Young people from all over Europe came to Tirana for the youth exchange "Give Pedestrians Their City Back!", which takes place from the 16th to 23rd of September 2012.

The project gathers young environmentalists, young people with environmental feeling, young people who would like to make a difference in the cities they live in and change the typically grey city colour to green.

Often the sustainability aspect of urban planing is forgotten, as well as the right of public to be informed and to participace in decision making. There are different examples from different countries of the public spaces being invaded by business interest. There are huge differences between districts, dying centres of historical importance, there is problem with transportation, unsafe streets and many more.

"The issues reach every country in Europe, therefore our network, Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) decided to organise a related youth exchange", said Maria Maggie Dokupilova, Secretary General of YEE.

"Tirana is a good example of bad urban planing. After the fall of communism there was no plan for development in Tirana. The city grew rapidly and there are random and illegally built houses. The traffic is heavy and dangerous. As a pedestrian you are afraid to cross the street", explains Lira Hakani, the program officer and project coordinator from EDEN, hosting organisation of the project.

The project serves as a space for discussion, exchange, creativity and action!

On 22nd of September the participants will join a street action linked to the EU mobility week, and particulary to the World Carfree Day.

"The concept of our action will be developed by the participants of the project, but we already have several ideas in mind. We would like to invite all drivers to leave the car at home and join the action in the city as a pedestrian, skater, biker..." says Elona Saro, the public information and participation officer in EDEN Center, the hosting organisation of the project.

The project is financially supported by the Youth in Action Programme and by the European Youth Foundation.