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.

Expected Results

Schoolchildren will have learnt about the importance of the Green Belt, and in particular the conservation value of habitats and the species which inhabit them, through field visits and workshops. Educational materials will be disseminated through newspapers, social media channels and websites. In addition, a quantitative survey of trees, set up nesting aids and flower strips will be carried out.