Youth 'agents of change' on Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability

Background The GreenACT project was applied for to address the specific needs of increasing environmental awareness and responsible behaviour. Its implementation through four intellectual outputs (IO1, IO2, IO3, and IO4): In IO1, data on the environmental landscape was collected and assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. A Comparative Report analysed policies and perspectives, leading to the collaborative development of the GreenACT Conceptual Framework. IO2 focused on developing an educational pack, combining theory and practise with teaching materials, videos, quizzes, and training guidelines. Capacity-building program was conducted, with a Data Bank established for articles on European policies and good practices. IO3 involved designing and developing an interactive online platform, including an Eco-Cities Audit Tool, a roadmap for sustainable cities, an e-Learning Academy, and a GreenACT Movement Forum. In IO4, the GreenACT Toolbox was designed, translated into seven languages, and used for setting up Summer Schools. A Blended Mobility activity allowed youth participation, and the GreenACT Movement was launched for presenting results and advocating for environmental initiatives. Objectives The aim of this project was to provide additional support to YOUTH INITIATIVES and to increase awareness in 6 EU countries. We achieved this through: = the implementation of innovative GreenACT schools, = a unique learning approach aimed at educating young people about environmental issues, to inspire them and to encourage them to take action. Moreover, its objectives were as follows: = development of a Competence Framework for increasing environmental awareness and responsible behaviour = development of Educational Pack which will facilitate innovative learning practices based mainly on non-formal methods. = development of Green-ACT platform where young people and youth workers will use as a way of interacting, sharing information, experience, and knowledge. = development of a Toolbox, with A-Z guides for setting up the GreenACT SUMMER SCHOOLS Due to significant national and international restrictions during the project implementation, we have submitted a request to the National Agency for a 6-month extension of the project period. This extension is necessary to ensure the complete fulfilment of all proposed objectives. Implementation The GreenACT project consists of four main intellectual outputs (IOs) with various activities. IO1 focused on the GreenACT Conceptual Framework and involved data collection through questionnaires, creating National Reports summarising findings, presenting a Comparative Report on youth knowledge and environmental awareness, developing the GreenACT Conceptual Framework. IO2 focused on the GreenACT Educational Pack, including designing and developing teaching materials, videos, quizzes, and training guidelines. It also involves conducting capacity-building programs and collecting articles and resources to create a data bank. IO3 focused on the GreenACT Multi-Purpose Platform, involving designing and developing an interactive platform with the Eco-Cities Audit Tool, a roadmap for sustainable cities, an e-Learning Academy, and a GreenACT Movement Forum. IO4 focused on the GreenACT Toolbox, including designing and developing the Toolbox and a roadmap for the GreenACT Summer School. Developing a campaign on social networks and through info days. Additional to this, we also implemented the following activities: Project Management, Quality Assurance and project Evaluation, Promotion and dissemination of project results. Achievements The GreenACT project implemented four main components (IO1-IO4) to address the specific needs of increasing environmental awareness and responsible behaviour. Key outcomes included comprehensive data collection on the environmental landscape, summarised in National and Comparative Reports. The project developed the GreenACT Conceptual Framework, an educational pack, and conducted capacity-building programs. It established a Data Bank, designed an interactive online platform, and ensured translation and accessibility. Summer Schools and a Blended Mobility activity were organised, and the GreenACT Movement was launched to promote environmental initiatives.