Connecting Heritage, Nature, and Community in Selfoss

“Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany” (Project No: 2025-1-IS01-KA152-YOU-000297094) is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange hosted by the Green Behavior Youth Organization in Selfoss, Iceland, from 18 to 24 August 2025. Participants from Iceland, Türkiye, Georgia, Ukraine, and Croatia are represented by the Green Behavior Youth Organization, Kabatas Trade Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Progressive Youth KKLT, Youth Voice UA, and Brodoto.

Mindfulness and nature-connection practices encouraged participants to begin their activities with a renewed sense of calm and appreciation for the surrounding environment. Gentle reflection and time outdoors highlighted the importance of personal well-being as a foundation for responsible environmental action.

A dedicated dissemination session empowered participants to share project achievements through social media and collaborative blogging. By communicating their experiences to wider audiences, they strengthened their digital competences and contributed to raising awareness of archaeobotany and sustainable living.

An extensive exploration of Selfoss and its surroundings brought local history and natural heritage into focus. Encounters with museums, riverside landscapes, geothermal sites, and protected areas allowed participants to connect archaeological knowledge with Iceland’s living environment, deepening their understanding of how cultural heritage and ecological stewardship complement one another.

The project’s concluding evaluation celebrated individual and collective accomplishments through exhibitions, interactive feedback activities, and thoughtful discussion. Presenting outcomes, exchanging constructive comments, and reflecting on personal growth reinforced the value of cooperation and lifelong learning.

The completion of Youthpass certificates provided an opportunity for participants to recognize the competences they had developed throughout the exchange. This final act of self-assessment affirmed the lasting impact of the experience and inspired continued engagement with sustainability and intercultural dialogue.

Field Discoveries and Shared Heritage in Iceland

“Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany” (Project No: 2025-1-IS01-KA152-YOU-000297094) is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange hosted by the Green Behavior Youth Organization in Selfoss, Iceland, from 18 to 24 August 2025. The project brings together participants from Iceland, Türkiye, Georgia, Ukraine, and Croatia, represented by the Green Behavior Youth Organization, Kabatas Trade Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Progressive Youth KKLT, Youth Voice UA, and Brodoto.

Collaborative workshops immersed participants in the identification and interpretation of archaeobotanical samples. Through teamwork, role-playing as archaeologists, and analytical problem-solving tasks, they strengthened their ability to connect plant remains with historical contexts while developing communication, critical thinking, and cooperative research skills.

An educational excursion to the renowned Þingvellir National Park transformed theory into practice. Guided walks, mini-excavation simulations, and on-site sample analyses enabled participants to explore the relationship between geology, vegetation, and human history. The experience deepened their understanding of environmental stewardship and highlighted the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage.

Reflective activities encouraged participants to capture their most meaningful moments and share personal achievements with the group. This process fostered self-awareness, mutual appreciation, and constructive feedback, reinforcing the project’s supportive learning environment.

The intercultural dimension of the exchange flourished during a vibrant cultural fair featuring traditional crafts, music, dance, and cuisine. By presenting elements of their own heritage and engaging with those of others, participants celebrated diversity and strengthened friendships that will continue beyond the project itself.

Exploring Ancient Settlements for a Sustainable Tomorrow

“Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany” (Project No: 2025-1-IS01-KA152-YOU-000297094) is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange hosted in Selfoss, Iceland, by the Green Behavior Youth Organization from 18 to 24 August 2025. The project brings together participants from Iceland, Türkiye, Georgia, Ukraine, and Croatia, represented respectively by the Green Behavior Youth Organization, Kabatas Trade Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, Progressive Youth KKLT, Youth Voice UA, and Brodoto.

Mindfulness and nature-connection practices encouraged participants to begin their learning journey with renewed focus and appreciation for the environment. By engaging in quiet reflection and observing the surrounding landscape, they developed a deeper awareness of the bond between personal well-being and ecological stewardship.

An immersive visit to a settlement exhibition provided firsthand insight into the historical dimensions of archaeobotany. Examining ancient living spaces and the botanical evidence they preserve enabled participants to understand how past communities interacted with their environment and how these lessons can inspire sustainable practices today.

Interactive archaeobotany puzzles transformed scientific inquiry into a collaborative adventure. Working as “plant detectives,” participants analyzed clues related to ancient crops and plant remains, strengthening their problem-solving abilities while discovering the significance of traditional farming methods and biodiversity conservation.

The preparation and presentation of detective reports fostered critical thinking and effective communication. Sharing findings with peers encouraged dialogue, reinforced newly acquired knowledge, and highlighted the value of evidence-based interpretation in both archaeology and environmental studies.

Dissemination activities concluded the experience by empowering participants to communicate their achievements through social media and collaborative blogging. Reflective evaluation and intercultural exchange further strengthened group cohesion, ensuring that the day’s learning would continue to inspire future action for sustainability.