Green Belt Explorers - Learn it, Live it, Promote it

Challenge 

The European Green Belt is one of Europe’s most valuable ecological corridors, connecting unique habitats, forests, mountains, and wetlands across multiple countries. Despite its significance, many young people and local communities remain unaware of its environmental importance and the need for its protection. Biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, unsustainable land use, and increasing human pressure threaten these ecosystems and the species that depend on them. At the same time, limited opportunities for environmental education and cross-border cooperation reduce public engagement in conservation efforts. To address these challenges, there was a clear need to strengthen awareness, build local capacities, and empower young people to become active advocates for nature protection and sustainable development in the Balkan Green Belt region. 

Objective

The project aimed to inspire and equip young people to become active ambassadors of the European Green Belt and biodiversity conservation. Through cross-border cooperation between North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro, the project sought to strengthen environmental awareness, improve knowledge about the ecological value of the European Green Belt, and encourage youth participation in nature protection. 

Approach

The project's objectives have been achieved through the following activities:

• Learning through nature: Young people explored the European Green Belt firsthand through field visits to protected areas guided by environmental experts and local stakeholders.

• Non-formal education: Interactive workshops, discussions, and practical activities helped participants understand biodiversity, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable development.

• Cross-border cooperation: Youth from North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro exchanged experiences, built friendships, and developed a shared vision for protecting the European Green Belt.

• Youth-led action: Participants transferred their knowledge by organising follow-up activities and awareness events in their local communities.

• Public engagement: European Green Belt Days, social media campaigns, videos, and promotional materials brought the project’s messages to a wider audience.

• Building a lasting network: Continuous cooperation between participants and partner organisations created a foundation for future environmental initiatives and regional collaboration.

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): The MoU formalised continued cooperation and dissemination of the project results.

Achieved Results

The project established a regional network of young environmental advocates and developed a youth-friendly educational programme. 24 young people were trained as “European Green Belt ambassadors” in environmental conservation and leadership, and a further 45 young people were engaged through seven dedicated transboundary activities involving 14 educational sessions with experts. Awareness-raising activities and educational campaigns across North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro reached over 10,000 citizens, while dozens of young participants gained hands-on biodiversity conservation skills through workshops and camps.