solutions are practical, inclusive, and aligned with regional needs.
A Strong Alliance for a Greener Tomorrow
The project is led by the Municipality of Valongo from Portugal, with strong collaboration from IGEA – Innovation Entrepreneurship Education and Research from Türkiye and SDSN – Sustainable Development Studies and Network from Belgium. Together, the partners bring expertise in sustainability, environmental education, policy impact, and community engagement, creating a well-balanced and effective consortium.
Leaving a Lasting Mark on Peri-Urban Europe
PeriNEXT aims to create long-term, replicable impact by delivering open-access tools, building capacity among professionals, and influencing local and European sustainability agendas. By focusing on VET and peri-urban development, the project contributes to both immediate knowledge-building and structural change that extends beyond its duration.