The ERAHR project aimed to enrich the field of youth work with a strong emphasis on human rights and environmental education. Our objectives were multi-faceted: firstly, to develop and disseminate extensive educational resources that youth workers could use to enhance their work; secondly, to promote an understanding of the intrinsic link between human rights and environmental issues, enabling youth workers to apply a rights-based approach to environmental protection; and thirdly, to stimulate active participation and civic engagement among young people on environmental and human rights issues. Our vision was to create a well-informed community of youth workers and young people who are not only aware of these critical issues, but also equipped with the skills and motivation to contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
Our motivation for initiating the ERAHR project came from the urgent need to integrate environmental education with human rights, recognising their deep interconnectedness. Observing the escalating environmental crises and their negative impact on human rights, we identified a significant knowledge gap among youth workers in addressing these intertwined issues. The project was applied for to equip youth workers with the necessary skills, knowledge and tools to promote a more sustainable future and ensure the protection of human rights. By focusing on the synergy between environmental sustainability and human rights, we aimed to empower youth workers to educate and inspire young people, encouraging them to become active agents of change in their communities. The need for innovative educational resources and a comprehensive approach to address these global challenges was evident and guided our decision to launch ERAHR.