PROWAD LINK partner meeting held in Norfolk, UK

On 4 to 7 November 2019, the PROWAD LINK project partners met in the project pilot region of North Norfolk Coast/ the Wash (UK). Over 30 representatives of the 14 partner organisations discussed the current status of the project and further developed the work packages on brand activation, enhanced brand engagement by establishing new or extending existing partnership programmes, sustainable entrepreneurship and co-creation of new or improved products and services linking nature protection and economic growth. The meeting also discussed first products developed by PROWAD LINK: an analysis of recent market trends which will be communicated to SMEs individually but also within co-creation activities, as well as a feasibility study for transnational routes.

The meeting concluded with a preparatory discussion of the second PROWAD LINK Forum, to be held in Hamburg on 11 - 12 February 2019. The Forum is open to interested SMEs, regional networks and partnerships, who want to engage in nature brands such as the Wadden Sea World Heritage, North Norfolk Coast/ the Wash and the Geiranger Fjord.

The meeting was accompanied by site visits to the RSPB Frampton Marsh restoration area adjacent to the Wash and Holkham Nature Reserve at the Norfolk Coast, where visitor education and site management were showcased. An owner of a local brewery reported on the advantages and challenges of offering a local product and connecting it to the region’s heritage. A provider of sailing trips on traditional boats to the Wash presented their business model and philosophy by linking sailing tradition, unique experience trips and respect for nature.

The next partner meeting will be held in Lower Saxony, Germany, on 20 - 23 April 2019.