The "Tales of the Earth: Folklore and Nature United" Youth Exchange aims to empower young people with fewer opportunities by reconnecting them with their cultural heritage and promoting ecological awareness through integrating folklore and sustainable practices. The project’s primary objectives focus on fostering a deeper appreciation of traditional cultural values, enhancing environmental literacy, and equipping participants with practical skills that can be applied in their daily lives and communities. Through an immersive program set in Kiscsősz, Hungary, participants will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative learning, and intercultural exchange, creating a transformative experience that bridges the gap between tradition and modern ecological challenges. From a youth work perspective, the project seeks to address the growing disconnection between young people and their cultural and natural environments. Many young participants, particularly those from urban areas or marginalised backgrounds, have limited access to traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. This disconnection affects their sense of identity, community belonging, and understanding of ecological responsibility. The project aims to re-establish these connections by integrating folklore with nature-based learning, fostering a sense of cultural pride and environmental stewardship among young people. One key objective of the project is to develop participants’ competencies in traditional crafts, ecological practices, and intercultural communication. Through activities such as woodcarving, gardening, storytelling, and traditional dance (Táncház), participants will gain hands-on experience that deepens their understanding of how cultural heritage and ecological sustainability are intertwined. These practical skills enrich their personal development and provide them with meaningful tools to engage their communities, promoting sustainable living and cultural preservation. The project also aims to enhance participants’ awareness of communal values and cooperative traditions, mainly through exploring “Kaláka,” a traditional form of collective work deeply rooted in Hungarian culture. By connecting Kaláka to democratic principles and modern challenges, participants learn the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and community resilience. This experience encourages young people to apply these values in contemporary contexts, empowering them to take active community roles and advocate for inclusive and sustainable practices. Another significant objective is to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. The exchange brings together youth from diverse backgrounds—Austria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary—creating a platform for participants to share their unique cultural stories and learn from each other. Participants will build intercultural competencies for navigating today’s multicultural societies through storytelling circles, group discussions, and collaborative activities. These interactions foster respect, empathy, and appreciation for different cultural perspectives, helping to break down prejudices and build stronger, more inclusive communities. A crucial component of the project is the emphasis on dissemination and creating open folklore hubs in each participating country. These hubs will act as local centres for ongoing cultural engagement and ecological education, providing spaces where participants can continue to share their skills, organise events, and inspire others. By actively involving participants in establishing and operating these hubs, the project ensures that the impact of the exchange is sustained and that the values learned continue to influence their communities. The project’s objectives also include equipping participants with the ability to articulate their learning outcomes through the Youthpass certification process. By reflecting on their experiences and mapping their skills to key competencies, participants better understand their personal growth and how these skills can be applied in academic, professional, and individual contexts. This formal recognition enhances their employability and educational opportunities, further supporting their development as active and engaged citizens. Ultimately, the "Tales of the Earth" project aims to impact young people’s lives by reconnecting them with their cultural roots, fostering ecological responsibility, and empowering them with the skills and confidence to make positive changes in their communities. By bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary challenges, the project preserves cultural heritage and cultivates a new generation of youth inspired to lead sustainable, culturally rich lives.