Within the Erasmus+ project “Our Earth, Our Voice”, young people from Croatia, Italy, Greece, and Romania were given the opportunity to move beyond learning about environmental challenges—and start actively solving them.
As part of Activity A3 – Environmental local events with youths, each partner organisation organised participatory workshops where young people explored ecological issues in their local communities and collaboratively developed concrete Local Ecological Problem-Solving Plans. These plans represent one of the key outcomes of the project, combining knowledge, creativity, and active citizenship.
The development of these plans builds directly on the competences gained during the international “Green Generation” training course, where youth workers were equipped with tools and methods to engage young people in sustainability topics. Through non-formal education approaches—such as group work, brainstorming, and problem-solving exercises—young participants were encouraged to reflect on real environmental challenges and propose practical solutions.
Each workshop followed a similar structure:
This process ensured that young people were not only informed, but also actively involved in shaping responses to issues affecting their communities.
The main purpose of the Local Ecological Problem-Solving Plans was to:
These plans are not theoretical documents—they are action-oriented frameworks that can be used by communities, organisations, and decision-makers as a starting point for real change.
Importantly, the process itself had strong educational and social value. Young participants developed critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of responsibility towards their environment. At the same time, they were empowered to see themselves as active contributors to their communities.
Each plan reflects the specific environmental context of the partner country, while sharing common themes such as sustainability, awareness-raising, and community engagement.
In Italy (Rome), participants focused on urban challenges such as waste management, traffic congestion, and lack of green spaces, proposing solutions such as improved recycling systems, sustainable mobility initiatives, and environmental education programmes .
In Italy (Brindisi/Mesagne), young people addressed issues such as pollution, mobility, and limited civic participation, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation between citizens and institutions, as well as increased transparency and environmental governance .
In Romania, the focus was on air pollution, with participants identifying major causes such as transport and industrial emissions, and proposing actions including awareness campaigns, promotion of sustainable mobility, and stronger collaboration with local authorities .
In Croatia (Zagreb), two plans were developed. The first addressed waste management and landfill-related challenges, particularly the Jakuševec site, proposing improved recycling systems, circular economy initiatives, and greater citizen involvement in decision-making . The second focused on air quality and sustainable mobility, promoting alternatives to private car use, improvements in public transport, and stronger environmental awareness.
In Greece (Mount Penteli), participants tackled the consequences of recurrent wildfires, proposing reforestation, improved fire prevention systems, infrastructure development, and increased community awareness to support long-term environmental restoration.
Although developed in different contexts, all plans share a common vision: a more sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible future driven by active and informed young people.
An important added value of these plans lies in their transferability. The methodology used—combining non-formal education, participation, and collaborative planning—can be easily adapted to other communities, enabling wider impact beyond the project.
Through these activities, “Our Earth, Our Voice” demonstrates that when young people are given the opportunity, tools, and support, they are not only capable of understanding complex environmental challenges—but also of creating meaningful and realistic solutions.
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes. Neither the European Union nor the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes can be held responsible for them.
Within the Erasmus+ project “Our Earth, Our Voice”, young people from Croatia, Italy, Greece, and Romania were given the opportunity to move beyond learning about environmental challenges—and start actively solving them. As part of Activity A3 – Environmental local events with youths, each partner organisation organised participatory workshops where young people explored ecological issues in […]
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