By implementing the Back to Green project, we aimed to strengthen environmental awareness, knowledge, and competences among young people aged 18–30. Our main objective was to establish a structured and sustainable training framework that empowers youth to better understand environmental challenges such as climate change, soil pollution, air pollution, desertification, and other ecological threats, and to actively contribute to their solutions. Specifically, we intended to raise awareness about environmental problems at local, national, and international levels; increase young people’s knowledge and practical skills; and encourage their participation in environmental decision-making processes. Promoting active citizenship, social responsibility, and youth initiative in line with European common values was also a key priority. To achieve these objectives, we developed concrete outputs including an educational toolkit, a Green Book, public awareness materials, environmental journalism activities, and transnational training events. Through these results, we sought not only to inform youth but also to equip them with innovative tools and participatory methods that foster long-term engagement and sustainable environmental responsibility
We applied for the Back to Green project in response to the growing environmental challenges affecting both Türkiye and Europe, including climate change, soil pollution, air pollution, desertification, and the increasing impact of rapid urbanization. Türkiye is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and increasing environmental disasters. Despite various environmental initiatives, youth perspectives have often been overlooked in environmental action and policy-making processes. The primary need we addressed is the lack of structured and youth-oriented environmental education targeting young people aged 18–30. Young people need to be adequately informed, trained, and empowered to actively participate in environmental decision-making processes. Therefore, the project aims to raise environmental awareness, increase competences, and encourage youth initiative through the development of an educational toolkit, a green book, a public spot, and environmental journalism activities. By fostering transnational cooperation, the project also responds to the need for sharing best practices and building a sustainable, youth-centered environmental training methodology at the European level.