Training course on Transforming Environmental Conflicts
Share tools, build solidarity and learn how to transform conflicts rather than be worn down by them.
Practical information
Co-organised with
Funded by
Related project
Share this event
Any questions?
Contact the project lead Ena at ena@yeenet.eu
Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), in collaboration with “Yeghvard” Youth Ecological NGO, invites young activists and youth workers to join a fully funded international training course in Armenia as the first activity of our program on Transforming Environmental Conflicts: Youth for Dialogue and Rights.
It is the first of three interconnected activities in a project that will continue through youth-led activities in participants’ own communities, including a mentoring process throughout the implementation, and a wellbeing retreat in late October 2026. Participants must participate in all three activities of the project.
Why is this topic important?
Across Europe and beyond, many communities are living through ongoing conflicts, political tensions and environmental destruction. If you are working on environmental issues right now, you are probably feeling the sense that the conflicts around us are multiplying faster than our capacity to respond. That is exactly why coming together right now is crucial: to share tools, build solidarity and learn how to transform conflicts rather than be worn down by them.
What is this training course about
Environmental conflicts are not only happening far away or in the future. They are present in many communities, from disputes over water and land, pollution affecting rural areas, mistrust between youth and local authorities, and the internal tensions that arise inside movements trying to change things under pressure. Young people are often at the centre of these conflicts, and they are rarely given the tools to engage with them constructively.
The training course equips participants with practical skills in nonviolent communication, conflict analysis, intercultural dialogue, negotiation and advocacy. It also creates space to explore the inner dimension of this work: the eco-anxiety that comes with caring about the environment at this moment in time.
What to Expect?
The training course is built on non-formal education methods: no lectures, no passive learning – everything is experiential, participatory and grounded in participants’ own realities.
The programme includes:
- Conflict analysis workshops using mapping tools and the iceberg model to understand what drives environmental disputes at different levels, from the personal to the systemic.
- Non-Violent Communication (NVC) practice and communication skills.
- Intercultural dialogue sessions designed to build genuine solidarity across the different political and environmental realities that participants come from.
- Negotiation and multi-stakeholder simulations, including role plays with diverse stakeholders.
- Advocacy tools to develop concrete youth-led actions.
- Sessions on eco-anxiety and collective care, exploring how to sustain long-term engagement without burning out.
- Co-creation of a Youth Declaration on Environmental Conflicts, as a shared output and advocacy tool for the group.
- A field visit in the Tsaghkadzor area to connect the training to live local environmental situations.
Who should apply?
You do not need to have previous experience with conflict transformation or formal advocacy training. You need to be genuinely engaged with environmental issues in your community and genuinely committed to the full scope of this project.
Specifically:
- Youth workers and youth leaders affiliated with YEE member organisations.
- Young people from rural areas who are working on or affected by local environmental conflicts.
- Young activists from minority communities or from regions where environmental activism is particularly difficult or politically charged.
- Young people who are prepared to organise and implement a local dialogue, workshop or campaign in their own community in the months following the training.
We particularly encourage applications from young people in countries that are living close to environmental conflict: where communities are fighting against extractive industries, where the consequences of armed conflict are visible in the landscape, where the climate crisis is already disrupting livelihoods, or where the space to organise is restricted.
Eligibility
- You are between 18 and 30 years old.
- You are based in one of the following countries: Armenia, Albania, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Georgia, Germany, the Republic of Moldova, the Netherlands, or Kosovo.
- You have a good working level of English, the language of the training.
- You are prepared to organise and implement a local dialogue, workshop or campaign in their own community in the months following the training.
- You are available for the full training week in Armenia and committed to participating in the local campaign phase (Activity 2) and the retreat in late October 2026 (location to be announced).
Costs and funding
This training course is fully funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. Accommodation and meals are covered for the full duration. Travel costs will be reimbursed according to YEE travel policy. Further details will be provided to selected participants. There is no participation fee.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through an online form. The form asks you to describe the environmental conflict or challenge you are working on in your community, your motivation for joining this project, and your idea for the local action you would implement after the training.
Please note that the use of AI tools to fill in the application is discouraged, as we are interested in your personal reflections and original input.
Note on safety
The training course is organised in Tsaghkadzor, a small northern mountain town in Armenia, and while we are aware that Armenia is a country close to regional conflict, it is safe, calm and far from any area of tension. YEE’s member organisation and project partner, “Yeghvard” Youth Ecological NGO, is rooted in this region and is experienced in conflict situations.
Other upcoming events
Training course on Transforming Environmental Conflicts
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/transforming-environmental-conflicts.png 300 300 Eva Kloudová https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Eva Kloudová2026-03-27 09:51:542026-06-02 11:03:48Training course on Transforming Environmental ConflictsPractical information
Share
How to turn global rulings into local action?
This workshop aims to serve as a platform for human rights and environmental defenders to learn how to uphold and utilise the International Court of Justice’s climate ruling. They will have the opportunity to access key knowledge on translating it into legal cases from a panel of experienced advocates and experts with legal backgrounds.
Participants will work on case studies, gaining practical skills to elevate climate justice cases domestically and internationally.
Speaker
Patricia Grazziotin Noschang
Patricia Grazziotin Noschang is a Full Professor of International Law at Universidade de Passo Fundo/Phd International Environmental Law. She is also a coordinator of different refugee and migration projects. She is a member of a civil society group called LACLIMA (climate litigation in South America), and she was also a researcher at the European University Institute in Florence for a period of time.
Facilitors
Aghgul Mehdiyeva
Xabier Gomez
Other upcoming events
Legal Action for Climate Justice
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Legal-Action-for-Climate-Justice.png 540 540 Eva Kloudová https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Eva Kloudová2026-03-23 13:52:572026-06-02 11:07:37Legal Action for Climate JusticeUnderstanding Climate Challenges and Resilience Strategies for Rural Youth Communities
Practical information
Share
What is this event about?
This workshop explores the unique climate challenges faced by rural communities in Europe and the critical role of youth in driving local climate action. It provides a platform for rural youth organisations and climate activists to share experiences, insights, and strategies at the European level, fostering collaboration and inclusive approaches to climate resilience.
What will you learn?
- Key obstacles and opportunities for implementing climate action in rural areas across Europe.
- How youth organisations and activists contribute to building resilience and supporting rural communities.
- Ways to integrate climate justice principles into climate action frameworks, ensuring inclusivity and equity.
Facilitator
Artemis Androni
Artemis is an international development consultant and climate policy researcher with a strong interest in climate change adaptation, resilience, and just sustainability transitions. Her academic background includes MSc research on climate impacts on rural livelihoods and adaptation practices, complemented by hands-on experience in policy analysis, international cooperation, and development programming.
Missed the webinar? Catch the recording now!
Other upcoming events
Understanding Climate Challenges and Resilience Strategies for Rural Youth Communities
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Understanding-Climate-Challenges-and-Resilience-Strategies.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2026-03-02 09:42:492026-03-23 14:05:04Understanding Climate Challenges and Resilience Strategies for Rural Youth CommunitiesPractical information
Share
What is this event about?
The event is about key communication strategies to advocate for climate justice objectives at negotiations.
What will you learn?
Participants will learn about how to translate grassroots actions and stories of frontline communities into negotiation points.
Speakers
Carla Vitantonio
Carla Vitantonio is a humanitarian and professional, author, and researcher with over a decade of field experience in fragile and hard-to-reach contexts, including North Korea, Myanmar, and Cuba. She currently serves as Country Representative for CARE in Cuba, focusing on climate justice, women’s economic empowerment, and disaster risk reduction. Her academic and policy work centers on decoloniality in the aid sector, with contributions such as the Living Decoloniality podcast and research for institutions like ODI and the School of Transnational Governance. She is also an accomplished performer exploring identity through art, and was awarded one of the highest honors in 2022 by the President of Italy for her contributions to humanitarian work and literature.
Missed the webinar? Catch the recording now!
Other upcoming events
How to communicate climate justice goals effectively
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/How-to-communicate-climate-justice-goals-effectively-1.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2026-02-03 13:10:342026-03-23 14:05:16How to communicate climate justice goals effectivelyPractical information
Share
What is this event about?
In this meeting, the Membership Team of YEE will run through all the details necessary for applying for YEE membership.
We will go through:
- membership criteria
- application procedure
- benefits of being a YEE member
We will also take any questions if you have concerns or doubts regarding becoming a YEE member!
Other upcoming events
Open Meeting
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/open-meeting-1.png 540 540 Eva Kloudová https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png Eva Kloudová2026-01-26 16:45:362026-03-02 09:46:42Open MeetingEuropean Youth in Action for Energy Transition
Between phase-outs & power-ups, energising tomorrow’s Europe
Practical information
Related project
Share
What is it about?
Europe is currently undergoing its most significant industrial shift in a century: the move away from fossil fuels toward a renewable future. However, this transition isn’t just about solar panels and wind turbines; it is about people. This workshop investigates the social and economic “blind spots” of the Green Deal. We will discuss why the shift to clean energy is happening at different speeds across the continent and how we can ensure that the transition is both rapid and inclusive.
Why attend?
This interactive workshop will help you to:
- Explore social and economic dimensions of the energy transition.
- Understand the concept of "energy poverty".
- Work with peers to draft actionable proposals for EU energy policies.
Who is it for?
If you’re a young person living in Europe and you are curious about the intersection of technology, economics, and social justice, join our interactive online workshop.
Other upcoming events
Between phase-outs & power-ups, energising tomorrow’s Europe
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/European-Youth-in-Action-for-Energy-Transition.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2026-01-22 14:53:372026-03-02 09:46:13Between phase-outs & power-ups, energising tomorrow’s EuropeEuropean Youth in Action for Climate Justice
Understanding climate injustice and sharing hopes for the future
Practical information
Related project
Share
What is it about?
While the climate crisis affects us all, it does not affect us all equally. In this workshop, we will explore how geography, income, and social identity determine who suffers most from environmental changes and who is left behind by green policies.
Why attend?
This interactive workshop will help you to:
- Understand the systemic links between social inequality and the climate crisis.
- Collaborate on a youth-led action plan for fairer national and local climate legislation.
- Connect with a network of European youth who are committed to a transition that is not just fast, but fair.
Who is it for?
If you’re a young person living in Europe and you believe that environmental action must go hand-in-hand with social fairness, join our interactive online workshop.
Other upcoming events
Understanding climate injustice and sharing hopes for the future
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/European-Youth-in-Action-for-Climate-Justice.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2026-01-12 16:16:162026-03-02 09:46:19Understanding climate injustice and sharing hopes for the futureEuropean Youth in Action for Biodiversity & Nature Protection
Resilient social-ecological systems for the future of Europe
Practical information
Related project
Share
What is it about?
Biodiversity loss is accelerating, affecting ecosystems, food systems, and quality of life. This two-part online workshop is designed to bridge the gap between local environmental action and high-level international policy.
Youth engagement in EU biodiversity policy is essential for shaping EU environmental policy that meets the needs of current and future generations. Young people at the local level have invaluable perspectives that can inform local conservation actions.
Why attend?
This interactive workshop will help you to:
- Understand how the loss of ecosystems directly impacts our food systems, health, and quality of life.
- Navigate the complex world of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and how it influences EU law.
- Learn about first-hand accounts of environmental changes seen in regions across Europe.
Who is it for?
If you’re a young person living in Europe and you are interested in biodiversity issues, join our interactive online workshop.
Other upcoming events
Resilient social-ecological systems for the future of Europe
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/European-Youth-in-Action-for-Biodiversity-Nature-Protection.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2026-01-12 16:16:092026-03-02 09:46:26Resilient social-ecological systems for the future of EuropeEuropean Youth in Action against Greenwashing
Understanding Greenwashing: What it is and how can we fight it
Practical information
Related project
Share
What is it about?
Greenwashing is more than just annoying marketing; it’s a barrier to a liveable planet. From “carbon-neutral” flights to “sustainable” fast fashion, greenwashing is everywhere. It doesn’t just mislead consumers – it actively stalls climate progress by rewarding empty promises over real action.
Why attend?
This interactive workshop will help you to:
- Learn about the specific tactics companies use.
- Develop proposals for EU monitoring and enforcement.
- Meet like-minded poeple from across Europe to share perspectives and experiences.
Who is it for?
If you’re a young person living in Europe and you’re ready to look behind the label, join our interactive online workshop.
Other upcoming events
Understanding Greenwashing: What it is and how can we fight it
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/European-Youth-in-Action-against-Greenwashing-.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2026-01-12 12:04:322026-03-02 09:46:37Understanding Greenwashing: What it is and how can we fight itBuilding partnerships for climate justice
Find and build partnerships beyond the environmental field
Practical information
Related Project
This workshop is part of the Bridging Movements project – a new initiative of Youth and Environment Europe aiming to advance climate justice by strengthening collaboration between climate and social justice sectors.
Share
What is it about?
This 2-part workshop will help you find and build partnerships beyond the environmental field, get practical tools and strategies for collaboration and grow your organisation’s network in meaningful ways. If you are curious about working with social justice partners and interested in developing cross-sectoral projects, this workshop is for you!
The workshop is held entirely online and split into two parts up to 2 hours each. The format is different from a webinar or a lecture – we expect your active participation, and there will be some exercises to try out between the sessions.
Who is it for?
This workshop is designed for participants from youth-led climate organisations who want to collaborate with actors beyond the environmental field. We also welcome participants from a wider range of youth organisations.
What will you get?
- Learn to conduct stakeholder mapping and identify potential partners outside the environmental field, while finding shared interests.
- Gain practical tools for building collaborations that work, including approaches to communication and outreach.
- Draft an initial partnership strategy or idea relevant to your organisation’s context.
By participating in at least one workshop in the series, your organisation will be eligible to apply for a micro-grant to turn your learning into action.
More details about the grant will be shared during the workshop.
Trainer
Nour Mohamed
Nour is a passionate Climate Justice Advocate with over 5 years of experience in developing and managing needs-based environmental Justice projects. Her belief in the power of data in supporting the development of inclusive and intersectional projects drove her to write her Master’s Thesis on the topic “The Climate-Conflict Nexus from an Intersectional Feminist Approach: A Case Study of Syria (2006- 2015)” at the College of Europe in Natolin. Throughout her career, Nour has worked and partnered with several international and regional organizations including the Council of Europe, GIZ Egypt, the Climate Reality Project, and UN Women. Additionally, she has been actively engaging and volunteering with several youth networks and environmental organisations including the Climate Fresk, Banlastic Egypt, the Rule of Law Youth Network, EU Jeel Connect, Global Shapers Community, and Common Futures Conversation.
Other upcoming events
Building partnerships for climate justice
https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/building-partnerships-for-climate-justice-workshop.png 540 540 YEE https://yeenet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/logo-yee-728x1030.png YEE2025-11-17 15:17:412025-12-10 10:11:24Building partnerships for climate justiceOur mission
YEE aims to unite environmental youth non-profit organisations in Europe in order to enhance international cooperation, increase knowledge about the climate crisis, raise awareness of environmental problems and to strengthen participation of youth in environmental decision-making.
Financially supported by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Council of Europe.
