Training seminar focused on gathering youth NGOs representatives who work on youth programmes in field of environmental protection using methods of intercultural dialogue and cooperation with similar NGOs and CSOs – sponsored by EYF
This training-seminar was gathering of youth NGO representatives working with vulnerable nature areas in attempt to clarify importance of youth participation and to empower youth to start running activities in their local communities using the methodology of intercultural dialog. Learning and sharing of positive and negative experiences among participants from countries on a different level of development of environmental protection programs was general benefit of the seminar.
Objectives were: to gather representatives from NGOs that are engaged with development of youth work in the field of environmental protection, to increase youth participation in solving local/regional environmental issues and to strengthen work of youth organizations; to raise awareness in local communities about environmental protection, showing how big impact youth should have; to encourage
intercultural learning and sharing of experiences among countries which have longer tradition in environmental protection and higher percent of youth participation with those who not.
Training, enforced by presentations, workshops, discussions and study visit to one unique wetland area promoted ambition of youth to be involved in local programs related to conservation of wetlands, especially through intercultural learning and work on local community level, especially on awareness raising and advocacy.
Participants shared opinions and experiences of intercultural educational theory and importance of youth activism in relation to problem solutions in the conservation of nature protected areas by enhancing youth activism in Europe.
Discussions were beneficial and brought new approaches and ideas showing young individuals care more about social issues and could participate more actively.
Seminar team encouraged the exchange of practices and experiences between participants on Concepts of youth participation, voluntarism, networking, Intercultural Dialogue and Environmental Protection concepts.
The team clearly demonstrated the best methods for implementation of a variety of programs in local, smaller communities.
Various methods have been used. Seminar day started with entertaining energizer which provided go-ahead spirit and friendly environment.Lectures and presentations have been used in order to give insight to participants about the global importance of the wetlands as well as to present successful models of youth activism in order to influence top environmental problems. Discussions have been very productive. Participants presented the environmental situation of wetlands areas from their countries and examples of related activities held by NGOs activists. Seminar team boosted participants to start intercultural cooperation in their own communities. Study visit to Upper Danube wetland area was important and excellent accepted. Local rangers explained the importance of that unique wetland area.
Participants showed high level of participation and created good platform for followup for which lead to creation of a brochure which can be used to multiply effects in their own communities, their wetland areas. Participants also showed experience in creation of awareness raising messages and they managed to create unique and useful leaflet as good campaigning tool.
Participants were young, experienced and motivated NGO activists. They showed capability to transform and multiply acquired knowledge, experience and ideas. They are keen to make actual steps forward in their own communities in process of engaging Intercultural dialog and campaigning in explaining importance of protection of wetlands.
