The Kick-off Meeting of the EVOLVE project will take place in Tirana, Albania, on 30 September – 1 October 2025, hosted by the Barleti Institute for Research and Development (BIRD), the project’s Lead Partner.

The meeting will bring together all consortium partners from Albania, Montenegro, and Italy, along with representatives of public institutions and stakeholders, to officially launch the activities and build a common basis for cooperation.

Over the course of the two days, the meeting will present the project’s vision, objectives, and expected results, while giving each partner the opportunity to illustrate their role and contribution. The agenda includes presentations of the work packages, timelines, and communication activities, as well as discussions on the EVOLVE Strategy for Biodiversity and the creation of the Biodiversity Digital Innovation Hubs in Albania and Montenegro.

The Kick-off will also provide opportunities for networking, exchanging ideas, and agreeing on the immediate next steps, ensuring the start of a three-year collaboration built on a shared strategy to promote biodiversity protection and green growth through digital transformation.

Why EVOLVE matters
Biodiversity in the South Adriatic is under pressure: climate change, human activity, and lack of resources threaten fragile ecosystems. Local communities and small businesses often lack the digital tools or knowledge to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

The EU-funded EVOLVE project offers a cross-border response: developing a shared Biodiversity Strategy and launching two Digital Biodiversity Hubs in Albania and Montenegro. These hubs will provide spaces to test solutions, build skills, and exchange good practices.

EVOLVE will deliver a regional strategy, establish the two hubs, and pilot digital services for biodiversity. The project will help businesses and institutions adopt innovative tools, strengthen resilience, and connect with the EU’s green and digital goals.

The partnership
The consortium is led by the Barleti Institute for Research and Development (BIRD) – Albania, and includes:

• Technologies Design and Materials European Research Centre (CETMA) – Italy

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis (ICT Tehnopolis) – Montenegro

• Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) – Albania

• Environmental Protection Fund (Eco Fund) – Montenegro

• Regional Agency for Rural Agricultural Development and Fisheries (ARSARP) – Italy