As part of the Erasmus+ project “Fostering Active Youth Participation in Environmental Advocacy,” StarBalkans developed and coordinated a series of national and international activities aimed at empowering young people in the field of environmental protection.
The activities combined non-formal education, intercultural exchange, teamwork, research, digital campaigns, and practical community-based interventions.
International Mobility in Tirana
From January 26 to January 30, 2026, StarBalkans hosted the project’s first international mobility in Tirana, with the participation of 24 young people from Albania, Bulgaria, and Germany.
Over the course of five days, participants took part in workshops and discussions on:
- recycling and waste management;
- the structure of an environmental campaign;
- defining objectives and target groups;
- the use of digital tools and petitions;
- communication with the public and institutions;
- the role of young people in environmental advocacy.
The young participants worked in international teams and developed campaign ideas that would later be implemented in their local communities. Part of the program also included a meeting with representatives of the Municipality of Tirana, giving participants the opportunity to learn about institutional initiatives and practices in the field of environmental protection.
The “BinTheGum” Campaign
Following the completion of the mobility in Tirana, the Albanian group began working on the “BinTheGum” campaign. The team consisted of six young people and two group leaders from StarBalkans.
The campaign aimed to raise public awareness of the environmental impact of littering chewing gum in public spaces. To prepare the campaign, the young participants drew on scientific research, engaged in discussions with organizations working in the environmental field, and created informative content for social media.
Through posts, questionnaires, and ideas for data collection, the campaign sought to present an everyday action, such as throwing chewing gum on the ground, as a real issue affecting cleanliness and the urban environment.
Mobility in Varna
From April 29 to May 3, 2026, the Albanian group participated in the project’s second international mobility, held in Varna, Bulgaria.
During this activity, the young participants presented the campaigns developed in their respective countries and worked on organizing public events focused on recycling and waste management.
The program included activity planning, audience identification, development of awareness-raising messages, and strategies for engaging citizens. Participants exchanged ideas and good practices, learning from one another’s experiences.
“Green Action Lab: From Observation to Solutions”
The final local activity took place on July 11, 2026, near the Artificial Lake of Tirana. It brought together nine young people and two group leaders.
The activity included:
- an “Eco Hunt” and identification of waste across five areas;
- preparation of short environmental reports;
- a challenge focused on the circular economy;
- group discussions and reflection;
- creation of a “Green Wall” featuring ideas and commitments;
- short interviews and documentation through photographs and video.
Field observations showed that cigarette butts and bottle caps were among the most common types of litter, while areas near the park’s main roads had the highest concentration of waste.
Participants went beyond simply identifying environmental problems. Working in groups, they proposed solutions, awareness-raising approaches, and practical steps that citizens and local communities can take.
Project Impact
The project had a significant impact on the personal and professional development of the participating young people. Through the activities, they developed:
- communication and presentation skills;
- the ability to work in international teams;
- knowledge of environmental advocacy and activism;
- campaign and event planning skills;
- leadership, responsibility, and self-confidence;
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
- practical knowledge of waste management and the circular economy.
One of the most important outcomes was the transition from theoretical learning to concrete action. Young people identified problems, collected data, created awareness-raising content, and organized activities for their communities.
The project also strengthened cooperation between StarBalkans and its partner organizations from Bulgaria and Germany. This collaboration laid the foundations for further international initiatives and continued youth engagement in environmental issues.
The activities demonstrated that change begins when young people have the opportunity to observe, learn, express their ideas, and turn those ideas into concrete actions for their communities.