One of the PERETO project's goals is to integrate principles of sustainable production and consumption, energy and resource efficiency into tourism education. Currently, PERETO collaborates with and actively supports seven universities offering programs in "Tourism" that have already integrated topics of sustainable production and consumption, as well as energy and resource efficiency into their curricula:
- Tourism Academy
- Osh State University
- Kyrgyz State University named after K. Karasaev
- Naryn State University named after S. Naamatov
- Issyk-Kul State University named after K. Tynystanov
- Kyrgyz Economic University named after M. Ryskulbekov
- Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabaev
Today, students can introduce innovative approaches to business and product development that can reduce the negative impact on the environment. This may include the use of renewable energy sources, the development of environmentally friendly technologies, and other solutions. Students can promote sustainable consumption models through IT solutions and social entrepreneurship, creating products and services that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy conservation, and transitioning to a more environmentally responsible lifestyle.
In pursuit of these objectives, the PERETO project, in collaboration with the youth organization IDEA Central Asia, initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign called "Ecology 3.0" for students, focusing on environmental issues and their role in the development of sustainable tourism.
The first stage of Ecology 3.0 involves workshops for tourism students in Kyrgyzstan. Workshops, led by PERETO experts, IDEA CA, eco-activists, and eco-bloggers, took place in all 7 partner universities. In a 4-hour session, students received information on climate change, environmental projects, eco-activism, sustainable tourism, and green technologies.
The workshop at the Tourism Academy was opened by the project manager of the European Union delegation in the Kyrgyz Republic, Stefano Corrado, who stated: "We are pleased that the PERETO project team, implemented under the SWITCH-Asia program, engages youth and universities. We believe that young people aspiring to create will generate and implement green solutions for a sustainable future. I wish all participants of 'Ecology 3.0' success and inspiration."
Students from the mentioned universities now have the opportunity to participate in the extensive environmental campaign "Ecology 3.0" and "Ecotone," scheduled to take place from December 4th to 7th, 2023, in Bishkek.
The goal of Ecotone is to contribute to the development of digital solutions to mitigate the consequences of climate change in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on promoting sustainable tourism, energy conservation, and energy efficiency.