Learning to Live Sustainably: From Permaculture to Creative Action

The Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project “Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food” (Project No. 2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774) was implemented by Green Behavior Youth Organization and hosted by Generaciones Saludables España in Gijón, Spain, from 28 April to 5 May 2025. Bringing together participants from Turkey, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland, the initiative provided a rich setting for exploring climate change, sustainable food systems, organic agriculture, and healthy living through innovative non-formal learning activities.

Collaborative games and practical workshops enabled participants to consolidate their knowledge of sustainability while strengthening teamwork and communication skills. Through a dynamic word-search challenge and daily cycling sessions, they transformed key concepts into memorable experiences and recognized the value of environmentally friendly mobility for both personal well-being and climate action.

Thematic sessions on permaculture introduced participants to principles of caring for the Earth, supporting human needs, and sharing resources responsibly. These discussions deepened their understanding of regenerative food systems and inspired them to consider how sustainable practices can be integrated into everyday life and community initiatives.

Hands-on creative activities further demonstrated the potential of recycling and ecological thinking. By transforming waste paper into sculptures and engaging in simulations that illustrated the fragility of natural ecosystems, participants experienced firsthand the importance of adaptation, biodiversity, and responsible stewardship of the environment.

Intercultural exchange and reflective evaluation completed the learning journey.

Presentations of agricultural traditions, local foods, dances, and languages from the participating countries fostered mutual understanding and solidarity, while structured reflection helped participants identify the knowledge and values they will carry forward in promoting sustainable agriculture and safe food within their own communities.