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Eudemon
This project, initiated in November 2021, aims to practically develop methodologies for mediating socio-ecological conflicts, focusing on issues arising from the current energy transition, and is primarily centered in the Alt Penedès region.
The term "Eudemon," originating from Greek mythology, refers to a benevolent spirit or genius that acts as an intermediary between gods and humans. From this figure emerged the ethical doctrine of eudemonism, which posited that achieving happiness requires acting to find a balance between human passions—shaped by the animalistic (material goods) and the rational (the mind)—and the social dimension.
The reasons of the project:
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In the context of the energy transition, the high level of conflict generated by the implementation of renewable energies in various regions of Catalonia is evident.
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New social and political demands call for new decision-making mechanisms and public governance structures. However, citizen involvement in energy decision-making and planning processes is still very limited.
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Catalonia is composed of highly diverse territories with heterogeneous realities and developments. Despite this, energy transition proposals do not emerge endogenously from these territories nor are they integrated into their own dynamics.
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The energy issue has a strong technical-technological component and a high degree of epistemological complexity, and often the necessary information is either insufficient, unclear, or not shared adequately.
Objectives:
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Use the existence of conflict as an opportunity to:
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Deepen the debate around the energy model in Catalonia.
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Generate consensus and/or concrete proposals for the territory in conflict.
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Carry out mediation by:
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Recognizing the different voices involved in a conflict and their ability to engage in dialogue.
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Creating the necessary conditions for the parties involved to be more inclined to cooperate and reach agreements.
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Develop a conflict resolution protocol based on specific practical experience that can be applied in similar situations.
The Eudemon-Alt Penedès project was part of an initial phase funded by the European Climate Foundation, which concluded on July 1, 2023. Currently, Eudemon remains active to continue deepening and expanding the work accomplished. The following tasks are planned:
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The Eudemon game serves as a tool for channeling dialogue and collective reflection. It enables the creation of work scenarios accessible to individuals with various abilities, educational levels, and areas of expertise, and provides different outcomes depending on the participants. To learn more, visit: https://www.eudemonproject.com/Admin/Activitats/Joc-Eudemon/
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Promotion of conflict resolution initiatives related to renewable energies, inspired by the experience in Alt Penedès.
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Study of the replicability of the Eudemon procedure in other territories and socioecological conflicts.
Main actions performed:
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Formation of the Regional Motor Group for the Energy Transition in Alt Penedès with the aim of initiating a change in the energy model at the regional and/or supramunicipal level through social consensus and collective construction (April 17, 2023). Report.
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Preparation of the guide “Resolution of Socioecological Conflicts and Territorial Governance Building. The Eudemon Initiative in the Deployment of Renewable Energies in Alt Penedès” (July 15, 2023). English report
In parallel with the Eudemon-Alt Penedès action line, the following activities have also been carried out:
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Collaboration with the Red2Red organization to support studies on the impact of renewables on rural environments in Spain.
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Collaboration with Renovemos las Renovables with the objective of building clean energy through dialogue and compensation.
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Writing articles.
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Participation in outreach presentations.
Temporal scope:
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Phase I: November 2021-July 2023. Funded by European Climate Foundation.
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Phase II: Ongoing.
Team:
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Sigrid Muñiz (CST) and Jaume Moya.
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Advisory Council: individuals from the academic, municipal, legal, and union sectors, as well as from research, activism, and local development, chosen for their expertise and knowledge on the subject and in alignment with the multifaceted approach of the project.
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In its early stages, there was also participation from other members of the CST: Mireia Jiménez, Llorenç Planagumà, and Raül Valls.
Contact:
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