EEA AND NORWAY GRANTS
FUND FOR BILATERAL RELATIONS
INITIATIVE PROPOSAL
Title of the initiative:
Climate Partnership: Building Bilateral Relations for Sustainable Futures
Implementing entity (beneficiary state entity):
Pernova Education Center (Estonia)
Partner(s) (minimum one donor state entity):
Reykjavik City Government (Iceland)
Bilateral priority area identified by the JCBF beyond the programmes:
X promotion of core European values, such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights for all people, regardless of their racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity;
• E-governance (digitalization)
• eastern partnership
• equality and equal treatment
• competitive business environment, sustainable and adaptive governance (based on “Competitiveness Plan for 2020” approved by the Government of Estonia)
Allocation (total sum):
28780 €
Short description of the initiative:
(background, aim, participants, activity plan, budget outline, communication and dissemination)
About Pernova Education Center
Pernova Education Center envisions itself as a pioneering educational institution, recognized both in Estonia and internationally. Renowned for its innovative integration of natural sciences, technology, and engineering, Pernova is dedicated to fostering a sustainable mindset and promoting environmentally conscious behavior.
Founded in 2010, Pernova operates under the management of the Pärnu City government. Today, it offers a wide range of extracurricular activities across four specialized educational facilities: the Nature House, the Technology House, the Motocross House, and the Skatepark.
In an era where urban living is increasingly prevalent, Pernova believes in the importance of maintaining a strong connection with nature and raising awareness about environmental changes. This mission is achieved through various exhibitions, special events, hobby groups, and hands-on educational programs, especially tailored for schoolchildren. Over the past year, Pernova welcomed 13,000 tourists and engaged 13,500 students in projects and activities centered around nature, the environment, and climate awareness.
Pernova's Climate Projects
One of Pernova's latest initiatives is the creation of a new climate education area, SmartPark, which opened in the spring of 2024. Main aim of this project was to create infrastructure and to support sectoral developments to improve the environmental capacity of Pernova Education Center as an influencer of the environmental education for all target groups in City of Pärnu. This project was developed in collaboration with Norway, involving reciprocal study visits between Kongsberg, Norway, and Pärnu, Estonia. The focus of these exchanges was on learning about green energy initiatives—specifically, how to reduce CO2 emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and create more sustainable living environments.
Collaboration with Reykjavik City Government
The Reykjavik City Government is renowned for its exemplary climate action plan, which includes innovative and sustainable initiatives such as the Knowledge Hub, Green Steps, and the Green Deal. All Reykjavík City departments are jointly moving towards to their goals in Climate Agreement. The emphasis is on environment, economy and society and it reaches different groups like schools, private businesses, non-profit organizations, other municipalities and residents of Reykjavik to figure out how to endeavor this goal, similar to the development strategies of the City of Pärnu. Our shared emphasis on renewable energy, ambitious climate targets highlights a commitment to leading by example in the global effort to mitigate climate change.
On August 28th, 2024, Pernova Education Center’s Program Manager, Kadri Rea, and Kamma Thordarson, the Project Manager from Reykjavik City Government’s Office of the Mayor and CEO, agreed to establish active bilateral relations according to the activities of the Pernova Educational Center, focusing on climate activities.
Project Activities
The primary goal of this collaboration is to build new bilateral relations and learn from Reykjavik’s innovative projects, thereby enhancing field-based cooperation. Environmental health is a global concern, and it is crucial to share experiences and create immediate meeting points to address climate change. Participants from both sides are committed to fostering active cooperative relations.
In the spring of 2025, 16 members from Pernova Education Center and other interested parties are expected to visit Reykjavik's City Hall Offices. With the assistance of the local government, they will also visit institutions related to education and science. Following the study trip, Pernova will host a seminar to disseminate the acquired knowledge within the institution, ensuring that the insights benefit a broader audience beyond just the study trip attendees. This collaboration will offer both parties valuable experience and foster essential connections through the development of bilateral relations.
Activity plan:
Activity
Time
Location
Cost
Participants
1
Study trip to Reykjavik
March 2025
Reykjavík
27680 €
16 people
2
Seminar
March 2025
Pärnu
1100 €
35 people total
Planned results1
OUTPUT
INDICATOR
TARGET
Study trip to Reykjavík
Number of participants
16 people
Seminar
Number of participants
35 people
/Digitally signed/
Kaire Mertsin
Director
Pernova Education Center