Back to search

Eco(logical) Youth

2024-1-MK01-KA152-YOU-0002384222024Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: MK|BG|HR|EL|RO|RS · Grant: €23,803
Environment and climate changeGreen skillsCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

At the core of our project lay a multifaceted approach to empowering young individuals within the realm of youth work practice, aiming to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute to the goals outlined in the European Green Deal. The urgent call to action arose from the critical crossroads where our world stood, with the fate of the environment hanging in a precarious balance. The project recognized and sought to combat threats to biodiversity, the adverse impact of human activities on the environment, the pervasive issue of air pollution, and the need for robust recycling practices. By aligning with the European Green Deal, our objectives included supporting its implementation, increasing awareness about the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, and fostering appreciation for the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human activities. In the context of youth work practice, our project aimed to transcend the limitations of formal education by addressing specific needs identified among young people. These needs encompassed a lack of awareness or passivity in tackling environmental issues, a desire for comprehensive and engaging environmental education, and a demand for inclusive platforms for engagement and participation. Through a holistic approach, the project sought to provide practical knowledge and skills in sustainable living practices, thereby empowering young individuals with the tools to understand, reflect upon, and mitigate their ecological impact. The aspiration for empowerment through education and information was met by sparking a sense of collective responsibility for the health of the planet. Moreover, the project sought to inspire behavior change by encouraging participants to critically examine their behaviors and consumption patterns. It aspired to stimulate a shift toward more sustainable lifestyles and, in turn, contribute to the broader goals of the European Green Deal. Concrete actions included advocating for policies and initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution, protecting natural habitats, and promoting recycling as key components of sustainable living. The project recognized the significance of this initiative, especially in countries where recycling was not common, as indicated by Eurostat’s statistics titled “Recycling rate of municipal waste.” The project’s main aim was to inspire behavior change in 37 young people and youth leaders towards more sustainable lifestyles and stimulate a sense of collective responsibility for the health of the planet. The goal was to equip young participants with the skills and resources they needed to lead by example. We believed that by educating and empowering individuals to think about the loss of biodiversity, to reflect on their ecological footprints, to advocate for air pollution awareness, and to embrace recycling practices in their daily lives, we aspired to foster personal growth and development while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. In order to reach the main aim and to address the above-mentioned issues, the project objectives were: - To raise awareness about the environmental consequences of human actions while encouraging participants to critically examine their own behaviors and consumption patterns. - To equip participants with strategies to make informed choices and minimize their environmental footprint. - To inspire participants to take action to reduce pollution in their daily lives by educating them about the detrimental effects of air pollution on public health and the environment. - To encourage participants to implement recycling initiatives in their communities and promote a circular economy mindset. - To facilitate intercultural dialogue and promote European values of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual understanding. - To facilitate opportunities for participants to connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment - To foster and promote lifelong learning, personal development, exchange of competencies, civic engagement, and democratic participation among young people through experiential, non-formal, and peer-to-peer learning. - To create opportunities for participants to share resources, exchange ideas, and network with peers and experts. - To promote learning mobility, cooperation, and quality in the field of youth and environmental education. - To promote and educate young people about the Erasmus+ programme and Youthpass as tools to work on topics of environment, ecology, and sustainability.

Project partners (6)