The bilateral youth exchange project “Youth for Beech 2.0” aims to empower young people to engage in social and societal processes by providing learning experiences that foster their personal growth, the development of key competences and stewardship. By experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage site of the “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other Regions of Europe”, the participants will have the opportunity to gain a profound connection to nature – both on the rational and emotional level. Immersing themselves in these ancient ecosystems will help them understand the vital role of nature conservation and how healthy forests contribute to human well-being and, thus, to the quality of their own lives. They will also learn about the specific threats to these protected forests, such as climate change, deforestation and human encroachment in the surrounding landscape, allowing them to reflect on how their lifestyle choices can either harm or protect natural spaces. Through guided discussions, group activities and reflection exercises, the participants will explore options to reduce their ecological footprint and make more sustainable decisions in their daily lives. This experience will empower them to see that their individual actions can contribute to preserving these beech forests – and natural spaces in general – for a more sustainable future. By connecting emotionally with these unique forest landscapes, the participants will be encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and urgency regarding nature protection. This emotional bond, coupled with the knowledge they will gain about healthy forest ecosystems and their contributions to human well-being, can become a powerful motivator for them to actively engage. With the format of a bilateral youth exchange, the project aims to promote international understanding and cooperation by connecting two interconnected concerns: Nature protection and peace (in Europe). By bringing together participants from two different countries, the project emphasizes the shared responsibility of conserving natural resources across borders. The participants will learn how environmental issues affect different regions in similar ways, encouraging them to collaborate on finding options for action. At the same time, the project promotes cultural understanding, tolerance and mutual respect, which are the foundation for fostering peace in Europe. The participants will get to know each other’s cultural backgrounds, values, and perspectives, breaking down stereotypes and building friendships across national boundaries. Both youth groups will take on the roles of being a host in their own country and being a guest in the partner country. This change of perspective, facilitated and mentored by the accompanying group leaders and facilitators, is a powerful method to enhance the participant’s intercultural understanding – a crucial objective in the light of the recent rise in right-wing popularity. As the UNESCO WH site of the European Beech forests stretches over 18 countries, it provides an excellent example for the need of cooperation and understanding as well as the need for active engagement of civil society and communities for effective conservation of these treasures of nature. It promotes the development of a shared European identity as both youth groups come from a region where at least one component part of the WH site is located. UNESCO highlights the urgency of addressing environmental degradation through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). UNESCO’s ESD for 2030 program aims to inspire the personal and societal transformation needed to change course. This project aligns with UNESCO’s ESD for 2030 program by incorporating ESD into the context of the European Beech Forests. Since the implementation of a first youth exchange project in the framework of the Interreg project BEECH POWER in 2021/2022, the municipalities of Starigrad and Angermünde have been committed to continuing with this international youth work practice on the long term. As a result, the first ERASMUS+ youth exchange “Youth for Beech” was successfully implemented in 2023/2024. The proposed project “Youth for Beech 2.0” aims at consolidating the successes achieved so far and to deepen the cooperation between the project partners and involved organizations. Until today, the project has been the only youth exchange within the context of the WH Beech Forests and, by now, the sole international Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Northern Brandenburg. With this project, we intend to be a good practice and inspiring example for international youth work contributing to the UNESCO's goals of Education for Sustainable Development and Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education.