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Description
One of the most important issues is the urgency to conserve the country’s outstanding biodiversity in order to ensure the ecosystem services that are indispensable for society. Also, the level of involvement of the local communities in the decision making process regarding protected areas is very low due to lack of information on their role and legal participatory mechanisms (scientific and advisory councils), but also because the lack of confidence in these mechanisms. The project proposes innovative approaches to increase the degree of information, awareness and involvement of young people in the issues related to protected areas and the importance of involvement in local decision-making processes. Using a unique educational concept, we will encourage civic involvement and participation of young people in a leadership program built on case studies from 5 partner protected areas facing pressures on natural resources or having regulations that do not take into account the needs of local communities. Constituted in groups similar to the advisory and scientific councils, young people will analyse situations related to their community, identify solutions and models of approach and present them to the decision-makers, thus understanding the complexity of a decision-making process and the importance of active involvement in decisions.
An education campaign entitled "Future leaders for nature protection" will be implemented, that will reach high school students from 5 counties, promoting education methods that allow experimentation and use of new technology. The "Future leaders for nature protection " and the leadership program will train young people in the spirit of civic environmental activism, encouraging them to become involved in future decisions regarding protected areas based on the interests of the community. This target group is very sensitive to educational and motivational actions, acting as very efficient "vectors" in transmitting information to adults.
Summary of project results
The project was initiated to address the urgent need to involve young people in environmental protection, considering the challenges posed by climate change and ecological degradation. The main objectives were to increase ecological awareness and mobilize young people to understand the impact of environmental protection actions, educating them to become active leaders in nature conservation.
An educational program was implemented in 16 high schools, involving over 2,400 students. Following a competition, 6 high schools were selected, where 5 youth councils and a youth advisory cabinet were established. The 5 councils addressed cases from the partner natural parks, issuing 5 position papers. These were analysed by the Youth Advisory Cabinet, which issued 2 decision proposals, later submitted to the Ministry of Environment. Additionally, 6 training camps were organized for 120 students. Among them, 12 students, along with a teacher, were selected for a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels, where they deepened their knowledge of environmental legislation. The 12 video interviews conducted with students from the project were part of a social media promotion campaign, which significantly increased public awareness of active citizenship.
Through these activities, the project has shaped informed and engaged young people, capable of actively contributing to environmental protection and passing on the knowledge gained to future generations.
The project also contributed to the development of the ProPark Foundation’s Strategy for 2022-2030, which will guide future environmental protection activities.