More information
Description
The “Jovens pelo Planeta” project intends to implement in Portugal the concept of the Generation Earth program (https://www.generationearth.at/). Generation Earth is an initiative of WWF that started in Austria in 2010 as a program inspired by the AYEA (Alaska Youth for Environment Action - www.ayea.org). This project aims to: enable young people between the ages of 15 and 25 to develop actions related to environmental conservation in Portugal, giving them the knowledge, skills, contacts and motivations needed to bring their ideas to life. This program will provide tools and knowledge needed for decision-making (training and experience); stimulate the self-perception, self-confidence and self-reflection of the participants; promote peer-to-peer exchange and enable the development of environmental initiatives that increase public participation and awareness of sustainability and environmental issues.
Summary of project results
European reports indicate that the under-30 generation will experience the most devastating effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. This project aimed to address these challenges by giving young people a voice and the tools they needed to innovate for the environment.
The project''s development went through six phases.
The first phase, from January 24 to February 10, involved recruiting young people. Social media posts invited interested youths to submit motivational videos. Nine young people were recruited based on these videos, with two selected to join the Advisory Board.
The second phase, on February, focused on forming the Advisory Board. This included a training session for the board members, organized and moderated by the coordinator of WWF Austria''s youth teams and a young environmental leader from the Generation Earth program. A project introduction video was also created.
The third phase, from early March to May 10, involved further recruitment. A recruitment form was created, and online information sessions about the ''Jovens pelo Planeta'' program were held. Monthly online meetings were conducted with the initial nine recruits, and a Facebook page for the project was launched. Twelve young people were selected to participate in a capacity-building workshop.
In the fourth phase, in collaboration with WWF Austria and Generation Earth, the workshop methodology was developed and adapted for an online format due to the limitations of COVID-19. The capacity building workshop was conducted online with 21 selected youth in June.
The fifth phase, in July, included an online project management workshop facilitated with a Generation Earth youth. This workshop equipped the participants with tools to develop their project actions. Three working groups were formed, with one young person later developing a project independently.
The final phase, from December 2020 to May 2021, involved implementing project actions. ''Awareness Seed'' organized an online event with a panel discussing sustainable diets and the food industry, creating an Instagram page and a sensitization video. ''Safe Planet'' created a national biodiversity photo exhibition, raising awareness about human consumption''s impact on biodiversity loss, and developed a website to host the exhibition online. ''SustentaHabilidade'' organized an interactive online fair with panels of companies, projects, and start-ups focused on sustainability and circular economy, promoting discussions and sharing moments. ''Mobi Green'' conducted three sessions in schools, presenting a ''crash course'' to mobilize high school students to develop a community measure for local government discussion. The project had seven competing groups, each with four students. The winning group met with the local government and is currently implementing a community composter in Chaves.
Key achievements included the successful recruitment and engagement of young people, the adaptation of workshops to an online format, the creation of impactful community projects, and the development of a strong online presence and media coverage.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 21 volunteers recruited by supported NGOs;
- 4 civic initiatives led by supported NGOs;
- 1 awareness raising campaign carried out;
- 100% share of target group showing civic concerns.
Regarding capacity building, the promoter conducted a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.