Nature for future

Project Reference

2021-2-DE04-KA152-YOU-000039083

Topics

Environment and Climate Change

Action Type

Mobility of Young People

Countries Covered

Germany, Serbia, Finland, Türkiye, North Macedonia

Summary

The project responds to one of the most urgent challenges of our time: environmental protection and climate change. A healthy environment is essential for quality of life, yet pollution continues to damage ecosystems, human health, and the global climate. If no concrete action is taken, our future on this planet is at risk.

This youth exchange aimed to raise awareness among young people and inspire concrete action for environmental protection. It encouraged participants not only to reflect on ecological issues but to become active advocates for sustainability. Through workshops, campaigns, and creative activities, young people were equipped to use photography, digital media, and civic engagement as tools for raising awareness and mobilizing their communities.

Objectives

The overall goal was to educate 40 young people from five countries on environmental protection and inspire them to design campaigns on climate change. Specific objectives included:

• Stimulating initiative and creativity among young people through photography.

• Promoting photography as both a tool for environmental advocacy and as a skill valuable for professional development.

• Fostering mutual understanding of ecological issues across different countries and strengthening ecological awareness.

• Campaigning against climate change and environmental degradation.

• Encouraging young people to engage media in discussions on ecology in their home countries.

• Strengthening cooperation at the European level in the fight against climate change.

• Informing participants about Erasmus+ opportunities, motivating them to become active in environmental projects.

Activities

The youth exchange was held in Serbia, bringing together 40 young participants aged 18–25 and their group leaders from Germany, Türkiye, Finland, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Participants were expected to:

• Be motivated to share and multiply the knowledge gained during the exchange.

• Commit to the full duration of the exchange.

• Be ready to develop and implement realistic follow-up activities.

• Have the ability to work in English.

During the exchange, participants learned about EU and national environmental policies, explored recycling and sustainable practices, developed photography and campaigning skills, and created digital content to promote environmental awareness. Time was also spent directly in nature to build appreciation and inspire creativity.

Impact

The project equipped 40 young people with knowledge and practical skills in environmental protection, motivating them to launch awareness campaigns on climate change in their local communities.

Expected impacts included:

• Empowering participants to become active advocates for environmental issues at local and European levels.

• Multiplying the outcomes of the exchange through follow-up initiatives and community actions.

• Strengthening partner organizations’ competencies in youth work and environmental education.

• Inspiring long-term improvements in local communities by fostering active, environmentally conscious young citizens.