From March 25 to 27, 2025, the HuMUS project community gathered in Gabrovo, Bulgaria for its third General Assembly and Consortium Meeting. Hosted by RAM Central Stara Planina and the Municipality of Gabrovo, the event marked an important step in the final phase of the project.
Day 1: Reflections, Pilots and Replication
The opening day, held at the Ceremonial Hall of Gabrovo Municipality, began with warm welcomes and a presentation of the project’s new Ethics Advisor. The spotlight then turned to the achievements of WP2 pilot projects, with a deep dive into lessons learned and how to scale these innovations. The day closed with a collaborative session on replication strategies, followed by a convivial social dinner.
Day 2: Strategic Planning and Institutional Commitment
The morning was dedicated to the internal Consortium Meeting, where partners reviewed the status of core work packages and aligned on final deliverables – including the upcoming HuMUS Final Conference.
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to public engagement. In a powerful Institutional Ceremony, several local authorities signed the Mission Soil Manifesto, reaffirming their commitment to soil regeneration. The session featured inspiring interventions, including by Gabrovo’s Mayor Tanya Hristova, and presentations of local soil initiatives – from composting and eco-greenhouses to pilot projects aligning with the HuMUS approach.
Day 3: Pilot Exchange and Local Exploration
The final day, hosted at the Technical University of Gabrovo, featured an interactive online workshop with WP4 pilots, showcasing diverse approaches to participatory soil governance across Europe and beyond. The Assembly concluded with a guided tour of Gabrovo, giving participants a taste of local culture and humor.
Looking Ahead
With HuMUS entering its final year, the energy and commitment shared in Gabrovo will help shape its legacy, translating local experimentation into lasting policy impact. A heartfelt thank you to all partners, speakers, and hosts for making this Assembly a true celebration of collaboration and soil stewardship.