In May 2024, a group of youth workers from across Europe joined together in Benalmádena, Spain, for the Erasmus+ training course “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective.” This project was created to help youth workers discover how cultural heritage can support sustainable development in communities. In a world facing climate challenges and social fragmentation, the training showed how learning from the past can help build a more inclusive and responsible future. The experience brought people together to share knowledge, learn from community stories, and find new ways to involve young people in creating lasting, positive change.
In Finland, the local context carries both rich traditions and growing challenges. Many communities, especially in rural areas, have a strong connection to cultural heritage. From ancient forest traditions to stories passed down through generations, Finnish culture holds a deep respect for nature and community life. But with modernisation, digital distractions, and urban migration, many young people feel disconnected from these traditions. In some areas, the loss of interest in cultural activities and the rise of social isolation have become serious concerns. Youth workers in the Hollola municipality saw this happening before the training. They noticed that while many young people cared about the environment, they were unsure how their own culture could play a role in making change. There was also a clear gap between generations, making it hard for traditional knowledge to be passed on in a meaningful way.
The training in Benalmádena provided fresh inspiration. It showed that cultural heritage is not something only kept in museums or history books. It is living, changing, and can be used to create real impact today. One of the most eye-opening parts of the project was seeing how other communities used local traditions to inspire sustainability. For example, a Spanish organisation had restored an old mill using eco-friendly methods and turned it into a space for learning. Participants from other countries shared how traditional crafts, food, and celebrations could help bring people together and promote environmental awareness. These examples made a strong impression on the youth worker from Finland. It became clear that young people could become active leaders in protecting both their environment and their cultural identity if they were given the right tools.
Returning home, the youth worker from Hollola municipality decided to launch a project called “Green Roots Finland.” The idea was to combine cultural heritage education with environmental actions, guided by young people themselves. Local youth centers began offering workshops where elders and community members shared traditional knowledge such as preserving food, using plants for medicine, and building with natural materials. These practices were not only interesting but also highly sustainable. Young participants then worked together to adapt this knowledge to modern life, creating digital content, social media campaigns, and school presentations. One group created an illustrated book that explained forest stories and how they connect to today’s climate concerns. Another organised a community festival where old and new practices met through music, storytelling, and eco-friendly market stands.
The impact of “Green Roots Finland” was powerful. Young people who once felt disconnected from their surroundings began to see their local culture in a new light. They started to understand that they are part of a larger story—one that includes both history and responsibility. Many reported feeling more confident, creative, and motivated to take action. Schools welcomed the project as a new way to connect curriculum with community learning. Parents and grandparents became actively involved, helping bridge the generation gap. Even the local government showed interest, inviting the youth worker to present the results at a regional sustainability forum. The project was featured in local newspapers and reached other municipalities that wanted to try similar approaches.
What started as an Erasmus+ training in Spain turned into a lasting initiative that brought together culture, environment, and youth empowerment in Finland. The experience proved that meaningful change can start from a simple idea shared in an international space. It also reminded everyone that youth work can be a strong channel for preserving values, building identity, and supporting positive transformation in society.
As “Green Roots Finland” continues to grow, the team behind it hopes to connect with more communities and expand its reach. The long-term vision is to build a youth-led network where local stories and traditions become tools for shaping a greener and more connected world. The Erasmus+ training showed that when young people are trusted with leadership, supported with knowledge, and given a chance to create, they will rise to the challenge. Through cultural heritage, they find strength. Through sustainable development, they find purpose. Together, they carry forward a legacy of respect, care, and hope for the future.