On May 12, 2026, student information and awareness actions were successfully carried out at the Messara Agricultural School and four school units in Heraklion by PANETAIK S.A., within the framework of the European project CSSBoost – Boosting Circular Systemic Solutions through Virtual Regional Circular Economy Space.
The actions involved the participation of the Messara Agricultural School, as well as school units participating in a joint environmental awareness group in Heraklion, specifically the 6th Vocational Senior High School (EPAL) of Heraklion, the General Senior High School (GEL) of Gazi, the 1st EPAL of Heraklion, and the 1st Laboratory Center of Heraklion.
The aim of the workshops was to inform the educational community on issues of circular economy, green manure, sustainable development, environmental protection, and the active participation of youth in actions that enhance environmental consciousness.
During the presentations, the Director of PANETAIK S.A., Ms. Maria Petrantonaki, expanded upon the basic principles of the circular economy, emphasizing the transition from the linear “take-make-dispose” model to a new model that maintains the value of resources, reduces waste, and promotes sustainable development. Special reference was made to the possibilities of applying circularity in the agri-food sector through the utilization of agricultural and livestock residues for the production of energy, fertilizers, and new high-value-added products.
Subsequently, Ms. Katerina Litou, project management associate at PANETAIK S.A., presented the European project CSSBoost, which is being implemented within the framework of the Horizon program, with the participation of 21 partners from 8 countries. The main objectives, the pilot actions, and the project’s contribution to the development of innovative circular economy solutions were presented, with a special focus on the Crete Pilot, which focuses on utilizing by-products of the agri-food sector through new value chains.
Of particular interest were the actions of the joint schools group of Heraklion, which over the last four years has been implementing significant initiatives to raise student awareness regarding recycling, the circular economy, and volunteerism. In this context, actions are carried out for the collection and sorting of recyclable materials, the placement of recycling bins in school classrooms in collaboration with ESDAK, as well as pilot actions for the collection and categorization of expired medicines, aiming to protect the environment and particularly the marine ecosystem.
The informative action concluded with a discussion and exchange of views with the students, who had the opportunity to learn about modern sustainable development practices, be informed about the potential of the circular economy, and understand the importance of youth’s active participation in environmental protection.
A special moment was the presentation of original artworks made from recyclable materials, created by the students, creatively capturing the problems of marine pollution and the need to protect the natural environment.
PANETAIK S.A. warmly thanks the educators and the school units for their hospitality, cooperation, and the important work they carry out in the field of environmental education and student awareness. At the same time, it expresses its intention to continue and strengthen its cooperation with the educational community of Crete, through joint actions and initiatives that promote the circular economy, sustainability, and the environmental consciousness of the new generation.
