Beginning of the cooperation
A working group, representing the three BOVA member universities developed
the vision of an academic network in agroecology and organic farming. The draft
description of potential activities has been prepared and presented at the first
meeting of the Baltic educational network in agroecology (BENA), held in early
autumn, 2003. Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian representatives of BENA met in
Latvia (Jelgava) to discuss the present situation in the higher education in
agroecology, and possible paths for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The second meeting of BENA was arranged in October 2003 in Vilnius during the
conference �Building
up International Study and Research Networks between the NOVA and BOVA
Universities�. The aims and main activities of BENA were agreed upon and
possibilities for launch a joint MSc study programme in Agroecology was
discussed in detail. Creation of competency map in Baltic countries in
agroecology was set as the first step in successive development of BENA.
Extension of the network involving institutions from Nordic countries and North
West Russian region operating in area of Agroecology received positive approval
from the side of BENA members. The question of available funds for future
development of BENA was raised as a key issue.
The third BENA meeting was organised in February, 2004 in Jelgava (Latvia).
The action plan for 2004 was presented and discussed and the list of the most
suitable and known partners from NORDIC institutions and North West Russia
region for the extension of BENA to Nordic-Baltic-Russian academic network in
agroecology (NBRANA) was compiled. The need for basic initial funds for
networking was discussed and the Nordplus Neighbour programme was identified as
the most suitable donor for the initial phase of network development.
Last updated:
2005-01-18
