The interreg IIIc project “EcolAND: an Ecological Approach for the Next Decades” - runs for the period 2003-2006 and was approved on the first consideration of proposals for Interreg 3c’s eastern zone on 9th January 2003.

The project concerns the creation of a European relationships network of partners who have similar experiences, in order to be able to identify an effective model for the planning and management of Eco-Industrial Parks. This model has to be compliant with European Community directives and at the same time adaptable to the Laws and the regulations of the local Governments. The project was conceived in an effort to seek synergies within economic development, the local communities and the natural environment (resources, landscape etc.).

Sustainable development are the key words for this new integrated approach; it requires local actions to ensure that development leads to a future where both economic development and environmental respect are compatible.

The operation’s idea is basically to test an innovative model to plan, design and promote industrial areas equipped and infrastructurally designed using innovative technological and environmental standards.

In more detail the project aims to:
1. Create a methodology at European scale to support local development processes and SMEs development in particular in the provision of innovative sites with technologically advanced infrastructure for the location of SMEs.
2. Elaborate guide lines to plan industrial sites with environmentally and technologically advanced infrastructure.
3. Test the innovative management (from the environmental and ICT point of view) of existing industrial areas.
4. Assess and test the transferability of the model to other European locations.

The local authorities and development agencies involved in this project maintain a strong emphasis on development processes for SMEs and attach great importance to environmental policies.