International Project Reconnecting Young People with Nature to Take Place in Riga

The Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project 2025-3-LV02-KA152-YOU-000368450, coordinated by Black Wood Environmental Biedrība, will be implemented in Riga, Latvia, between 30 March and 5 April 2026. The project brings together partners from Türkiye, Greece, Hungary, and Italy, including İsrafla Mücadele Platformu, Intercultural Institute of Lefkada, Debreceni Sport és Kulturális Központ, and Community of Natural Life. The initiative aims to strengthen young people's environmental awareness and empower them to become active citizens committed to building a more sustainable future.

Today’s young people are facing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. However, many of them often feel powerless when confronted with the scale of these issues. At the same time, increasing urbanization has weakened the connection between young people and the natural world, making it more difficult to develop environmental responsibility and awareness. This project addresses these challenges by creating opportunities for young people to reconnect with nature, better understand environmental issues, and actively participate in finding solutions.

Through a variety of non-formal learning methods, participants will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also valuable hands-on experience. Topics such as ecosystem services, biodiversity, the local impacts of climate change, water conservation, and ecological footprints will be explored through interactive and engaging activities. By linking environmental concepts to everyday life, participants will be encouraged to better understand how their individual actions can contribute to positive environmental change.

Another key objective of the project is to enhance participants’ critical thinking and media literacy skills. In an era where misinformation and misconceptions about environmental issues are widespread, young people need the ability to assess information critically and distinguish facts from myths. The project will equip participants with the tools to evaluate environmental claims, analyze information sources, and make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.

The international dimension of the project will bring together young people from diverse cultural backgrounds to work toward common environmental goals. Through intercultural learning activities and collaborative tasks, participants will exchange perspectives, develop mutual understanding, and strengthen their communication and teamwork skills. These experiences are expected to foster long-lasting friendships and create an international network of environmentally conscious young people committed to supporting one another in their sustainability efforts.

The project will involve 40 participants, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and equal opportunities. Half of the participants will be young people with fewer opportunities, including those facing economic and geographical challenges. By ensuring broad participation, the project contributes to Erasmus+ priorities related to inclusion, diversity, and active citizenship.

This youth exchange in Riga will provide participants with a meaningful international learning experience, helping them build a stronger connection with nature, develop practical environmental competencies, and become more confident and active contributors to a sustainable future.