Senior EU project manager with 20+ years in sustainability, climate, and innovation. Passionate about linking policy and practice for resilient regions.
E-zavod, the Institute for Comprehensive Development Solutions, is a Slovenian non-profit research and development organization based in Ptuj. With over 20 years of experience, E-zavod has led and participated in numerous EU-funded projects focusing on sustainable development, circular economy, smart cities, and nature-based solutions (NbS). Notably, E-zavod coordinates the Horizon 2020 project UPSURGE (Urban Policy Support for Regenerative Green Cities), which aims to bridge the gap between existing knowledge on NbS and their practical implementation for urban regeneration. The project introduces the EU Regenerative Urban Lighthouse, a reference framework to guide cities in adopting NbS for pollution alleviation and regenerative development. UPSURGE involves real-life demonstrations in five European cities—Belfast, Breda, Budapest, Katowice, and Maribor—testing NbS tailored to local conditions and engaging citizens in co-creation processes. Through projects like UPSURGE, E-zavod demonstrates its commitment to fostering sustainable urban environments by integrating innovative solutions and engaging diverse stakeholders in the transition towards climate-neutral and resilient cities.
Darko Ferčej is an experienced project manager and senior expert in EU-funded initiatives, with over 20 years of professional experience in sustainable development, regional planning, circular economy, and innovation management. He has led and contributed to numerous Interreg, Horizon, and LIFE projects, focusing on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and participatory urban development. Darko specializes in strategic coordination, transnational cooperation, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong track record in both policy integration and hands-on implementation. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Protection and brings a multidisciplinary approach to designing and delivering impactful European projects.