In June 2024, youth workers from across Europe came together in Paola, Italy, to take part in the Erasmus+ training course “Beach Guardians: Fostering Environmental Awareness and Democratic Participation.” The training aimed to support youth workers in building their capacity to engage young people in beach conservation and sustainability, while linking these efforts to democratic values such as civic responsibility and active citizenship. With practical workshops, intercultural learning, and creative activities, the project demonstrated how environmental action and democratic engagement can work together to empower communities and protect ecosystems. For the participants from Asociación GO GREEN - Avanzando Hacia el Crecimiento Verde y el Desarrollo Sostenible in Spain, the experience became a moment of transformation—both for their personal growth and for the future of their work with young people.
Before attending the project, Spain, like many other Mediterranean countries, faced serious challenges in managing its coastal ecosystems. In recent years, there has been growing concern about pollution on beaches, overdevelopment in coastal towns, and the loss of marine biodiversity. The Balearic Islands, parts of the Andalusian coast, and even popular tourist spots like Costa del Sol have reported higher levels of plastic waste, oil spills, and sea temperature changes. Many young people in Spain feel frustrated by the slow response from public authorities and disconnected from decisions that affect their environment. Although there are youth initiatives, they often lack support, training, and visibility. Local NGOs, especially smaller ones like Asociación GO GREEN, have struggled to bridge the gap between environmental education and political participation among youth.
The training in Paola provided not only new knowledge but also a completely new way of thinking. It was the first time many of the participants experienced a training that blended hands-on activities like beach clean-ups with sessions on EU values and democratic participation. The method used in the project was very interactive. Instead of sitting in long lectures, the participants joined creative tasks such as making art from collected plastic, writing social media campaigns to raise awareness, and even participating in role-play sessions that simulated conversations with local leaders and city officials. One powerful moment during the week came when the group worked with local Italian citizens who had organized a small environmental initiative in their own village. Listening to their stories about community-led action and generational cooperation helped the youth workers reflect on the importance of working locally, but with a European vision.
Participants from Asociación GO GREEN were especially inspired by the way the training encouraged using art and media to connect young people with environmental causes. They realized that climate activism does not need to look the same everywhere. In some communities, a clean-up action might be more effective, while in others, a youth-led music performance or digital storytelling campaign could create more engagement. The course in Paola emphasized flexibility, inclusion, and creativity, which were all values that GO GREEN wanted to integrate more deeply into their work.
After returning to Spain, the team from Asociación GO GREEN began working on a new initiative called “Raíces del Mar” (Roots of the Sea). This project aimed to bring the lessons from Paola into Spanish communities by organizing a series of workshops, awareness campaigns, and youth-led art actions. The first step was to map out beach zones in Valencia and Tarragona where clean-up actions and educational events could be organized. At the same time, GO GREEN developed partnerships with schools, youth centers, and local councils to co-create an outreach strategy. Inspired by the training’s practical approach, the workshops were designed not only to teach about marine protection but also to build civic skills. Young participants learned how to organize a campaign, speak in public meetings, and use digital platforms to share their ideas.
One creative element of “Raíces del Mar” involved a traveling exhibition made by young artists and photographers. Using the plastic and debris collected during clean-up actions, youth created sculptures, paintings, and installations that were then displayed in local libraries and cultural centers. This helped make the environmental issue visible in places where it was often ignored. Another key part of the project was a “Green Democracy Day,” where youth presented their ideas directly to municipal representatives, asking for clearer recycling systems, protected beach zones, and youth involvement in future environmental planning. These moments of dialogue were made possible thanks to the knowledge and confidence the youth workers gained in Paola.
The impact of “Raíces del Mar” was felt across several levels. On an individual level, many young people gained new skills and a stronger sense of belonging. Some participants shared how the project helped them feel seen and listened to for the first time in their lives. On a community level, the clean-up actions improved the appearance and quality of local beaches, while also encouraging cooperation between different generations. Parents, teachers, and local business owners got involved, showing that environmental action can bring people together. On a structural level, the conversations with local government led to small but meaningful changes, such as installing new bins on the beach, supporting youth events through funding, and inviting young people to join local environmental committees.
For Asociación GO GREEN, the journey that started in Paola became a new foundation for how they approach youth engagement. They understood that true change is not only about teaching facts, but about giving space for emotion, creativity, and community voice. Their next step is to build a network with other youth organizations across Europe who participated in the Beach Guardians project. Through shared projects, exchanges, and online collaboration, they hope to create a stronger European youth movement focused on both environmental protection and democratic participation. They are also working on a guidebook in Spanish that includes activities and methods inspired by the Erasmus+ course, so that more youth workers and educators can use the same approach.
The experience of Beach Guardians reminded everyone involved that young people are not just the future—they are the present. They are ready to act, to care, and to lead, when given the chance. The training in Paola gave youth workers the tools, confidence, and vision to unlock that potential. It showed that environmental problems are not isolated—they are connected to political systems, cultural attitudes, and the way communities work together. It also showed that solutions do not have to be huge to be meaningful. Sometimes, one beach clean-up, one conversation, or one artwork can spark a movement.
As the waves continue to reach the Spanish coast, so does the energy of the youth who now feel connected to something bigger. They are not only defending the environment—they are building a culture of care, participation, and hope. Through projects like “Raíces del Mar” and others to come, Asociación GO GREEN believes that change is not only possible—it is already happening, one young person, one beach, and one action at a time.