The phenolic compounds, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol are considered the main active compounds of the olive leaf, which have been proven to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as well as other phenols, have a specific role in protecting plants and increasing resistance to phytopathogenic fungi, which can be of crucial importance for sustainable olive cultivation in general. Phenols and polyphenols are ubiquitous compounds in plants that play an important role in the host plants defence mechanism against filamentous fungi. The importance of phenol, in addition to increasing the plants resistance to pathogens, is also evident in the production of functional food and nutraceuticals, as well as natural-based medicines for treating oral diseases. The need to find new therapeutic procedures in the treatment of pathological conditions of the oral cavity has led to increased interest in the use of natural substrates. It has been proven that agricultural practices can increase the phenol content in olive leaves. So far, only a few studies have focused on studying the influence of mineral nutrition on the composition of phenols in olive leaves. In this project, a whole series of experiments are planned to determine the influence of certain mineral nutrients (N, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and B) and elicitors (phosphite and potassium silicate) on the composition of phenols in the olive leaf of different varieties. The impact of the previously selected mineral nutrient or elicitor, which proves to be the most effective in increasing the level of phenol, on the development of peacock eye disease caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Venturia oleaginea (syn. Spilocaea oleaginea) will also be evaluated. The development of the disease will be monitored on treated olives in the field or under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. The effect of the best treatment will be tested through the quality of olive oil on the Leccino variety grown on different terroirs. As part of this project, it is also planned to carry out preclinical and clinical research on the effect of olive leaf extract on oral candidiasis.

The OLEUM project will generate innovative, more effective and harmonized analytical solutions to detect and fight the most common and emerging frauds and to verify the overall quality of olive oils (OOs). By a core group of 20 partners from 15 countries OLEUM will undertake RESEARCH ACTIVITIES based on the development of IMPROVED and NEW ANALYTICAL METHODS by targeted and omics approaches with the aim: i) to detect new markers of the soft deodorization process; ii) to discover illegal blends between OOs and other vegetable oils; iii) to control OO quality (e.g. freshness); iv) to improve the organoleptic assessment with a Quantitative Panel Test, based on current official methods, and supported by tailored reference materials for better calibration of the sensory panels coupled with rapid screening tools to facilitate the work of the panelists. The most promising OLEUM solutions will be subjected to VALIDATION in conformity with internationally agreed standards by peer laboratories. OLEUM will recreate a realistic “deodorization scenario” by producing tailored, soft deodorized OOs by lab-scale and up-scaled pilot plants to apply analytical solutions to known samples. Substantial KNOWLEDGE and TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER activities will be envisaged to aid in implementation of: a) a web-based easily-accessible, scalable and constantly updated OLEUM DATABANK, containing all the information from OLEUM research and other reliable international sources, will be available for download data and spectra and to help achieve satisfactory harmonization of analytical approaches among control laboratories; b) the OLEUM NETWORK of relevant OOs stakeholders to maximize the impact of proposed analytical solutions. Finally, a robust dissemination strategy by the OLEUM project aimed at effectively sharing results with all stakeholders in the OO supply chain has the potential to improve consumer and market confidence, and preserve the image of OOs on a global scale.

The tourism sector is undergoing profound changes throughout Europe, as we are living in the Project, Digital, Creative, Entrepreneurial and Green Economy era, thus applying a holistic approach to sustainable tourism development is crucial.HyPro4ST alliance seeks to bring positive social and sustainable impact to tourism sector and is built around the idea that collaborative, transnational activities offer opportunities for boosting innovation and progress by pooling resources and the deep knowledge of markets required in a fast-changing world.It aims to develop a new job “Sustainable and Hybrid Project Manager” profile for the Sustainable Tourism Sector, upskill professionals in sustainable, hybrid, digital, creative and entrepreneurship project management, helping alleviate the job losses, inequalities, and other risks, and to build a talent pipeline that tourism sector can mine for future growth. It also proposes the upscaling of VET and higher education trainers’ skills, to be able to adapt to the tourism labour market needs. HyPro4ST develops a joint training programme, HyPro4ST VOOC, in accordance with the ECVET/EQF/EQAVET and Micro-credential approach, the HyPro4ST Practical Guide for trainers, a certification scheme for the new profile and the HyPro4ST Virtual Learning Hub. Through 6 Seminars, 6 online courses, 2 work-based learning activities and the transnational mobility, will enhance the competences of 700 professionals, tackling skills mismatches and supporting the formation of an effective higher and vocational education system for the sustainable tourism sector. This multi-stakeholder partnership, comprising of 17 partners from 6 European countries, develops all the outputs in 7 EU languages, ensuring their cross-border transferability. Furthermore, it assures the long-lasting effect of the project results by elaborating Policy Recommendations, able to inform the policy agendas at national and EU level.