Fostering Active Youth Participation in Environmental Advocacy: Empowering Youth for Environmental Protection

Fostering Active Youth Participation in Environmental Advocacy

Fostering Active Youth Participation in Environmental Advocacy is a project funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aimed at empowering young people to become actively involved in environmental protection, recycling, and sustainable waste management.

The project, reference number 2025-1-BG01-KA154-YOU-000305144, was implemented from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. It brought together young people and organizations from Albania, Bulgaria, and Germany, creating an international space for education, experience-sharing, and concrete community action.

The project was coordinated by Association FOR YOU in Bulgaria, in partnership with StarBalkans in Albania and Aiforia – ecoculture e.V. in Germany.

Project objectives

The project aimed to help young people move from awareness of environmental challenges to taking concrete action.

The main objectives included:

1. raising awareness about recycling and waste management;
2. developing environmental advocacy skills;
3. supporting youth-led campaigns and activities;
4. creating an international network of active young people;
5. strengthening cooperation among young people, organizations, and institutions;
6. promoting dialogue and civic participation;
7. increasing understanding of European environmental policies and objectives.

The project involved 24 young people aged 18–30 from the three partner countries. No previous experience was required to participate; participants were expected to demonstrate motivation, an interest in environmental issues, and a willingness to engage in project activities.

The role of StarBalkans

As the partner organization from Albania, StarBalkans played a direct role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of project activities at both national and international levels.

The main responsibilities of StarBalkans included:

1. informing and selecting Albanian participants;
2. preparing and coordinating the participating group;
3. organizing the international mobility in Tirana;
4. delivering training sessions and non-formal education activities;
5. supporting young people in developing environmental campaigns;
6. coordinating the participation of the Albanian group in the mobility in Varna;
7. organizing local activities in Albania;
8. documenting and promoting project results;
9. communicating and cooperating with international partners.

From January 26 to January 30, 2026, StarBalkans hosted the 24 young participants and representatives of the partner organizations in Tirana. The mobility focused on the role of young people in creating campaigns for recycling and waste management.

Through workshops, discussions, group work, and meetings with institutional representatives, participants learned how to identify a problem, define campaign objectives and target groups, and develop effective ways of communicating with the public.

Through this project, StarBalkans strengthened its commitment to non-formal education, active youth participation, and international cooperation. The organization’s role went beyond simply coordinating mobilities; it also focused on creating opportunities for young people to lead their own initiatives and generate positive impact within their communities.

The project demonstrated that when young people are equipped with the necessary knowledge, tools, and support, they can become advocates and leaders of positive environmental change.