In an era of increasing environmental challenges, there is a powerful movement brewing in Smolyan, Bulgaria. Young Improvers for Youth Development (YIYD) is spearheading a revolution, one that puts youth at the center of environmental advocacy, encouraging them to lead with passion, knowledge, and action. Through hands-on community projects, YIYD is empowering young people from marginalized and rural communities to become the voice of change, advocating for sustainable living and climate-conscious decisions.

Our flagship project, “Rural Youth Empowerment: Bridging the Gap for Environmental Advocacy”, co-funded by Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), exemplifies our belief that young people hold the key to protecting the planet. It’s not just a project; it’s a call to action that resonates with youth, pushing them to take responsibility for the environment while developing leadership skills that will last a lifetime.

From the beginning, YIYD has been committed to one goal: creating opportunities for young people to become leaders in their communities, particularly focusing on those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We believe that by giving marginalized youth a platform, we can create a future where everyone has a say in how their community thrives.

Our environmental advocacy initiatives go beyond simply addressing urgent environmental concerns. By engaging youth in practical, impactful activities such as eco-trail renovations, composting workshops, and greenhouse projects, we are creating a new generation of sustainability advocates. Through these hands-on experiences, youth are not only learning but becoming the driving force behind lasting environmental change.

At the heart of everything we do is the “Rural Youth Empowerment” project, which aims to give youth the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to advocate for a greener future. The project’s holistic approach combines education, hands-on training, and community engagement, ensuring a lasting impact.

Eco-Trail Renovations: Breathing New Life into Nature One of our standout activities has been the eco-trail renovations throughout the Smolyan region. Working closely with local forestry departments and environmental institutions, our young volunteers have revitalized trails, repainting tree markings, installing durable metal signs, and placing informative labels to educate hikers about the flora and fauna. These efforts have made it easier for locals and tourists alike to enjoy and respect nature.

Our latest project focuses on creating an entirely new eco-trail in Selište, a scenic village surrounded by natural beauty. This eco-trail is more than just a path—it’s an educational journey designed to teach visitors about local ecosystems and the importance of conservation. By bringing together nature lovers, local authorities, and youth, we are creating a shared mission to protect our region’s natural heritage.

Composting Workshops: Turning Waste into Resources Another core aspect of our work has been the composting workshops we’ve held for students, community members, and local organizations. Composting is a simple yet incredibly effective way to reduce organic waste and turn it into nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens and agriculture. It’s about closing the loop on waste, turning something discarded into something valuable.

Recently, we installed a community composter in front of the Municipality Building. This has become a focal point for our composting initiative, allowing residents to participate directly in reducing waste. The positive response has been overwhelming, with people eager to learn how they can make a difference.

On September 19 th, we will be holding a special composting workshop for students as they return to school. They’ll learn the basics of composting, how to set up systems at home, and how this small change can have a huge impact on the environment. By starting young, we are planting the seeds for lifelong sustainable habits.

Greenhouse Projects: Growing Sustainability Our greenhouse initiative is another key part of our sustainability efforts. The greenhouse serves as a training hub where youth learn about sustainable agriculture, the importance of eco-friendly farming, and the role of compost in nurturing the soil. It’s not just about growing plants—it’s about growing ideas and solutions for a greener future.

Youth who participate in our greenhouse projects gain practical skills in sustainable farming and see firsthand how composting feeds back into the cycle of food production. By teaching them the entire cycle—from compost to crop—they gain a deeper understanding of how their actions can shape the local food system and reduce environmental impact.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of our work is the active involvement of marginalized youth, particularly those from Roma and Pomak communities. These young people, often overlooked in broader environmental discussions, are now stepping forward as leaders.

One shining example is Severim Bobachev, an intern who has been a driving force in the success of our projects. From leading composting workshops to guiding eco-trail renovations, Severin has proven that when given the chance, young people can and will lead the charge for environmental protection. His dedication and passion are a testament to the power of youth in shaping the future.

Valentin Kehayov, the Chairman of YIYD, emphasizes the impact of empowering young people: “We see enormous potential in every young person. By providing them with the tools and knowledge to engage in environmental projects, we’re not just improving our community—we’re building the next generation of leaders who will carry this work forward.”

As we look ahead, the success of our projects has inspired us to continue expanding our vision. With the support of YEE and the collaboration of local stakeholders, we are already planning to launch new eco-trail projects, establish more composting workshops, and further engage youth in sustainable agriculture.

One of our exciting future endeavors is the creation of community gardens, which will allow people to grow their own food while learning about sustainable practices. These gardens will not only provide fresh, local produce but also serve as educational spaces where the community can come together to share knowledge and ideas.

We are confident that by working together—local institutions, volunteers, and passionate young people—we can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for our region.

We invite everyone to join us on this journey toward a greener, more sustainable future. Whether you’re a student, a local business owner, or a community member who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you in our project. Together, we can make Smolyan a model of environmental sustainability, empowering future generations to lead the way.

None of this would have been possible without the continued support of Youth and Environment Europe (YEE). Their funding, guidance, and belief in our vision have enabled us to bring about real, lasting change in our community. We are excited to continue this partnership as we move toward an even brighter, greener future.

Join us and be part of the movement!

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