Unearthing Sustainability: First Steps into Archaeobotany and Intercultural Learning

“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 young people 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. The exchange creates a collaborative space where participants explore environmental sustainability and archaeobotany while strengthening intercultural understanding and active citizenship.

Interactive icebreakers and talent-sharing activities encouraged participants to discover one another’s strengths, reflect on previous learning experiences, and appreciate the value of documenting competences through Youthpass. By exchanging skills and personal stories, the group established an atmosphere of trust and mutual support that will sustain the learning journey ahead.

Exploratory orientation tasks combined teamwork with practical problem-solving. Simulations inspired by archaeology and everyday situations familiarized participants with the local environment while fostering cooperation, communication, and confidence in navigating new surroundings.

Cultural workshops and discussions highlighted the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and demonstrated how intercultural dialogue enriches personal growth. Participants shared symbols of their heritage, introduced traditional practices, and reflected on the transformative impact of international mobility experiences.

Creative dissemination began with the collaborative design of project posters and information materials. Through artistic expression, participants visualized the project’s goals and prepared resources that will support future outreach activities and engagement with local communities.

The experience concluded with collective reflection and an inspiring cultural fair. Recording memorable moments on a shared dream board promoted self-awareness and constructive feedback, while performances, traditional crafts, music, and cuisine celebrated the diversity of the partnership and strengthened the bonds among participants.