Project Information
Project Reference: 2025-1-FR02-KA152-YOU-000298435
Status: Completed
Duration: June 2025 – May 2026
EU Grant: €30,041
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Mobility of Young People
Countries Involved: France, Latvia, Georgia
Project Background
The Green Footprints project was created to address the growing need for more sustainable approaches to tourism. While tourism can support local economies and rural development, it can also create environmental challenges such as pollution, overuse of natural resources, and damage to ecosystems.
The project focused on promoting eco-tourism and responsible travel among young people. It aimed to help participants understand how tourism can become a positive force for environmental protection, cultural respect, and sustainable community development.
Project Objectives
The main goal of Green Footprints was to increase young people’s awareness of sustainable tourism and encourage environmentally friendly practices. Participants learned about eco-tourism principles, local development, and the balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.
The project also aimed to strengthen intercultural dialogue between young people from France, Latvia, and Georgia. Through international cooperation, participants developed communication skills, respect for different cultures, and a stronger sense of European and global responsibility.
Participants and Inclusion
The youth exchange brought together 35 participants from three countries: France, Latvia, and Georgia. The group included young people, group leaders, and facilitators who shared different cultural, social, and personal experiences.
The project paid special attention to inclusion by involving young people with fewer opportunities. Each national group included participants facing different challenges, such as geographical isolation, economic difficulties, cultural barriers, or belonging to minority communities.
Project Implementation
The international youth exchange took place from 30 July to 8 August 2025 in the Manglisi area, within the Algeti National Park in Georgia. The programme combined non-formal education methods, outdoor activities, cultural exchange, and environmental learning.
Participants took part in workshops, discussions, teamwork activities, study visits, and practical tasks connected with sustainable tourism. These methods encouraged active participation, creativity, and cooperation between young people from different backgrounds.
Learning Activities and Experiences
During the project, participants explored topics such as eco-tourism, agro-tourism, sustainable travel, and the social impact of tourism. They participated in interactive workshops, including discussions about tourism trends in France, Latvia, and Georgia.
Practical activities included designing eco-tourism ideas, visiting local farmers, learning about traditional food production, hiking in Algeti National Park, and joining an environmental clean-up campaign. Participants also met local rangers and learned about nature protection and challenges connected with tourism development.
Key Results and Achievements
The project created positive results at individual, group, and community levels. Participants improved their knowledge of sustainable tourism and developed important skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and intercultural cooperation.
Many participants reported increased confidence, stronger environmental awareness, and greater motivation to adopt more sustainable habits in their daily lives. The project also helped young people build friendships and develop ideas for future cooperation.
Impact on Communities and Organisations
The project supported local communities by connecting young people with environmental organisations, farmers, and representatives of Algeti National Park. The clean-up activity and awareness actions showed how young people can contribute directly to protecting natural areas.
Partner organisations from France, Latvia, and Georgia also strengthened their cooperation and gained new experience in implementing international youth projects focused on sustainability, inclusion, and community development.
Long-Term Impact and Conclusion
Green Footprints created a lasting impact by encouraging young people to become active promoters of sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility. Participants returned to their communities with new knowledge, skills, and motivation to share eco-friendly practices with others.
Through international cooperation, practical learning, and cultural exchange, the project helped build a generation of young people who are more aware of environmental challenges and ready to contribute to sustainable communities.
