Discovering the Past to Shape a Sustainable Future

“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.

Dynamic energizers encouraged movement, teamwork, and interaction, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm for the learning activities ahead. Participants were then introduced to the foundations of archaeobotany and explored how the study of ancient plant remains contributes to contemporary environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

Preparatory tasks and a hands-on plant exploration activity allowed the group to investigate the role of plants in past societies. By examining evidence of historical plant use, participants developed research skills and gained a deeper appreciation of the connections between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable living.

Creative storytelling sessions invited participants to transform newly acquired knowledge into engaging narratives. This process strengthened communication skills and demonstrated how scientific information can be shared in accessible and inspiring ways.

Role-play and reenactment activities brought archaeobotanical discoveries to life, enabling participants to experience historical practices from a new perspective. Collaborative performance fostered empathy, critical thinking, and a richer understanding of the relationship between people and their environments across time.

Practical soil-based investigations concluded the learning sequence, providing direct experience with the materials and methods used in archaeobotanical studies. Reflection and group sharing reinforced the day’s key insights, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary learning for building a more sustainable future.