The project was designed with the intention of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international youth exchanges, training programmes and volunteer teams. It would be beneficial to demonstrate that 40 percent of GHG emissions (in line with the EU target for 2030) can be reduced or offset through the implementation of suitable measures. It was our intention to make international mobilities as climate-friendly as possible. Therefore we needed to equip youth workers with the necessary competencies to establish sustainable international youth mobilities. We sought to provide training courses, an app and a handbook to give them the background knowledge they need for planning such activities and to bring the participants closer to the issue of climate protection in a meaningful way. It was also our intention to reach the participants in the mobilities themselves. They were able to gain knowledge about climate policies and protection, as well as how the mobility was designed to be climate friendly. During the dissemination campaign, people from all countries across Europe were made aware of those outcomes.
The history of Young Naturefriends is defined by two central topics: international exchange and solidarity, and commitment to nature and the environment. Young Naturefriends are facing a crucial question in light of the intensifying climate crisis: how can they achieve their goals without compromising their principles? International exchange is crucial for their development, yet it inevitably leads to greenhouse gas emissions due to the necessity of personal contact. By applying for this project, we sought answers to these challenges head on. Many young people want to gain international experience, and they want to do so in a way that is as climate-friendly as possible. We had to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our international mobilities and get participants to discuss solutions to the crisis.We applied for this project not only to achieve improvements in our own activities, but also to establish them permanently in our international network. At the same time, we wanted to lead the way so that other actors in international youth work can adapt and disseminate the methods we have developed.