The F.O.R.E.S.T. (Foster Environmental Strategies for Change) project exemplifies how international collaboration can drive impactful environmental initiatives. Supported by the Erasmus+ programme, this partnership between Agora Aveiro (Portugal) and SEEDS (Iceland) focused on youth engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainable development. Completed in early 2024, the project leaves a legacy of enhanced skills, environmental campaigns, and a blueprint for future collaborations.
Background: Why F.O.R.E.S.T. Matters
F.O.R.E.S.T. was born from the shared goals of Agora Aveiro and SEEDS to promote sustainable practices and empower young people to tackle climate change. The partnership aimed to:
- Leverage expertise: Combine Agora Aveiro’s local youth focus with SEEDS’ experience in international volunteering.
- Expand audiences: Broaden reach through cross-border collaboration.
- Build strategic partnerships: Lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives.
Objectives: Driving Sustainability and Youth Empowerment
The project had clear objectives to achieve lasting impact:
- Foster international cooperation in environmentally sustainable projects.
- Facilitate exchange of best practices among partner organisations.
- Enhance skills in youth work and environmental awareness.
- Reach over 6,000 individuals through activities, campaigns, and events.
Tangible outputs included local environmental campaigns, smaller-scale sustainability activities, and plans for future strategic partnerships.
Implementation: From Vision to Action
The project unfolded through several key activities:
- Kick-off Meeting (Iceland)
Both organisations aligned on project goals, roles, and timelines during this initial gathering. - Nature & Conservation Camp (Iceland)
Participants engaged in hands-on activities like tree planting and trail management, gaining practical skills in conservation. - Training on Environmental Engagement (Portugal)
Workshops, outdoor sessions, and community projects equipped participants with tools for effective environmental advocacy. - Local Campaign Implementation
Leveraging their new knowledge, participants launched impactful initiatives, such as:- Agora Aveiro’s brainstorming weekend with 20 volunteers to craft innovative solutions for local environmental challenges.
- SEEDS’ Coast Care Sundays, a monthly beach clean-up campaign in partnership with international volunteers.
- Evaluation & Feedback
The final session assessed the project’s impact and explored possibilities for future collaborations.
Results: Empowerment Through Action
F.O.R.E.S.T. achieved significant outcomes for participants and communities:
- Environmental Activities: Tree planting, clean-ups, and awareness events directly contributed to conservation efforts.
- Enhanced Skills: Participants gained expertise in sustainability, teamwork, and community engagement.
- Increased Awareness: Campaigns raised understanding of climate issues and the importance of active citizenship.
A Blueprint for Change
F.O.R.E.S.T. proves that small-scale partnerships can create big impacts. By combining expertise, fostering youth leadership, and promoting sustainable practices, this project showcases how international collaboration can address global challenges.
🌍 Interested in launching similar initiatives? Explore how Erasmus+ supports projects like F.O.R.E.S.T. to drive meaningful change.
