Legacy of the Soil: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food Through International Cooperation

The Erasmus+ mobility project “Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food” (2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774), organized by Green Behavior Youth Organization and hosted by Generaciones Saludables España in Gijón, Spain, brought together youth workers from Turkey, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland between 28 April and 5 May 2025. The initiative created a collaborative environment for exploring sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmentally responsible lifestyles through non-formal education.

Interactive icebreakers and orientation activities fostered trust, teamwork, and a sense of belonging among participants. Through movement-based games, mapping exercises, and guided exploration of the local surroundings, youth workers developed communication skills, spatial awareness, and confidence while establishing a supportive atmosphere for intercultural learning and cooperation.

The project also highlighted sustainable mobility and healthy living through cycling workshops that combined practical skills with environmental awareness. Participants strengthened their physical well-being, learned safe cycling techniques, and reflected on the role of low-carbon transportation in mitigating climate change and promoting greener communities.

Sessions dedicated to Erasmus+, Youthpass, and the key competences of lifelong learning enabled participants to better understand the value of non-formal education and to recognize their own personal and professional growth. Creative self-assessment activities encouraged critical reflection on issues such as climate change, food safety, and organic living, helping participants identify both their existing knowledge and future learning goals.

Cultural exchange activities further enriched the experience by showcasing agricultural traditions, local foods, dances, and languages from the participating countries. By sharing perspectives and engaging in dialogue, participants deepened their appreciation of cultural diversity while strengthening their collective commitment to sustainable agriculture, safe food systems, and active European citizenship.

Young Guardians of Forest and Nature: Scientific Perspectives and Cultural Exchange Converge 🌿

The Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project Young Guardians of Forest and Nature (Project No. 2024-1-TR01-KA153-YOU-000217026) is taking place in Ankara, Türkiye, from 21 to 28 February 2025 under the coordination of the Chamber of Forest Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB). The project brings together participants from Czechia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Türkiye. Participants have come together to develop innovative approaches to forest and nature conservation, exchange international good practices, and strengthen cooperation for sustainable environmental initiatives.

During the panel on forest and nature conservation, representatives of public institutions and university scholars shared their expertise on biodiversity conservation, forest degradation and climate change, sustainable forestry practices, protected areas and ecosystem services, as well as the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. By engaging with these expert perspectives, participants gained valuable insights and explored solution-oriented approaches to contemporary environmental challenges.

As part of the dissemination activities, the theatrical performance Do Not Touch My Forest brought the knowledge and awareness gained throughout the project to the wider community through a creative form of expression. The performance also enhanced the visibility of the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ Programme and contributed to the broader dissemination of environmental messages.

The cultural exchange and interaction event provided a vibrant setting for participants to share the traditions, music, cuisine, and everyday customs of their respective countries. Through this experience, they deepened their appreciation of cultural diversity, forged friendships that transcend stereotypes, and once again experienced the value of international cooperation.

Young Guardians of Forest and Nature: Exploring the Interconnection Between Biodiversity and Climate Change 🌿🌍

The Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project Young Guardians of Forest and Nature (Project No. 2024-1-TR01-KA153-YOU-000217026) is being held in Ankara, Türkiye, from 21 to 28 February 2025 under the coordination of the Chamber of Forest Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB). The project brings together participants from Czechia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Türkiye. By sharing their knowledge and experience in forest and nature conservation, participants are strengthening sustainable approaches within the field of youth work while fostering international cooperation and environmental awareness.

The sessions provided a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between biodiversity and climate change. Through presentations enriched with visual materials and videos, participants examined in detail the impacts of climate change on species, ecosystems, and natural habitats.

Workshops focusing on biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation highlighted the consequences of rising temperatures and extreme weather events for ecological balance. These activities enhanced participants’ ability to analyse environmental risks from a holistic perspective.

The review of good practice examples contributed to the recognition of successful conservation strategies implemented in different regions. Participants developed new ideas on how to adapt these experiences to their own local contexts.

Following a study visit to the headquarters of the Chamber of Forest Engineers of TMMOB and the premises of the General Directorate of Forestry, participants presented their monitoring and shadow reports. This process significantly strengthened their skills in observation, data collection, and reporting.

The rehearsal of the theatrical performance Do Not Touch My Forest demonstrated the potential of creative methods for disseminating environmental messages. Participants gained valuable experience in developing effective communication tools that enhance the visibility of both the project and the Erasmus+ Programme.