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Let's save the planet: one bug at a time

2022-3-PT02-KA152-YOU-0000994382022Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: PT|PL|IT|SK|ES|HU|MK · Grant: €31,558
Community developmentEnvironment and climate changeGreen skills

Objectives

In the pursuit of addressing the challenges faced by pollinating insects in Portugal, encompassing factors like urbanization, pesticide use, and climate change, urgent measures were needed to safeguard their populations and devise conservation strategies. Diverse ecosystems signal ecological shifts, with the influx of exotic insect species potentially disrupting crucial processes such as predation and nutrient recycling. The encroachment of non-native habitats, coupled with habitat fragmentation, has exacerbated this issue, leading to a surge in exotic insect species infiltrating native forests. This trend, exacerbated by climate change and native forest degradation due to invasive plants, has been particularly evident in recent years. Across Europe, there has been a notable decline in insect abundance, necessitating a thorough understanding of the factors driving biodiversity loss to formulate effective habitat conservation strategies. To address these concerns, our project was initiated in Ponte de Lima, serving as a focal point for participants to engage in various activities over the course of a week. These activities included constructing insect hotels, raising awareness about the adverse effects of insecticides, introducing techniques to overcome fear of insects, highlighting the impact of nighttime lighting on animal life, and advocating for plant diversity through the use of native plants. Our primary aim was to demonstrate the adoption of sustainable practices and the adaptation of lifestyles to the finite resources offered by the planet. Central to this project was the connection of young people from diverse European backgrounds, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, cultures, and experiences on environmental sustainability. Outlined within our project were several key objectives: 1. Promotion of sustainability 2. Advocacy for practical and impactful sustainable solutions 3. Education of youth on the principles of refuse, reduce, recycle, and rot 4. Advancement of a transition towards a circular economy 5. Mitigation of climate change impacts 6. Empowerment of young people as active citizens 7. Protection of human, animal, and plant life through sustainable practices 8. Recognition of the economic benefits of protecting natural habitats 9. Awareness-raising on environmental footprints 10. Promotion of equality, considering the disproportionate impact of climate crises on impoverished communities 11. Advocacy for the new ERASMUS+ Program and its alignment with the European Youth Strategy 2019-2027, the 11 Youth Goals, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Embedded within the ERASMUS+ Program, our project served as a platform for cultivating knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards climate change and sustainable development, fostering collaboration both within the European Union and globally.

Project partners (7)