By implementing this project, we aimed to enhance the competencies of environmental and youth organizations in effectively raising awareness among diverse target groups about environmental and climate change challenges. Our goal was to foster long-term behavioral changes by equipping our organizations with an innovative green skill method — the Eco-patrol program. Through this approach, we wanted to empower youth to make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives and to provide organizations, youth workers and educators with practical multiplying tools. The project aimed to bridge the gap between awareness and action by providing methods and practical tools, skills and knowledge that organizations can use to inspire sustainable habits of youth. By fostering collaboration among project partners and strengthening organizational capacities, we aimed to create a spilling effect that extends beyond the project's immediate participants, contributing to a wide range of stakeholders internationally. Our objective was to build a strong foundation for non-formal environmental education through the Eco-patrol method.
We applied for this project to strengthen the strategic cooperation of our organizations in the field of youth and environment, and to increase the transnational impact of our work. Through research and needs analysis, we identified low environmental awareness and unsustainable daily habits among youth and local stakeholders during the application process. This motivated us to share and upscale the successful Croatian “Eco-patrol” model to other countries. Our goal was to expand it for older youth (14-18 years) and add a digital dimension through a mobile educational game, fostering sustainable habits and climate action. By building on existing results and working in a transnational, multidisciplinary team, we aimed to contribute to long-term behavioral change, promote active citizenship, and strengthen environmental education across Europe. We achieved to address key needs by developing the Eco-patrol Manual for educators, youth workers, and teachers. The lack of local extracurricular eco-activities was tackled by forming five local Eco-patrol groups. Additionally, Generation Z’s preference for mobile learning was met through the Eco-patrols in 24 Zones educational app, making environmental topics accessible via smartphones.