From February 24th to 26th, the ToNoWaste Winter School 2025 took place in Valencia, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders in a transdisciplinary training focused on tackling Food Loss and Waste (FLW). The event, hosted at Las Naves, provided a unique framework that integrated expert insights with interactive group work, fostering collaboration between science and practice.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The Winter School opened with a warm welcome and introductions, emphasizing the need to connect scientific research with real-world applications. Participants engaged in a team-building session before diving into expert presentations from Universitat Jaume I (UJI) and the Center for Agricultural Research (CAR). These inputs highlighted key aspects of the food system, laying the groundwork for the group work sessions that followed.
One of the key interactive elements of the day was the participative creation of a food system map. Attendees, drawing from their diverse backgrounds, identified major problem fields contributing to food loss and waste. This exercise promoted mutual learning, encouraging participants to analyze FLW through a systems-thinking lens. The day concluded with a dynamic knowledge quiz, reinforcing the day’s discussions in an engaging format.
Day 2: From Challenges to Solutions
The second day delved deeper into sustainability assessment frameworks and practical applications. UJI presented the ToNoWaste Science-Based Framework, equipping participants with analytical tools to assess FLW solutions effectively. Group work sessions then transitioned into role-playing exercises, where participants explored problem-solving strategies and potential interventions.
A highlight of the day was the outdoor photo walk, where attendees documented “Food (waste) in the city” through visual storytelling. This immersive activity encouraged a different perspective on urban food challenges, fostering creativity and critical thinking. The afternoon continued with a STEEPED evaluation workshop, facilitating discussions on multi-dimensional approaches to FLW reduction. The day wrapped up with social networking over drinks and snacks, providing space for informal discussions and future collaborations.
Day 3: Bringing Insights into Action
The final day focused on synthesizing the knowledge gained and preparing actionable outcomes. Wageningen University presented insights on socio-technical innovations and consumer behavior, sparking discussions on behavioral change as a key driver in FLW reduction.
Participants then presented their group work results, outlining key takeaways and proposed solutions. A reflection session allowed for constructive feedback, linking back to the initial system map created on Day 1. The Winter School concluded with a site visit to a local school, where an innovative food initiative was showcased, reinforcing the importance of community-driven action in addressing FLW.
A Step Forward for Sustainable Food Systems
The ToNoWaste Winter School 2025 successfully facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By combining expert knowledge with participatory methods, the event empowered participants to think critically about FLW and co-develop strategies for a more sustainable food system.
The Winter School in Pictures
