The Steering Committees of the Interreg Aurora programme have so far decided to appoint five projects as Operations of Strategic Importance (OSI). Five projects that tells the story about the importance of cross-border cooperation funded by Interreg Aurora and the contribution by the European Cohesion policy.
The Interreg regulations for the 2021-2027 programming period includes a new feature, the so-called Operations of Strategic Importance (OSI). This means a project which provides a significant contribution to the achievement of the objectives of a programme. With thousands of cohesion policy projects funded each year across Europe, the aim is to highlight key and emblematic projects that benefits our daily lives in the northernmost parts of Europe and Sápmi.
Tina Nilsson, Interreg Aurora programme director says:
“We are proud over the width and diversity of the selected projects that are appointed Operations of Strategic Importance. The projects will improve transboundary water management and biodiversity in Tana Valley, boosting space related business, regaining capacity for the Sami civil society, innovative technologies to eliminate PFAS chemicals in the environment and promoting regenerative nature tourism”.
The projects highlight unique features and expertise in our programme area, where we can make a significant difference for a sustainable development, not only regionally but also in a European perspective. We are excited to work closely with the projects to highlight and communicate their activities and achievements.
We also look forward to inviting representatives from the European Commission to learn more about the cross-border cooperation at specific events and activities organised by the projects, in cooperation with the Managing Authority of Interreg Aurora“.
The following projects has so far been appointed as an Operation of Strategic Importance by the Interreg Aurora Programme:
- Our Precious Transboundary Waters responds to the request of people living in the border municipalities of Finland and Norway to raise awareness of the state of the transboundary watersheds of the Pasvik, Neiden and Tana regions. The project strengthens the cross-border interaction among municipalities, local NGOs, scientific organizations, and government authorities. The project will create a joint salmon database for Neiden river catchment and make common plans for preventing the spread of salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris.
- Boosting Space Business – the Aurora Region Space Economy Ecosystem (AuroraSpace) project will boost space business and enhance the space innovation system. The goal is to support smart specialization in space and maximise the probability for growth with new businesses created.
- ReCap ASáp: Regaining capacity in a changing Sápmi will strengthen Sami civil society’s opportunities to participate in the societal debate on the needs of Sami development. The project will strengthen Sami organisations to advocate for the Sami perspectives and provide better knowledge base for decision-making.
- NeTo-PFAS project aims to create a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing PFAS-contaminated groundwater, on site at the source of contamination. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are extremely difficult to break down and the chemicals are harmful to people and animals. The project main target group is the public sector, specifically municipalities that are responsible for the detailed planning of land use.
- REGGAE project will promote regenerative tourism that will increase well-being and prosperity for nature, society, culture, and a more stable income for tourism entrepreneurs. Travelling can have a positive impact on a nature destination and its surrounding society, depending on the design of tourist experiences and services.
Learn more about the Interreg Aurora projects that are appointed Operations of Strategic Importance
