All the partners have met in the frame of the Creative Europe project ConnectUp, led by the University of Agder, Norway. They furthermore had experience together in the Erasmus+ project “Chasing the wind”, held in 2024 in Forlì, Italy. From the dissemination of its content, the seed of this new project was born. During the experience in Forlì, the story of the 2023 flood and the role that the 3 waterways that cross the city had had a strong impact on the youngsters. All this filtered forcefully into the follow-up activities and the stories brought home to their peers. In quite similar ways in the different groups, for the young listeners -who had not participated in the Exchange- it all brought out memories and parallels with the floods in their areas, or on the contrary, reflections on the problem of drought, the infiltration of sea water into the riverbed and the problems that this creates for the biodiversity of these ecosystems. The group leaders decided to connect these new young people interested in the topic, using the tried and tested tool of a Zoom meeting. There, after exploring the similarities and differences of the situations in different countries, the youngsters discussed what is being and/or needs to be done, both on a public and personal level, for protection and prevention and to address the conditions that climate change is generating. The young participants in these discussions wanted to see themselves as active agents in creating positive change; to be like rivers, that influence the local morphology, cultures, and social structures. Societal norms evolve when there is widespread consciousness. For any action to be taken and any change to start, it is necessary a “contagion of consciences”. A great effort of future vision is needed, and it is essential that young people are involved in this reflection. Starting from these premises, the project "Across the River" aims to achieve several key objectives, grounded in youth work practice: 1. Raise a deeper knowledge and awareness about the environmental challenges linked to river ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and regional fragilities. By meeting with local public authorities, participants will learn about real-world efforts to address these issues, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and civic responsibility. 2. Rediscover a 'culture of rivers', which highlights their importance in the history of civilizations, in the foundation of cities and inhabited centers, in the development of the ait and cultures that surround them, understanding how the biodiversity of these ecosystems has an impact on different levels and deserves to be known and protected. Starting from a general point of view to then focus on their rivers and regions - their own heritage. 3. Enhance critical thinking and civic engagement. By engaging with local public bodies and learning about the governance of river environments, young people will reflect on their role as citizens. They will develop critical thinking about the management of natural resources and the democratic process in responding to environmental crises. 4. Inspire young people to channel their thoughts, experiences, and ideas through artistic expression. Theatre, as a collaborative and dynamic art form, empowers participants to investigate complex realities, express their personal perspectives, experiment with new ways of thinking; it fosters empathy, and strengthens their ability to communicate ideas effectively. 5. Develop artistic and creative skills: the project is centered around a week of artistic creation. Participants will engage in storytelling, performance, and collaborative artistic practices, improving their skills in theater and visual arts, as well as in multimedia production. 6. Foster teamwork skills and cooperation: working in groups, participants will be involved in decision-making processes, from the organization of artistic activities to the final performance. 7. Encourage intercultural collaboration and exchange: participants from five different cities will come together, share their experiences, and collaborate artistically. This will not only enrich their perspectives but also help them develop a sense of European citizenship, understanding the shared and diverse environmental challenges faced by different regions. 8. To provide participants with a deeper understanding of how digital and social media tools can be used effectively in creative processes: the use of Padlet will allow participants to explore how digital tools can foster creativity and collaboration; the River App will let young people experience social media in a secure, controlled environment. 9. Promote dissemination of knowledge and creative output: the project aims to spread awareness and share the artistic and research outcomes of the week-long exchange through presentations in the participants' hometowns, a final public performance, and the creation of a documentary video.