Conservation Enables Sustainability

The Erasmus+ project Consensus tackled the important issue of protecting cultural heritage, which is under threat from destruction, looting, and even extinction in many parts of the world. Since p...

The Erasmus+ project Consensus tackled the important issue of protecting cultural heritage, which is under threat from destruction, looting, and even extinction in many parts of the world. Since preserving heritage is a top priority for both the European Union and countries worldwide, the project focused on sharing the responsibility between national authorities, local communities, and schools. By raising awareness and educating young people, Consensus helped students aged 14-18 understand the value of cultural heritage, like archives, monuments, and historical sites, and the need to protect them for future generations. The project made this topic engaging and interactive, encouraging students to take an active role in preserving heritage at both local and European levels. It also stressed that this isn’t just something “nice to do” but an obligation for sustainability. The schools played a big part, with teachers using modern digital tools and teaching methods to connect heritage preservation with combating climate change. By the end of the project, Consensus had inspired a new generation to see protecting cultural heritage as a shared responsibility—and to take action to keep our shared history alive for years to come.

During the Erasmus+ project Consensus, a variety of activities were organised across partner countries to explore cultural heritage and address pressing issues like climate change In Spain, participants experienced cultural traditions through folk dance demonstrations, traditional games, and city tours. They also created digital content, including an Erasmus poster, and visited landmarks like Benidorm and Valencia, blending education with cultural immersion. In Sweden, activities included school clean-ups, guided tours of Sigtuna and Stockholm, and reflections on cultural heritage and architecture through collaborative discussions. In Greece, students participated in local traditions like kite flying on Clean Monday, visited museums and ancient sites, and celebrated Greek Independence Day through school-led activities and cultural events. In Turkey, we explored traditional craftsmanship with visits to the Copper Smiths Bazaar and workshops in mosaic art. Participants also toured historical sites like Zeugma and Rumkale, experiencing local culture through interactive outdoor activities. These activities fostered collaboration, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness, making the project both educational and impactful.

The Consensus project delivered numerous concrete outputs and impactful results. A key achievement was the student presentations created during each Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTT). These presentations highlighted the cultural heritage and unique aspects of their countries, aligned with the specific themes of each LTT, and were developed using tools like Canva, Genially and Google, enhancing digital and communication skills. An essential part of the project was students living with host families, which provided a firsthand experience of each country’s culture and hospitality. This immersive approach offered a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, enriching the overall project theme and fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections. Teachers also integrated modern digital tools into their teaching, promoting innovation and sustainable practices in education. Additionally, the project strengthened European school networks, improved students’ language skills, and ensured the inclusion of disadvantaged students. By linking cultural heritage with climate action, Consensus inspired participants to become responsible citizens dedicated to preserving shared heritage.