The objectives of this were: - Understanding the concept and importance of green development. - Raising awareness among young people about recycling and environmental protection. - The reconnection of young people with nature and their participation in outdoor activities. - Information about the ecological economy and environmentally friendly practices. - The cultivation of creative thinking and the expression of new technologies. - Ecological awareness as a means to develop group thinking and cooperation between different peoples. - Strengthening the understanding of the international and intercultural dimension of the problem and raising awareness regarding the specific issue. - The contact of young people and the dissolution of prejudices and stereotypes through intercultural dialogue workshops as well as the exchange of cultural elements between countries from different regions of Europe. - The creation of a network of organizations in order to develop future programs and actions of an ecological nature. - The promotion of non-formal learning methods and practices and the understanding of these values. - Cultivating ecological awareness and information about climate change. The above objectives were achieved through the harmonious cooperation with our project partners and the active contribution of the participants in the youth exchange.
The non-formal education project Wave Us! aimed at cultivating ecological awareness and bridging cultural gaps through the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities. The participants came to Stratoni from countries bordered by the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, specifically the wider Balkan region and at the same time countries that do not belong to the European Union (Egypt), which, like Greece, are plagued by environmental destruction and socio-economic problems. The Mediterranean and the Black Sea are two large sea areas that host various species of fauna and flora, some of which already belong to the endangered species, for this reason the immediate action of those who live in them was deemed necessary. Highlighting and recognizing the problem of contamination of these two seas and their coastlines was important because several people in these countries continue to face the situation of war (Ukraine). The need to develop ecological awareness and through this economic consciousness is the reason for processing this exchange. Undoubtedly the destruction and pollution of the environment resulting from the climate crisis is a serious, acute, health, social and international problem, which is expanding mainly due to the human factor. Some environmental problems arising from humanity with the excuse of the finite resources of the Earth are, the polluted, by wastes of factories and people, coasts, the observation of the lack of greenery in the cities, the smoke from the exhaust gases and these were some of the indications that raised our voices about the need addressing the problem. His solution was the formation of environmental and responsible education and consciousness from a young age. Though an important number of people have been activated by adapting their everyday life and lifestyle to be environmentally friendly are not enough to stop the perpetuation of environmental destruction because there will be a positive development towards solving the issue only when we all understand effort. During the activity the appropriate means, ways and methods were employed in order to make the participants aware of the magnitude of the environmental disaster and to take action to deal with it. It is noteworthy that, unfortunately, the work of formal learning, i.e. of schools and teachers who constitute them is not sufficient and the need for additional activity of individual bodies becomes necessary. The two main objectives of the program were: - Cultivating the economic idea and approach through ecology, and vice versa. - The awakening of ecological consciousness through the economic management of recyclable materials.