Project European EcoSphere - Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement

Project: Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement

European EcoSphere is an international project that brings together municipalities and organizations from eight European countries with the aim of encouraging young people to actively participate in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the strengthening of local communities.

The project is part of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union and is 100% funded under Grant Agreement No. 101191659.

Total project value: EUR 148,000.00

Zavod Kočevsko will receive EUR 15.750,00, enabling the implementation of project activities, participation in international meetings, and the organization of one of the partner meetings in Kočevje.

Project duration: February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2027 (2 years)

The European EcoSphere project connects eight partners from Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Latvia, Greece, Italy, and Croatia with a common goal: to empower youth across Europe to become advocates for environmental stewardship and sustainable development through a variety of nature-based activities, educational programs and collaborative initiatives.

Over a 24-month period, the project will implement eight work packages focused on promoting sustainability, protecting the natural environment, and increasing youth participation in local communities. Through an integrated approach combining non-formal education, fieldwork, and community initiatives, the project aims to strengthen commitment to environmental responsibility, a sense of place, and active citizenship.

Activities will implemented in close cooperation with local organizations, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders, with particular attention given to the inclusion of young people as central actors in driving change.

PROJECT PARTNERS: 

Lead Partner: AYUNTAMIENTO DE PEGO, Pego, Spain

Responsible for project management, reporting, and ensuring coordinated collaboration between partners.

1st Meeting: Nature Engagement Kickoff (February 2025)

This first project meeting will set the foundation for project implementation, including detailed planning, scheduling, budgeting, and communication strategies, including the creation of a common visual identity and online promotion. Stakeholder and community consultations will be key, along with introductory events to present the project and encourage youth involvement. As part of the kickoff event held in Pego, participants will take part in guided nature walks, environmental tours, and interactive workshops designed to strengthen their connection to nature and promote nature engagement from the very start of the project.

DIGITALNI DEKANTERI - DIGITAL DECANTERS, Niš, Serbia

2nd Meeting: Park Revitalization and Public Participation (May 2025)

This activity focuses on the restoration of public parks and the strengthening of their role within the local community. Youth participation will be central, with young people actively involved in planning and implementing park improvement initiatives. Through hands-on outdoor activities, the project will promote environmental awareness and foster sustainable approaches to managing green public spaces.  

REZEKNES NOVADA PASVALDIBA, Rezekne, Latvia

3rd Meeting: Lakeside Learning and Environmental Education (July 2025)

Participants will engage in hands-on environmental activities designed to enhance awareness among European participants about the importance of natural areas, especially lakes and freshwater ecosystems, for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and overall well-being. Through guided shoreline hikes, interactive science workshops, and water quality testing demonstrations, participants will experience active learning and deepen their understanding of lake ecology and human impacts. The event also includes debates and discussions on environmental conservation, fostering participant involvement and stewardship.

CITY OF PREGRADA, Pregrada, Croatia

4th Meeting: Wetland Watchers and Ecological Engagement (September 2025)

This meeting focuses on wetlands as valuable natural habitats and aims to empower youth to actively participate in wetland restoration efforts. Participants will take part in hands-on wetland restoration work and learn about the ecological importance of these ecosystems through guided wetland tours. The focus will be on increasing awareness and appreciation of wetlands through experiential learning activities such as birdwatching, nature photography, and wetland ecology tours. Through targeted outreach campaigns, workshops, and community engagement events, they will acquire essential advocacy skills and knowledge to become effective advocates for wetland conservation within their communities.

PUBLIC INSTITUTE FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE KOČEVJE, Kočevje, Slovenia

5th Meeting: Forest Fellowship and Conservation Collaboration (November 2025)

The event will focus on forest conservation, sustainable forest management, and engagement in nature protection. Through voluntary work, tree planting workshops, and interactive sessions, participants will gain knowledge about forest ecosystem protection. The program includes training on community forest management and discussions on environmental challenges and solutions, aiming to boost youth awareness and involvement in conservation.

COMUNE DI SAN POLO DI PIAVE, San Polo di Piave, Italy

6th Meeting: River Restoration and Recreation (April 2026)

This meeting will provide knowledge on river ecosystem restoration and recreational infrastructure development. Activities include restoration planning workshops, clean-up actions, and developing plans for community engagement and recreational river use, promoting sustainable river management and stakeholder participation.

MUNICIPALITY OF AGIA, Agia, Greece

7th Meeting: Coastal Conservation and Community Collaboration (June 2026)

Focused on sustainable coastal management and conservation solutions. The program includes workshops, awareness-raising activities, and initiatives centered on coastal planning, protection, and scientific exploration. The goal is to raise awareness of coastal ecosystems and support tangible conservation measures.

ASSOCIAÇÃO DE MUNICÍPIOS DAS TERRAS DE SANTA MARIA, João da Madeira, Portugal

8th Meeting: Nature Advocacy and Policy Engagement (September 2026)

The final meeting will raise awareness about nature conservation and promote youth involvement in environmental policymaking. The program includes advocacy training, strategic planning, and a final conference for idea exchange and initiative development toward a sustainable future. The goal is to foster understanding of policymaking processes and support active youth participation in environmental advocacy.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

The project is based on the essential role of young people and local communities in environmental protection and strengthening social and climate resilience. By promoting active citizenship and sustainable development, it encourages youth to reconnect with nature as a means of empowerment, community engagement, and the building of resilient, sustainable communities across the EU.

Young participants will take part in nature-based activities, leadership training, and community initiatives that foster environmental responsibility and civic awareness. The project includes hands-on workshops, participatory decision-making processes, and collaboration with local communities, schools, and environmental organizations. Activities will focus on park revitalization, river restoration, forest conservation, lakeside education, wetland protection, coastal area conservation, nature advocacy, and youth engagement in policymaking.

Main objectives of the project:

• To encourage young people to actively participate in nature conservation and environmental initiatives.
• To empower youth by developing their leadership capacities, practical skills, and environmental literacy.
• To strengthen the resilience of local communities through engagement in nature-based projects and participatory decision-making.
• To promote environmental responsibility through practical initiatives such as park revitalization, river restoration, forest conservation, and to raise awareness on biodiversity and climate resilience.
• To foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking among stakeholders at both the local and international levels, and to develop long-term sustainable solutions for the protection of natural areas.

For more information: rebeka.jambrovic@kocevsko.com, urska.skodnik@kocevsko.com 

This project is funded by the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) under grant agreement No. 101191659. The contents of this publication represent the views of the authors only and are their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for the use that may be made of the information it contains.

Project Presentation and Contract Signing
The meeting began at Casa de la Cultura, where all project partners presented their organizations, project responsibilities, and coordinated the timeline, budget, and communication strategy. The Mayor of Pego, Enrique Moll Briones, formally signed the cooperation agreement with each partner.

City Landmarks Tour and Fallas Festival Opening
Accompanied by a local guide, we explored the history of Pego and visited key cultural sites, including the Church of the Assumption and the ECCE-Homo Chapel, a symbol of the community's spiritual and historical legacy. In the evening, we attended the opening ceremony of the Fallas festival at Plaza del Sol, featuring live music, traditional dancers, and a speech by the mayor. The event showcased the community's commitment to preserving local heritage.

Natural Park Marjal de Pego-Oliva

Our visit to the natural park led us through one of Spain’s most important Mediterranean wetlands. We learned about the Osprey Reintroduction Project led by a Scottish expert and enjoyed panoramic views from Montanyeta Verde.

Cultural and Social Event by the River Canal

We participated as judges in a creative boat competition, where local teams highlighted environmental themes through imaginative costumes and self-made vessels. The event took place in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

Tribute to Tradition and Local Entrepreneurship

We once again took part in the Fallas opening at Plaza del Sol, where girls in traditional Valencian attire gave a touching tribute to cultural identity and intergenerational traditions. Later, we visited the boutique store La Potingues, where we learned about natural cosmetics production, tasted local wine, and ended the day with a traditional dinner and reflections on our meeting.