GREEN GUARDIANS
Youth Exchange
28.03-04.04.2025.
Veliki Žitnik, Gospić, Croatia



Objectives
The primary aim of the Green Guardians project was to empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt and promote sustainable lifestyles. Through a series of workshops, outdoor activities, and intercultural exchanges, participants explored innovative approaches to waste management, the principles of a circular economy, and the importance of healthy, eco-friendly living. The project also emphasized developing leadership abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling participants to initiate and lead environmental initiatives within their local communities.




Results
All planned objectives of the “Green Guardians – Growing Green Together” project were not only met but exceeded in the most inspiring ways. Participants gained deep, practical knowledge about sustainability and environmental protection, thanks to engaging workshops and immersive outdoor activities. Topics like waste management, mindfulness, and sustainable living weren’t just discussed—they were experienced and embraced, with many participants already expressing a desire to implement these practices in their daily lives.
Leadership skills flourished as young people stepped into active roles, leading group discussions and presenting innovative ideas for community-based environmental action. The multicultural setting brought an added richness to the experience, with participants learning from each other and building a strong sense of shared responsibility toward our planet.
Throughout the program, participants strengthened critical thinking and communication skills, built a meaningful connection to nature, and developed a genuine appreciation for traditional ecological knowledge. Importantly, they walked away with the confidence to become sustainability ambassadors in their own communities.
Daily reflection and feedback sessions created space for honest expression and personal growth, reinforcing the learning process and strengthening the sense of community. One of the creative highlights was the video-making workshop, where participants created powerful short films to spread their sustainability messages. These videos will continue to inspire action far beyond the end of the project.
Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described the experience as “life-changing,” “eye-opening,” and “deeply inspiring.” For many, it was their first time living so closely with nature and engaging in hands-on environmental action alongside international peers. The atmosphere was supportive, the learning meaningful, and the connections genuine.
The project concluded with a joyful celebration, complete with the symbolic Golden Carrot Awards and the distribution of Youthpass certificates, recognizing each participant’s efforts and achievements.
In the end, “Green Guardians” truly demonstrated that young people are not only willing but fully capable of leading the way toward a more sustainable future. The friendships, the knowledge, and the sense of purpose cultivated during the week will continue to grow and take root in communities across Europe.