In June 2024, a group of motivated youth workers traveled to the Italian coastal town of Paola to take part in the Erasmus+ training course “Beach Guardians: Fostering Environmental Awareness and Democratic Participation.” This program brought together individuals from across Europe who were committed to finding new ways to protect the environment and involve young people in democratic and civic life. The focus was on beach conservation, a topic that is not only important for marine ecosystems but also for the social wellbeing of communities. The training offered practical activities and deep discussions that helped participants learn how to connect environmental action with European democratic values. It encouraged youth workers to think about nature not just as something to protect but as something that connects people and teaches responsibility.
In Belgium, the environment has become a growing concern, especially in coastal and urban areas. Plastic waste, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are common issues that affect the health of ecosystems and the people who live nearby. Unfortunately, many young people in Belgium feel disconnected from these problems. They often see environmental issues as too big or distant to influence. Before the training in Paola, the ASSOCIATION UNIVERSITAIRE LATINO-AMERICAINE ASBL had been trying to raise environmental awareness through small workshops and cultural events. However, these activities sometimes failed to attract long-term engagement from youth. The organization needed fresh ideas and new energy to make their environmental message more powerful and relevant to the young generation.
The experience in Italy was full of learning, sharing, and inspiration. The training did not happen only in classrooms—it took place outdoors, on beaches, and in community spaces. One of the most eye-opening experiences was a beach clean-up event where participants collected plastic waste and learned about its origin and impact. Each item picked up from the sand told a story about human behavior, consumption, and the environment. Another memorable moment was a creative workshop where youth used the collected materials to create beach art installations that delivered messages about conservation and respect for nature. These activities were simple, but they showed how environmental stewardship can be both educational and emotionally powerful.
The training also explored how environmental issues are deeply connected to democracy and citizenship. Through interactive discussions, participants learned how local actions can reflect larger European values such as participation, responsibility, and solidarity. It was interesting to hear stories from other countries and realize that many challenges were shared, even though the cultures and contexts were different. The group worked on creating action plans and communication strategies that could help engage youth in their own countries. This process helped participants reflect on their roles not only as youth workers but also as citizens who can shape their communities through action.
After returning to Belgium, the team at ASSOCIATION UNIVERSITAIRE LATINO-AMERICAINE ASBL developed a new program called “EcoVoices: Youth for Beaches and Democracy.” This initiative was directly inspired by the Beach Guardians training. The project focused on educating young people about the importance of protecting beaches and natural areas, while also teaching them about their role as active citizens. The first part of the program involved organizing beach visits and clean-up activities in Belgium’s coastal zones. These trips included interactive discussions about the environment, marine life, and waste reduction. The second part included workshops on democratic values, digital advocacy, and creative expression. Young participants learned how to use social media to share conservation messages, write letters to local leaders, and create visual art that could be displayed in public spaces.
The results of the EcoVoices project were encouraging. Young people who joined the program became more aware of environmental problems and more confident in their ability to take action. Many of them shared their learning with friends and family, creating a ripple effect in their communities. Schools began to show interest in inviting the team for talks and educational activities. Local media covered the beach visits, which helped the project gain visibility and attract support from local authorities. Some young participants even took the initiative to organize their own small events, such as awareness walks and poster campaigns. The connection between environmental care and democratic participation became clearer, and it gave young people a sense of purpose and empowerment.
The most important lesson from this experience is that young people want to be part of the solution—they just need the right tools and support. The Erasmus+ training in Paola gave the youth worker from Belgium the chance to see how education, creativity, and participation can work together to make change happen. By combining nature protection with democratic engagement, the project reached the hearts and minds of young people in a way that traditional approaches had not. It showed that being a beach guardian is not only about picking up trash—it is about learning to care for the world and take responsibility for it.
Looking to the future, the ASSOCIATION UNIVERSITAIRE LATINO-AMERICAINE ASBL plans to expand the EcoVoices program to include urban rivers and parks, reaching youth who live far from the coast but are still connected to environmental issues. The team hopes to partner with other organizations in Europe and continue sharing knowledge and experiences. Youth have the energy, creativity, and courage to lead environmental change. When they are given the chance to act, they become powerful voices for a greener and fairer world. The beach may be where the journey began, but the wave of impact is only just starting.