Youth Experience European Green Belt in Austria

Challenge

Although the European Green Belt is widely known by name, many people know little about it. The project did set out to change this by empowering people—especially children and young adults—to become multipliers who share its message. A key focus was engaging communities living along the European Green Belt and working with them to implement biodiversity-enhancing measures, with environmental education at the heart of all activities.

Objective

The project aimed to raise awareness among the local population of what the European Green Belt is and what makes it special, with a particular focus on engaging children. Another objective was to strengthen existing transnational links with NGOs in Germany and Serbia, and to organise a joint excursion. 

Approach

The project achieved its goals through:

• holding interactive school workshops.
• planting trees and installing nesting boxes.
• organizing an excursion to Lake Neusiedl.
• inventing a European Green Belt game.
• organizing a canoe trip along the Raab River.
• continuous communication activities.

Achieved Results

All project goals were achieved. Through awareness-raising campaigns, the project reached over 250 people directly (school classes and workshop participants), and many more indirectly through our media work. In addition, hands-on activities were performed to promote biodiversity, such as planting 50 oak trees with children and 75 other trees with adults, and hanging 22 bat boxes and 15 dormouse houses. The project team and all participants gained valuable insights into the European Green Belt and its significance.