By implementing EcoPulse: Youth Protecting Rural Futures, we aim to strengthen young people’s capacity to move from environmental awareness to practical, daily action, especially in rural contexts where environmental challenges (waste, water/energy use, wildfire risk, community preparedness) are close but often not addressed through youth-centred learning. From a youth work practice perspective, the project objectives are to: Empower young people as active citizens by building confidence, responsibility, and a sense of agency to act locally and influence peers. Develop green competences and community resilience skills through hands-on, non-formal methods (field tasks, teamwork missions, community interaction, reflection). Increase environmental literacy with local relevance, linking sustainability topics to real behaviours and realistic solutions young people can apply in their everyday lives. Strengthen key youth work outcomes such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, intercultural competence, and inclusive participation in mixed international groups. Create multiplier effects by equipping participants to design and implement follow-up micro-actions, share results, and inspire other young people through local dissemination and digital storytelling. Overall, EcoPulse will create a safe and structured learning space where young people learn by doing, reflect on their learning (Youthpass), and return home with concrete motivation and tools to continue environmental action in their communities.