Youth Forging Green Paths Together - Bringing Nature’s Voice to the Community

As part of the Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project 2025-3-LV02-KA152-YOU-000368450, coordinated by Black Wood Environmental Biedrība and implemented in partnership withGreece, Hungary, Italy, Türkiye.

The first activity, “Debunking Environmental Misconceptions,” focused on addressing common myths and misinformation related to nature and the environment. Through research, teamwork, and creative presentations, participants examined environmental misconceptions using scientific evidence and explored the impact of misinformation on public understanding of environmental issues. The activity helped young people strengthen their critical thinking, fact-checking, and communication skills.

The participants then took part in “Voices of Nature,” an activity that encouraged them to express their thoughts and feelings about nature through poetry, storytelling, and creative writing. Reflecting on the beauty, fragility, and importance of protecting the natural world, participants approached environmental topics from both scientific and emotional perspectives. The session highlighted the power of art and creativity as tools for raising environmental awareness and inspiring positive change.

As part of the project’s dissemination efforts, participants also carried out the “Eco-Conversations: Voices from the Park” activity in a local park in Riga. During this activity, young people engaged directly with local residents, introducing the Erasmus+ Programme and the objectives of the project while gathering public opinions on environmental awareness, biodiversity, and the protection of local ecosystems. These conversations provided valuable opportunities for participants to practice intercultural communication and gain insight into different perspectives on environmental issues.

Throughout the activity, participants documented local residents’ views on environmental challenges, their relationship with nature, and their suggestions for protecting the environment. As a result, the project became not only a learning experience for participants but also a platform for raising awareness within the local community.

These activities made a significant contribution to the project’s objectives of increasing environmental awareness, promoting active citizenship, developing critical thinking skills, and strengthening young people’s connection with nature. Participants experienced firsthand that meaningful environmental change requires not only knowledge, but also the ability to share accurate information, build empathy, and engage communities in collective action.