In May 2024, the Erasmus+ project “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective” gathered young people and youth workers in the coastal town of Benalmádena, Spain. The training offered a unique space for international learning, collaboration, and personal discovery. Participants came from all over Europe to explore how culture and sustainability can go hand in hand. The goal was to inspire youth workers to recognize cultural heritage not only as a memory of the past but also as a powerful tool for building a fairer and more sustainable future. The training created connections between local traditions and global challenges, showing that culture is not just something to protect—it is something to live, share, and grow with.
In Spain, the topic of sustainability has become more and more urgent. Climate change, pollution, and social inequality affect many communities, especially in rural areas and among young people who feel disconnected from both their environment and their cultural roots. At the same time, Spain is home to a rich cultural heritage, with traditions, languages, and local wisdom that have shaped communities for generations. Sadly, some of these traditions are slowly being forgotten. Modern life often pushes young people away from their cultural identity and toward lifestyles that are not always sustainable. Before the Erasmus+ project, the Asociación GO GREEN – Avanzando Hacia el Crecimiento Verde y el Desarrollo Sostenible focused mostly on environmental education and green innovation. The team knew the importance of engaging young people, but they were still searching for ways to bring culture into their sustainability programs in a meaningful and inclusive way.
The training in Benalmádena was an experience full of discovery. Youth workers visited local villages, met with community leaders, and learned about how cultural practices could support sustainable development. One of the most inspiring sessions was a local initiative where elderly people taught young volunteers how to prepare traditional Andalusian dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. It was not just about cooking—it was about understanding how food, land, and identity are connected. Another memorable activity was a storytelling circle where people shared family stories about how their grandparents lived in harmony with nature. These moments helped participants reflect on how culture can offer practical knowledge, emotional connection, and a sense of belonging.
The course also encouraged open dialogue between different countries. During group discussions, participants shared their national challenges and community-based solutions. It became clear that every region had something to learn and something to give. The international exchange brought new energy and ideas to everyone involved. The youth worker from Asociación GO GREEN realized that their mission could be stronger if they included culture in their environmental work. The training gave them tools and confidence to do that. They understood that sustainability is not only about science or technology—it is also about people, identity, and shared values.
After returning home, the Asociación GO GREEN team launched a new project called “Raíces Vivas” or “Living Roots.” This program invited local youth to explore the connection between culture and sustainability. It included workshops, nature walks, and storytelling sessions that linked local customs with modern environmental practices. The team collaborated with schools, local elders, and artists to co-create activities that felt authentic and exciting. Youth learned how to reuse materials in traditional crafts, how to grow herbs using techniques from the past, and how to use digital tools to document and share cultural stories. The project also encouraged young people to interview family members about how they lived before fast consumerism and what habits helped them reduce waste and care for nature.
The impact of “Raíces Vivas” reached beyond the youth who joined the sessions. Families started talking more about their own histories. Schools showed interest in making culture and sustainability a regular part of learning. Local government supported the initiative with small grants and offered spaces for community events. The program also helped to build bridges between generations. Many elderly people felt valued and listened to for the first time in years. They were happy to see their traditions being respected, not as something old or boring, but as a guide for the future.
For the youth worker who joined the Erasmus+ training, the biggest change was in how they saw their own role. They were no longer just a facilitator of green habits or a teacher of facts. They became someone who helps others connect the dots between identity, values, and actions. The training in Benalmádena showed that real change happens when people feel that their voices matter and their roots are respected. By combining environmental goals with cultural pride, the project gave young people a reason to care and a motivation to act.
Looking ahead, Asociación GO GREEN hopes to continue expanding this work. The team believes that cultural heritage can help more young people understand the meaning of sustainability in their own lives. In the future, they want to bring their methods to other regions of Spain and possibly work with international partners to exchange practices. They also plan to use digital platforms to share their stories and tools with a wider audience.
This journey proves that culture is not something to visit only during holidays or to keep in museums. It lives in every recipe, every song, every story. When connected with sustainability, it becomes a strong foundation for building a fair and resilient future. Youth are the key to this future. They are the link between what was, what is, and what can be. With the right support and spaces like Erasmus+ trainings, they will continue to lead with creativity, care, and courage.