The project The Man Who Planted Trees aims to strengthen the environmental awareness, competences, and active citizenship of young people aged 18–23 from Slovakia, Serbia, Lithuania, and Croatia. It responds to urgent ecological challenges—disrupted water cycles, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss—by combining experiential learning in nature, digital creativity, and intercultural cooperation. The main idea is inspired by the story The Man Who Planted Trees and the principles of the Water Paradigm. The project seeks to show young people that even small actions—such as planting trees, creating retention measures, or raising awareness—can have a long-term positive impact on local and global ecosystems. Activities will be carried out in unique natural environments, including Slovak Paradise National Park and the Spiš Castle area, offering direct contact with endangered habitats. Objectives The project has five core objectives, designed according to SMART criteria: Increase environmental awareness: At least 90% of participants will improve their understanding of the link between water, soil, and climate change. Develop practical ecological competences: Each participant will contribute to hands-on activities such as tree planting, micro-basins, and soil regeneration measures. Foster intercultural learning and cooperation: Mixed teams will work together on ecological challenges and co-create a digital environmental diary documenting their learning journey. Enhance creativity and digital skills: Participants will produce short videos and other media outputs, learning the basics of storytelling, video editing, and online communication. Promote active citizenship and community engagement: At least half of the participants will continue with follow-up ecological initiatives in their communities, presenting proposals for water and soil protection to schools and municipalities. Methodology The project is based on non-formal education methods such as experiential learning, teamwork, simulations, eco-games, and reflection circles. Each activity follows the logic of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle and Bloom’s taxonomy, gradually guiding participants from understanding to creating their own solutions. Daily reflections and digital documentation will help participants monitor their progress and make learning outcomes visible. Participants and inclusion Each partner will send 6 young people and 1 group leader, ensuring gender balance and equal opportunities. Around 30% of participants will come from fewer-opportunity backgrounds, including young people with learning difficulties, economic obstacles, or limited international experience. Leaders will not direct activities but serve as support, allowing participants to take responsibility for planning, implementation, and reflection. Impact and follow-up The project will benefit participants by developing environmental literacy, practical ecological skills, digital competences, and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Organisations will strengthen their capacities in youth work and international cooperation. Local communities will benefit from visible ecological actions, awareness events, and long-term involvement of young people. The impact will also extend to regional, national, and European levels through dissemination activities and the Erasmus+ Results Platform. Dissemination and sustainability Results will be shared through social media (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok), school presentations, youth centres, media coverage, and ecological networks. Outputs will be available in English and, where appropriate, also in national languages. All materials will be marked with the Erasmus+ logo and the text “Cofunded by the European Union.” A project website will serve as an open resource containing the digital diary, videos, and materials. Follow-up online meetings and surveys at 6 and 12 months will monitor long-term effects. Alumni will be encouraged to implement their own ecological micro-projects, ensuring sustainability. Conclusion This youth exchange combines ecological education, intercultural dialogue, and digital creativity to empower young people as active citizens and environmental leaders. By focusing on water and soil protection, the project addresses a pressing European and global priority. It fully respects the Erasmus+ Youth Quality Standards, is inclusive, sustainable, and designed to have lasting effects on participants, their organisations, and communities.