ICS researchers participate in a European project to study depopulation and search for possible solutions

Ruth Breeze and Sarali Gintsburg, from the project 'Public discourse' of the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) of the University of Navarra, are participating in the international project KiNESIS, which seeks to study the phenomenon of depopulation in rural areas of Spain, Italy and Ireland. The research is developed jointly with the University of Naples L'Oriental (Italy), the University College Dublin (Ireland) and the University of Maynooth (Ireland). Also participating will be Carmen Urpi, from the School of Education and Psychology of the University, and Luis Campos, from the Observatory of the Social Reality of Navarra, of the Regional Government.

Thanks to the funding of the financial aid Erasmus+, offered by the European Commission, a live laboratory will be developed among the study countries where best policies and good practices to combat depopulation and revitalize rural areas will be shared . This research also aims to revitalize depopulated areas by activating entrepreneurship, as well as to test new multidisciplinary and innovative approaches to Education and learning. The project seeks to create a exchange alliance of knowledge between companies, NGOs, communities, academia and local authorities.

The ICS researchers also stressed that these rural areas are rich in cultural traditions that should be preserved. Specifically, 'Public discourse' will organize groups of volunteers from Germany, Spain, Estonia, Italy and the Netherlands to carry out practical activities aimed at fostering social integration, promote the management manager of cultural heritage and create forums for sharing resources and creative initiatives. They will also be responsible for providing an overview of current initiatives designed to revitalize depopulated areas in Spain and will hold a lecture for all members of project.

KiNESIS links with the recent research of group of Public discourse in the field of migration and social integration, especially with the study 'Identity and expectations in the Moroccan community of Navarra: the women's perspective' carried out in the Ribera de Navarra.