The main objective of the GREE+N project was to enhance the knowledge and skills of young people in Türkiye, Romania, and Latvia on biodiversity, environmental protection, and sustainable lifestyles. To achieve this, the GREE+N Digital Booklet was developed and reached 1,365 young people, far exceeding the initial target of 600. Another key goal was to foster peer learning and good practice exchange through study visits with 54 participants, enabling young people to adopt greener habits. Furthermore, the project aimed to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation: instead of the planned 45 participants, 52 people joined the Brokerage Events, and instead of 75, 124 participants attended the Multiplier Events, reflecting strong community interest. A crucial achievement was also the inclusion of 12 young people with fewer opportunities, ensuring diversity and equity. Overall, the project sought not only to deliver individual learning outcomes but also to build the capacity of partner organizations and trigger a lasting green transformation within local communities.
The motivation for applying to the GREE+N project was to address the low level of awareness among young people regarding biodiversity, environmental protection, and sustainable lifestyles, and to promote a culture of green living in our local communities. Surveys conducted in Türkiye, Romania, and Latvia revealed that young people lacked knowledge in areas such as waste management, recycling, energy and water saving, tree care, and the needs of urban animals. Moreover, civic engagement in local cleaning campaigns and voluntary environmental actions was very limited. These needs became even more urgent in the context of natural disasters, urban overpopulation, and rising environmental pollution. Through this project, we aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of young people, involve those with fewer opportunities, promote the exchange of good practices across three countries, and foster stronger cooperation between civil society and local authorities. In this way, we sought not only to empower young individuals but also to initiate a lasting green transformation in our communities.