In May 2024, an Erasmus+ project titled “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective” brought together youth workers from different European countries to Prague, Czech Republic. This initiative was designed to help youth leaders understand how cultural heritage can support the goals of sustainable development. The program combined theory and practice to show that heritage is not only something from the past—it is also a valuable resource for the future. Participants explored how to use cultural traditions, architecture, crafts, and stories as tools to promote environmentally friendly and inclusive communities. For the representative of Youth Prague z.s from Czechia, the experience provided fresh ideas and inspiration to reconnect with local culture in a meaningful way.
Czechia has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, from medieval castles and folk architecture to music, dance, and storytelling. However, in recent years, many of these cultural elements have become less visible in everyday life. Modernization, urbanization, and changes in how young people spend their time have all contributed to a growing distance between the younger generation and traditional culture. In cities like Prague, the focus often lies on tourism and international culture, which can lead to the loss of local identity. At the same time, environmental issues such as pollution, unsustainable tourism, and lack of green spaces are affecting the well-being of communities. Before the training, many young people in the Youth Prague network were already interested in sustainability, but they didn’t see how culture could be part of the solution.
The training in Prague brought an unexpected sense of discovery, even for local participants. Meeting youth workers from other countries showed how much can be learned through cultural exchange. Some of the most eye-opening moments happened during site visits to heritage areas where sustainability projects were already working. One local museum was reusing old buildings for environmental education, combining exhibitions with workshops on recycling and traditional crafts. Another group shared how they built a community garden near a historical monument, where local families now grow vegetables and host cultural events. These examples helped the Youth Prague participant understand that heritage and sustainability do not need to be separate ideas. In fact, when they are combined, they create a powerful story of care—for people, for the planet, and for the past.
Inspired by these ideas, Youth Prague z.s launched a new initiative called “Tradice pro Zítra” (Tradition for Tomorrow). The project had a simple but strong goal: to reconnect local youth with their cultural roots while learning how to care for the environment. It started with storytelling evenings in small community centers across Prague’s suburbs. Elderly members of the community were invited to share memories about life before modern technologies—how food was grown, how houses were built, how celebrations happened with music and dance. Young people recorded these stories and then created short videos using simple editing tools. These videos were shared online and shown in schools to start discussions about sustainability and heritage.
The second part of the project involved practical workshops where participants learned traditional skills with a modern purpose. Activities included building insect hotels using wood from old furniture, creating natural dyes for fabrics based on traditional recipes, and planting herbs used in Czech folk medicine. All workshops were co-organized by young people from the community who wanted to try something new and useful. These sessions became a creative space for learning by doing, while also creating new friendships between generations.
The results were more than just activities. Many of the young participants said they felt more connected to their identity and more confident to speak about their ideas for a better future. Teachers from local schools started using some of the videos in lessons about history, ecology, and social studies. Families who watched the videos often expressed surprise and pride in the stories shared by their neighbors. The city municipality offered to support the next phase of the project by giving access to public spaces for community events. Local media featured the initiative, which helped attract new volunteers and even tourists interested in sustainable culture. Youth Prague z.s was invited to present the project at a national forum on civic education and youth participation.
One of the most valuable impacts of the project was the creation of a toolkit for other youth organizations who want to try a similar approach. This toolkit includes guidelines on collecting oral history, tips for organizing intergenerational events, and easy methods for linking cultural practices with ecological action. The team also translated the toolkit into English so it could be shared with partners from the Erasmus+ training. Some of these partners have already started planning similar projects in their own countries, creating a small but growing network of young people working for sustainability through culture.
The experience of “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective” proved that meaningful change starts from within the community. When young people are trusted with leadership and offered tools to explore their cultural identity, they respond with creativity, responsibility, and care. The journey of Youth Prague z.s is a clear example of how heritage can empower youth—not just as something to protect, but as something to activate and reimagine. In this way, the past becomes a resource for present solutions and future hopes.
Looking forward, Youth Prague z.s plans to grow the “Tradice pro Zítra” project into a permanent program that includes seasonal festivals, more school partnerships, and international youth exchanges. The team believes that sustainable development is not only about technology or policy. It is also about people, stories, and shared values. Culture gives meaning to the actions we take for the environment, and youth have the energy to bring these ideas to life. With continued support and connection through programs like Erasmus+, there is great hope that communities across Europe will continue to build strong, creative, and green futures—where no one forgets where they came from, and everyone takes part in shaping where we are going.