🌱 Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany

Green Behavior Youth Organization
Sep 15
3 min read

Date: August 18–24, 2025

Location: Selfoss, Iceland

Coordinating Organization: Green Behavior Youth Organization

Partner Countries: Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Turkey, Ukraine

🌍 Bridging the Past and the Future

From August 18–24, 2025, young people from Iceland, Croatia, Georgia, Turkey, and Ukraine came together in the beautiful town of Selfoss, Iceland, for an inspiring journey into archaeobotany. Coordinated by Green Behavior Youth Organization, the project “Roots and the Future: Environmental Sustainability through Archaeobotany” combined environmental education, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning to empower youth as advocates for sustainable development.

Archaeobotany, the study of plant remains in archaeological contexts, allows us to understand how humans and plants have interacted throughout history. By exploring past agricultural practices, biodiversity, and the relationship between humans and nature, participants gained insights into environmental sustainability and the preservation of both natural and cultural heritage.

🎯 Project Objectives

The project aimed to:

Raise Environmental Awareness: Equip young participants with knowledge about archaeobotany and its role in sustainability.
Foster Personal and Social Development: Encourage teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and social responsibility.
Promote Cultural Exchange: Bring together youth from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and collaborate on environmental solutions.
Encourage Sustainable Practices: Provide practical examples through workshops, field activities, and discussions on biodiversity, recycling, and sustainable agriculture.
Empower Youth Civic Engagement: Inspire participants to advocate for environmental protection within their communities.
Strengthen Youth Work Capacity: Offer innovative tools and methods for youth workers to integrate environmental education into their programs.

🌱 Engaging Activities

The project included interactive and hands-on activities designed to make learning about archaeobotany fun and memorable:

1. What is Archaeobotany?Participants learned about archaeobotany, the types of plant remains studied (seeds, pollen, wood, etc.), and how this knowledge helps understand past human-plant interactions and supports environmental sustainability.

2. Plant Adventure: Exploration in the Garden of the PastA unique exhibition of plant remains, leaves, flowers, and plant-based artworks allowed participants to explore four thematic concepts about plant use in history.

3. Archaeobotany TalesIn groups, participants created stories combining scientific facts and creative imagination, then illustrated their tales. These stories were later shared in presentations, helping youth express what they learned creatively.

4. Archaeobotanical ReenactmentsParticipants actively reenacted historical plant-related practices, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of past agricultural and botanical knowledge.

5. Secrets of the SoilThrough examining soil and plant remains, participants experienced firsthand how archaeobotanists uncover clues about ancient ecosystems and human interactions with nature.

👩‍🌾 Participant Profile

The project brought together 40 youth from Iceland, Croatia, Georgia, Turkey, and Ukraine. 15 participants with fewer opportunities were included to ensure inclusivity and equal access.

💫 Impact and Results

The project created lasting outcomes for participants and communities:

Increased Environmental Awareness: Youth gained knowledge of archaeobotany and its link to sustainability.
Practical Sustainability Skills: Participants learned eco-friendly practices they can apply in daily life.
Enhanced Key Skills: Teamwork, communication, and leadership were strengthened.
Cultural Exchange and Cooperation: Cross-cultural collaboration broadened participants’ perspectives.
Youth Empowerment: Participants left inspired to initiate environmental projects and advocate for change.
Innovative Youth Work Tools: New educational methods and resources were developed for future youth projects.
Community Impact: Participants will share experiences and promote sustainability locally, amplifying the project’s influence.

🌐 Looking Forward

“Roots and the Future” successfully connected past knowledge with present challenges, inspiring young people to become active, responsible, and environmentally conscious citizens. By exploring archaeobotany, participants learned that understanding our roots can guide a sustainable future.

Green Behavior Youth Organization is proud to have coordinated a project that empowers youth, strengthens international networks, and contributes to a greener, more sustainable world.