An innovative project for a sustainable future
Between November 2023 and November 2024, the Y4GreenERF project, supported by the European Union, has emerged as a key initiative to foster environmental awareness among young people. This program is part of social cohesion policies and the European Green Pact, and its results were recently presented during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion, held at the Palau de Pedralbes in Barcelona.
Youth empowerment and social responsibility
The Y4GreenERF project has been designed to inspire new generations to take the reins of social change that promotes respect for the environment. The aim is for young people to realize their individual and collective influence in improving social habits and building a greener Europe.
Conclusion of the initiative: a collective commitment
Xavier Bernard-Sans, Secretary General of the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion, highlighted during the presentation that the project has managed to raise awareness among young people about the importance of cohesion policies, especially in the new context of the European Parliament and the European Commission. He encouraged participants to express their ideas for integrating cohesion policies in all European territories.
Young people’s demands for a better world
More than 700 young people have attended workshops over the course of twelve months, where they have expressed that the key to a more promising future is changing habits. Their demands to the European bodies include the creation of more bike lanes, the installation of swap shops in communities, the increase of vertical gardens in schools, the preservation of water, and an improvement of public transport, both day and night, among others.
Y4GreenERF: Data and impact
The project has worked in four languages: Catalan, Occitan, French and Spanish, with a focus on five fundamental areas: mobility, food, consumption, nature and housing. Activities have been carried out in 18 municipalities of the Euroregion, with a total of 22 projects financed by European Funds in cities such as Girona, Figueres, Palamós, and more. In total, 716 young people have actively participated.
Collaboration for sustainable change
Y4GreenERF is coordinated by the AECT Euroregion Pirineus Mediterrània, with the support of several institutions, including the University of Girona, ADRET, AMIC, and Young Europeans Toulouse. This collaboration is an example of how joint initiatives can drive significant change in society.
