A project with a vision for the future
Between November 2023 and November 2024, the European Union has promoted the Y4GreenERF project, designed to promote environmental awareness and social cohesion through the active participation of young people. The conclusions of this innovative project were recently presented during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Mediterranean Pyrenees Euroregion, held at the Palau de Pedralbes, in Barcelona.
Youth empowerment and ecological awareness
Y4GreenERF is based on the idea that new generations are key to social change in terms of sustainability. Its conclusions highlight an increase in the awareness of young people in the Euroregion about environmental challenges and their responsibility, both individual and collective, to contribute to a more sustainable society.
The voice of young people
Xavier Bernard-Sans, general secretary of the Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion, emphasized that the objective of sensitizing young people to cohesion policies has been achieved. He urged young people to make their voices heard in the decisions affecting the new European Parliament and the European Commission, thus contributing to the development of policies that take into account the needs of all territories.
Clear demands for change
During the workshops held as part of the project, more than 700 young people expressed that changing habits is essential to guarantee a better future. Their demands include the creation of more bike lanes, swap shops, vertical gardens in schools, better water management, and more accessible and frequent public transport, in addition to encouraging local commerce and product consumption of proximity
A multilingual and collaborative project
The Y4GreenERF has been designed to operate in four languages: Catalan, Occitan, French and Spanish, and has been structured around five fundamental pillars: mobility, food, consumption, nature and housing. Actions have been carried out in 18 municipalities of the Euroregion, with the participation of 716 young people who have had the opportunity to learn about 22 projects financed with European funds.
Key collaborations
The project has been coordinated by the AECT Euroregion Pirineus Mediterrània, with the collaboration of several academic institutions and youth organizations, including the University of Girona and Young Europeans Toulouse, as well as other regional entities. This network of collaboration has been essential for the success of the project.
A path to sustainability
With the Y4GreenERF, young people have not only acquired knowledge about cohesion policies, but also developed a sense of responsibility towards the environment. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more sustainable Europe, where young voices are heard and valued, and where change starts from below.
