After completing the training course “Beach Guardians: Fostering Environmental Awareness and Democratic Participation” in Paola, Italy, the Danish team organized two follow-up workshops to engage their local community. The first was held at the Danish Language School Classroom in Esbjerg, and the second at Aarhus University, where a total of ten participants gathered to learn about the Erasmus+ program and the power of youth-led environmental stewardship.
These workshops emphasized how protecting beach environments is not only about ecological action but also about civic responsibility. Participants discussed the importance of democratic participation, shared ideas on how to preserve coastal areas, and explored how simple actions—like local clean-ups or awareness events—can have a real impact. Many felt empowered by the link between environmental responsibility and EU values like participation, solidarity, and sustainability.
Workshop Goals
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Encourage young Danes to link nature care with active citizenship.
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Present Erasmus+ as a path to social and ecological impact.
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Explore the role of youth in local climate solutions.
Key Activities
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Trash relay challenge with ocean trivia
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Group brainstorming: “If I ran the Ministry of the Sea…”
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Presentation on Danish and EU beach policy
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Creation of a “Youth Coastal Charter”
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Info session on Erasmus+ opportunities
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Group discussion on sustainable beach habits and democratic values
Participant Reflections
“This made me realize democracy isn’t just voting—it’s also who speaks for the sea.”
“We have beaches here too—now I see how I can help protect them in my community.”
Outputs
Participants co-drafted a Youth Coastal Charter and shared it with the Aarhus city council. Several students committed to organizing local coastal awareness actions and agreed to stay involved in future Erasmus+ projects. New ideas also emerged around involving local youth councils in environmental decision-making and organizing public clean-up events in coastal towns.
