GAIA - Green Action Involvement Awareness

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing the world today, with growing implications for people’s health, security, and prosperity, as well as for the economy and the environment in general. What causes these changes? What factors influence them? How can we get involved to mitigate them?

These questions, along with topics related to the circular economy, were discussed during the workshop “Young Ambassadors: influencers of climate action”, attended by students from several high schools in Dolj County.

The workshop set out to build environmental awareness and fight climate change, while encouraging young people to launch personal initiatives and propose ideas and solutions for these climate problems.

The workshops were structured as interactive sessions. Students had the opportunity to take part in educational and awareness activities such as role-playing games, simulations, and hands-on workshops, all designed to stimulate critical thinking and responsibility towards the environment.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the “Loss/Profit” game, through which participants explored the concept of the circular economy, calculated their ecological and water footprints, and learned about the importance of recycling and reusing resources. The young ambassadors were also encouraged to analyse the impact of human actions on the environment and to identify sustainable solutions for the problems identified.

In addition, brainstorming sessions were organised where young people could express their ideas and propose their own initiatives. These included proposals for afforestation projects and campaigns to raise awareness of water and energy consumption.

The “Young Ambassadors” workshops are only a first step in a broader plan of environmental actions to be implemented in Dolj County. In the end, these workshops not only educated, but also inspired a new generation of eco-leaders determined to leave a positive mark on the world.

March ended with a series of climate-change awareness activities, namely:

1. A climate change workshop
2. An eco-costume parade, with outfits made from recycled or recyclable materials
3. A green lunch to avoid wasting energy and resources

The activities held at the “Voltaire” High School aimed to raise climate-change awareness across the community and to give momentum to the transition towards a sustainable lifestyle for people and for the environment.

All of these aimed to raise awareness of the importance of recycling, reducing consumption, and reusing materials that can be turned into new, original products useful in everyday life.

With enthusiasm and dedication, the young people dug, cleaned, and planted various flower species, from classic pansies to exotic petunias and fragrant hyacinths. The schoolyard quickly filled with vibrant colours and delicate scents, turning it into a perfect place for outdoor lessons and recreational breaks. Not only will these plants beautify the school grounds, they will also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, essential for maintaining the ecological balance.

The campaign also had a strong educational impact. Students learned about native plant species and their importance for the local ecosystem. They also took part in creative-recycling workshops, where they learned to use recyclable materials to create planters and decorations for their plants.

This greening and flower-planting campaign is an inspiring example of how local initiatives can have a profound impact on environmental awareness and behaviour, showing that every action counts in building a sustainable future.

Globally, plants face numerous pressures that threaten population sizes and can even lead to the extinction of some species. First among these is climate change, manifested not only through higher temperatures but also through reduced rainfall, at least in some areas. Plant populations are also threatened by drainage for natural or man-made reasons, deforestation or incorrect planting, changes in land use, and abusive collection for commercial purposes. And the list of threats to plants goes on.

Students of the “Horia Vintilă” Technological High School in Segarcea and the “Ștefan Anghel” Technological High School in Băilești therefore went on a study visit to the Botanical Garden and “Nicolae Romanescu” Park, to observe representative species from the main plant families. This on-site botany lesson was a unique chance to understand ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

They were invited to reflect on plant life and on its scientific, economic, and cultural importance in improving quality of life and protecting the environment.

In both places, students were encouraged to reflect on the relationship between people and nature and to take an active role in protecting the environment. They were also prompted to think about ways they can help preserve these oases of peace and beauty for future generations.

In an ever-changing world, our high-school students had the chance to deepen their knowledge of one of the most pressing topics of our time: climate change. Their visit to the Science Museum was not just a simple trip, but a true journey into the heart of science, combining learning with the everyday reality of the environment.

Climate change was the focus of the visit, with students able to interact with innovative exhibits and take part in interactive workshops.

Through educational activities, the students could observe how climate change is modelled and its impact on land and marine ecosystems. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of human activity in these transformations and on the importance of individual and collective action in mitigating climate problems.

Discussions with the museum’s experts deepened the students’ understanding of melting ice caps, rising sea and ocean levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. These conversations served as a powerful catalyst for awareness of the need for sustainable action and adaptation to new climate conditions.

The study visit was a step forward towards better understanding and conscious action, encouraging young people to become ambassadors of positive change in their world and beyond.

Two representatives of the association recently took part in the Mindchangers International Youth Meeting, an international youth conference held in Stuttgart on 25-27 September 2023.

Participants from the project’s 6 regions - Baden-Württemberg (DE), Piedmont (IT), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (FR), La Rioja (ES), Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (BE), and Dolj County (RO) - combined their international experience and expertise to find solutions to 6 specific barriers to youth involvement: not being listened to, funding, entity structures, mental health, education, and lack of confidence.

The event brought together young people, politicians, experts, and stakeholders who worked together to develop solutions for the 2030 Agenda and to create a first draft of the Mindchangers Stuttgart Declaration, to be sent to local and international institutions, civil-society representatives, and networks as an impulse and a set of measures to overcome the barriers to youth involvement.

The two representatives of the Active Yourope Association said the experience at the Mindchangers International Youth Meeting was a transformative one. They were inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the other participants and gained new knowledge and skills they can use to make a positive difference in the world.

In the current context, marked by intensifying climate change, it is essential to raise awareness and encourage concrete action to fight this global phenomenon. To this end, we organised an educational workshop in the partner high schools entitled “Climate Change - A Global Challenge”. These sessions were valuable opportunities for learning and involvement, helping to shape a well-informed and responsible generation.

The main objective of the workshop was to inform participants about the causes, effects, and solutions related to climate change. It also aimed to develop the critical skills needed to evaluate information and make informed decisions in everyday life and professional activities.

Through interactive presentations and video materials, participants had the chance to understand the scientific mechanisms behind the phenomenon.

The second part of the workshop focused on the impact of climate change on the environment, human health, and the economy. Discussions and case studies highlighted the concrete consequences of climate change, from extreme weather events to biodiversity loss and the forced migration of populations.

The final part of the workshop was dedicated to exploring solutions and actions that can be taken at individual, community, and global level. Participants were involved in brainstorming activities and in designing their own initiatives, from changes in personal lifestyle to proposals for decision-makers.

In a world increasingly aware of the impact of human activity on the environment, eco-friendly initiatives are becoming ever more important. The Smart Eco workshop, held in the partner schools, is one such effort, focusing on educating and involving young people in sustainable practices that help protect the environment.

Its specific objectives include:

• promoting recycling and waste reduction through innovative techniques and solutions;
• raising awareness of environmental problems such as climate change and biodiversity loss;
• developing participants’ skills to implement sustainable projects in their communities;
• learning innovative ways to reuse discarded materials to create new, useful objects.

The palaeontological reserve covers an area of 4 hectares. It is an important fossil site, with a rich fossil fauna of mollusc shells, discovered in 1949. The deposit dates back to the Palaeolithic.

Many shell fossils and other fossil remains found in this protected area attest that this was once the floor of the Sarmatian Sea.

Thanks to the research and studies published on the fossil mollusc fauna found here, the area is UNESCO-protected and safeguarded by law, according to the “Geographical Encyclopaedia of Romania” (Editura Enciclopedia, 2002) and the zmcraiova.ro website.

Our visit to the Bucovăț fossil site was a very interesting and educational experience.

We learned a great deal about Romania’s geological past and about the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

A passion for adventure and respect for the environment came together in a unique experience in Tineretului Park, where we enjoyed a captivating, eco-friendly treasure hunt, discovering the treasures of this green paradise using sustainable transport.

Pedalling along, we had the chance to enjoy the fresh air and admire the beauty of the park in an environmentally friendly way.

It was a day full of joy, adventure, and awareness of the importance of sustainable transport in urban areas.

Climate change is not just a story - it is our reality! But disinformation makes it more complicated.

Global warming is a palpable reality, and its effects are felt around the world. Nevertheless, disinformation has begun to spread doubt and confusion around this subject, which is crucial for our common future.

During the workshop “Climate change and disinformation” we explored:

• the close link between climate change and the flow of disinformation online and in traditional media;
• practical ways to evaluate information sources and identify false or distorted news;
• concrete actions we can take to counter climate change and help protect the environment.

Through open discussions, hands-on activities, and expert presentations, we explored the impact of climate change and debunked common myths, equipping ourselves with scientific truth. It was an excellent opportunity for our young people to learn how to identify and fight disinformation.

We enriched our knowledge, learned to look critically at information sources, and became ambassadors of truth in our community.

Students also gained the knowledge needed to distinguish between fact and fiction and to become effective and responsible climate-change communicators.