We are thrilled to share the success of the recent international roundtable on “Engaging Youth in Eco-Initiatives,” which took place in the heart of Smolyan, at the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW). This event brought together passionate youth organizations, local authorities, and environmental experts, all committed to driving meaningful change in our communities and the environment.
Our organization, Young Improvers for Youth Development, played a key role in the event. Valentin Kehayov, the Chairman of our organization, and Severin Bobachev, our dedicated intern, took the stage to present the core concepts and vision of our ongoing project, “Rural Youth Empowerment: Bridging the Gap for Environmental Advocacy.” They detailed how this initiative, co-funded by Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), is empowering marginalized youth to take active roles in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Project Overview and Future Activities
Valentin and Severin provided an in-depth explanation of the various facets of our project, highlighting how it integrates multiple activities to foster a holistic approach to environmental advocacy:
- Eco-Trail Renovation: Our team recently renovated the eco-trail leading to the village of Smiljan. With new labels, freshly painted tree markings, and durable metal signs, the trail is now more accessible and informative. This project was a labor of love for our youth volunteers, who are proud to contribute to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our region.
- Composting Workshops: We’ve already held two successful workshops on composting, engaging local students and community members in learning how to reduce waste and enrich the soil. Valentin and Severin emphasized the importance of these workshops in educating the community about sustainable practices that can have a lasting impact.
- Upcoming Planting Activities: As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we are planning a series of tree planting activities. These will not only help in reforestation efforts but also serve as a practical demonstration of how everyone can contribute to a greener future.
- Our Greenhouse Initiative: Valentin proudly shared details about our greenhouse project, which is a hub for teaching sustainable agriculture. The greenhouse is more than just a space for growing plants; it’s a center for learning, where young people can gain hands-on experience in eco-friendly practices.
The roundtable was attended by representatives from the Ecology Department of the Smolyan Municipality, the South Central Region, Forestry Departments, and other key stakeholders. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing their pride in the work we are doing. Our efforts were recognized as a shining example of how young people can drive significant environmental and social change when given the right tools and support.
We left the roundtable energized and motivated, with a clear message that together, we can achieve great things. The support from our community, coupled with the invaluable backing of YEE, has empowered us to push forward with even more determination.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned as we continue to roll out our initiatives, from the eco-trail improvements to the composting workshops, and beyond. We are excited about the journey ahead and invite everyone to join us in making our region a model for sustainable living.
Thank you to all who have supported us along the way, and a special thanks to Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) for making these projects possible. Together, we are building a brighter, greener future!
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