Volunteers in YEE

Annual Report 2017

MOS fees rate change (to be voted)

Report Chairperson 2017-2018

Board Reports

Report Project Officer 2017-2018

Report Treasurer 2017-2018

Report Member Organisations Officer 2017-2018

Report Publications and Promotion Officer 2017-2018

Report External Relations Officer 2017-2018

As part of the project "Environmental challenge accepted" BALTA DABA and partners created the series of 5 videos with the aim to share some experience with youth organisations. In the following videos you can find out more about: identifying the problem, setting goals, selecting stakeholders, measuring and presenting results.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

SETTING GOALS

SELECTING STAKEHOLDERS

MEASURING RESULTS

PRESENTING RESULTS

7ARTE (Kosovo)

- Berna Xhemajli (group leader), Kristina Zimaj, Eglantina Avdiu, Feriz Kadriu, Rinor Kurshumliu

What: Upcycling workshop

When: 23 July 2017

Where: Mitrovica, Kosovo

Description of action: The action took place at the artificial lake in Mitrovica, where people go for entertaining activities. The idea was to have a cleaning action in the beginning, since the place is full of garbage left there by the poplation. The cleaning action started from the centre of the city to the artificial lake (more than 1 hour walking) starting from 10:00 to 12:30. After the cleaning action, there was an introduction of the workshop idea, therefore to use the garbage and make creative artwork with an environmental message on it. Also, each of the people who joined the workshop were introduced and then divided into 5 groups and completed their artwork. In general, the participants really liked the idea, and after the completion of the workshop, they were showing around their work to the people who were spending their free time at the lake and informing them about the importance of environmental protection.

More info: http://www.7-arte.org/7arte-e-gaia-me-aksione-mjedisore-ne-mitrovice/

STEPANAVAN YOUTH CENTER (Armenia)

- Mane Papyan (group leader), Tornik Aghajanyan, Mariam Sahakyan, Zara Israyelyan, Siranush Sevoyan

What: Non-formal workshop about reusage of materials

When: 28h of July, 2017

Where: Vanadzor, Armenia

Description of action: The Armenian team organised a small workshop for teeanger beneficiaries of Orran benevolent non-governmental organisation "Helping families in need". In Vanadzor branch of Orran almost 20 children have got the chance to make their own skipping ropes for summer holidays using materials that seemed to be ‘useless’. Our team helped them to design them and make their skipping ropes more special for them. Before the workshop there was a small introduction about importance of reusage of garbage and materials that are put aside.

The competition is closed. Congratulations to the winners!

Click on each picture to read about each environmental action in detail.

Environmental challenge accepted - Competition Rules

Main page of the project

Funder:

The competition is closed. Congratulations to the winners!

BALTA DABA and YEE invited all active young people to join the international competition “Environmental challenge accepted”. The competition was organised as part of the project with the same name and was closed on 20 August. Check the competition entries above!

About competition:

We wanted to collect and promote the examples of active youth participation - when young people want to solve local environmental problems. Young people are an important part of society and they have every right to care about their future, protect the environment and make this world better. So let’s celebrate it with this competition!

The competition was open for young people who organised a local environmental action in the last 5 years with the aim to solve an environmental problem. They were asked to share their example and had a chance to win prizes from Patagonia!

The competition was open to:

Young people under 30.
Young people who worked on actions as an informal group or are members of an environmental organisation.
One person should be selected as a contact person, but should represent the group or organisation under their agreement.
Residents of programme and partner countries of the Erasmus+ programme.

Prizes:

The winners of the competition will receive prizes from Patagonia.

1 place winner - voucher for any Patagonia product for 500 EUR
2 place winner - voucher for any Patagonia product for 200 EUR
Public voting winner - voucher for any Patagonia product for 100 EUR

Patagonia is an American clothing company which specializes in sustainable outdoor clothing. You can read more about Patagonia and their environmental work here: http://eu.patagonia.com/enGB/environmentalism

Patagonia blog “The Cleanest Line”: http://www.patagonia.com/blog/page/1/

Courtesy of the website http://eu.patagonia.com/enCZ/home

Rules of competition:

The winners will be selected by the project team of the project “Environmental challenge accepted”: representatives of YEE, BALTA DABA, OPE, Lithuanian Fund for Nature and Estonian Fund for Nature.
The entries will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Creativity in developing your project
- Relevance and usefulness of the project
- Impact of the project
- Quality of project management
- Presentation of your project
The public vote will be open after 20 August on YEE website.

COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Funder:

Nesting places for birds

Dates: Regularly on weekends since November 2016

Place: Jaunpiebalga region, Latvia

What was done:

1. Selection of forest areas for field visits; 2. Field visits with task to find nesting places of specially protected bird species; 3. Submission of data to bird experts.

What is the result of activity: We have found 15 middle and large-scale nests. At least 1 of them has been identified as nest of specially protected bird species for whom micro-reserve could be established.

Why this method: Searching of nesting places allows to identify forest areas in Jaunpiebalga region that are important for specially protected bird species and to consider possible protection measures.

What follow-up is planned: We have discussed our findings with bird experts about possible protection measures. One of possible solutions that is on process is creation of micro-reserve for protection of identified nesting area.

Additional information: http://baltadaba.lv/aktuali/environmental-challenge-accepted/

Reconstruction of bird houses

Dates: 1 April 2017

Place: Jaunpiebalga, Latvia

What was done:

Communication with bird experts;
Identification of bird houses that should be reconstructed (near local school);
Organisation of public event;
Field visit guided by expert in order to inform local participants about nesting habits of different bird species;
Maintenance and reconstruction of old bird houses to provide safe nesting places;
Creation of new bird houses.

What is the result of activity: During the activity 30 bird houses were restored and created. Participants were informed about the necessity to regularly maintain and control established bird houses. In total 14 local participants took part in the activity.

Why this method: It is very important not just to create new bird houses year by year but even more valuable is to control and maintain the existing ones in order to provide safe nesting obstacles for birds.

What follow-up is planned: In autumn we will monitor our bird houses again to evaluate weather our created houses were used by birds and to encourage local people to take initiative for next activities.

Additional information: http://baltadaba.lv/aktuali/environmental-challenge-accepted/

Creation of bird houses

Dates: Regularly since November 2016

Place: Jaunpiebalga and Gulbene region, Latvia

What was done:

Identification of places for bird houses;
Workshops for construction of bird houses;
Monitoring results of nesting;
Maintenance and cleaning bird houses for next nesting season.

What is the result of activity: During the project we renovated 53 bird houses and constructed 204 new bird houses (for different bird species: European Pied Flycatcher/Ficedula hypoleuca, Great Tit/Parus major, Tawny Owl/Strix aluco, Ural Owl/Strix uralensis, Eurasian Pygmy-owl/Glaucidium Passerinum and others). All activities were organised with involvement of children and young people who took part in creation of those bird houses in order to get knowledge about birds protection.

Why this method: There is lack of old trees where birds can nest. Holes in trees for certain bird species are places for reproducing. Creation of artificial nesting places provide ability for birds to reproduce in places where natural conditions are not good enough. Other problem is maintenance of birdhouses. Many birdhouses are built but are not safe anymore. We need to check them and renew if necessary in order to make those birdhouses effective for longer period.

What follow-up is planned: It is very important to not just create new bird houses year by year but even more valuable is to control and maintain the existing ones in order to provide safe nesting obstacles for birds. That is why it is our obligation to take care about bird houses we created and birds that are using them. We have long term plans for monitoring nesting success in our project sites and continue our activities in future.

Additional information: http://baltadaba.lv/pucu-buri-jaunpiebalgas-novada/

Funder:

BALTA DABA - Environmental challenges

Main page of the project

Water monitoring of the Viesvile river

Dates: October 2016-summer 2017

Place: Lithuania, Viesvile

What was done:

Project group was created (includes members of Student scientific society of natural sciences, students of Viesvile school and Young friends of forest society).
Problems of the Viesvile river basin were stated.
Monitoring of basic indicators in the Viešvilė river was done twice (2016 12 03; 2017 03 02).
Water biomonitoring practical lecture was held for members of Student scientific society of natural sciences.
Knowledge of water biomonitoring were transferred from students to local participants of group.
First water biomonitoring in five sites of the river was done in May together with Viesvile’s Young friends of forest society.
Preliminary results of the research were presented for town representatives.
Further proposals for invasive plants species (Solidago virgaurea) research were given for member of Young friends of forest society.

What is the result of activity: The methodology of water biomonitoring was learned and first part of water biomonitoring was held. Members of Young friends of forest society got to know basics of the fauna, living in Viesvile river. Preliminary results of the monitoring show, that the water quality is getting worse after the river flows through the town. Further steps of invasive plants research were planned.

Why this method: Water biomonitoring shows longer-lasting water quality in the river, when compared to chemical water analysis. Also it is a great way to involve local community in the research, show the beauty of fauna living in the water and explain its importance. Invasive plants spread is an interesting and actual problem for members of Young friends of forest society. They have already started a research, searching for ways to cope with the spread of these plants, but bigger scientific background and support is needed to get more accurate results.

What follow-up is planned:

Second water biomonitoring
First microplastic monitoring in the Viesvile river
Presentation of monitoring for local community during local fest
Further support for investigation of invasive plant species

Additional information: Video made after first activity, for international biodiversity day:

More about alien species in Lithuania: http://www.glis.lt/?pid=126

Water monitoring of the Viesvile river

Dates: October 2016-summer 2017

Place: Lithuania, Viesvile

What was done:

• Methodology for micro plastic investigation adapted and micro plastic research was done for first time in Viesvile river.
• Second water bio monitoring was done and water quality estimated.
• Viesvile river fauna, water quality and micro plastic issue were presented for local community during town Midsummer celebration.

What is the result of activity:

• Micro plastic particles were found in Viesvile river.
• Two water bio monitoring results support each other.
• Understanding about micro plastic issue, Viesvile river fauna and water quality was increased among town habitants.

Why did you choose this method?

Micro plastic problem is still poor known and not well researched, but it is getting more and more interest among naturalists. New investigations help to get better understanding about this issue. Society is not well informed about micro plastic issue, Viesvile river fauna and water quality. Better understanding about these issues increases people ecological awareness and contributes to their action for environmental protection.

Invasive plant species control in Viesvile nature reserve and water biomonitoring in Viesvile river

Dates: 25/08/2017 – 27/08/2017

Place: Viesvile, Lithuania

What was done:

Two invasive plants species - thicket shadbush ((Amelanchier spicata) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) were chosen to control in cooperation with Viesvile Nature reserve.
Most vulnerable places for invasive plants species spread were selected and work was done in these areas.
Try-yourself waterbiomonitoring in Viesvile river was done together with Young Friends of the forest.

What is the result of activity?

Thicket shadbush and northern red oak were cutted in 3 areas in Viesvile nature reserve. The population of these trees was considerably reduced and the spread to the nature reserve controlled.

Why did you choose this method?

Invasive plants cause ecological problems as changing environmental conditions and outcompeting native species. Usually they grow in damaged habitats (e.g. close to roads), but in Viesvile two invasive plants – thicket shadbush and northern red oak are also spreading to nature reserve and threatening it’s specific flora. Work was done by hand tools in places, which are difficult to access and/or where these plants are distributed in large area, so it is not efficient to work with machinery.

Funder:

Lithuanian Fund for Nature - Environmental challenges

Main page of the project

Meeting with volunteers

Dates: 3-4 March 2017

Place: Palupõhja, Estonia

What was done: Group meeting to plan activities in summer.

What is the result of activity: With this two day meeting we focused on developing the plan on how to solve the problems in our project site - last Freshwater pearl mussel habitat in Estonia. We also discussed the publicity of the project - how to increase the interest among people, agencies and policy makers. During the meeting there were also three presentations - Kristjan Oopkaup from the University of Tartu talked about micropollutants in the water and how they affect river habitat. Dr. Kristjan Piirimäe from ELF gave an overview about agricultural diffuse pollution how it can be reduced. And finally Girts Baranovskis from Balta Daba talked about Latvian activities.

Why this method: Our plan was to have an intensive two-day meeting to get to know each other and to plan forthcoming activities. To get more input, two experts were included to give presentations about different perspectives how to deal with water pollution.

What follow-up is planned: Regular Skype meetings before intensive fieldworks in July.

Restoring freshwater pearl mussel habitat

Dates: 6 - 9 July 2017

Place: Lahemaa national park, Estonia

What was done:

Mapping problematic areas in the river (beaver dams, flow barriers, salmon spawning grounds).
Measuring water physical-chemical parameters before and after beaver damn.
Removing two beaver dams.
Measuring physical- and chemical parameters of the water after beaver dam removal.
Removing several flow barriers in the river.
Building sediment traps into ditch entering to the river.

What is the result of activity: We found more than 40 flow barriers in the river. We found kilometres of salmon spawning grounds. We saw more than 50 freshwater pearl mussels. We removed two beaver dams and several flow barriers. Sediment trap was built into the drainage ditch.

Why this method: Freshwater pearl mussels (especially juvenile) are extremely vulnerable to the changes of river morphology and physical-chemical parameters. Sediments, which will eventually pile up in the river due to the nearby agricultural activities and forest drainage, will affect their habitat. In addition, the salmons are extremely important for mussels' life cycle and therefore it is also important to remove all the flow barriers and beaver dams for salmon to have good access to their breeding areas. Beaver damns also reduce the flow rate and increase the water table in the river, which result in lower oxygen concentration and higher water temperature. Low oxygen and high water temperature is not suitable for both salmons and mussels. Therefore it is crucial to remove all flow barriers and especially beaver dams.

What follow-up is planned: Collected data will be presented to the Estonian Environmental Board. Consultation with some experts is planned to plan further activities.

Restoring drained bog

Dates: 3 - 6 August 2017

Place: Soosaare bog, Põltsamaa parish, Estonia

What was done:

Locating drainage ditches in the bog
Building dams with peat to stop water flow from bog to ditches

What is the result of this activity: During the Soviet period, in Estonia a lot of bogs were drained to increase agricultural land and to mine peat. These highly vulnerable heterogeneous ecosystems were totally changed into homogeneous landscapes, which started to emit huge amount of carbon into the atmosphere due to the peat mineralization. In recent years, many previously drained bogs, which have not been used for forestry, agriculture etc. were restored. If drained peat lands are restored they start to sequester carbon and will help to fight against climate warming.

Why this method: Closing drainage ditches in the bog using peat, which was cut from the same bog is one of the most sustainable and effectives ways to stop water flowing away from the bog. This method will increase water level in the bog and therefore we helping Sphagnum mosses to grow and increase soil organic content.

What follow-up is planned: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the damns. If some dams are damaged they will be rebuilt.

Funder:

Estonian Fund for Nature - Environmental challenges

Main page of the projectRestoring drained bog

Project team of the Lithuanian Fund for Nature

Group photo of the project group, from left to the right: Kamile Izganaityte, Milda Riepsaite, Kristina Valaviciute, Tomas Pocius, Mantas Adomaitis, Viktorija Kuodytė, Adele Markeviciute, Ruta Rutkunaite, Julija Petrosiute

Results of local actions

What has been achieved? Was the problem solved?

We reached our main goals in two fields:

We did the Viesvile river water quality monitoring and educated local community about local water eco systems.
We removed invasive plants thicket shadbush (Amelanchier spicata) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) from sensitive and difficult reachable part of the Viesvile strict nature reserve.

Will you work on it more? How will you follow-up on the problem?

We are staying in touch with Student scientific society of natural sciences and Young friends of the forest in Viesvile. Potentially we will work together on new projects in the near future.

Water quality of Viesvile river

What is the issue: Viesvile nature reserve was founded in year 1991 to protect the basin of the Viesvile river. This river further flows through the town of Viesvile and suffers from anthropogenic influence. After the town the Viesvile river flows to the biggest Lithuanian river – Nemunas and then goes about 100 km to the Baltic sea. The biggest problem about the Viesvile river is sewage of the town (about 1000 inhabitants). The water is cleaned in local water cleaning plant, but it is suggested, that water quality is getting worse after it flows through the city. Another big issue talking about water quality is microplastic. Microplastic problem is not very well known in public yet, but it causes water pollution and especially water fauna suffers from it. The third problem is spreading of invasive species to the area close to the Viesvile river. Local students have started a research about Solidago canadensis and are looking for the ways to stop its spread, support for this research is needed.

What should be done: In order to investigate the water quality and involve local community in the process of solving water pollution problem, water bio monitoring and microplastic investigation should be done and public awareness raised. Invasive species research has to be repeated with bigger scientific background.

Expected results: The river monitoring shows the change of water quality as it flows from source to the mouth. The microplastic is investigated for the first time in the Viesvile river. Different ways of fight with invasive species are performed in Viesvile river basin area.

Funder:

PortuGreen - reforestation

Dates: 18 March 2017

Place: Mata de S. Brás, Santa Cruz do Bispo, Matosinhos, Portugal

What was done: Reforestation of Mata de S. Brás with native species and intervention against a invasive tree of the generus Acacea.

What is the result of activity: Plantation of 144 trees and bushes with the help of 60 volunteers from several organisations.

Why this method: Our plan is to restore a native ecosystem in the area of Mata de S. Brás. The help of the volunteers makes the task quicker.

What follow-up is planned: Controlling the plants to not let them dry, control of the spontaneous species so they do no cover the new plants and continuing the intervention against the invasive species so we can gain more field to plant natives.

Additional information: 100milarvores.pt; invasoras.pt

Local partners:

União de Freguesias de Perafita-Lavra-Santa Cruz do Bispo - http://www.perafita-lavra- santacruzbispo.pt/
Câmara Municipal Matosinhos - http://www.cm-matosinhos.pt/Estabelecimento
Estabelecimento Prisional de Santa Cruz do Bispo - masculine
Projecto Futuro - http://www.100milarvores.pt/

Phytoremediation water treatment system

Dates: 29 April 2017

Place: Guifões, Matosinhos, Portugal

What was done: Beginning of the construction of ponds that have the purpose to treat the water of a little stream. First pond - covered with a canvas, filled with gravel and planted with local plants. Second pond - covered with canvas and filled with gravel. Thrid pond - only with gravel.

What is the result of activity: All of the 3 steps completed and the ponds started to fill with water.

Why this method: To try to do this experimental method to treat this stream full of organic matter that comes from the residual water of the houses close by. By implementing this system, that have low cost, we can raise awareness for alternatives to the conventional water treatment systems.

What follow-up is planned: Monitoring the structure built. To see if it hangs on with the rain. To control the growth of the plants.

Local partners:

União de Freguesias Custóias-Leça do Balio-Guifões - http://www.jf-custoias- lecabalio-guifoes.pt/
Câmara Municipal Matosinhos - http://www.cm-matosinhos.pt/
Administração dos portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo - http://www.apdl.pt/header
Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental - http://www.ciimar.up.pt/

PortuGreen - control of invasive species

Dates: 6 May 2017

Place: Mata de S. Brás, Santa Cruz do Bispo, Matosinhos, Portugal

What was done: Peeling of trees of the generus Acacea, pulling out other invasive species and pulling out spontaneous weeds near the planted trees.

What is the result of activity: Peeling of a big number of trees. With pulling out invasive species we try to gain more space for reforestation and by pulling out spontaneous to prevent the planted trees from being suffocated by them.

Why this method: Best way documented to prevent these particular invasive species of growing.

What follow-up is planned: Keep these action till the end of the project and monitoring the growth of the plants.

PortuGreen - reforestation

Dates: 17 June 2017

Place: Mata de S. Brás, Santa Cruz do Bispo, Matosinhos, Portugal

What was done: Cleaning of the spontaneous weeds surrounding the planted trees boiler and peeling of some trees of the Acacea generus.

What is the result of activity: With the cleaning of the planted trees boiler it is possible to reach them so we can keep up with the monitoring plan. The peeling of the Acacea keeps rolling the invasive species combat plan.

Why this method: If the surrounds of the trees were not cleaned, they could be suffocated by the others. Besides, it facilitates the monitoring plan as the trees become visible.

What follow-up is planned: Monitoring all the tree and check their "health" condition.

PortuGreen - reforestation

Dates: 12 July 2017

Place: Mata de S. Brás, Santa Cruz do Bispo, Matosinhos, Portugal

What was done: A short introduction to the international project (what it is about) and to the autochthonous Portuguese forest to children between 8 and 12 years old. After that we made a practical activity of removal of the weeds from the surrounding areas of the planted trees and the peeling of the generus Acacia, and invasive tree that exist in the field.

What is the result of activity: To get to the planted trees is now easier and we got more invasive ones peeled, which helps the working group of the project to accomplish this important task of their work.

Why this method: It is the one we have been to applying since the beginning of the project.

What follow-up is planned: The maintenance of the planted trees (watering).

PortuGreen - maintenance

Dates: 21 October 2017

Place: Mata de S. Brás, Santa Cruz do Bispo, Matosinhos, Portugal

What was done: Cleaning the surroundings of the planted trees and protecting them with a plastic tube.

What is the result of activity: The cleaning of the surroundings of the planted trees prevents the trees from suffocation by the spontaneous weeds. The protection tubes prevents the trees trunks to get hurt by the cleaning process or any wild animal.

Why this method: It is the most common used in the reforestation processes and it is easy to do.

What follow-up is planned: To meet with all the local partners and schedule future actions such as cleaning of the invasive species, monitoring the planted trees and planning next plantation actions.

Funder:

OPE - Environmental challenges

Main page of the projectPortuGreen - maintenance

To solve the selected local environmental projects, partners of the project "Environmental challenge accepted" organised local actions with their groups. You can read more about each action on the page of each partner.

Results of local actions

What has been achieved? Was the problem solved?

With this partnership we managed to start a project of reforesting a wood area with Autochthonous Iberian plants. The problem hasn't been completely solved as the plants take time to grow. So, maintenace actions should take place. The second part of the project, to construct a phyto remediation pond, was achieved. But as the first part, it needs maintenance actions and a watch on the built structure and the plants.

Will you work on it more? How will you follow-up on the problem?

Yes. In both cases a plan will be created for 2018, that will consist of works in the areas and keeping in touch with the local partners and the population that already participated on the previous actions.

PortuGreen - native reforestation

What is the issue: Small forest with a lot of invasive plants and good examples of native trees that could be injured by the invasive or loose space and opportunity to spread because of the lack of space.

What should be done: Remove the invasive species to gain space to plant more native plants, monitor their fixation and if the invasive keeps growing or not. If it is needed, implement more actions against the invasions.

Expected results: By the end of the project make sure that every plant planted is alive. Measure the area gained by the invasive species cleaning to propose future plantations.

Phytoremediation water treatment system

What is the issue: Bad quality of a stream water due to organic pollution. The stream goes directly to a big river increasing its pollution.

What should be done: Construction of ponds with canvas, gavel and plants to extract the pollution out of the water. Create actions to improve the margins of the stream effect by planting riparian plants.

Expected results: Check if the ponds structure hold with the water variation; analyse the plants fixation in the ponds; analyse the margins structure and the plants colonization.

Funder:

Approved documents

Minutes from the Annual Meeting

Work Plan 2018

Project Policy

Human Resources Policy

Draft Budget 2018

Invitation

Invitation to the Annual Meeting 2017

Call for membership fees 2017

Info for project proposals

Project proposal form 2017

Welcome Pack for Annual Meeting

Call for Board Members 2017-2018

Official documents

Agenda of the Annual Meeting 2017

Report - Review of Membership 2017

Annual Report 2016

Internal Audit Report 2016-2017

Project Policy (to be voted)

Human Resources Policy (to be voted)

Board Reports

Report Chairperson 2016-2017

Report Treasurer 2016-2017

Report External Relations Officer and Vice-chair 2016-2017

Report Member Organisations Officer 2016-2017

Report Project Officer 2016-2017

Report Publications and Promotion Officer 2016-2017

BALTA DABA (LATVIA)
	www.baltadaba.lv	BALTA DABA is a non-profit, non-governmental youth environmental organisation. It was established in year 2010 in order to promote the preservation of the Latvian nature and to promote the young people’s initiatives and participation in the decision-making process and public life. Our target audience is young people in age of 18-30 years. We work with environmental education methods supporting young people initiatives for local environment protection.
ESTONIAN FUND FOR NATURE (ESTONIA)
	www.elfond.ee	Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to nature conservation. ELF’s mission is to preserve endangered species and their habitats, natural landscapes and natural associations typical of Estonia. ELF promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, raises environmental awareness in the society and seeks solutions for preserving a clean environment for future generations. ELF is politically and economically independent non-governmental organisation that provides society with the necessary expertise for nature conservation and helps unite the state and science institutions, businesses and active citizens in their efforts of protecting common natural resources.
Organização para a Promoção dos Ecoclubes - OPE (PORTUGAL)
	opeportugal.wix.com/ecoclubes_pt	Ecoclubes are a non-governmental organisation (NGO), composed by groups of young people who organize actions with other institutions to promote active participation and involvement of the community members in order to solve local problems. Each group chooses their action plan according to their needs and, as a networker, OPE promotes activities for the promotion of people's conscience about the need of public participation in the resolution of the local environmental problems, creates mechanisms for communication among the several ecoclubes, establishes partnerships and promotes the cooperation between OPE and other organisations, promotes the intercultural exchange and new experiences between OPE members and other organisations.
LITHUANIAN FUND FOR NATURE (LITHUANIA)
	www.glis.lt	The Lithuanian Fund for Nature (LFN) is a non-governmental organisation for the conservation of nature. Its activities are closely related to the preservation of wildlife. Founded in 1991, the LFN is one of the first conservation organisations in Lithuania. The LFN’s activities include cooperation with national, municipal, scientific, non-governmental, and private institutions in these areas: preservation of rare and disappearing species and their habitats, maintenance and restoration of natural habitats, preservation of water bodies and resources therein, and environmental education.

The Annual Meeting 2016 of Youth and Environment Europe took place from 30th August to 1st September 2016 in Prague, Czech Republic. Here you can find all the information and documents related to this event.

Approved documents

Minutes from the Annual Meeting 2016

New YEE Statutes

Work Plan 2017

Strategic Plan 2017-2019

Project Policy

Board Member Policy

Sustainability Policy

Draft Budget 2017

Invitation

Invitation to the Annual Meeting 2016

Call for membership fees 2016

Official documents

Agenda of the Annual Meeting

Review of Membership

Annual Report 2015

Proposal changes in YEE Statutes

Strategic Plan 2017-2019 (to be voted)

Draft of Work Plan 2017 (to be completed and voted)

Project Policy (to be voted)

Board Member Policy (to be voted)

Sustainability Policy (to be voted)

Presentation - Sustainability in YEE (Prezi presentation)

Guidelines for project teams (updated in 2016)

Report Chairperson 2015-2016, Anja Wilken

Board reports

Report Treasurer 2015-2016, Janis Porietis

Report Project Officer and Vice-chair 2015-2016, Zaruhi Stepanyan

Report Member Organisations Officer 2015-2016, Marieta Baricevic

Report External Relations Officer 2015-2016, Christiane Klemm

Report Publications and Promotion Officer 2015-2016, Jessica Massucco

Organised with the financial support of:

Here you can find useful materials, links and books that can be helpful when working on your green start-up idea.

Materials

Lean Canvas	Map of risks	Testing - Scientific method	Wealth Dynamics

Profiles - Rhythm and flow	Types of sectors	Brainstorming - Green Entrpreneurship	What is a green start-up?

Examples of green businesses	Why to start a green business?	Human centered design	Characteristics of an entrepreneur

Useful links

Design thinking

Lean canvas

Books

Change by Design (by Tim Brown, 2009)

How design thinking transforms organizations and inspires innovation

Green Entrepreneur Handbook (by Eric Koester, 2010)

The guide to building and growing a green and clean business (what every engineer should know)

what is mine is yours What's Mine Is Yours (by Rachel Botsman and Roo Rogers, 2010)

The rise of collaborative consumption

sust excellence Sustainable Excellence (by Aron Cramer and Zachary Karabell, 2010)

The future of business in a fast-changing world

1st things first First Things First (by Stephen R. Covey, 1996)

Our most valuable asset is time, but not every entrepreneur knows how to properly use that time

Zero To One (by Peter Thiel, 2014)

A new way of thinking about innovation: it starts by learning to ask the questions that lead you to find value in unexpected places.

This international campaign is part of the long-term project "Green Entrepreneurship". It aims to promote green businesses initiated by young people and to encourage and inspire more young people to start their green start-ups. It will spread the concept of green youth entrepreneurship through good, positive and successful examples of green business throughout Europe.

The examples are presented through short video-interviews created by many of the partner organisations of "Green Entrepreneurship".

Community garden - Czech Republic

Recycled glass art - Latvia

From city banners to upcycled bags - Poland

Healthy Thai food - Romania

Essential oils and sage tea - Croatia

Art, music and recreation in nature - Latvia

Prague sustainable living guide - Czech Republic

Workshops from homemade cosmetics - Czech Republic

As a follow-up of the training course "Supporting youth creating green start-ups" (Spain, April 2015), the partner organisations of "Green Entrepreneurship" organised local workshops and events back in the countries. Find out here what were the objectives of the workshops and what happened in each country.

Obejctives:

Share the tools and knowledge gained in the TC "Supporting youth creating green start-ups" with the local community of the partner organisations
Inspire young people by showing them examples of successful green start-ups
Provide space for young people with start-up ideas to network
Find young people with green start-up ideas that could be potential participants of the TC "How to be a green entrepreneur" (Prague, October 2015)

Youth and Environment Europe - Czech Republic

Where and when: Kokoza community garden, Prague, Czech Republic, 29 June 2015

Who took part: 20 students, youth workers, volunteers, people interested in entrepreneurship

What: The event was held at Kokoza community garden. Since Kokoza is an example of a successful green business, we deemed the location as an attractive opportunity for the visitors. The event consisted of several parts. First, we started with a work in the garden, like cutting grass, watering plants etc. Afterwards, we held a world café with several young green entrepreneurs. Other than Kokoza, there were also three other startups who shared their stories: Birdsong Coffee, Vinylove Hodiny and Greenglasses. Their presentations were followed by Q&A sessions where the visitors of the events could ask and learn more about the green entrepreneurships. Later on, we did an upcycling workshop where the people interested could make a wallets out of old tetrapak and earrings out of old vinyls. During the event there were vegetarian snacks served.

Results: Participants learnt about the importance of nature-friendly business. They got inspired by the successful stories of the young entrepreneurs. They found out what are the first steps, obstacles, risks and gratification of starting a green start-up. They learnt about the advantages of innovative thinking.

yee1 yee2 yee3

Asociata Ecouri Verzi - Romania

Where and when: Lotus Restaurant, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 18 June 2015

Who took part: 14 students, youth workers, nature protection volunteers

What: The meeting was organised at Lotus Restaurant, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. There were 14 people present, with their age ranging from 14 years old to 45 years old, and it took about three hours. We started with a brief presentation of the "Green Entrepreneurship" project, and the training course we attended in Asturias. The following discussion, in which all the participants had an active involvement, was centered around what a green start-up is, what are the motivations for starting a green start-up and green start-up examples. The owner of the Lotus Restaurant, a green start-up itself, presented his business, pointing out the challenges, the opportunities and his vision for the future of his business. In the end, there was a short presentation of the opportunity for young people to attend the training course "How to be a green entrepreneur" which will take place in Prague, in October, as part of the "Green Entrepreneurship" project.

Results: Raining awareness regarding the need for sustainable development, and for greener businesses; knowledge about what a green start-up is; knowledge about green start-up examples in Europe and Romania and knowledge about the "Green Entrepreneurship" project activities.

romanian1 romanian2 romanian3

Humusz - Hungary

Where and when: Humusz Alliance, Budapest, Hungary, 19 June 2015

Who took part: Twenty youngsters who have a green idea which is not fully developed yet

What: Our aim was to gather useful and practical information about starting a green (eco-conscious) entrepreneurship and to show good examples of on-going projects and entrepreneurs. We had a presentation about the legal tasks and opportunities and one about the financial parts. We asked the president of Humusz Alliance to share her knowledge about the green entrepreneurship: how to differentiate between greenwashing and being really green, what should the youngsters focus on, what should they consider as a leader of a company, etc. After the presentations we organised a round table discussion with prosperous on-going entrepreneurships and their leaders to show how different ideas could work in Hungary, what the flaws, opportunities and responsibilities are as a young entrepreneur.
We provided catering as well, vegetarian main course, some dips and fruits and fair trade coffee and tea.

Results: As organisers of the local workshop we learnt about advertisment and hosting, facilitating and organisatinal skills.

OPE - Portugal

Where and when: Students Organization of Oporto Science University, 3 June 2015

Who took part: Fifteen university students

What: Most of the participants were already green in some way because they were familiar with gardening (how to safe water or how to build indoor and outdoor city gardens). The purpose of the workshop was to promote the Green Entrepreneurship project, while at the same time promoting entrepreneurship among the participants. As a part of our workshop, we also included helping evaluation tools of an initiating business. During the 5 hours workshop, the participants had a presentation of Green Entrepreneurship project, of ecoclubs and YEE. In the second part, they filled the Lean Canvas sheet with some business ideas.

Results: We analised the participants' business ideas and synthesized it in Lean Canvas sheet. Also analysed if their idea need to be shaped or not.

OPE1 OPE2 OPE3

Homo Ecos - Latvia

Where and when: "The Green Floor", Riga, Latvia, 19 August 2015

Who took part: Fifteen young people who either have plans to start a business or already own a start-up

What: The seminar was meant to be both an inspiring and educational session for young entrepreneurs, and also a networking opportunity for students, recent graduates and young entrepreneurs. After quick introductions, the floor was given to Anna Aizsilniece, owner and founder of recycled.lv - a local fashion brand based on repurposing old clothes. Some participants who had already taken first steps as an entrepreneur also shared their experiences. Soon enough, a lively debate about consumerism, making profit, use of resources, advertisement, education and greenwashing started. After the coffee break, participants divided into groups to write a business plan for a fictional green start-up, by asking and answering lots of simple questions starting with „what...?", „why...?", „who...?, etc. Each group presented their idea through a 30-second „elevator pitch" to a prospective business contact. Ideas included an online radio station where anybody can share their views and opinions, a consulting firm that helps companies be more sustainable, and a producer of eco-lamps. Finally, The Green Toolbox (www.greentoolbox.org) was introduced as a tool to help analyse and „greenify" any business. After the official part of the seminar was over, the participants moved to a near-by restaurant to get to know each other even better and to celebrate the conclusion a successful seminar.

Results: Most of the participants did not have any immediate plans to start a business before coming to the training - they went away with a dose of inspiration and encouragement. For others, the combination of the words "green" and "business" offered a new perspective.

homoecos1 homoecos2 homoecos3

Youth and Environment
Europe (Czech Republic)

Asociación Biodiversa
(Spain)

BALTA DABA
(Latvia)

ECO-UNESCO
(Ireland)

Argonauta
(Croatia)

OPE
(Portugal)

Asociata Ecouri Verzi
(Romania)

Humusz szövetség
(Hungary)

OA-PTTK
(Poland)

homo ecos:
(Latvia)

Mine Vaganti NGO
(Italy)

Funder:

logo GrEn transparent background 1 copy The long-term project "Green entrepreneurship" was developed within Youth and Environment Europe network based on observation of lack of work opportunities of young people, lack of support for young entrepreneurs and the need to promote environmentally friendly solutions.

The project will consist of several activities:
- Training Course "Supporting youth creating green start-ups" - TC for coordinators/youth workers - 22 people from 10 countries (Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia, Ireland, Croatia, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Poland and Italy) will develop their skills in promoting, coordinating, supporting young people.
- Local workshops in the partner countries - to promote the concept of green entrepreneurship and find young people with start-up ideas
- International Campaign - will spread and promote the green youth entrepreneurship through examples of successful projects (by videos and other tools).
- Training Course "How to be a green entrepreneur" - TC for young entrepreneurs - 23 people from 11 countries (Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia, Ireland, Croatia, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Belgium) will train their skills needed to create their green initiatives (innovation, management, marketing, fundraising, legal issues).

Aims and ojectives:

The project aims to facilitate the access of young people to the labor market by training their skills, inspiring them to create their own green start-ups and promoting entrepreneurship.

Objectives:

To train young people's basic skills on how to create green start-ups.
To empower and inspire young people through successful examples and stories.
To give young entrepreneurs support when starting their own green business.
To encourage young people to think "out of the box" (innovative thinking).
To spread environmentally friendly practices among young entrepreneurs.

Contact person: If you want to know more about this project, please contact Mercedes Fioravanti This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Annual Meeting 2015 of Youth and Environment Europe took place from 17th to 19th of July 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic. Here you can find all the information and documents related to this event.

Approved documents

Minutes from the Annual Meeting

Work Plan 2016

YEE Short-term Strategies 2015-2016

Draft budget 2016

Final budget 2015

Invitation

Invitation to the Annual Meeting 2015

Call for membership fees 2015

Official documents

Proposal for new structure for strategies and work plan

YEE Values

Short-term Strategies 2015-2016

Report Chairperson 2014-2015, Anja Wilken

Board reports

Report Treasurer 2014-2015, Vasily Bashutkin

Report External Relations Officer 2014-2015, Zaruhi Stepanyan

Report Member Organisations Officer 2014-2015, Lira Hakani

Report Project Officer 2014-2015, Bianca Badea

Report Publications and Promotion Officer 2014-2015, Christiane Klemm

The Annual Meeting 2014 of Youth and Environment Europe took place from 15th to 17th of August 2014 in Valmiera, Latvia. Here you can find all the information and documents related to this event.

Approved documents

Minutes from the Annual Meeting

Working Plan 2015

Draft Budget 2015

Short-term Strategies 2014-2015

Invitation

Invitation to the Annual Meeting 2014

Application form

Call for membership fees 2014

Official documents

Final agenda

Call for board members

Review of Membership

Annual Report

Proposal for change in membership fees

Report Chairperson 2013-2014, Anja Wilken

Board reports

Report External Relations Officer 2013-2014, Zaruhi Stepanyan

Report Member Organisations Officer 2013-2014, Lira Hakani

Report Project Officer 2013-2014, Bianca Badea

Report Publications and Promotion Officer 2013-2014, Vasily Bashutkin

Report Treasurer 2013-2014, Francesco Chiechi - not received

In this section you can find information about the YEE Annual Meeting 2013 which took place from July 19th to July 21st 2013 in the Ecocenter Svycarna in Josefov/Adamov, Czech Republic.

During the Annual Meeting YEE celebrated 30th anniversary!

Approved documents

Minutes from the Annual Meeting 2013

Working plan 2014

Draft budget 2014

Invitation

Invitation to the Annual Meeting 2013

Application form

Call for membership fees 2013

Official documents

Final agenda

Call for board members

Internal audit report

Amendments to YEE official documents (proposed by the board)

Table for amendments to YEE official documents (to be proposed)

Review and cancellation of membership

New Financial Policy 2013

Short Term Strategies

Long Term Strategies

Annual Report