Young people from the Balkans are hiking, learning and leading in order to protect the future of the Balkan Green Belt

Young people from North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro gathered in Ohrid to explore biodiversity, hike through protected areas and advocate for the Balkan Green Belt

Youth participants proudly hold the BESTbelt flag at the summit of Magaro Peak (2,255 m), symbolizing cross-border unity and commitment to protecting the Balkan Green Belt through outdoor environmental learning. © Scout Association of Macedonia
During the field visit to Lokva and Vevčansko Lake, participants explored the natural beauty of the Jablanica region and learned about ecosystem preservation in partnership with local NGO Eko Svest Vevčani. © Scout Association of Macedonia
A session introducing participants to EuroNatur, the European Green Belt Initiative, the Balkan Green Belt corridor, and the aims of the "Green Belt Explorers" project, setting the tone for the week’s educational journey. © Scout Association of Macedonia

 

From 24 to 28 April 2025, young people from across the Balkans came together for a five-day environmental camp at the Scout Centre Ohrid. Surrounded by North Macedonia's stunning lakes and mountains, participants took part in hands-on workshops, field trips and hikes through key areas of the Balkan Green Belt.

Highlights included an expert-led workshop by the Macedonian Ecological Society, a field trip to Vevčansko Lake and Lokva with the local NGO Eko Svest, and a behind-the-scenes session at the headquarters of Galicica National Park. The youth also reached Magaro Peak (2,255 m) after a challenging but rewarding full-day hike, deepening their connection with nature.

The camp equipped participants with knowledge of protected area management, green jobs and transboundary conservation, while also strengthening cooperation between national scout organisations in the region. This experience has already inspired several local follow-up actions and a youth-led visibility campaign. 

The next Youth exchange will take place in September 2025, during which the participants will explore the European Green Belt of Montenegro.

 

You can read a long version of the first youth exchange here.

The EU-funded BESTbelt transboundary project “Green Belt Explorers – Learn it, Live it, Promote it” was implemented by the Scout and Guide Association of Macedonia in collaboration with the Scout and Guide Association of Montenegro and the Scout Association of Serbia from January 2025 to April 2026.

Contact details: Snezhana Jankovikj (Scout Association of Macedonia), sim(at)scout.org.mk or snezhana(at)scout.org.mk