Ihobe has explained how the preparation of the Basque Soil Protection Strategy 2030 was managed by means of a co-creation process and with a comprehensive approach towards this natural resource, making it an almost unique strategy in Europe

Thus, Zuriñe Maestre Zuazua, a technician from the Ihobe Climate Action Area, explained the co-creation and participation process of the strategy, its objectives, and the deployment of the specific actions which is underway in the Basque Country. The ultimate goal was to be able to act as an example and inspiration to other European regions in order to develop strategic planning instruments or policies to protect the soil; working collaboratively and in a coordinated way with all the stakeholders involved in its protection and management, along with the vision of spearheading a cross-cutting and integrated soil management model.

In June 2022, the Basque Government approved the first Basque Soil Protection Strategy 2030 that comprehensively addresses soil management – going beyond the traditional approach to contaminated land – and where the Basque Country is a benchmark in Europe. It is, therefore, a trailblazing strategy both in the Basque Country and in Spain. In Europe, only a few states or regions, such as Switzerland, Scotland, Wales and the Netherlands, have similar comprehensive soil management policies.

The ERRIN Bioeconomy Working Group organised the session in which the Basque best practice was presented; the working group focuses on increasing the influence of the regions in the configuration of the European circular bioeconomy, along with driving the Horizon European Soil Mission, in other words the EU Mission whose aim is for at least 75% of all European soils to be healthy by 2030.

About ERRIN

Founded over two decades ago, the European Regions Research and Innovation (ERRIN) network gathers together over 120 regional organisations from 20 Europe countries with the aim of spearheading competitiveness through research and innovation

Established in 2001, the ERRIN network gathers over 120 regional organisations from 20 European countries to drive competitiveness through research and innovation. The network supports its members in enhancing their research and innovation and capacities and further develop their R&D&I ecosystems. Furthermore, it has a long-standing relationship with EU institutions to strengthen the regional and local dimension in EU policy and programmes.

ERRIN also offers a platform for knowledge exchange and fosters regional cooperation, by supporting its members in the process to develop projects and opportunities. The Basque Country actively participates in several of the network's 13 working groups, including energy and bioeconomy.