The Training Course "Environmental Education for Sustainability" took place between the 13th and the 20th of April in Serbia, in a picturesque town called Sremski Karlovci. It was organised by YEE and Young Researchers of Serbia and it focused on how to find new ways of promoting environmental education through sustainable methods. The training course gathered representatives of NGOs from 10 countries in Europe, who shared experiences from their own countries with regard to ecological action. What is more, the course enabled participants to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills and abilities, as well as to be involved in a local action at one of Sremski Karlovci's schools.

 Environmental education is becoming a necessary tool in preserving the nature and all the other elements that are related to it, such as use of resources, energy consumption or healthy lifestyle. In some parts of the world the environment is protected by the implementation of selective recycling, reduction of consumption or children's and youngsters' participation in forest schools; in other parts, though, the environment is still not among people's priorities – children are not educated on how to behave in the nature (some of them do not even spend time outside), garbage is thrown away everywhere, irresponsibly, and resources are exploited without thinking towards the future. There is a visible need for environmental educators who would act as models and opinion leaders in their communities, in order to inform, make people aware and teach them methods of preserving the environment in a sustainable way, so that next generations will have an equal chance to live in a natural, clean environment. That was precisely the aim of the Training Course "Environmental Education for Sustainability" - to explore new methods and skills in training young members of NGO how to use and promote the concept of sustainability in their own communities.

The activities were held by three trainers with significant experience in environmental and children education, but also by some of the organizers and participants. All participants were hosted by a unique ecological center, which is the only center in Serbia that uses the geo-thermal technology for electricity and heating, a sustainable way of reducing costs and energy. All the food was vegetarian, according to YEE's policy, and was cooked by a local restaurant close to the eco-center.

The course embodied a wide range of activities: learning sessions on methods for environmental education, sustainability, creativity, project management, event planning or fund-raising; team-buildings inside the center, as well as outside, in the backyard, in the surrounding forests and natural park; games and presentations of the participants' NGOs and culture.

We hope that all the participants have learned something from the training course and we encourage them to use all the information and skills they've acquired in order to organize their own activities and presentations for promoting methods for environmental education and sustainability.

With the support of the Youth in Action programme of the European Union	With the support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe