Living Labs

The LIVING LABs Erasmus+ project united young talents and established environmental organisations in the Alps. As an experimental project that used participatory methods, it supported intergenerational cooperation on the topic of sustainability and following a principle of co-creations. The project`s goals were achieved through different activities: 2 transnational meetings, 32 job shadowing opportunities and 14 realised national project ideas. The cooperation of the parners was strengthened, young people were empowered ll together realised environmentally friendly projects and initiatives that make the Alps a better place to live. Living Labs was made by a partner consortium of environmental networks in the Alps. The commision for the protection of the Alps, CIPRA International and its national CIPRAs enhanced their youth participation. At the same time, they gave young talents the opportunity to get involved in their work. Each year, a specific environment-related topic was chosen together with the partners and the youngsters, the first one being "sustainable tourism", and the other one "Landscapes". During an event of several days, the topic was explored and project ideas and initiatives were developed. The young talents and the representatives worked together in this process. Local politicans and experts from the field and research contributed with input. About 200 people were impacted, and a new project was drafted as a follow-up. Long terms benefits include job opportunities for young people in the CIPRA network; empowerment of the youngsters involved, and a rise in the awareness fot the need of a strong social involvment of youth to protect the alpine and global environment. A political paper on Landscapes was drafted in the project, and will be used in 2020 as a political tool to protect Alpine landscapes.