This project aimed to raise environmental awareness among young people at a EUROPEAN level, strengthen their involvement in nature-protection organisations, create a motivation system for long-term engagement, support the development of Junior Ranger (JR) programmes, and encourage youth cooperation between Latvia, Finland and Croatia.
The possibility of undertaking a small-scale partnership, dedicated to youth activities, in a cross-border cooperation among European protected areas immediately arose as an improvement of usual educational practices. We applied for this project to address the need for stronger youth engagement in nature conservation and protection, especially in protected areas where the gap between youth and environmental issues had grown. Young people lack structured opportunities to participate in environmental actions, to connect with peers from other countries, and to learn about nature protection through practical and motivating activities. This project aimed to overcome these challenges by developing a motivation system, engaging Junior Rangers and scouts, and sharing best practices across partner countries. A more direct and outgoing cooperation between protected areas at a national and European level is welcome and by setting an example this project’s outcomes could inspire others to connect and develop youth activities dedicated to Nature.